{"title":"Books to read together","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"captivated-by-christ","title":"Captivated by Christ","description":"\u003ch5\u003eDescription\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collateral-box\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"accordion_content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-specs\"\u003eNo fads. Just the fullness of Christ.\u003cbr\u003eNo silver bullets. Just the sufficiency of Jesus.\u003cbr\u003eNo clever philosophies. Just clear proclamation of the one in whom ‚ all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge‚ are found.\u003cbr\u003eJoin pastor and preacher Richard Chin as he seeks to present you mature in Christ by delivering a clear, compelling picture of Jesus from the pages of Colossians.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout the author\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRichard Chin is married to Jeanette, and is the father of four children walking in Christ. He serves as National Director of the Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students, and loves proclaiming Jesus to the nations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eRecommendations\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\"Richard Chin has written a guide to the Christian life as presented in Colossians that is - like Paul's letter - clear and simple, pithy and punchy. The book is compact but powerful. Theology and practical matters are both presented accurately from the text, and steeped in Richard's own experience of following Christ for years and helping others to do the same. This book is a model for people in their own Bible reading, for small group leaders, and even for preachers as they prepare messages from Colossians. I highly commend it.\"\u003cbr\u003e- Mark Dever, Pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington DC, President, 9marks.org\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\"I met Richard several years ago at a student ministry conference. I was immediately impressed by his clear, careful and winsome exposition of Scripture. Those same qualities are on display in this excellent treatment of Colossians. Richard offers us personal stories, lessons from history, present-day application, and (most importantly) faithful teaching rooted in words of the Bible. This book is a terrific resource for seekers, new believers and long-time Christians alike.\"\u003cbr\u003e- Kevin DeYoung, Senior Pastor, Christ Covenant Church, Matthews, NC, Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte, NC\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\"This is a delightful book‚ read it and savor it! Not only has Richard Chin gained a profound grasp on the rich letter to the Colossians, he has clearly lived it. This is clear, warm-hearted, searingly applied teaching which will both lift us up and bring us down to size, as it presents Christ to us on every page, in order to present us mature in Christ. I cannot recommend Captivated by Christ highly enough.\"\u003cbr\u003e- Gary Millar, Principal, Queensland Theological College, co-author \u003cem\u003eSaving Eutychus\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\"Richard Chin's excellent guide to Colossians is written with characteristic pithiness and clarity. He explains the text of Colossians in a way that is understandable and readable. His careful illustration and acute observation enable the reader to see just how and where the teaching of Colossians applies today. Above all else, this book directs the reader to the Lord Jesus Christ in all his fullness. This is what makes the book so valuable. It did me good, and reading it refreshed me in my love for Jesus and appreciation of who he is, and all that he has done.\"\u003cbr\u003e- William Taylor, Rector, St Helen's Bishopsgate, London, UK\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\"Richard Chin has given us an engagingly written book, both respectful of God's word and also continuously applied in a deeply personal way. It helps us all to learn from Colossians.\"\u003cbr\u003e- Peter Jensen, Former Anglican Archbishop of Sydney, Former General Secretary, GAFCON\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\"This book has helped me to see Jesus Christ more clearly from the Bible. Whenever that happens, as Christians all over the world discover, God speaks straight into your sinful heart, then comforts you with his forgiveness, helps you by his Spirit to grow in mature Christlikeness, and prepares you for the hard road ahead as we follow our crucified Lord to glory. Richard has turned his series of talks on Colossians into a book that is so readable, you can almost hear him delivering each chapter. Your time in this book is worth it to be captivated by Christ!\"\u003cbr\u003e- Bronwyn Windsor, Lay ministry leader, Sydney\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\"A clear, fresh, sparkling commentary, filled with helpful practical application, which gets to the heart of the apostle Paul's letter - highlighting Jesus Christ's majestic uniqueness and calling all his followers to flesh out his lordship in every sphere of life.\"\u003cbr\u003e- Lindsay Brown, Director, FEUER (Fellowship of Evangelists in the Universities of Europe), Former General Secretary, International Fellowship of Evangelical Students\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\"I was immediately drawn to 'Captivated by Christ' by Richard's warm and winsome writing style. His engaging illustrations give a velvety softness to the hammer that pounds the rich and deep truths of Colossians into our soul. This is a treasure of a book, with helpful sidebars and penetrating questions for small group study. It's a joy to recommend.\"\u003cbr\u003e- J Mack Stiles, Pastor, Erbil International Baptist Church, Iraq, Author, \"Marks of the Messenger\"\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collateral-box\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"head accordion_toggle\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Matthias Media","offers":[{"title":"Book","offer_id":39726393655358,"sku":"cbc","price":16.