Put off the new book & put on the old!

I once heard someone say that you can tell a lot about someone by the books on their bookshelf. So have you had a good look at your bookshelf lately? In todays society the common pill many swallow is 'out with the old, in with the new'. So have todays young Christians swallowed this too when it comes to the question of who or what should I read? Unfortunately I think so. Check out the top ten at Koorong... Joyce Meyer, Joel Osteen, Phillip Yancey. How many Christians do you know whose bookshelf contains a copy of 'What's So Amazing About Grace', 'Every Young Mans Battle', & 'Wild at Heart' and that's it! There is nothing wrong with these books at all! In fact I recommend each Christian man read them. But where are the classics??

It was while I was reading John Owen's 'The Glory of Christ' this morning in which I reflected on how much Christians today are missing out on the ancient treasures of Puritan literature. Owen in speaking of Christians need to seek faith the glory of Christ writes..

'In this would I live; in this would I die; upon this would I dwell my thoughts and affections, to the withering and consumption of all the painted beautied of this world, to the crucifying all things here below, until they become to me a dead and deformed thing, no way suitable for affectionate embraces'

How good it that! Friends, why should we starve ourselves of such Christ centred literature. I have just finished 'Pilgrims Progress' and now I feel that every new Christian should read it. I want to make it the membership requirement every church in Sydney! It was that good. So pick up some classics. Read John Owen, Jonathan Edwards, John Bunyan (no wonder I love John Piper), Martin Luther's Commentaries. Let these authors guide you to deeper maturity in Christ. It may be tough work, but that's life!

Dirty Little Secret

Craig Gross in his book ‘Dirty Little Secret’ takes us into the world of his ministry, XXX Church. From the lives of those who battle with pornography to the real lives of those who are in the porn industry, this book reveals this hurting world behind the the glossy magazines and web pages. In a very readable way, Craig talks to us about what XXX Church do, how it was started, and what is happening now. As Craig talks about those he has met along the way, we are drawn into real life stories of men and women struggling with pornography. This book also gives us great insight into world of pornography as we read stories of porn-stars, and how the industry is affecting those working in it. The main aim of this book is to get people to stop putting the topic of porn under the table, and face it, deal with it, and help it. Craig’s passion for exposing the hurting world of men and women struggling with porn is very refreshing as this topic always seems to be such a taboo. One of the great things about this book is that it pulls the reader into understanding that porn is not a pretty, glossy, sexy thing. But in fact, porn damages marriages, self esteem, friendships, and our minds.

Pros
This book is one of the most refreshing looks pornography. It is very inspiring as you read the ministries going on with people in the porn industry. It also shows the gutsiness of XXX Church. If you want a deeper look into the industry, but more so into the ones reaching out to the industry this is the book for you! The book is also very readable. With lots of great stories and funny moments, this book is a real delight to read. WARNING!!! This book may inspire you to start or get involved in a ministry that outreaches to those struggling with pornography.

Cons
Unfortunately like many books on the market on this topic, God is left out of the picture. Craig is a strong follower of Jesus Christ, but comments like.. “A lot of these guys are like Tim, who has nothing substantial on the line, and they will eventually find that place where they’re broke or utterly, unbearably lonely.” (p130)
The problem with this is that there is something on the line...ETERNITY!!! There is a reason Jesus goes so far as to say cut of your hand or gouge out your eye if you lust, for it is better to enter heaven with no hands or eyes. It is because eternity hangs on you fighting lust. Craig needs to see that more than marriages and family hang on your pornography addiction.

Conclusion
Overall, I would recommend everyone to read this book. It has great insight into an active ministry of trying to help people with this serious addiction. With lots of great stories and good reflections this book is a winner! I have given it three stars due to the lack of showing that God is behind the ministry of XXX Church and that he is what people need most.