Below you’ll find a curated list of resources that we’ve found helpful for a deeper dive into the Scriptures and a variety of topics. Please note that, with the exception of the Bible, we don’t endorse all of the views expressed in these materials.
Below you’ll find a curated list of resources that we’ve found helpful for a deeper dive into the Scriptures and a variety of topics. Please note that, with the exception of the Bible, we don’t endorse all of the views expressed in these materials.
Soundtracks by Jon Acuff
When we don’t control our thoughts, our thoughts control us. If our days are full of broken soundtracks, thoughts are our worst enemy, holding us back from the things we really want. But the solution to overthinking isn’t to stop thinking. The solution is running our brains with better soundtracks. Once we learn how to choose our soundtracks, thoughts become our best friend, propelling us toward our goals.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving–every day. James Clear, one of the world’s leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.
Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard,
Helping us to understand how character is formed and where Jesus does his most significant work on our spiritual and emotional health, this book changed a generation’s mind about what it means to follow Jesus―not a matter of sin management but a matter of drawing near and letting ourselves be shaped into the eternal people of God.
Switch on your Brain by Dr. Caroline Leaf
Supported by current scientific and medical research, Dr. Caroline Leaf gives readers a prescription for better health and wholeness through correct thinking patterns, declaring that we are not victims of our biology. She shares with readers the “switch” in our brains that enables us to live happier, healthier, more enjoyable lives where we achieve our goals, maintain our weight, and even become more intelligent. She shows us how to choose life, get our minds under control, and reap the benefits of a detoxed thought life.
Just Show Up by Kara Tippetts and Jill Lynn Buteyn
In Just Show Up, Kara Tippetts and her close friend, Jill Lynn Buteyn, write about what friendship looks like in the midst of changing life seasons, loads of laundry, and even cancer. Whether you are eager to be present to someone going through a difficult time or simply want inspiration for pursuing friends in a new way, this eloquent and practical book explores the gift of silence, the art of receiving, and what it means to just show up.
Don’t Feed the Monkey Mind by Jennifer Shannon
The Anxiety Cureby Dr. Archibald D. HartPanic Anxiety is the number one mental health problem for women and second only to drug abuse among men. Synthetic tranquilizers can alleviate the symptoms of anxiety illnesses. However, in order to achieve lasting emotional tranquility, a significant lifestyle change must be made. The Anxiety Cure provides proven, natural strategies for overcoming panic disorder and finding an emotional balance in today’s fast-paced world.
The Book of Romans has a lot to say about how we think... more...
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
Bible Project videos:
What is the Gospel of John about in the Bible? Watch as the Bible Project teams explains its major themes and gain a deeper understanding of its place in the biblical story.
Other BP resources:
This article is recommended on their website and offers a concise explanation of the book of John especially with regards to how it compares with the synoptic Gospels.
This guide to John is basically the text of the two overview videos, so if someone would like to dig into the video content more or read it rather than watch it, they can do that here.
Books:
John for Everyone, Pt. 1: Chapters 1-10, by N.T. Wright
John for Everyone, Pt. 2: Chapters 11-21, by N.T. Wright
Bible Project video on Sabbath: What is the Sabbath? Explore the biblical concepts of seventh day rest and Sabbath and see how modern Christians can adopt this important practice.” Included with this video are some questions for reflection and a list of related scriptures on sabbath.
Bible Project podcast on Sabbath: The seventh day is like a multifaceted gem. One of the main facets is the fabric of creation as leading toward a great goal where humans imitate God and join him in ceasing from work and labor. But there’s going to be another facet that’s all about being a slave to our labor. And so the seventh day is a time to celebrate our liberation from slavery so that we can rest with God.”
This is the first in a series of 14 podcast episodes about Sabbath. You can also read a transcript of each podcast episode.
Useful Bible resource apps:
Literal Word is a quick and powerful Bible app thoughtfully designed for engaging the word of God.
The Bible Project also has an app which allows for navigation to all of their videos, podcasts, and articles.
Finding Bible references to sabbath on Bible Gateway:
Click Here and you’ll find a list of 154 references to the word “sabbath” in the Bible. Another search term that might be helpful is “rest.”
If you’d like to have a printable list of the sabbath references, click Click Here for a PDF.
Here are some books that we think are really helpful. more...
Books on Sabbath: (recommended by Dr. Joel Lawrence, pastor-theologian and ECC member):
The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament (IVP Bible Background Commentary Set) by Craig S. Keener — About this book: This unique commentary provides, in verse-by-verse format, the crucial cultural background you need for responsible―and richer―Bible study. It includes a glossary of cultural terms and important historical figures, maps and charts, up-to-date bibliographies, and introductory essays about cultural background information for each book of the New Testament.
We want to help you find resources that will help you grow in your faith. We hope these can be helpful to you.