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ebook","offer_id":39726678179902,"sku":"ecbc","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0117\/6934\/8158\/products\/captivated-by-christ_19_2048.jpg?v=1631267650"},{"product_id":"encouragement-how-words-change-lives","title":"Encouragement","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn Ephesians 4, Paul's vision of the church is where every single member speaks the truth in love.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHowever for many, our Sunday conversations rarely get past the weather, sport or what we did yesterday. And though there's nothing wrong with this, it's a bit of a pity. Especially when we are allowed in fact, we're commanded‚ to speak God's life-transforming word and thereby encourage each other.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSo what is encouragement exactly? And how does it work? In \u003ccite\u003eEncouragement: How Words Change Lives\u003c\/cite\u003e, join Gordon Cheng as he explains what encouragement is and how all of us can make one simple and foundational contribution to church life by encouraging others.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis easy-to-read book is sprinkled with humor, insight and practical wisdom.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Matthias Media","offers":[{"title":"Book","offer_id":39726396112958,"sku":"ehwcl","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ebook","offer_id":39726677557310,"sku":"eehwcl","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0117\/6934\/8158\/products\/encouragement_14_deleted_4d458fb8fc2ac2277c960863adbc09f4_RGB.jpg?v=1569292888"},{"product_id":"gospel-speech","title":"Gospel Speech","description":"\u003ch5\u003eDescription\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collateral-box\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"accordion_content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-specs\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe all have a different relationship with speech. Some of us love it, some of us... not so much. For some it depends a lot on the context: speaking on the phone with a friend is perfectly enjoyable; speaking publicly in front of an audience is our worst nightmare. Some of us speak at a million miles an hour, while some of us have a slow and measured pace, choosing every word carefully. In many ways, speech really is a reflection of who we are as individuals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut if our speech really is a reflection of who we are, and if being a Christian is a fundamental and even primary way we describe ourselves, should we expect gospel speech to be on our lips?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this refreshingly different look at what the Bible has to say about evangelism and our speech patterns as Christians, Lionel Windsor shows the connection between faith and speech, and encourages us to confess the Lord Jesus with our lips.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout the author\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLionel Windsor has been a church pastor, but currently works as a full-time lecturer at Moore Theological College, where he teaches Greek, Hebrew, and New Testament.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collateral-box\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"head accordion_toggle\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Matthias Media","offers":[{"title":"Book","offer_id":39726398177342,"sku":"gs","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ebook","offer_id":39726675820606,"sku":"egs","price":7.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0117\/6934\/8158\/products\/Gospel_Speech_15.jpg?v=1569292958"},{"product_id":"how-to-walk-into-church","title":"How to Walk Into Church","description":"\u003ch5\u003eDescription\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collateral-box\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"accordion_content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-specs\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you've been a churchgoer for more than just a few Sundays, walking into church probably doesn't seem like it deserves its own 'how to' manual. Right? In fact, it most likely seems like a pretty straightforward and trivial weekly activity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut things are rarely as simple as they seem, and how you walk into church reveals a great deal about what you think church is, what it's for, and what you think you're doing there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eHow to Walk into Church\u003c\/em\u003e, Tony Payne helps us think biblically about church. Along with giving plenty of other practical advice, he suggests a way to walk into church that beautifully expresses what church is and why you're there - a way that every Christian can master.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you go to church, this book is for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout the author\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTony Payne is married to Alison, and they have five adult children and (at last count) four grandchildren. He is a graduate of Moore College in Sydney, and often wonders why he doesn't have more time for golf now that his children have grown up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eRecommendations\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eThis book is a great idea. It's wonderfully practical, helpful, and relevant. I hope we can give it away to our new members. Tony has given us a necessary reminder on the importance of walking into church with the right heart, the right head, and the right spirit.\u003cbr\u003e–Kevin DeYoung, Senior Pastor, University Reformed Church\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eThis outstanding book is packed with profound reflection on what church is and practical application of what it means to 'go to church'. I hope every member of St Helen's reads it‚ it will do us a world of good.