The Long Road Home by Dr. Earle L. Wilson & Lawrence W. Wilson

Full title: The Long Road Home: How God Forms Our Prodigal Souls, Wesleyan Publishing House.

I read this book straight through, but I am going to go back and take it a chapter at a time.

Both authors are pastors, and they present a thorough study of the parable of the prodigal son in easy-to-read style, organized in 30 readings. Using verses excerpted from the scripture story, the authors examine the roles and attitudes of the prodigal, the father, and the son that didn't leave home. Each reading includes questions for self-examination at the end. I recommend the book for either personal or group study. If I could give it six stars, I would.

You can order from Wesleyan Publishing House at this link. It's also available on Amazon.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author. I was offered a review copy via email, and I requested to review it. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Common Ground by Keith Drury

The subtitle for this book is "What All Christians Believe and Why It Matters." Drury is a professor of practical ministry at Indiana Wesleyan University. He has authored a number of books, and I have read a few of them. Common Ground is my favorite so far.

Christians often disagree over doctrinal details, but we should be able to agree on the core beliefs contained in the Apostles' Creed. There are people "out there" today who call themselves Christians but really have no idea what a Christian is supposed to believe.

In the introduction, Drury states the reasons why Christians should know and study the creed. In subsequent chapters, he treats each element of the creed, explaining the Biblical basis and why the particular portion is important to today's Christian. He ends each chapter with a prayer which affirms his belief in the doctrine just described.

Drury has set up a Common Ground blog for those who use this book as a group study resource. I found the book very easy to understand, and I think it would make an excellent small group study.

Find out more about Drury by visiting his Web site.