Seeing that we have the Bible, do we need Christian books as well? Will every Christian not be better off spending more time in the Bible only? Are we wasting our time reading the books of modern Christian authors? Or, should we rather read more of them and encourage others to do the same?

Christian books can be used by God in a big way. Let’s first consider the relationship between these books and the Bible, and then see what makes Christian books so useful.

The Bible

The Holy Bible is the Living Word of God. It is true in all respects. I believe mine from cover to cover. Every Christian should spend time in God’s Word every single day. We should meditate on it, apply it to our lives and teach it to others.

Before you read any other Christian material on any given day, make sure that you have spent time reading your Bible (and praying!) earlier that day. Remember that having a relationship with God is two ways. You speak and then you listen. You listen for as long as it takes for God to give you your instructions for that day.

After you have done that, I encourage you to read Christian literature rather than normal fiction or secular books. Let’s see why I think this is a good idea…

Years of experience

Christian books are normally written by Christian authors that were schooled in theology and ministry. Some of these guys serve as pastors at large congregations, and some others run full-time ministries for God. I think it would be fair to say that they should have a good relationship with God, and live under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Therefore, when these authors see a need in the world, and address it through a topical modern book, we would be wise to listen. You can learn from these men and woman, and they might just write a book on a topic that has been bothering you…

It is time that we start appreciating that these guys are actually used by God, and their books are some of the fruit that they bear.

The value of research

Furthermore, Christian authors have a lot of time on their hands. They are most probably in full-time ministry in one way or another (as I stated above). They can use normal working hours (for the rest of us) to dig in to the Bible. This enables them to research a certain topic very exhaustively - find all Scripture on the topic, compare different verses, uses dictionaries and encyclopaedias to strengthen their views. You get the point.

You and I can then gain their insight earned through very hard work (sometimes for numerous years) simply by reading the book. I am sure our heavenly Father would approve…

A letter to the Romans

Think about the Bible book of Romans. This is a letter written to the Christians in Rome during the life of Paul. When reading the letter again recently, I picked up how much of it is not necessarily applicable to modern day Christians in a Western Society. The theory behind Paul’s claims is still timeless and should be noted.

Just as there were certain hot topics in the days of Apostle Paul, in the same way we have topics that need to be addressed in modern Christianity and the church of today. If Paul was alive today, I bet he would still be writing books (or letters) and I am even more convinced that we would be reading them.

Conclusion

The Bible is God’s spoken word. We should listen by reading it daily and by reading the whole book many times during our short stay on earth. Fortunately, we have the additional blessing of modern Christian books.

These books can be used by God to transform lives, to correct misconceptions, to give practical advice and to simply strengthen our faith. We should be reading them.

The next time you have to choose between a secular book and a Christian book, make the wise choice and pick up that Christian book. You will not be sorry!

By: Dries Cronje

Satan Is Cool With Your Christian Values

Satan does not mind if you teach your children all the books of the Bible and all the Ten Commandments and all of the catechism–provided you do not teach them the gospel of a bloody cross.

Jesus Wants To Save Christians

The tone of the book rebukes and attacks those who don’t fit into Bell’s perceived right way of doing things. It’s telling that there is no felt rebuked for Bell’s point of view.

What We Believe

If all that is being viewed is the second coming of Christ then this would be a better fit in Article X on Last Things. Alas, the only sensible explanation then would seem to be that it is simply a call for Christians to pray.

Technorati Tags: christian books distributor, Christian Bookstore Discount, online christian books

God’s Word Continues to Speak Via Christian Web Sites That Offer You Outstandingly Helpful and Highly Supportive Christian Ebooks.

Some Christian web sites supply you with fundamental guidance by offering downloadable ebooks. These may be such unique Christian ebooks that capture the essence of Christian lifestyle and thereby help you to benefit from the assistance provided by helpful, supportive, Christian web sites throughout the world.

When you are searching for enhancement or enlightenment on Christian lifestyle endeavors, you may find that your best Christian ebooks online, in addition to brick and mortar outlets, now tend to meet, match, and even neutralize the pace set by our modern, conquest oriented, quick-fix society.

As uniquely stated that Christianity is a time-honored tradition, the word of God continues to show forth dependably. Within the technological advances of our time, solid Christian web sites knowingly provide digital beacons in conveniently obtainable and easily readable formats.

Compact disks, USB or flash remote disk drives, plus read-write CD-ROMs or DVDs synergistically combine, to offer you vast, economical, and rare selections of online and offline Christian development reading material.

This gives you the option, for example, to now almost effortlessly download ebooks from your own personal or preferred medley of Christian ebooks.

