Deeper - Prince of Peace Lutheran Church - LCMS In Coralville, Iowa

This page is a growing list of Resources for Christians interested in learning more.

The Bible

The Holy Bible is the "Word of God" which reveals His love to us in Jesus Christ. Though the Bible can be read by anyone, it is meant to be used and taught within the Christian worshipping community. That's why we study it in worship and in classes. Reading the Bible. If someone were to try reading it from front to back, cover to cover, they would most likely get frustrated and probably would give up. Try reading one of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John) first. Which version of the Bible? We don't have an official version. Our congregation uses the English Standard version (ESV) in worship. An interesting version/paraphrase is Eugene Petersen's The Message . The NIV Study Bible is available through Concordia Publishing House. It provides an excellent running commentary, unlocking the meaning to key scripture passages. We are awaiting the arrival of the Concordia ESV Study Bible, due soon. Searching the Bible online. Try the ESV Bible.

The Small Catechism by Martin Luther Our congregation uses the edition from Concordia Publishing House (CPH). This work explains Christianity in an organized, topic-by-topic manner in a question and answer format. We use this resource with our children in Confirmation Class, and with adults who want to know what we believe. On line: Small Catechism. And yes, there is a Large Catechism as well, a collection of sermons used by Martin Luther to teach the content of the Small Catechism.

A Summary of Christian Doctrine , by Edward W. A. Koehler, CPH. This work provides a Lutheran perspective on Holy Scripture, God, Creation, and Providence, Angels, and Man, Law and Sin, Salvation by Grace, Sanctification, Conversion, Faith, Justification by Faith, Sanctification through Faith, Good Works, Prayer, the Office of Public Ministry and much more.

The Christian Faith by Robert Kolb. Read about the Christian faith by topics.

GENERAL

The Problem of Pain by C. S. Lewis. Noted Christian apologist, Lewis examines the existence of pain in a world created by a loving God.

Making Sense Out of Suffering , by Peter Kreeft

C.S. Lewis in general. Just about anything by this author is worth reading. The Chronicles of Narnia, staring with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is excellent for children and adults alike. See the movie. Mere Christianity is a wonderful explanation of the Christian faith. Lewis became a Christian as an adult, so he insights are very helpful. The Great Divorce is a fictional story of a man's journey through hell. It's actually about life in this world. The ending is very interesting. Lewis also has books on miracles and pain. Science fiction fans should read Lewis's Space Trilogy. Lewis is not a theologian, though, and should not be read as one.

JESUS

He Walked Among Us by Josh McDowell and Bill Wilson. This book offers evidence of the historical Jesus.

DVD: Jesus, Legend or Lord ? by Dr. Paul Maier, CPH. This DVD explores Jesus through archaeology, history, and geography to prove His existence.

Jesus Among Other Gods by Ravi Zacharias, Word Publishing. Noted Christian Scholar, Ravi Zacharias compares Jesus Christ’s answers to the world’s most frequently asked questions of the founders of several other world religions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam.

The Kingdom of the Cults by Walter Martin, edited by Ravi Zacharias. An updated standard reference on the cults. One of the best places to begin when researching the Mormons and others.

The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel, published by Zondervan. Answers the toughest questions about faith in Jesus Christ.

The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell. This two-volume work offers a look at Bible criticism, the case for and against Christianity, the case for the Bible, the case for Jesus, and more.

The Day Christ Died by Jim Bishop. An examination of Good Friday.

THE BIBLE

The Canon of Scripture by F.F. Bruce. Explores how the Bible came to be.

The Text of the New Testament by Bruce M. Metzger. Teaches how ancient books were made, lists important sources for the New Testament texts and looks at various forms of scriptural criticism.

How Dependable is the Bible ? by Dr. Raymond Surburg, Lippincott Press. Dr. Surburg was professor of exegetical theology (Old Testament) at Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, IN.

What if the Bible Had Never Been Written ? by D. James Kennedy and Jerry Newcombe, Thomas Nelson Publishing. Describes how the Bible provided inspiration for explorers, scientists, writers, artists, and educators.

Bible Difficulties & Seeming Contradictions by William Arndt

CHRISTIAN LIFE

The Spirituality of the Cross by Gene Veith. How does a Christian live in this world?

How To Stay A Christian In College by J. Budziszewski

SCIENCE AND FAITH

Reading God's Word by Angus Menuge. A collection of essays written by Christians in the scientific field.

Darwin on Trial by Phillip E. Johnson, InterVarsity Press. Offers a reasoned evaluation of Darwinism.

Evolution: A Theory in Crisis by Michael Denton. Presents reasons why Darwinism is in trouble.

Genes, Genesis, and Evolution by John W. Koltz, CPH

WEB SITES:

http://www.christiananswers.net This is a huge resource on a lot of Christian topics.

http://www.lcms.org/ca/www/cyclopedia/02/ The Christian Cyclopedia. This an excellect resource for answering questions and looking up terms.

Cyberbrethern: Rev. Paul McCain's Blog site

http://netministries.org/BBAsics/bbbott.htm This site lets you hear the pronunciations of difficult names in the Bible.

WORSHIP

Lutheran Worship: History and Practice edited by Fred Pretch, CPH. A thorough examination of the history and elements of liturgical worship.

A Royal "Waste of Time" by Marva Dawn. The significance of Christians worshipping together.

Women Pastors? The Ordination of Women in Biblical Lutheran Perspective. A collection of Essays. Edited by Matthew Harrison and John Pless, CPH. This work is a examination, through various authors, of the significant questions, the social trends and influences, the historical development, and the vital theology behind what some would call an "issue" and others "the very heart" of what it means to be a Christian.

MARRIAGE And SEX

Sexual Character: Beyond The Technique to Intimacy by Marva Dawn

The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John Gottman

Marriage Savers by Michael McManus

Books by Willard Harely: His Needs Her Needs, Love Busters, Marriage Insurance.

Hope For Troubled Marriages by Everett Worthington

Divorce Busting by Michele Weiner-Davis

Web Site: Marriage Builders

Web Site: Divorce Busting

Web Site: Growthtrac

Web Site: Marriage Encounter

Web Site: Gottman