Category Archives: Pastor’s Picks – Recommend Resources

These are recommend resources that we have been personally encouraged and challenged by and hope they do the same for you. It’s been said before that great leaders are readers, and we are committed to regularly reading through our Bible and never stop learning. May the Lord bless you as you grow! -Pastor Tim Molter

“I am a Soldier” by Dr. Danny L. Moody (president of Arlington Baptist College)

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I am a soldier in the army of my God. The Lord Jesus Christ is my commanding officer. The Holy Bible is my code of conduct. Faith, prayer and the Word are my weapons of warfare. 

I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried by adversity, and tested by fire. I am a volunteer in this army. I am enlisted for eternity. 

I will either retire in this army at the rapture, or die in this army, but I will not get out, sell out, be bought out, or pushed out. I am faithful, reliable, capable and dependable. 

If my God needs me, I am there. If he needs me in the Sunday School to teach the children, work with the youth, help adults or just learn, He can use me because I am there, I am a soldier. 

I am not a baby. I do not need to be pampered, petted, primed up, pumped up, picked up or pepped up because I am a soldier. 

No one has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me, entice me, or lure me, because I am a soldier. I am not a wimp. I am in place, saluting my King, obeying His orders, praising His Name, and building His kingdom. 

No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, card, candy, or give me hand outs. I do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for, or catered to, I am committed, I am a soldier. 

I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside. I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit. When Jesus called me into this army, I had nothing. If I end up with nothing, I will still come out ahead, I will win. 

My God has and will continue to supply all my needs. I am more than a conqueror. I will always triumph. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. 

Devils cannot defeat me. People cannot dis-illusion me. Weather cannot weary me. Sickness cannot stop me. Battles cannot beat me. Money cannot buy me. Governments cannot silence me, and Hell cannot handle me. I am a soldier. 

Even death cannot destroy me, for when my Commander-in-Chief calls me from this battlefield, He will promote me to captain and then allow me to rule with him. I am a soldier in the Army of God. 

I am marching, I am claiming victory, I will not give up. I will not turn around. I am a soldier marching heaven-bound. Here I stand. WHO WILL STAND WITH ME?

(“I am a Soldier” by Dr. Danny L. Moody, president of Arlington Baptist College)

Book: Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome by R. Kent Hughes

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How does one measure success in ministry? 8 out of 10 pastors will statistically never lead a church of more than 150 members, and every year thousands of God’s servants leave the ministry convinced they are failures. What are we to do? Years ago, in the midst of a crisis of faith, Kent Hughes almost became one of them.

This book describes their journey and their liberation from the “success syndrome” – the misguided belief that success in ministry means increased numbers. According to all the formulas, the church Ken Hughes planted should have been wildly successful. And in today’s world it is easy to be seduced by the secular thinking that places a number on everything.

Kent and Barbara first determined that the basic problem was their definition of “success”. After looking at the life of Moses in Numbers 20 where God told Moses to speak to the rock in order to give the people fresh drinking water instead we find Moses struck the rock twice. By all outward appearance Moses appeared to be successful as the people got the water that they wanted through a miracle, however God didn’t view the event same way as man did as God was looking for obedience to His word.

The authors of this book encourage readers that true success in ministry lies not in numbers but in several key areas: faithfulness, serving, loving, believing, prayer, holiness, and a Christlike attitude. Their thoughts will encourage readers who grapple with feelings of failure and lead them to a deeper, fuller understanding of success in Christian ministry.

Here is one resolution I would encourage you to consider making: regular prayer and encouragement for your pastor. Here is the conclusion of Kent and Barbara Hughes’s book, Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome, and thought it would be worth reprinting here:

Every pastor knows that the strength of the ministry rests on prayer, and that it is those faithful souls who pray regularly for him and the church who bring God’s special blessing upon the ministry. This fact invites a marvelous “what if” scenario. What if not just a few but the entire leadership and congregation prayed in detail every day for the pastor and their church? What would happen to his heart, to his preaching, to worship, to evangelism, to missions? Can there be any doubt that the minister and his people would know greater enablement than ever before in their lives?

Prayer is where the congregation must begin in this whole matter of encouragement. Will you make a personal commitment to encourage your pastor by daily prayer for him and his work? If so, we leave you with this suggestive outline, from which you can draw your own prayer list.