It is possible that standard stores possess a disadvantage in that regard. Because, although brick-and-mortar stores may carry or provide a large selection of hard-cover reading materials… they compete far less favorably with the no-cost, digital delivery features of Christian web sites.

Additionally, delivering much-desired, common-grounded cordiality, plus dependability in God-centered customer service (which Christian web sites especially supply), gives Christian market shoppers the well demanded and highly expected satisfaction they are seeking in an otherwise, seemingly complacent or non-caring, sales driven society.

Whether you are a devout, seasoned Christian, or a newcomer to the fold, basic Christian lifestyle concepts and fundamentals remain standing, without alteration or change.

For example, consider the following basic principle you see, constantly expounded upon by countless Christian web sites and Christian book distributors across the globe…

That is, one of the greatest and most helpful Christian commandments you may find is, “Love Thy Neighbor As Thyself. Do This For The Love Of Me.”

These words provide a challenge, if you will. They invite you to become a much better person… to improve your own human relationship skills, but most importantly… to bind yourself in-line with cooperative spiritual giving through enhanced personal control or power.

In essence, striving to increase power over ones self… emotionally, socially, spiritually… remains a formidable challenge and an almost elusive goal for many non-Christians and Christians alike.

Now, although only ten commandments form this generally solid basis for a positive, overall Christian life, the single commandment to take control over ones self continues to provide its own, unique obstacle course for millions of people you might encounter.

And, when fervently seeking God (or, in ones quest for attainment and adherence to God-centered principles)… one can easily forget, overlook, or simply underestimate the healing power associated with self-discipline, Christian adherence, and Godly direction.

In other words, God creates human beings with a general capacity to shine. Yet, we also operate with another unique ability. Meaning, another choice we can make just as easily is one that includes a decision to falter.

And, falling short of God’s glory may often become all too familiar, especially in today’s individualistically hectic, needs-driven society.

Therefore, considering all of the above… finding one solid source for peace of mind, innocent stress release, divinely approved relaxation, and majestic calm is a service that Christian web sites also have a calling to perform.

And, it is within such light that, today, you are here reading this article. Most likely, you seek to maximize your mutual sharing, understanding, and utilization of the Godly word.

Your goal is to acquire more confidence, in the Christian way. Plus, you desire to become equipped and readied by applying your focused intention and upgraded sincerity towards being a better person.

So, here is what you find. Out of all the millions of Christian web sites at which you may have landed on this day, God sees fit to place you here, to find the one, most useful gem out of many, that Christian web sites may offer you.

Yet, where lays your primary, greatest, and most obvious or startling, year 2008 Christian challenge?

Well, a Christian majority, much like almost any other normal majority in our populous, wants to walk away from essentially every Christian encounter… with personal improvement, newfound joy, and uplifted willpower to take positive action upon the Godly principles, concepts, or fundamentals revisited in online mediums like Christian ebooks, for example.

Christianity is not a new occurrence. And, Christian guidelines on sex, marriage, lifestyle, or career sometimes deserve to be presented to you in an invitingly optimistic way.

Rare and unique Christian web sites manage to meet your expectations for such options - offering you Christian reading material specifically selected to match multi-purposed facets of your life.

As merely a polite and well intended suggestion, you can allow Christian web sites to help you find your own place in God’s plan for this world.

By: Fitness Doctor

Paul Keith Davis Visits A Treasury Room in Heaven

And in this treasury room there were items of immense value, paintings, books and poetry and blueprints that are of incredible value. And the Lord said they were the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden in Christ.

Gods Word Continues to Speak

As uniquely stated that Christianity is a time-honored tradition, the word of God continues to show forth dependably. Within the technological advances of our time, solid Christian web sites knowingly provide digital beacons in.

John Franke on Plurality 2.0

I believe one of the most significant challenges facing the church is the sheer, existential reality of Christian plurality. While we often speak glibly of the Christian tradition, even a cursory glance at the history of the church.

Technorati Tags: christian ebooks, ebooks, ebooks online

Reading Christian books, listing to Christian music, and partaking in other contemporary Christian entertainment can be a source of spiritual renewal and great joy. Christian entertainment can also present a wonderful opportunity to fellowship with other Christians in an environment infused with the spirit and love of God.

You can participate in the joyful celebration of God’s work through man by starting a Christian book club, a Bible study group, or hosting a “listening” party for the latest contemporary Christian music.

To launch a book club, decide upon the date and time of the first meeting, then post a notice on the bulletin board at your church, or make an announcement in your church’s newsletter or bulletin. Try and recruit book club members from diverse age groups and backgrounds. Having differing views will add interest to later book club discussions. Ask each book club member to bring the titles of two suggested books to the first meeting.

