Tag: Jonathan Hill

Heaven and Hell: Are They Real? (A Review)

On By pastorjonathanIn books, theologyLeave a comment

_225_350_Book.1111.coverHeaven and Hell: Are They Real? is the ultimate question book about Heaven and Hell. It’s full of readings from contemporary and ancient scholars addressing several questions that are generated on the Biblical topics of Heaven and Hell. Have you ever wondered:

Will there be animals in Heaven?
Will we have sex in Heaven?
Will we have jobs in Heaven?
What does an eternity in Hell feel like?
How is eternity in Hell a fair punishment for sin?
If I’m in Heaven, will I see people in Hell?

The answers to these questions and more are found in this book! It reads like a blog with each brief chapter covering a question of a given topic in the category of Heaven, Hell or the moments after death. The author, Christopher D. Hudson shares a given scriptures passage that addresses the topic and sets up the question, then brings in a reading that helps answer the question. He then poses a follow up question for further reflection. I found this book a refreshing read on a difficult subject.

To be fair the book is a bit difficult to read in the traditional manner (from start to finish) but that’s what makes it great for people who don’t read much. They can pick up with their questions and follow their curiosity through the book. Amazon had it for less than $10 right now which is a great deal.

Readers may also appreciate Randy Alcorn’s Book Heaven which takes a more systematic approach to the topic. It’s on sale at Amazon.com right now in Hardback for less than $15.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher as part of their Reviewer program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Before you Adopt… Know Orphans (A Review)

On By pastorjonathanIn books, FamilyLeave a comment

know orphans KnowOrphans: Mobilizing the Church for Global Orphanologyis a follow up book to Orphanology: Awakening to Gospel-Centered Adoption and Orphan Care. Dr. Rick Morton seeks to continue to blaze a trial forward when it comes to mobilizing the church to global orphan care. In this book he addresses recent criticisms the movement has experienced and clarifies action steps that individuals and churches can take to become involved in the orphan movement. He also shares background from his own personal experience as well as advice for those who are working through an international adoption.

Know Orphans contains plenty of practical strategies of how to engage in the mission of the gospel as it concerns orphans. The scope goes well beyond adoption as Dr. Morton encourages the church and individuals to stand in the gap for various kinds of orphans. He does an excellent job of painting the picture that “not all orphans are equal” and “that each situation is unique” while at the same time providing tools and resources for the reader to become engaged.

On a personal note. I’ve had the honor of meeting Dr. Morton. He was one of my Professors for a Graduate Level Youth Ministry Seminar. While I didn’t have the opportunity to hear him speak about adoption I did have the opportunity to get a sense of him through his personal interaction with the students both in and out of class (it was a small class). His genuine concern for the Kingdom made a significant mark on me. I’m thankful for that class and I’m thankful for this book.

This is a must read for anyone interested in international adoption and a great read for anyone interested in understanding the Orphanology movement. Amazon’s got a great price on the Kindle Edition and the Paperback right now. If you haven’t already make sure you check out Orphanology.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse as part of their Blog Tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

How to Be Rich… A Fitting Title to a Very Good Book

On By pastorjonathanIn booksLeave a comment

how to be rich I don’t hang out with Warren Buffet, Bill Gates or even Donald Trump. I imagine the lawn mower that their yard guys cut grass with cost more than my car… but in the great grand scheme of things, I’m rich. Sometimes we can take the pleasures of life for granted simply because someone else has more stuff or even that we just want more stuff. Andy Stanley does a fantastic job in his book, How to Be Rich: It’s Not What You Have. It’s What You Do With What You Have., in highlighting just how rich most of us are and encouraging us to be good at it.

Stanley is an amazing writer and a gifted communicator. I’ll admit that I left most of his books on the shelves earlier in my ministry because he didn’t come across as a verse by verse expositor. Since then I’ve come to understand and appreciate his talent in bridging the gospel between the text and the culture. He’s one of the best I’ve ever seen and How to Be Rich bares it out as Stanley opens up 1 Timothy 6:6-19 in this book.

I highly recommend How to Be Rich to everyone. This isn’t a book on producing wealth, it’s a book on recognizing the wealth you have and using it in a God honoring way. I dare you to read it. It may just change your life.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher as part of their Reviewer program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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A Handy Reference to the Life, Thought and Writings of C.S. Lewis

On By pastorjonathanIn booksLeave a comment

A-Z I was in the fourth or fifth grade when the world of Narnia was first introduced to me. My teacher began to read the chronicles to the class and I was mesmerized. She would close out each chapter and I ached to know what would happen next. Something happened in me that year and I found myself immersed in the next book of the series. I had become a C. S. Lewis fan. Years later in College I would be introduced to his other works  such as The Four Loves, God in the Dock and Mere Christianity. I can’t explain what it is about Lewis’ life and writing that I like so much, other than they have helped me make sense of the world.  You can imagine my delight when I found out that Colin Duriez produced an encyclopedia of Lewis’ life, thought and writings.