Pray that he will be a true success: that he will be faithful, true to God’s Word and hardworking; that he will be a servant, following the example of our foot-washing Lord; that he will love God with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength; that he will truly believe what he believes about Christ; that he will lead a holy life, and not succumb to the sensuality of our culture; that he will lead a life of deep prayer, following Jesus’ example; that he will have a positive attitude free from jealousy.

Pray for his ministry–for his preaching, for time to prepare, for understanding the Word, for application, for the power of the Holy Spirit in delivery, for Sunday’s services, for his leadership, for immediate problems he is facing.

Pray for his marriage–for time for each other, for communication, for a deepening love, for fidelity.

Pray for his children by name. Perhaps you might ask the pastor or his wife how they would like you to pray for their children.

Consider printing this out, placing it in your Bible, and putting this prayer into practice.

How to get this resource:

Book: Boundaries (When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life) by Henry Cloud and John Townsend

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In this book Boundaries, Dr. Henry Cloud and John Townsend use the Bible as the spiritual compass to guide us back to healthy boundaries that are Christ like. One of the main themes of this book is that our deepest need is to belong, to be in a relationship, to have a spiritual and emotional ‘home.’

In fact, the very nature of God is to be in a relationship: ‘God is love’ says 1 John 4:16. And this love is within a relationship – the caring, committed connection of one individual to another.

By reading this book you will learn what boundaries are, what they look like, how they are developed, and some common myths about setting and having boundaries. The authors cover a wide range of boundaries such as between you and your family, friends, spouse, children, work, your self, and God.

Learning how to say no can seem difficult at first but if you are ready to take control of your life and saw yes to a healthy, balanced lifestyle then this book is for you. Often, as Christians we focus so much on being loving and unselfish that we forget their own limits and limitations.

Boundaries impact all areas of our lives: Physical boundaries help us determine who may touch us and under what circumstances — Mental boundaries give us the freedom to have our own thoughts and opinions — Emotional boundaries help us to deal with our own emotions and disengage from the harmful, manipulative emotions of others — Spiritual boundaries help us to distinguish God’s will from our own and give us renewed awe for our Creator.

A boundary is a personal property line that marks those things for which we are responsible. In other words, boundaries define who we are and who we are not. Boundaries are a “litmus test” for the quality of our relationships, and learning to set limits has to do with telling the truth.

And God is more concerned with our hearts than He is with our outward compliance… when we are afraid to say no (to other people), then our yes is compromised. When we say no to people and activities that are hurtful to us, we are protecting God’s investment. We each have only so much time and energy we can give out and this book provides incredible insight into why we behave the way we do, where habits come from, and how to have healthy boundaries our life.

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Book: Calvinism, Arminianism, and the Word of God (A Calvary Chapel Perspective) by Chuck Smith

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CA WOG Book

Calvinism and Arminianism . . . since the Protestant Reformation in the 16th Century, Christian churches and leaders have disagreed over such issues as depravity, God’s sovereignty, human responsibility, election, predestination, and eternal security, as well as the nature and the extent of the atonement of Jesus Christ.

In the midst of this tumultuous debate, it is easy to ignore the plain statements of the Bible and to believe we have the ability to fully understand God’s ways.

How tragic it is when we become more concerned with being “right” than being loving. Our desire at Calvary Chapel is to bring believers together in the love, truth, and unity of the Holy Spirit, focusing on our awesome God rather than on ourselves.

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Book: The Upside Down Church by Greg Laurie

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TheUpsideDownChurch

Looking for ways to light a fresh fire under a church whose flame is burning low?

In the book, The Upside Down Church, Pastor Greg Laurie uses the biblical guidance found in the book of Acts to show what the New Testament church really looked like, and what we find is that we have come a long way from them.

The Upside Down Church is a must-read for pastors and church lay leaders to help them grasp the principles of biblical church growth. This book will help you rediscover the first century church priorities of fellowship, evangelism, worship, and discipleship.

By in large the early church and much of the Calvary Chapel movement has used growth methods that are upside down when compared to today’s church grown models (such as The Purpose Driven model for example). The approach many churches have taken is from the business world instead of following God’s Word.

Pastor Greg Laurie demonstrates in this book how the mission of Harvest Fellowship (the church he pastors at) has simply been to live out the Great Commission and be the church that honors God.