At your first meeting, decide upon a regular day and time for future meetings. The maximum time between meetings should be one month, although many book clubs meet every two weeks. Also discuss who will lead the book club discussions. Some clubs have a single leader for all books, while others choose to have the person who selected the book lead that particular book’s discussion. You may also wish to decide whether refreshments will be served and, if so, who is responsible for providing snacks and beverages.

The final - and most fun - step is deciding which book to read first. Take a vote, make a list of the top three choices, and read the books in that order. Book club members should commit to reading the book prior to the next meeting, and the discussion leader should commit to developing a list of study guide questions or points of discussion. If themes in the book correspond to passages in the Bible, the discussion leader should be prepared to guide book club members to those passages.

Each of the book club members should then purchase the book that has been chosen. The Fisher of Men online bookstore offers deep discounts on Christian books, music, software, Bibles, videos, and gifts.

Whether your book club chooses a Christian novel or a non-fiction book, such as “The Purpose-Driven Life,” you can have a lively discussion of Christian principles in an environment of fellowship and community.

According a recent study, about half of Americans will buy at least one Christian book this year. The uptick in the sales of Christian titles has led secular online and brick-and-mortar bookstores to carry unprecedented numbers of Christian books. However, instead of shopping at secular bookstores, many Christians are choosing to support online bookstores owned and operated by other Christians. Common thought is that Christians should monetarily support the ministries of other Christians who are spreading God’s word through the sale of bibles, as well as through the sale of Christian books, videos, software, music, and audio books.

Author: Chris Robertson

Neale Donald Walsch - God’s plagerist?

Walsch’s story purports to tell the tale of a miraculous appearance of the words “Christ Was Love” during the rehearsal of his son’s school Christmas pageant; but his article is almost identical to the same article published 10.

Alexandra Pelosi Examines The Friends Of God

If you read Darwin (and many of his proponents), you will see that an a priori assumption of these people is that there is no God and darwinistic evolution proves that (never mind that they have their own god(s) - that’s another post).

Thinking Christian: Suicide

PJP: To add to curlysmom’s advice, I’d recommend going to a Christian bookstore and finding a Bible Study or a history book on the Christian faith. Many (not all) of your questions could be answered that way.

Technorati Tags: Christian Bookstore Discount, christian life, christian ministry

As the Christian perspective on dating is different from that of non-Christians, it is quite possible that Christian singles get confused about several concepts that relate to dating.

Hence, instead of making mistakes in such confused dating situations, it is better for them to seek guidance from one of the available Christian books on dating. These books will help Christian singles find ways to enjoy their dating phase in accordance with biblical wisdom, principles and the teachings of the God.

Online medium is the best way to purchase these Christian dating books as they can be availed at very affordable rates, online. Also, it is the most convenient way to purchase these books. Also, you could lay hand on numerous e-books that cater to the topic.

Don’t Date Naked, Every Teenager’s Little Black Book on Sex and Dating, 10 Commandments of Dating, I Kissed Dating Goodbye, I Gave Dating a Chance and Boundaries in Dating are some of the picks on Christian dating that can be read by Christian singles. In these books, you may find names of famous Christian dating websites.

Furthermore, once you browse for these books, you may also find related discussion forums at some sites that talk about reviews of the related books. An online forum is of great help as the participants recommend more good books that they have already read and that others can read for a better Christian approach towards dating. Participants may also exchange their viewpoints or tips that they have learned after reading other Christian dating books.

These books also guide you with the right way to chat in the online forums. They tell you to be mindful of Christian virtues like self control, respect, kindness and honor. You must not indulge in arguments of any kind and maintain peace in online discussions.

Be careful to be humble in your approach when you express your viewpoint over a certain issue that you might think is justified as you have read it in any Christian dating book. This is because it might hurt someone else’s feelings or might not be acceptable to any other person for they may believe in an opinion contrary to it.

Also, you may discuss the teaching of Christ for Christians dating and the way it has been presented in Christian dating books read by you. You might also ask for opinion of other participants over certain Christian dating rules mentioned in the book that you don’t agree with. For example, there may be an opinion in some book which says that according to the Bible, Christianity allows interracial dating. But you may not agree to this fact. So, you can confirm it from participants in these online forums according to the knowledge gained by them after reading other Christian dating books.

Apart from this, you may find these Christian books on dating at your local Christian library or you may ask for them from your pastor. You are sure to benefit a lot by reading these books so start picking them right away. Source: eChristiandatingadvice dot com

Author: Louis Zhang

The Ten Commandments of Dating: Time-Tested Laws for Building

The Ten Commandments of Dating: Time-Tested Laws for Building Successful Relationships. Product Description. The Ten Commandments of Dating, completely revised and updated, offers hope and sanity to singles who are sick and tired.