\u003cbr\u003e–William Taylor, St Helen's Bishopsgate\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eSometimes the simplest things are the easiest to overlook - things like walking into church. How do you walk into church? If you read this little book, I believe you will think about it a lot differently and you will do it a lot better.\u003cbr\u003e–Tim Challies, author\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eFor most of us our churchgoing - whether regular, occasional, or non-existent - is just an unconsidered part of life. It's something we do, or sometimes do, or rarely do, or never do. But not something we think about so that we might do it with an aim, a purpose, a real intentionality. This clear and engaging book will be a real and practical help. I have myself been challenged by it and hope it will be widely read.\u003cbr\u003e–Christopher Ash, author of \"Listen Up!\" Director of Cornhill Training Course\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eHow to Walk into Church is so clear, so simple, so straightforward, so practical - and so eternally important! As such, it is a brief must-read for all Christians, and not only for today's \"My thumb is always out for a better ride\" church hitch-hikers, but for those who find attending church to be a mundane option.\u003cbr\u003e–R. Kent Hughes Senior Pastor Emeritus, College Church Wheaton\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collateral-box\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"head accordion_toggle\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Matthias Media","offers":[{"title":"Book","offer_id":39726398898238,"sku":"hwic","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ebook","offer_id":39726674935870,"sku":"ehwic","price":7.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0117\/6934\/8158\/products\/how-to-walk-into-church_2048.jpg?v=1569292992"},{"product_id":"keep-the-faith","title":"Keep the Faith","description":"\u003cp\u003eDo you sometimes feel discouraged and perhaps a little disconcerted by all the seemingly smart, sensible, normal people all around you who reject the truth of Christianity? In your own mind, do you reel sometimes from the aggressive attacks on your faith by New Atheists and others in the media?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDoes it lead you to doubt the claims of Christ? To wonder if after all you are the one who's got it all wrong?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf most of us are honest, we'd concede that doubt is not the sole domain of those going through a \"crisis\". We all have little moments of uncertainty and anxiety that bother us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this honest and refreshing take on the doubts we all experience, Martin Ayers leads us back to what the Bible itself says about faith and doubt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eKeep the Faith\u003c\/em\u003e is not difficult to read or understand, but it will profoundly shift the way you think about yourself, about others, and about the God who has redeemed us through Jesus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMartin Ayers' wonderful book will surely strengthen the faith of many Christians.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Matthias Media","offers":[{"title":"Book","offer_id":39726400208958,"sku":"ktf","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ebook","offer_id":39726674018366,"sku":"ektf","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0117\/6934\/8158\/products\/Keep_the_Faithrgb.jpg?v=1569293049"},{"product_id":"busy","title":"Busy","description":"\u003ch5\u003eDescription\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeeling overworked? Too much on your plate? Hoping there must be a better way? Then surely you need greater efficiency, better time management techniques, the right apps, the resolve to simply push through, guidance from a guru or influencer …\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut what if the change we really crave is found somewhere entirely different?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs we make our way in this hectic, confused culture, our greatest need is the practical, life-changing wisdom that only our Creator can provide. We need to pause and look to God—who he is, who he has made us to be, and how the good news of Jesus can genuinely reorder our daily lives for the better.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoin Ian Carmichael as he explores the Bible in search of a better way to handle our busy lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso available: the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/matthiasmedia.com\/products\/busy-group-bible-study\" target=\"_blank\"\u003efree group Bible study\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/matthiasmedia.com\/products\/busy-group-bible-study-leader-notes\" target=\"_blank\"\u003efree leader's notes\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eListen to an interview with the author on Pilgrim Radio:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"player\"\u003e\u003caudio controls=\"controls\"\u003e\n\u003csource src=\"https:\/\/matthiasmedia.info\/shopify-files\/pilgrim-radio-busy-interview.mp3\" type=\"audio\/mpeg\"\u003e\u003c\/audio\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout the author\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIan Carmichael has been with Matthias Media from its beginnings in 1988, co-leading with Tony Payne for many of those years. Ian stepped down from the CEO role in late 2020, and now contributes in an honorary capacity. Ian and his wife, Stephanie, are part of Chatswood Presbyterian Church in Sydney, as well as Unichurch at the University of NSW.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eRecommendations\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ql-quote-block\"\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eBusy\u003c\/em\u003e offers a unique take on busyness and one that strikes to the very heart of our God-given purpose. It is a book that blessed and challenged me and, I trust, one that will bless and challenge you as well. I am glad to recommend it.