The A-Z of C S Lewis: A Complete Guide to His Life, Thoughts and Writings is without a doubt an accessible treasure chest of information about C.S. Lewis and his writing. I’ve enjoyed looking through this book and remembering key characters and passages I had almost forgotten and then finding some new ones from works I haven’t read yet (but will soon!).  It has become a second awakening for me in regards to Lewis and his writings; a reminder that I have not exhausted the joy that his reading brings to me. I think it’s a fantastic book and a great addition to any library, especially to those who would consider themselves a fan. I can’t recommend it enough.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse as part of their Blog Tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Secrets of Happy Families

On By pastorjonathanIn books, Family1 Comment

SecretsThe Secrets of Happy Families: Improve Your Mornings, Tell Your Family History, Fight Smarter, Go Out and Play, and Much More by Bruce Feiler is an easy to read, engaging, and timely book all about families. Bruce’s secrets come from the most unlikely sources. He interviews with a myriad of people from all sorts of backgrounds who apply everything from game theory to business strategy to everyday family life.

The book is set up in an organized fashion. The author sets up the dilemma (traveling with kids), zero’s in on a family who has a unique approach, highlights the source of that approach and then uses his own family as a field test and provides some honest results. The book has a very pragmatic feel and offers several great tips, tricks and tidbits.

I doubt anyone walks away putting this whole book into practice, but I do admit we’ve tried a few of the tricks along the way here at the Hill house with varying results. If you’re looking for an easy and fun non-fiction read with a few tips and tidbits on family life this book is for you. It won’t change your life or your family but it may provide a few great resources to get more out of the areas that you may be missing.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse as part of their Blog Tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

 

5 Benefits of a Blogging Pastor

On By pastorjonathanIn blogging, discipleship, Ministry, Time Management2 Comments

I was first introduced to the bold new concept of a blogging pastor by the book “The Blogging Church.” Much has transpired since that time, but one thing remains the same: Blogging can be an effective tool for pastors and churches if used wisely. I have a few years of blogging experience under my belt and have enjoyed reading the blogs that my Pastor and others have produced. More recently I took somewhat of a long blogging vacation (more than a year on this blog) and I noticed that I was still constantly referring people to my blog posts (not for vanity sake, but because I thought what I posted would be truly helpful them). I composed this list of five benefits of a blogging pastor not only as a reflection on how I use my blog and other bloggers have influenced me, but also as a reminder to keep blogging for the sake of those I shepherd as well as those whom I have never met.

To Help Your People Facing a Cultural Issue. Our culture is moving and changing at a rapid pace. Often times our folks have had a week at the water cooler to discuss issues before they ever walk in the door on Sunday (and that’s just your regular attendees). Many are struggling to figure out where to embrace and where to challenge culture. It’s easy to be right on an issue, but wrong on an approach. Having a blog can be a great outlet for pastors to address cultural issues from a biblical perspective. Not just being right on the issue, but also seeking to demonstrate a godly approach. I was deeply impressed and somewhat glad when my pastor posted his thoughts on issues pertaining to the Boy Scouts of America this past year. Though I don’t yet have a Boy Scout, I know his insights were helpful to those trying to form an intelligent opinion about the issues at stake.

Your Blog is Available When You Aren’t. Pastors are busy people. Much busier than most people would expect (but that’s another post). The more people that you have a charge over the harder it can be to have a conversation about important topics or issues. Having a blog is like having another preaching post. It helps put you in front of people (even when you can’t be… like at 3AM in the morning). It also provides a great place to send people who are dealing with issue. “I blogged about that last year, check out the article I wrote and then let’s sit down and talk about it over coffee.”

Share Resources with Your Congregation. Having a blog allows you to share resources with your congregation. Whether you are sharing about a good book, blogging on a cultural issue, or just sharing links to resources and posts by other authors, a blog can be a great place to house those referrals. For example if you are speaking on spiritual gifts, you can link to several other articles or spiritual gifts surveys or if you are challenging people to pray for the nations, you can link to several mission sights. Even if you write a blog post quoting from other sights and link to them, you are broadening the horizon of those who follow your blog and giving them resources they might not otherwise have had.