Read Christian Books on Dating For Successful Relationships

As the Christian perspective on dating is different from that of non-Christians, it is quite possible that Christian singles get confused about several concepts that relate to dating .

Do People Need Dating Coaching?

Today’s dating culture is so complex, and yet I firmly believe that it’s the best time ever to be dating and to be creating relationships…because we have tools and resources like never before to enable a more successful dating experience.

Technorati Tags: books, christian dating relationship, dating tips

There is nothing quite like reading good books. Perhaps you especially enjoy reading good Christian books. There are certainly some wonderful old classics and very interesting new releases. The Christian community has produced a lot of different authors. With the release of the movie based on C.S. Lewis “Prince Caspian”, maybe the idea of reading or re-reading the Chronicles of Narnia popped into your mind. They are such good books. It would be nice to add the ability to engage in discussions and insights into the book as you read.

If you have ever had the opportunity to be involved in a Christian Book Club then you know that they can be a wonderful experience. It is fun to hear the things other people get out of the same book you are reading. Perspectives on the story that you might have missed become apparent in the midst of discussion. The problem with most book clubs is that they often start strong but then begin to fade. The reality is we live in a busy world and it becomes difficult to schedule times when everyone in the club can get together. If people miss a meeting because of a scheduling conflict or fall behind in their reading they will often just drop out of the group.

Starting a book club with an Internet component could be the best way to fix the problem of a traditional book club setting. A virtual book club that can be accessed when people have time and can leave their comments. This club could be open to people all over the world allowing for some great cultural view points.

For people who still want a more traditional book club setting, instead of trying to meet every week, a once a month meeting could be arranged where your local group can get together for some one on one discussion. The rest of the month, having an online component would allow people to read and stay connected in spite of busy schedules. It is much easier to add a once a month meeting into your schedule than a once a week meeting. You really don’t want to stretch a book out longer than a month.

You can either start your own online book club or you can join one that already exists and encourage your local group members to join up as well. Joining an online book club should be free. The advantage to joining a club that already exists online is that they will organize the book selections and keep the club running. Either way, the ability to read and discuss good Christian Books just got a little easier.

Author: Stephen Lawes

Book Review: A Whole New Life

Is Price a conservative, evangelical, Bible-thumping Christian? No. Not at the time of writing this book, anyway. I don’t get the idea that he was even part of any type of organized religion, actually.

Triablogue: The New Testament Canon And Church Authority

They are a witness to that tradition, and not any of the many other “Christian” groups that existed at the time. And the lap he is sitting in, is the idea that there was one catholic church which was the ark of truth.

Pithy perspective for everybody’s church

The good, the bad and other ideas: Being a cynical sort, I was ready to mock this feel-good, inspirational little book (156 pages, not including the reader’s guide at the end) that is clearly intended to be a Christian book club classic.

Technorati Tags: book clubs online, christian book clubs, free book clubs

The ultimate Christian book is the Bible. Next to it are the books published specifically as supplements of Christian theology. Individual Christian books that allow both the authors and the readers to explore the realms of Christianity. To interpret philosophical questions and virtually all other things that concern the knowledge on Christian theology.

What there is to it for becoming Christians is usually the most common topic in the majority of Christian books along with all the fields of studies that Christianity and Christian doctrines cover.

Well-written Christian books, poems, articles, and selections have tremendous effects on one’s personality and may lead to great changes in a person’s points of view. These are powerful instruments for spiritual growth for the person reading them.

Christianity is primarily defined as belief on a Supreme Being, specifically Jesus Christ as humanity’s savior. Christians on the other hand, are people who have personal relationship with God. This same relationship has become the greater focus in producing Christian writings.

These books are the materialized responses of man to his Living God. As it is, the greatest and the majority of in-print materials with regards to Christianity are often encircling on the topic about his relationship with the Creator. God is the Supreme Writer of history and the little gods (or the Christians) are the writers of their personal stories with God as the central character.

One reputed source of inspirations that led authors to write their Christian readings, is the Bible. From here did the foundations of theology came from, supported by the scriptures that have been discovered over the centuries, and from here too did the geniuses of Christian readings received and based their best sellers.

This is no miracle since the Bible had been circulating the world since Christianity begun. And copies of it has reached even the remotest areas of the world and the most neglected sections of the societies.