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ql-quote-block\"\u003e—Tim Challies (read the full review at \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.challies.com\/book-reviews\/the-overloaded-christian-life\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eChallies.com\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ql-quote-block\"\u003e\"Reading the book feels like meeting a helpful friend. Carmichael is down to earth, conversational, and personable, guiding us through a biblical perspective on the world we live in, the God who made it, and our busyness. The lack of “magic bullets” does mean it takes nine chapters for the book to start feeling more practical, but that’s okay. The goal is a proper perspective, not just a bunch of strategies.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ql-quote-block\"\u003e—Aidan Smith (read the full review at \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/au.thegospelcoalition.org\/book-review\/busyness-following-in-gods-footsteps\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eThe Gospel Coalition\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ql-quote-block\"\u003e\"Ian Carmichael speaks into our common slavery to busyness, and charts the only road to freedom—not by providing more tips on time management, but by thinking deeply about who we are as humans, and understanding God’s busyness in his plan of redemption. Ian shows us that we are slaves to busyness because we don’t believe the gospel. He is disarmingly honest, confronting and warmly conversational at the same time, anticipating our questions and objections. He provides very practical reflections for personal change towards godly busyness for employees, church members, parents, children, husbands, wives and siblings. I can see radical implications for how we think about retirement. This book is comprehensive.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ql-quote-block\"\u003e—Colin Marshall, author and trainer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ql-quote-block\"\u003e\"Ian Carmichael’s book \u003cem\u003eBusy\u003c\/em\u003e is refreshingly clear and to the point. It helps us re-examine the purpose of life while we wait for the new creation—that is, Christ-directed busyness and rest. Ian’s relationship audit exercise is insightful and practical for applying the biblical principles given in the first half of the book:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ql-quote-block\"\u003eStep 1: Identify our key relationships.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ql-quote-block\"\u003eStep 2: Reflect on how we can be more intentional in seeing these precious people transferred into God’s kingdom and transformed into the likeness of Jesus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ql-quote-block\"\u003eMedical experts recommend booking annual health checks. I recommend buying and reading this book as an excellent yearly spiritual health check.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ql-quote-block\"\u003e—Carmelina Read, Dean of Women, Christ College, Sydney\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ql-quote-block\"\u003e\"Ian Carmichael’s \u003cem\u003eBusy\u003c\/em\u003e is a wonderful read. It’s full of biblical wisdom, warmth, humour and grace. Most importantly it will help you think about how God’s kindness in Jesus rearranges our priorities and helps us be busy in a healthy way for God. It’s a book born of a life lived serving Jesus and putting the Bible into practice. It’s a book that will encourage you to rest in God, work hard for Christ, and put busyness into perspective. I encourage you to grab a copy, read it, and live it! It might just turn ‘busy’ into joyful service.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ql-quote-block\"\u003e—Paul Grimmond, Dean of Students and Lecturer in Ministry and Mission, Moore Theological College, Sydney\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ql-quote-block\"\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eBusy\u003c\/em\u003e is not what I expected but it’s exactly what I needed, and I suspect it’s what many of us need. Challenging me to rethink not only Monday-Fridays, Ian also really pushed me to think again about my Sundays (and I say this as a pastor!). I pray this book will be given to every Christian, from new to mature, with the hope that all of them will consider how they themselves are answers to the prayer of Matthew 9:37-38—a call to be busy with work for the harvest.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ql-quote-block\"\u003e—Marty Sweeney, Pastor of Training, Old North Church, Ohio, and Executive Director, Matthias Media, USA\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ql-quote-block\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e","brand":"Matthias Media","offers":[{"title":"Book","offer_id":39752278966334,"sku":"busy","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Digital Book","offer_id":40125680943166,"sku":"ebusy","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0117\/6934\/8158\/products\/B-2021-cov-s3.jpg?v=1651024020"},{"product_id":"gathered-together","title":"Gathered Together","description":"\u003ch5\u003eDescription\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003cp\u003eSunday: time for church.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDo you feel eager anticipation? Or has life or weariness turned church into a dutiful habit?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEither way, it’s useful to pause and ask:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat is church, and what’s it for?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhy do we go?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat does God expect us to do when we’re together?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat gifts does God give to his church, and why?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow does our time together influence our time apart?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eLong-time pastor and theologian Karl Deenick has thought deeply about these questions and has years of experience in living out the answers. In \u003cem\u003eGathered Together\u003c\/em\u003e, Karl helps us to reflect on our relationship with church.