Deal With Issues or Questions that May be Under the Surface. Often times a pastor is aware of issues that lurk in the shadows but may have a difficult time finding the proper forum to address it. A blog allows a pastor to begin a dialogue that can lead to more personal discussion offline. I’ve found that many of my posts dealing with various issues from pornography to leading a family devotional time have allowed folks to talk more freely about issues or concerns they have offline.  Quite often I’ve heard the words, “I saw on your blog the other day…”

To Engage with A Variety of People. One of the neat things that hosting a blog has done for me is to allow me to see things from outside my box. What I mean is that I get the benefit of hearing from atheists, Muslims, people living in different cultures, places, etc. When they are generous enough to leave a comment or question on my blog I am better informed on how they perceive what I write. Opening up the conversation to those who are outside of my worldview not only tests the integrity of my worldview but also provides a unique opportunity to engage in a conversation over issues that are too often just left to insiders.

Obviously this list isn’t exhaustive. What are some of the other benefits of a blogging pastor that you have noticed? If you’re a pastor and have a blog, I’d love to check it out. Please feel free to share a link in the comments (or if your pastor has a pretty great blog, share his blog address in the comments).

Here are some links to the pastor friends that I follow:

Chris Aiken

Gerald Kirby

Have you been to JonathanHillOnline.com Yet?

On By pastorjonathanIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Have you been to see JonathanHillOnline.com Yet? It’s the new home of the Hill House blog. I’ll be slowly moving all of these posts over to my new online presence. I’ve also been busy posting new articles, book reviews, etc. You can check out some of them below…

Be Sure and sign-up to receive email updates of New Blog posts over at JonathanHillOnline.com

 

More Books, Less Space: My Journey from the Library to the Kindle Touch

On By pastorjonathanIn books9 Comments

I have a confession to make… I really enjoy reading books.  So I have a decent  library. Ok, actually it’s kind of big. Not too big, but big enough… Well let’s just say that in one of the offices that has my books, we will never have to worry about wall paper.

I’m sure that if we got into a library measuring contest that some of you would put me to shame, but in my estimation and compared to your average reader… it’s a lot!  In fact I hate to actually say this in a public forum, I counted my assets in how many books I owned (I know used books don’t sell for much, but that didn’t stop me from getting an extra insurance policy on them).

So then the kindle followed by the nook and I-pad came along and started ruining my day. All the sudden it seemed possible for someone to have volumes of books that could be readily accessed at the touch of a button or screen. Or even better someone could mention a book and you could look it up right then. The only draw back was… well … it wasn’t a book. There is just something about that new book smell and the feel of the pages in your hands. Am I the only one that feels this way?

Recently I figured out that this e-book stuff isn’t going away and so I determined that I should try and get on board so I got a Kindle Touch for Christmas. The idea of having the same copy of a book I am reading available on multiple devices and the idea of throwing 3500 books into briefcase and being able to carry it are really what swayed me. Now that I have the device… I love being able to see how many other readers have highlighted a section of a book, doing a word search on a book, and even being able to post a passage to twitter or facebook.

I’m still not a convert, but now that I have a device in my hand it’s becoming easier to envision a day when I have instant access to more books and have to worry less about shelf space.

So what about you? Have you made the transition from books to an e-reader yet? What moved you forward or is holding you back? What are some features you like or don’t like about your e-reader?

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Up in a Tree and Out on a Limb: The Story of How Jesus Found Zacchaeus

On By pastorjonathanIn SermonLeave a comment

Daniel 3

On By pastorjonathanIn DevotionalLeave a comment

Daniels 3 friends find themselves in a bind when the king builds this giant statue of himself and commands everyone to bow down and worship him.  Daniels friends resist knowing that it may very well cost them their lives.  It’s at this point that I want to ask a question.

What if this were to happen today?  What if you were challenged by a world ruler to bow down to a statue and worship knowing that failure to do so would cost you your life?  Would you do it?  Would you resist?  Be honest.  Your response reveals your heart. To be sure it’s not an easy call.  Would you be tempted to bow?

If you would say, “i’ll bow outwardly but inwardly I would still honor God,” you have just played your “life” as the trump card that holds all the power in making your decisions.  You’re statement, though not said with lips, but said with your life would be, “it is better to live serving a false god than die worshiping the real God.”  Your life then is what you love the most.  But now you see the irony, by attempting to preserve your life you have lost it.  Your cowardice now betrays a pocket of unbelief in your life.

So how do you come to the fire believing that God could spare you, but even if He doesn’t He is still God and He is still good? I tell you, you won’t get there by whipping yourself into a frenzy and trying to work up courage.  True courage comes only from trusting the one who faced the greater fire of Hell for you.  You will never be able to love God deeply until you know how deeply he loves you.

Father,

Thank you for loving me even when I was unlovable. Still I am unable to get over the great debt you have paid on the cross for my sin.  Today I walk in freedom and celebrate your glorious goodness.  give me courage to boldly proclaim you to the nations.  I want everyone to know who you are and how freely you save.