For those who love and have some background on Christian readings, they may identify such books because they often include the following:

- citations and doctrines
- beliefs and dogmas
- Christian manifestos
- fundamentals of Christianity
- true to life stories
- inspirational anecdotes
- meditations and reflections
- aid to prayers
- building personal relationships with God
- Christian theology and prophecies
- articles and news as they relate to predictions
- personal growth and recovery
- personal health
- social issues
- prayers and meditations
- lifestyle management
- wisdom on life
- selections on ministry, discipleship, evangelism, fellowship and worship
- biographies
- fictions, children books and the likes
- guidelines for Christian living and a variety of other things.

Christian books were written out of extraordinary and not so extraordinary encounters. You may find some of them non-pleasing because many reveal philosophies that are against to your personal perspectives. However, this does not negate the fact the larger portion of these reading touches the heart. Most are known to have created deep and great changes among their readers. Not only can people relate with the author’s ideas, we are also lead to recreate in us broader sense of religion and enlightenment. These are by and large mind openers. They expose us to what should be believed in and trusted upon.

We are moved by what we read. Why? Because these are tales of personal experiences with the Being we call GOD.

By: Robert Thatcher

Christy’s Book Blog: Nine Ways God Always Speaks

If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured.

A Peek At My Bookshelf: FIRST Presents

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books.

Who Really Controls The Success of a Title?

The way our industry works is that advance copies and finished copies of new books are sent to reviewers and hosts of Christian TV shows. The promotion and publicity machine is designed so that media.

Technorati Tags: bible, books, Christian Bookstore Discount

This book by Charles Ludwig is one of the great Christian books on motherhood. I found its greatest benefit to mothers to be Susanna’s single-minded determination to be used of God in raising a family.
The twenty-fifth and last child of Samuel Annesley, she desired more than anything that God would use her and make her life count. She succeeded through much determination and much testing. Her favorite Christian books she relied on to help her were her church’s prayer book and the bible.

Sadly, we seldom see the character and the power of a praying woman like Susanna exhibited in today’s society. Great Christian books like this one would help contemporary mothers reverse this trend.
Susanna, named after the woman in the bible who helped Jesus and his disciples in Luke 8:3, was born on January 20, 1669 in London, England. Interestingly, this was the same year in which Rembrandt died and in which Stradivari created his now famous violin.

I like the way the some Christian books begin by jumping right into an action scene. I admire people who think independently yet try to get along with others, and the opening scene thrusts Susanna into this category. Respecting her dad’s scheduled time for reading the bible, she politely awaits its end before nervously revealing her desire to attend a different church. Her dad uses an illustration of deflecting a compass needle to caution Susanna about making sure her own ambition doesn’t conflict with God’s direction for her life.

English history buffs who enjoy reading Christian books loaded with information on the kings and queens and their lineages are in for a treat. While only mildly interested myself, my greatest pleasure was in seeing Susanna’s reaction to the various rulers and how they affected her life. Her story made me glad for the freedoms I have to raise my family today.

Susanna actually walked on the famous London Bridge. She noticed skulls of people who were executed mounted on the old stone tower and thought it grotesque and unbecoming of her modern age, the turn of the century into the 1800’s. To her the bridge was an analogy of Christ in the bible, for as the bridge was the only way across the Thames River, Christ was the only way to heaven.

The Great Plague of London in 1665 was followed by the Great Fire in 1666 in which God destroyed the pestilence. This fire, which started in the house of a baker somehow between one and two in the morning burned for almost five days in early September. Though it would be several years later before Susanna was born and still later before she could appreciate its significance, her heart yearned to start a similar spiritual fire in the hearts of people in England that would spread the gospel throughout the world. She believed she would achieve this through her children.

Christian books sometimes startle us with coincidences. I was surprised to learn that Susanna was a contemporary of Daniel Defoe. Defoe was the author of Robinson Crusoe and Gulliver’s Travels. His name was originally Daniel Foe, and he grew up with Susanna in London.
Samuel Annesley had taught his daughter, Susanna, the power of method. Every day they did the same thing at the same time. This trait she was to pass on to her own children, and when John and Charles imposed this practice on others at college, they were dubbed Methodists.

I enjoyed reading the eight rules of children’s behavior she listed in her later years per John’s request. While including punishment, she stressed not neglecting to commend and praise right actions. Her method of preventing her children from lying to get out of being punished is one I learned through great Christian books, myself, as a school teacher. I wonder if it originated with SusannaWesley?

It wasn’t until daughter Kezziah got saved - shortly followed by Charles and John - that Susanna finally discovered how she could know for sure she was going to heaven. It amazes me that she could try so hard to raise her children by the bible and be so successful, especially with John and Charles, yet not get saved until after she was seventy years old. While the power of a praying woman was evident in raising her children, in the end, it was the indirect means of her own salvation through the gospel.

