A common claim in modern American Christianity is that you don't have to go to church to be a Christian. The writers of the New Testament, however, would find a Christian faith separate from the church to be unrecognizable. Dean Inserra has often said to his congregation, "There is more to being a Christian than going to church, but there certainly isn't less." Belonging to a local church is not something made up by a Christian subculture. The local church was God's design. It is his grand idea to display his glory and provide the avenue for his people to flourish as his missionaries to the world. When one begins to see the church as God's plan, the mindset shifts from going to church in order to claim Christianity to seeing oneself as a participant in what God has given his people as a gift.
There is a purpose, design, and reason for why the church functions in the manner she does. Consistent practices that may seem as merely tradition upon first glance, are prescribed by God for his people to practice together until Christ returns. The local church, congregated together, is the Lord's primary plan for discipleship, fellowship, and mission for the Christian life. A Short Guide to Church is not a technical treatment of ecclesiology, but rather a book to put in the hands of every prospective and current church member, to help the body of Christ, expressed locally, to see the purposes and plan of the local church for their life of faith, and why it truly is the best thing going.
Few things bring more immediate scrutiny and impassioned angst among young adult Christians today than hearing the words “purity culture.” Serious flaws from purity culture deserve to be scrutinized, especially given its lasting negative effects on some raised in the movement. Many Christians today reject the movement—and all that it stood for—wholesale. However, we can’t ignore the clear sexual ethics of the Bible. Pure dives into the big picture of God’s design for men and women regarding sexuality, and seeks to reclaim one of the clearest teaching in the scriptures: the call to sexual purity. While purity culture gets the truth right, the approach and gospel elements it espouses are often wrong. Let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water, but rather celebrate God’s great design for marriage and the loving boundaries he has put in place for our joy, protection, and flourishing.
Is trying to be “the best you” actually ruining you?
From “living your best life” to “self-actualizing,” “finding your destiny,” and “waiting on the best to come,” the contemporary messages of the world exhort us to believe that we are promised and entitled the biggest and best life can possibly offer. But is that actually what Jesus promises? Is that even close to the message of the gospel?
Getting Over Yourself is a call for Christians to reject these hollow messages of personal prosperity and to return to the humble truths of the gospel. You’ll learn how to identify this insidious, popular theology in culture and churches and examine its devastating effects. And, perhaps most importantly, you’ll learn how to combat it with gospel truth that leads to the abundant life Jesus actually desires for His people. Discover the beauty in losing yourself—and ultimately in gaining Him.
When a crisis hits, does doubt arise?
Does uncertainty ever threaten your faith in God’s promises? Or do you sometimes wonder whether His promises can be trusted? Perhaps you know about God, but are you confident that you really know Him?
Without a Doubt is for anyone who wrestles with the certainty of their faith or if the promises of Christianity are true. Pastor Dean Inserra lays out what the Bible teaches about how to have saving faith in God. You’ll learn the clear truth about who a Christian is—and who a Christian is not. This book will address your doubts and give you the confidence that comes by understanding the essentials of faith, finding assurance of your own salvation, and by learning the marks of a transformed life.
What to do when they say they're Christian but don't know Jesus
Whether it's the Christmas and Easter Christians or the faithful church attenders whose hearts are cold toward the Lord, we've all encountered cultural Christians. They'd check the Christian box on a survey, they're fine with church, but the truth is, they're far from God. So how do we bring Jesus to this overlooked mission field?
The Unsaved Christian equips you to confront cultural Christianity with honesty, compassion, and grace, whether you're doing it from the pulpit or the pews. This practical guide will:
show you how to recognize cultural Christianity
teach you how to overcome the barriers that get in the way
give you easy-to-understand advice about VBS, holiday services, reaching "good people," and more!
If you've ever felt stuck or unsure how to minister to someone who identifies as Christian but still needs Jesus, this book is for you.
