Archive for the Book Nook Category


Sep 13

“Notes from the Tilt-a-Whirl”

2011 | by Trent Hunter | Category: Book Nook,Recommended Resources

As part of our month long emphasis on Great Commission resources at the Resource Center, we’re featuring a helpful film on DVD by N.D. Wilson, Notes from the Tilt-a-Whirl, based on a book by the same title.

Here’s the description:

A visual, poetic exploration of the narrative nature of the world and the personality of the Poet behind it all. When Nate Wilson looks at the world around him, he asks “What is this place? Why is this place? Who approved it? Am I supposed to take it seriously?” What could such an outlandish, fantastical world say about its Creator? In these sparkling chapters, Wilson gives an aesthetic examination of the ways in which humanity has tried to make sense of this overwhelming carnival ride of a world. He takes a whimsical, thought-provoking look at everything from the “magic” of quantum physics, to nature’s absurdities, to the problem of evil, evolution and hell. These frequently humorous, and uniquely beautiful portraits express reality unknown to many Christians-the reality of God’s story unfolding around and among us. As the author says, “Welcome to His poem. His play. His novel. His comedy. Let the pages flick your thumbs.”

This video trailer and the following endorsements will more than adequately relate why we included this DVD in our lineup this month. Be sure to read the last endorsement, which is from our very own Greg Schneeberger.

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Endorsements:

“Combining stunning visuals with an entertaining and engaging text, Wilson yanks you out of the numbing sameness of your frenetic pursuit of what quickly passes and leads you to care about and inquire into things that are transcendent. Don’t watch it once. Watch it over and over again. It’s just that powerful and and important.”
—Paul David Tripp, Professor and Executive Director of Pastoral Life and Care, Redeemer Seminary; President, Paul Tripp Ministries

“My friend Nate reminds me of C.S. Lewis and Jerry Seinfeld at the same time. Like Lewis, he has a white knuckle grip on philosophical themes and inquiries while at the same time using them in service to the gospel in a way that resonates with the real questions and concerns of our time. He’s also Seinfeldian in the sense that he has a remarkable knack to see usually ignored details. He has a keen eye for seeing God’s handiwork and finding gospel truth that many would overlook as every day, mundane things. Combine all this with a good sense of humor, remarkable creativity, humble confidence, and savvy vision and you have a trustworthy and fun guide showing you around. Highly recommended!”
—Tullian Tchividjian, Pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Ft. Lauderdale

“Every time Nate Wilson opens his mouth my mind is bent a little bit, and this film is no exception. Notes from the Tilt-a-Whirl throws out all assumptions and takes me on an adventure which ends with a bigger awe for God, a more mysterious world, and a thankfulness to be part of God’s big story.”
—Mike Anderson, The Resurgence, Mars Hill Church, Seattle

“Rembrandt and Van Til have a baby. ‘Notes’ is truly a small slice of heavenly art; a picture of what is and where it is going. As a doctoral student in philosophy, a minister, and resident of the whirling ball I can honestly say that this book captures something of the unity and diversity of God’s glory that many others do not. . . .Unlike other commentators (and no offense) I take Nate at his word that there is intention in every page. The work is like a tapestry, not a scratch and sniff. One must dig, wait, watch the thread, hold on, and not let seeming confusion confirm suspicions of incongruity. . . .The book is a mirror to redemptive history: many stories, one great purpose and goal and God. I enjoy Don Miller, but this is no wannabe. Nate brings a fresh brush stroke, a wisely used artists’ pallet to the exposition of the beauty of a universe where God is utterly huge…and you…dear reader, are not. Read this book for a feast of the fantastic.”
– Gregory C. Schneeberger, Minister to youth and families, Desert Springs Church, Albuquerque, NM

Sep 6

“Bringing the Gospel Home”

2011 | by Trent Hunter | Category: Book Nook

This month we’re featuring a number of books on the what and how of the Great Commission. What exactly has Jesus called us to? How are we to go about this in the context of our times and our personal lives?

With those questions in mind, Randy Newman has written a helpful book, Bringing the Gospel Home: Witnessing to Family Members, Close Friends, and Others who Know You Well.

The people who know us well are also the people we care about the most. However, as it is often the case, the same dynamics that make us close are the same dynamics that can make sharing the gospel complicated. And sometimes we’re tempted just to shelve it. Maybe we’ve burned that bridge through insensitivity, or maybe the relationship is so complicated by history that talking about spiritual matters is overwhelming.

Whatever our situation, we all have people who know us well with whom we should be sharing the gospel. Randy’s book serves the church well to encourage and help us in being faithful, for their joy, ours, and God’s in the preaching of the gospel.

The book is available at the Resource Center during the month of September. Pick up a copy.

Here’s an interview with Ryan conducted by Dane Ortlund about the book:

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Also, around the time of the its release, Justin Taylor linked to excerpts from the book and other resources by Randy.

Aug 26

Resource Center, September: Great Commission Resources

2011 | by Trent Hunter | Category: Book Nook,Recommended Resources

This Sunday begins Missions Emphasis Week at DSC. Sunday will see highlights of our various missions initiatives in the service and at kiosks in the foyer. At our Lord’s Supper on August 31, we will hear an extended interview with our resident church planter, Carlos Griego. All of this is to better unify us around our vision for the fulfillment of Christ’s words when he commanded his disciples in Matthew 28:19, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”

This weekend will also mark the start of the Resource Center’s September feature: Great Commission Resources. We’ve selected a number of resources across a spectrum of important literature and hope that these resources will serve you in the fulfillment of our truly great commission.

Resources to Share

Resources for Planting

Resources for Praying

Resources that Equip

We also have a number of Crossway ESV Bibles available for purchase.
You’ll notice that the accent this month is on the sharing the gospel side of the Great Commission. Of course, the great commission, which is to “make disciples,” includes “teaching them to obey” all that Jesus commanded. Throughout the year, we carry a number of titles for the process of discipling new believers.

Also, note that while most of these books will be available this coming Sunday, all of these books will be available throughout the month of September.

Recommendations from Previous Resource Highlights: Parenting, Biblical Manhood

Jul 25

Man Books at the Resource Center, July 31-August 7

2011 | by Trent Hunter | Category: Book Nook

Last week we published a blog introducing our speakers, the schedule, and theme for this year’s The Man Conference. This conference is now just under two weeks away.

This week, we’d like to highlight some books that we will be featuring at the Resource Center over the next two weeks. While these books aren’t all about men, then are about the things that men should be largely about: knowing God, purity, leadership, being conformed to Christ, guarding doctrine, family.

While our featured material is now Man Books, we still have a number of parenting resources available from our emphasis on parenting in June and July. Also, Dave Bruskas was our speaker at last year’s Man Conference, “A Call to Fight for Biblical Manhood,” and delivered several excellent talks available here.

By way of reminder this year’s theme for, The Man Conference, is “Fighting for Godliness.” The event is free and will take place on Saturday, August 6, from 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM at Desert Springs Church.