By: Bob Ogden

Christian Books & Authors

Our Ring is about Christian books or authors, or for pages containing literary criticism from a Christian perspective. Book reviews, essays, criticism, etc. Visit Christian Books & Authors at LotsaSites.

Who Really Controls The Success of a Title?

The way our industry works is that advance copies and finished copies of new books are sent to reviewers and hosts of Christian TV shows. The promotion and publicity machine is designed so that media — formerly print, but increasingly.

Three New Christian Books to Help You Keep

Carole McDonnell’s short stories and essays appear online and in print, in speculative fiction, ethnic, and Christian publications. She lives in New York with her husband, two sons, and their pets. Wind Follower, published by Juno Books.

Technorati Tags: christian booksellers, christian bookshop, Christian Bookstore Discount

It is not uncommon for Christian writers to receive strong negative reaction against their books. Especially if they mention faith either as a characterization, plot sequence, or even cover art. Meanwhile the writers of sci-fi, fantasy and horror books are full of pictures of demons, pentagrams, and other occult symbols and often filled with descriptions of pagan ceremonies and magic.

Consequently, Christian writers are often timid in writing their stories, thinking that they won’t be published or that their work will be scorned by editors who fear the Christian viewpoint may be too much like a sermon. A fear that is not completely unfounded since there seems to be an almost intentional effort to misunderstand or misinterpret Christian writings by a gang, made up of the usual suspects, who come off looking very regal and scholarly as they drag Christian books and writers through the mud.

However, Christian writers are drawing attention to themselves and the importance of religious sensitivity, dedication, and creativity by exploring new genres for their writing. In many cases, genre that was previously left to other writers like sci-fi, and horror. This in turn inspires a flood of creativity amongst all Christian writers.

In the most recent months the number of superb Christian oriented books has increased dramatically and is making readers and editors alike take notice. Especially since the books, while Christian in nature, are not written in such a way to alienate other readers.

One of the books that has created such interest is, The Centurion’s Wife By: Davis Bunn and Janette Oke. It is a book about a woman named Leah who is caught up in the maelstrom following the death of an obscure rabbi in the Roman backwater of first-century Palestine. All the while having to deal with her own life troubles facing the prospect of an arranged marriage to a Roman soldier, Alban, who seems to care for nothing but his own ambitions. Head of the garrison near Gallilee, he has been assigned by Palestine’s governor to ferret out the truth behind rumors of a political execution gone awry. Leah’s mistress, the governor’s wife, secretly commissions also to discover what really has become of this man whose death and missing body is causing a furor.

A more traditional book that is capturing people’s attention is The Love Dare by Stephen Kendrick and Alex Kendrick. In Love Dare, the book featured in the movie Fireproof, the reader is challenged to learn the true nature of love by taking part in a 40-day guided devotional experience that leads them back to truly loving your spouse. Each day of the 40 days the book discusses a unique aspect of love and presents a specific task or dare to do for their spouse. They are then encouraged to chart their progress in a journal area.

While Christian writers are still wary and still mindful of the obstacles ahead of them they are, now more than ever, resigned to the fact that while they are almost certain to offend some people, and have others disagree, they are causing people to think, and ask questions. Which is at the very heart of any writers ambitions and dreams.

By: bigfan1

Has Time Run Out For Mideast Peace?

My new book called ISRALESTINE; The Ancient Blueprints of the Future Middle East, takes an exhaustive, but ad fef venturous look at unfulfilled Bible prophecies intended for today’s international audience.

New Mom? Old Mom? Find wisdom from experienced moms of the Bible

If you’ve ever wished for a real live interview from an experienced mother found in God’s Word, you’ll be thrilled with the message of Kathi Macias’ new book, Mothers of the Bible Speak to Mothers of Today.

Susanne Scheppmann - Christian Speaker, Writer, Author: Babbling

The Help is certainly one of my favorite reads this year. A friend had heard great reviews about it, so I downloaded it to my Kindle. I couldn’t put it down. It is a fiction book based on the civil rights issues in the 1960’s.

Technorati Tags: book publishers, christian book publishers, writers

What makes a story worth reading is simply its applicability to the life of the reader. If a story cannot connect to the life of the reader and apply a universal theme, then a book isn’t worth reading. This is especially important when teachers decide which Christian education books to use in their classrooms. Since Christian schools are blessed with the added benefit of studying novels and stories from a Christian perspective, many classics can also be used as Christian education books. To powerfully connect with students and encourage them to reflect on their lives as young Christians, consider teaching the following three classic books and short story:

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

As the quintessential American novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is one of the Christian education books that should appear in every Christian high school’s curriculum. Huck Finn tells the story of two runaways who meet on Jackson’s Island. Huck escapes from his abusive Pap and meets Jim, a runaway slave who fears he’ll be sold to the deep south. Together they begin traveling down the Mississippi River in search of the Ohio River that will bring Jim north to the free states. Along the way, Huck is forced to make the decision of whether or not he will continue to help a black man escape. Even though it’s against the law, Huck firmly decides to help Jim. As Christians, we too may need to make a difficult decision of whether to follow the law if it’s against our beliefs in God’s Word. Like the Christians who risked their lives to save the Jewish families during World War II, sometimes we must engage in civil disobedience to man’s laws when they violate the higher laws of God.