This book helps readers to learn about God’s original plan for His Church, discover God’s plan to save the world, understand how twelve men turned the world upside down, recognize the power of prayer, and concluded that God can use you too.

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Resource: How to do an Inductive Bible Study

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How to do an Inductive Bible Study – by Pastor Tim Molter

Thank you for taking the time to do something that is so important… learning how to correctly read and apply the Bible. Why use the Inductive method? Because deductive reasoning is like a bad medical doctor who gives you a solution without detecting the cause of the health issue. Inductive reasoning is like a good doctor who investigates the health issue in order to give you the correct solution. When you are done with learning this Bible study method, you will read the Word and be amazed by its contents. The Bible will come alive for you and you will experience a never ending supply of encouragement and a better understanding of the Scriptures. 

  • Search the Scriptures, they testify of Jesus – John 5:39,46
  • Expounded the Scriptures, they are about Jesus – Luke 24:27,44

The       

O    Observation               

I    Interpretation               

C    Correlation               

A    Application               

Method to Study the Bible

Observation – What is being said?

Read the scripture being studied several times carefully, and each time reread looking for something specific. (This may be where you spend most of your time preparing for a Bible study but you will gain a deeper understanding of the Word)

1 – Who or whom is involved? 

2 – What are they doing? 

3 – Where are they? Where are they going? (Take a look at a historical map for help)

4 – When did this happen, what happened before this, what will happen after this?

5 – Why is this happening, what happened to lead up to this event? Had this been foretold? 

Interpretation – What is the meaning? (There are lots of opinions, but there’s generally one true interpretation)

Let the Bible be Interpreted by the Bible. Carefully consider the context of the verses, paragraph, chapter and book.
(Just like good vision is 20/20, we can discover the actual meaning of the scripture by reading 20 verses prior and after)

1 – What was the author trying to say to his original readers, and how would they have understood this section?

2 – What are the differences between the biblical audience and us? Both Physical and Spiritual.

3 – Why is this here, what is the doctrine or theological significance of the text? Contrast the Gospel and Religion.

4 – Why were the words put together as they have been? Is there a pattern or relationship in the use of grammar?

5 – Explore the meaning of the words because they change over time. What does the Hebrew or Greek words mean?  

Correlation – Is there another passage that is similar? (Does a correlating passage give us an Illustration?)

Allow the Bible interpret every part of the Bible. (Refer to parallel Bible Scriptures that come to memory, use a Concordance, or the cross-reference system in your Bible. The correlation makes a good example or illustration.) 

1 – What are some other Scriptures that are within the same topic of the major theme or point of this scripture? 

2 – Is there anything that references the cross of Jesus, or that points us to Jesus as a cross reference?

3 – If this had been foretold, are there any other Scriptures that also point to this same event?

4 – If this scripture is in the Old Testament are there any New Testament Scriptures that correct my understanding?

5 – If there is another mention of a main word in this scripture, what does the first mention of the word deal with?

Application – How can I apply this to my life? What will I do about what’s said? What happens if I do or don’t apply this?

Make the scripture very personal and see how what you have learned can be applied to your life. (Keep in mind that God’s Word is alive and active, it exposes our innermost thoughts and desires, so you can always apply it to your life)

1 – What does this scripture say about Jesus or about God’s love and grace?

2 – Is there a sin here for me to avoid? Is there a failure from which I can learn?

3 – Is there a command for me to obey?  Is there a good example for me to follow?

4 – Is there a promise I can call my own (Does God promise with ‘I will’ or ‘I shall’?)

5 – Is there a blessing I can enjoy? Is there something here I want to thank God for?

Remember to spend time in prayer as you are in God’s Word. My prayer for you is that the Author of the Bible, will take you on a guided tour of His Word as you study the Bible. May Jesus our Lord and Savior help you understand and apply these truths as you draw closer to Him. 

– Pastor Tim Molter,  Calvary Chapel Fergus Falls

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means—electronic, mechanical, photographic (photocopying), or otherwise—without prior permission in writing from the author unless it is for the furtherance of the gospel of Jesus and given away without any monetary charge. “Freely you have received, freely give” Matthew 10:8

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Videos: Expressing Pro-Life Views in Winsome Ways by Focus on the Family

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We usually post a recommend book but this month we are posting a recommend resource by Focus on the Family. The world today is more confused on the issue of when life  begins that ever before and as Christ followers we need to to know the truth about life and death, and also how to engage in a winsome conversation with others.

