Things Your Pastor Would Never Tell You But You Really Need to Know
Wayne Honeycutt
Spring Meadows Media, 2019
Only 32 pages long, this work is more of a booklet than book, yet it sufficiently covers the subject at hand and provides useful insight for church members. “Things Your Pastor Would Never Tell You But You Really Need to Know” gives readers a peek into the life of a pastor that draws from Wayne Honeycutt’s decades as associate pastor or senior pastor. As Honeycutt writes in the introduction, “I desire to encourage and challenge you as a member of the body of Christ to partner with your pastor in ministry, learn his heart, and discover ways you can make a difference in ministry with him.” From there, he tackles 22 brief sections that illuminate the pressures and struggles pastors face as they serve their congregations. Some of these relate to the pastor’s schedule — and the 24/7 nature of his calling — as well as the need to balance ministry with family time.
One section talks about the necessity of change, advising church members: “Trust your leaders, from the senior leader and down. If they make changes, trust their judgment.” Another recommends allowing pastors to keep their Sunday morning focus on the sermon they’re preparing to deliver. “When you see your pastor in the hallway before the service begins, speak words of encouragement and keep it brief. A simple ‘Praying for you today, Pastor!’ is all he needs to hear.”
It’s Still Possible: 100 Reminders that God Can Do All Things
Wayne Honeycutt
Thomas Nelson, 2020
Prolific author Karen Moore released three devotional books in 2020. Two of these — a pair of short companion books titled “Got 10 Minutes … for God?” and “Got 10 Minutes? A Book of 30 Guided Devotions” — were published through her own company, Sand Hill House. In these works, she offers guidance for how God may wish to speak to readers, as well as words to ponder and Scriptures to reflect on. The emphasis is that even a short amount of time in Bible study and prayer each day can make a big difference.
“It’s Still Possible” is an extensive set of devotions from Moore that has been released by leading Christian publisher, Thomas Nelson. Moore writes in the introduction, “These devotional readings will remind you of all that’s possible, holding up the light so you can move forward and encouraging you to trust your Creator for everything you need.”
Each piece begins with a theme and Scripture, moves into Moore’s thoughtful prose and concludes with a prayer. Readers regrouping from the year 2020 will find much to encourage them spiritually in the 100 entries.
A Concise Guide to the Quran: Answering Thirty Critical Questions
Wayne Honeycutt
Baker Academic, 2020
Ayman S. Ibrahim’s newly released guide to the sacred text of Islam is informative, illuminating and easy to read. Ibrahim knows his topic from both personal and professional experience. He grew up in a Coptic Christian family in Egypt, where he was surrounded by the reading of the Quran, and he is currently an associate professor of Islamic studies and director for the Jenkins Center of Christian Understanding of Islam at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.
“A Concise Guide to the Quran” is divided into two sections, the first of which is about the history of the Quran. As Ibrahim describes Muslim belief about their holy book, “It came down from heaven as a verbal revelation from Allah to his prophet Muhammed, through the archangel Gabriel, over the course of 23 years.”
Muslims consider these scriptures infallible, and the book itself is treated with respect. Ibrahim explained, “Although Christians honor their copies of the Bible, for them its value is the content. Muslims relate to and treat the Quran differently.”
The second section deals with content within the Quran, including the teaching that “Allah is one.” This concept is the most important to Muslims, Ibrahim explains. He also notes that the Christian belief in the Trinity may be seen as polytheism or “unbelief.”
Top 10 Best-Selling Christian Books
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4. The Stone Wall
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5. The Hideaway
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6. The Shack
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7. The Book of Mysteries
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8. A Lineage of Grace
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9. The Blended Quilt
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10. Twice As Nice Amish Romance Collection
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Source: Christian Book Expo at press time
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