Later in the novel’s storyline, Jim is held as a slave on the Phelps’ farm. Although Tom Sawyer knows Jim is actually a free man as proclaimed in Miss Watson’s will, Tom convinces Huck to keep Jim as a slave. Tom inflicts suffering on Jim by forcing him to live in cruel conditions in his slave cabin, symbolizing the inhumane treatment of blacks during the times of slavery in the United States. Though its partner book, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, contains a rather childish story, Huck Finn deals with much more complicated themes that are still applicable to Christians today more than 120 years after it was first published.

Les Misrables by Victor Hugo
Revered by many as one of the greatest stories of all time, Les Misrables is a novel full of themes of grace, redemption, and love. When Jean Valjean is released on parole, he is a bitter and angry man, hardened by 19 years in the quarries. He also finds a world that refuses to open its doors to an ex-convict, except for one bishop. Even after Valjean betrays the bishop’s trust, the bishop, like Christ, offers immediate forgiveness. Valjean is confused by the bishop’s compassion, but he promises to become a new man. Though Valjean lives an honest life and becomes blessed with great wealth, he is forced to constantly run from his past. He must make many difficult decisions that test his faith in God and commitment to living a Christian life. As Christians, we should look at the decisions Valjean makes and analyze if we truly strive to live a holy life as he did, or if we take the easy way out by seeing how close we can live like the world and still be a Christian.

The Odyssey by Homer

Written over 2500 years ago, The Odyssey is one of the oldest books of the world. However, books don’t become classics just because they are old. Instead, they must still connect to readers today. For The Odyssey, its theme is one of the most popular of all literature: a desire for home. Following the Trojan horse victory in the ten-year war at Troy, Odysseus is cursed with a ten-year journey back home to Ithaca. Along the way, Odysseus must overcome lotus plants that remove a desire for home, giant Cyclops, the six-headed monster Scylla, and the giant whirlpool Charybdis. Worst of all, after he finally returns home, he must regain control of his kingdom and defeat the suitors vying for his wife, Penelope. Although Christians don’t physically face science fiction monsters in real life, the journey of Odysseus parallels the same journey we all take in life, as we try to reach our heavenly home. Along our own odyssey, we too will face temptations, struggles, joys, physical pains, unexpected trials, and deaths of loved ones. However, all that matters in the end is our loyalty to Christ and the home He has prepared and reserved for us.

‘The Lady, or the Tiger?’ by Frank Stockton

A short story written in the late 19th century, ‘The Lady, or the Tiger?’ received almost instant popularity because of the story’s unique ending, or lack thereof. The story takes place in a kingdom ruled by a semi-barbaric king, whose form of government is strikingly simple. If a person is guilty of a crime, he is placed in a spectator-filled arena to decide his own fate. There are two doors to choose from in the arena. Behind one door is a tiger which means certain death, and behind the other is the most beautiful woman in the kingdom. If the guilty man chooses the tiger, his punishment is deserved; whereas, if he chooses the lady, he is given a second chance in life. However, the story takes an unusual twist as it focuses on one man whose crime was falling in love with the king’s daughter. The princess discovers behind which doors the lady and the tiger are standing. In addition, the princess learns that the woman behind the door is indeed very beautiful and a woman whom she hates. On the day of the decision, the young man is placed in the arena and instantly looks to the princess. Convinced in his heart that she knows the outcome of each door, he watches as the princess points to the right, and then the story ends.

Though most readers are initially outraged by the ending, Stockton purposely makes no hint as to the fate of the young man. Each reader must decide the man’s fate for himself based on his view of humanity. If we view life with the approach that it’s all about us and our desires, then the princess chooses the tiger. After all, if she can’t have her lover, then no one can, especially a woman she despises. However, if we live our lives making decisions based on how those decisions impact others, then the princess points the young man to the lady. Putting her own desires aside, she will give the one she loves new life and hope.

Although these four classics are not specifically Christian education books, when viewed from a Christian perspective, they are all powerful tools to help students see their place in this world as Christians. More importantly, these Christian education books emphasize that the decisions we make in life, no matter how large or small, reveal our human tendencies and our desires of how we can live our lives for God and walk in His ways.