This resource highlights the top arguments for abortion and how to respond with pro-life views. Use it to shape your next conversation with a family member, friend, neighbor, colleague, or stranger. We want to help you share your pro-life views with grace and confidence, not hostility and resentment.

Focus on the Family wants to give you some real, practical guidance in standing up for the sanctity of human life. This 5-part video series called “Expressing Pro-Life Views in Winsome Ways” features Scott Klusendorf, president of the Life Training Institute.

This presentation is available online for free at: 

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Video #1 – “Acknowledging the Pre-Born as Fully Human”
Video #2 – “A Persuasive Case for the Pre-Born”
Video #3 – “How Science is Settled on the Pre-Born”
Video #4 – “Why Economics and Hardship Aren’t Good Reasons for Abortion”
Video #5 – “What About a Woman’s Right to Choose?”

Video #6 – “What about if there is an adverse prenatal diagnosis?”

 

Go to the I Am Pro-Life Facebook page and like and follow to stay informed. This group shares news and encouragement to help you be an informed citizen and an empowered advocate for life.

Download the “Expressing Pro-Life Views in Winsome Ways” discussion questions for additional reflection on your own or with a small group.

VaulingLifeS

Get your whole family involved!

FOTF Abortion PDFDownload the Guide to Engaging Your Neighbor PDF. It highlights the top arguments for abortion and how to respond with pro-life views. Use it to shape your next conversation with a family member, friend, neighbor, colleague, or stranger.

Memorize and meditate on:

  • Psalm 139:13-14a ESV: “For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
  • Genesis 1:27 ESV: “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”
  • Psalm 127:3 ESV: “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.”
  • Mark 12:31 ESV: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
  • Proverbs 31:8 NIV: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.”
TheCase4Life

Get Scott Klusendorf’s companion resource The Case for Life. This book gives you more depth from what you’ll learn in this video series.

Learn about how to start an Embrace Grace group at your church. Embrace Grace helps women with unplanned pregnancies find support and belonging.

Have you had an abortion? Do you know someone who has had an abortion? You are not alone or outside of God’s love and redemptive care. These post-abortive resources can help.

Find your local Pregnancy Help Center at OptionLine:

  • Get involved by volunteering
  • Refer someone who is facing an unplanned pregnancy

Thank you for partnering with us and encouraging other pro-life advocates to be a voice for life.

Book: Life@Work (Marketplace Success for People of Faith) by John C. Maxwell

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LifeatWork

Authors John C. Maxwell, Stephen Graves, and Thomas Addington identify the basic tools followers of Jesus should always have in their work toolbox: Calling, Serving, Character, and Skill.

The conventional wisdom of leadership sees character as a muscle of leadership. In truth, character is a muscle of the heart. Our culture is enamored with leadership when it should be enamored with character.

The lines of our behavior draw picture of our character. Behavior and character are related, but they’re not the same. Behavior is what we do. Character is the person our behavior has made us into. Behavior is just one action. Any behavior, duplicated and reduplicated, forms a part of our character. Character is a fruit of the heart.

If characters is what counts most, then it is critical that we build and protect a strong pure heart. As the book of Proverbs says “as the heart goes, so we go.” The heart is where character is forged. After God gives us a new heart, it is up to us to water and nurture it.

This book helps readers learn how to better integrate faith and work and why it is crucial that we do so.

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Book: Out of the Comfort Zone by George Verwer

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OutOfTheComfortZone

In this book George Verwer reflects on his forty-three years as leader of Operation Mobilization to talk straight about what he believes is needed in missions for the twenty-first century.

This is a humble and hard-hitting approach at the same time. He doesn’t pull any punches in his heart’s cry for a ‘grace-awakened’ approach to mission, and wants to cut through any superficial ‘spirituality’ that may be lurking inside you.

He shows how many Christians have the feeling that someone else will take care of it and have a vague, detached and unrealistic attitude to what mission is about. This book will challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and adjust your view of how missionary work is being done.

George Verwer is known throughout the world as a motivator and mobilizer. Out of the Comfort Zone should only be read by those who are willing to accept God’s grace, catch His vision and respond with action in the world of mission.

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