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis book is clear, biblical, honest, timely and wise. It’s essential reading for everyone who wants to \u003cem\u003eenjoy\u003c\/em\u003e being part of God’s people, God’s way.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003eAbout the author\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003cp\u003eKarl Deenick is the coordinator of community and student care at Sydney Missionary and Bible College, where he also lectures in Theology. Before that, he served as a pastor for 10 years. He is the author of \u003cem\u003eRighteous by Promise: A biblical theology of circumcision\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003eRecommendations\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ql-quote-block\"\u003e\"This is a wonderful book, full of biblical insight, practical wisdom, and theological depth. It is a great antidote against the individualism, selfishness, and consumerism that constantly seeps from our world into our church. It encourages us to be the church we believe in and want to belong to.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ql-quote-block\"\u003e—Peter Adam, Vicar Emeritus, St Jude’s Carlton, Melbourne, and former principal of Ridley College, Melbourne\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ql-quote-block\"\u003e\"A clear and compelling book about the church, carefully grounded in the word and insightfully applied to our world. Deenick inspires us with God’s glorious vision for the church, prepares us for challenges and struggles that we will encounter, and equips us to be what God calls us to be. Read this book, and be excited about the church!\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ql-quote-block\"\u003e—Derek Brotherson, Principal, Sydney Missionary and Bible College\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ql-quote-block\"\u003e\"Church is, or should be, a big part of the lives of all Christians. But many turn up without thinking very clearly, biblically or practically about what church is all about. This great little book will help them do exactly that. Deeply rooted in Scripture, it is a crystal clear, deeply challenging and wonderfully refreshing guide to living in God’s church today. I’d love to see everyone who goes to church read it—they and their churches will benefit greatly.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ql-quote-block\"\u003e—Murray Capill, Dean of Ministry Development, Reformed Theological College, Melbourne\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ql-quote-block\"\u003e\"Arguably the greatest challenge the pandemic has brought to the church has been in people’s understanding of the purpose and importance of church itself. Against this background, Karl Deenick takes us carefully through the Bible’s teaching on the centrality of the church as the\u003cem\u003e gathered\u003c\/em\u003e community in God’s purposes for his people and his world. We need this book right now.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ql-quote-block\"\u003e—Michael Raiter, Director, Centre for Biblical Preaching, Melbourne\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ql-quote-block\"\u003e\"Karl has done us a great favour in writing this book. He shows us simply and clearly from the Bible how Jesus loves and cherishes his church, his bride, and why we should love Jesus’ church too. As gatherings of Jesus’ people, our churches will be communities of joy and love; as gatherings of sinners, they will experience conflict and hurt. All love is costly, but Karl shows us why loving and investing in our church communities will have overwhelming benefits now and in eternity. If you’re having trouble being motivated about church, pick up this book. You’ll be glad you did. Really!\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ql-quote-block\"\u003e—Al Stewart, National Director, Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC), Australia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Matthias Media","offers":[{"title":"Book","offer_id":39925132329022,"sku":"gath","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ebook","offer_id":39934586814526,"sku":"egath","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0117\/6934\/8158\/products\/GatheredTogether22rgb72dpi.jpg?v=1666283583"},{"product_id":"unmissable-church","title":"Unmissable Church","description":"\u003ch5\u003eDescription\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModern life is a constant struggle between competing priorities, and for Christians especially so on Sundays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow can we juggle all the demands on our time and still make church a priority? Why is there sometimes such a disconnect between the Bible’s captivating vision for church and our experience of it?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eUnmissable Church\u003c\/em\u003e, Antony Barraclough and Richard Sweatman combine meticulous research, practical advice and pastoral warmth. They explore the reasons why it’s sometimes difficult to make it to church and what we can do about it. The issues of broken relationships, conflicting priorities, health concerns and more are treated with empathy and encouragement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you are a leader looking to understand what’s keeping people away from church, a regular attender who wants to encourage others to gather more often, or someone who finds weekly attendance a challenge, this book will bring you greater clarity and perspective.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Matthias Media","offers":[{"title":"Book","offer_id":40057666043966,"sku":"uc","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ebook","offer_id":41582676410430,"sku":"euc","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0117\/6934\/8158\/products\/UnmissableChurch22rgb72dpi.jpg?v=1681837765"}],"url":"https:\/\/matthiasmedia.com\/collections\/books-to-read-together.oembed","provider":"Matthias Media resources for disciple making","version":"1.0","type":"link"}