By: Alpha Omega Publications

First Christian UFO

Mike was hired as the Academic Editor of Logos Bible Software shortly after completing his Ph.D. Before joining Logos, Mike spent 12 years teaching biblical studies, history, and biblical languages on the undergraduate level.

Teaching “Little Women”

I bet that, by now, at least some of your sisters have seen the excellent Christian Bale/Winona Ryder/Susan Sarandon film version from the 1990s, which seems to always be on one basic cable station or ‘tother.

Sometimes I’m Actually Coherent

Appeal to Authority is of course one of the classic logical fallacies. The fact is, Nature doesn’t give a hoot what Copernicus, Galileo, or Kepler thinks; Nature is what it is, and does what it does, whether or not Four Out Of Five Dentists Agree.

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A number of critics have argued that some of the most popular Christian books have only been able to achieve their success by “watering down” the Gospel and minimizing the importance of Jesus to Christianity. A few searches of these books using Amazon’s “Search Inside” feature provides some objective evidence that these arguments are not entirely unfounded.

For example, Joel Olsteen’s book, Your Best Life Now, mentions “Jesus” on only 20 of the book’s 324 pages.

Even worse, Olsteen’s Book “Become A Better You” only mentions “Jesus” on 24 of the book’s 404 pages.

Jack Canfeild’s Chicken Soup For The Christian Soul mentions “Jesus” on 46 of the book’s 424 pages.

In contrast, the NIV Shirt Pocket New Testament mentions “Jesus” on 296 of the book’s 422 pages.

And even Christopher Hitchens’ book, “The Portable Atheist: Essential Readings For The Nonbeliever,” mentions “Jesus” on 66 of the book’s 530 pages.

Of course, a book can not be judged by its cover, and it should not be judged solely by the number of times it uses a particular word or phrase. And other popular Christian books fare somewhat better. For example, Rick Warren’s The Purpose Driven Life mentions “Jesus” on 24 of the book’s 132 pages.

Moreover, the fact that a particular book has a broader focus does not necessarily mean that the book is itself “watering down” the gospel. After all, such books arguably bring Biblical and Christian principles to a wider audience, an audience with real problems and challenges that would otherwise never be exposed to such ideas.

And while these books may not focus exclusively on the Gospel, they do at least make the world a little better, in accordance with the Biblical observation that Christians are “the salt of the earth.”

They might also provide a bridge to unbelievers seeking something beyond mere self-improvement. So long as the book does not restate or recast the Gospel as something other than what it is, it is arguably not reducing or minimizing the importance of the message.

In addition, such books may have an important role in today’s culture, providing a Biblical perspective on the latest trends and interests of readers. Observers are often citing such “new” trends. For example, Americans are increasingly interested in self-improvement, and get much of their information on this topic from books and television programs, such as Oprah and Dr. Phil.

Americans are also increasingly interested in spirituality. For example, it was widely reported last week on Christian News websites that the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary would be the first Protestant School in the United States to offer a PhD in “Spirituality.” The school hopes to provide a “true” understanding of Christian spirituality. Perhaps Christian books can similarly address these and other trends, providing a “true” Christian understanding and perspective on subjects of interest to modern culture.

But does doing so minimize the gospel, creating a “gospel lite” that ultimately weakens the overall impact of a matter and a message that some take quite seriously? Does it turn the hidden treasure of the Kingdom of Heaven into a cheap commodity that simply offers a few ideas for self-improvement?

Ultimately, most believers’ time might be better spent focusing on the positive benefits associated with popular “cross over” books, rather than fretting about the image or brand of the Gospel, which today’s popular culture trashes on a regular basis.

At a minimum, such books likely reach readers that would never enter the door of a church, in accordance with the well known missions directive that Christians are to “go ye into all the world…” (never mind the “preach the gospel” part).

Author: Mark Depht

Jesus: The Glory

“I forgot about Jesus and focused on the church”. Oh, how we all do that, don’t we? Thanks again, Michael. I did a little online research about the book you mention above, Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus, and I found that you can read a chapter of the book at the URL I gave.”

The Christian Nation: Protestantism, American History and American

America was and is a Christian nation in the sense that most of its people are culturally Christian, and have been from the beginning. And, believing Christians have long made a huge impact on our development, and continue to do so.

We Do Not Forgive: These are Luxuries No Jewesh

The Romans, and their immediate Christian and Byzantine successors, pursued an unsystematic program of genocide against the Judeans over a period of 600 years, a genocide which forced most of them (who survived, that is) to leave.

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