January
UnChristian
by David Kinnaman
Are we Christians really pushing the rest of the world away? Should we be held accountable for our actions and attitudes toward outsiders? Are we misrepresenting the holy, just and loving God we serve? Do we even care? Kinnaman’s book unChristian answers these and many other questions. He challenges us to pay attention to outsiders and recognize their concerns as well as be “effective agents of spiritual transformation.” Finally he challenges readers to see themselves and their faith more clearly and consider how others reject and feel rejected by Christians.Kinnaman’s book is a wake up call to all Christians. Based on the perception of outsiders, Christianity has an image problem. The question is–are you and I will to change that perception?
February
Playing the Enemy
by John Carlin
(From Booklist) Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in a South African prison because of his position as the military leader of the African National Congress, the leading anti-apartheid organization. Amazingly, while inside, he actually increased his influence as a resistance leader. In 1994, after his release, he was elected South Africa’s president in the country’s first free election. Realizing that his new government was on tenuous ground and could disintegrate at any moment, he sought a symbolic moment that would unite the black citizenry with white Afrikaners and hit upon the idea of South Africa hosting rugby’s first World Cup. The first step was to convince South Africa’s national team—the Springboks—to get aboard. Mandela’s charm, determination, and patriotism won them over to the point that the team wound up singing the national anthem of the black resistance movement in a much-replayed television spot. Improbably, Springbok—once the sporting symbol of Afrikaner dominance and arrogance—advanced to the cup finals, gathering more fans, black and white, with each win. Carlin, former U.S. bureau chief for the Independent, was assigned to South Africa during the transition from white to majority rule. He personally interviewed most of the principals involved in this fascinating story and undertook the project with Mandela’s blessing. A new slant on the familiar but always inspiring saga of Mandela’s rise to power. --Wes Lukowsky
March
Realities of Faith
by the Evangelical Sisters of Mary
"This book does not deal theoretically with the idea of a God who works miracles, it is a factual report of that which the living God has done."
A handful of young Christian women in the midst of war-torn Germany with a shining faith made all the brighter against the backdrop of a nation in despair—here is the incredible but true story of Mother Basilea Schlink and the Evangelical Sisterhood of Mary.
April
Battlefield of the Mind
by Joyce Meyer
Winning the Battle in your Mind. There's a War Going On And Your Mind Is The Battlefield. If you're one of millions who suffer from worry, doubt, confusion, depression, anger or condemnation, you are experiencing an attack in your mind. Overcoming negative thoughts that come against your mind brings freedom and peace. Find out how to recognize damaging thought patterns and stop them from influencing your life. In this powerful book, best-selling author and conference host, Joyce Meyer, guides you through an honest self-appraisal by sharing the trials, tragedies and ultimate victories of her own marriage, family and ministry- including the truth she learned about what she was thinking and feeling every step of the way. You'll gain insight into how Joyce won the battle in her own mind- and how you can as well. You'll also discover how to: Find peace and stop brain-storm of mental activity. See the truth by thinking correctly. Use spiritual weapons effectively. Overcome the 10 wilderness mentalities that hold you in harmful circumstances. Don't surrender to misery another day. Find out today what you can do to ensure your victory in the Battlefield of the Mind!
May
Muslims, Christians and Jesus
by Carl Medearis
Based on the author's twenty-five years of first-hand experience, this engaging book reveals what Islam really teaches and how today's Muslims live and think. With practical information and personal stories, Carl Medearis shows readers how they can build life-changing bridges between the world's two largest religions--one person at a time, whether in the US or elsewhere.
June
Prison to Praise
by Merlin Carothers
Over 210 weeks as a national bestseller! An inspiring story of a man who found freedom while behind bars, who searched out the fullness of the power of God, met the Holy Spirit, and lived to touch many lives. Prison to Praise is not about a prison with bars, but about a prison of circumstances - and how to be set free! Millions of people have found answers they never expected to find and as a result they're eager to pass on the Good News.
July and August
The Art of Seeking God
by Morris Means
This book will help you develop a mighty and effective prayer life.
September
Simplify Your Spiritual Life
by Donald Whitney
Let's face it - we live in a complex world. Technology improves daily, and with it, the pace increases. Surrounded by driving forces, it is no small wonder that our spiritual lives take a hit. But if the weight of the world is hindering your walk with the Lord, maybe now it's the time to step back and evaluate. Life on earth was less hectic in Jesus' time. He faced incredible challenges and suffered agonizing trials, but there was simplicity in His relationship with His Father that we can emulate. And in that simplicity, we can realize our greatest fulfillment as believers. If your Bible study seems as tedious as filing your tax return and your prayer life as wearisome as trying to understand your phone bill, stop. Take a deep breath. Let author Donald Whitney show you how rewarding the simple Christian life can be.
October
Soul Repair
by Jeff VanVonderen, Dale and Juanita Ryan
Sometimes our spiritual lives can become unhealthy. Do you feel like you have to earn God's love? If you miss a quiet time do you feel guilty for the rest of the day? Your spirituality may be heading down a toxic path that needs healing. In Soul Repair authors Jeff VanVonderen, and Dale and Juanita Ryan examine four distorted images of God--abusive, addictive, anorexic and codependent. They then show you how to promote healthy growth by relying on God, being honest with yourself, living in community and more. Come back to the love and freedom a relationship with God can bring!
November
Under the Overpass
by Mike Yankoski
Yankoski's parents were right: It was crazy to live as a homeless person in six American cities for five months; fortunately, this crazy idea makes for quite a story. Yankoski, a Christian college student, challenges the reader to learn about faith, identify with the poor and find "more forgotten, ruined, beautiful people than we ever imagined existed, and more reason to hope in their redemption." The journey begins at a Denver rescue mission and ends on a California beach. Along the way, Yankoski and a friend learn the perils of poor hygiene and the secrets of panhandling. They meet unfortunates like Andrew, who squanders his musical talent to feed his drug habit, and hustlers like Jake, who gives the pair tips about how to look and sound more pitiful to get more money. Yankoski tends to moralize: "If we respond to others based on their outward appearance, haven't we entirely missed the point of the Gospel?" Still, the book features fine writing ("I awoke, rolled over and saw beads of sweat already forming on my arms. Saturday, early morning, Phoenix") and vivid stories, authentically revealing an underworld of need. (Apr.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved
December
In His Steps
By Charles Sheldon
In His Steps is one of the greatest Christian Classics ever written. Most Christians today who have some sort of symbol with WWJD do not realize this phrase, "What Would Jesus Do?", came from In His Steps. The entire book is written to teach Christians how we are to live out our faith and "as we are going, make disciples of all nations." I believe it is the most important book any young Christian could ever read outside the Bible. I highly recommend this book for small group studies as it is divided into wonderful chapter with many online study guides available for download. Hurry and find out how to live your life "In His Steps."
January
UnChristian
by David Kinnaman
Are we Christians really pushing the rest of the world away? Should we be held accountable for our actions and attitudes toward outsiders? Are we misrepresenting the holy, just and loving God we serve? Do we even care? Kinnaman’s book unChristian answers these and many other questions. He challenges us to pay attention to outsiders and recognize their concerns as well as be “effective agents of spiritual transformation.” Finally he challenges readers to see themselves and their faith more clearly and consider how others reject and feel rejected by Christians.Kinnaman’s book is a wake up call to all Christians. Based on the perception of outsiders, Christianity has an image problem. The question is–are you and I will to change that perception?
February
Playing the Enemy
by John Carlin
(From Booklist) Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in a South African prison because of his position as the military leader of the African National Congress, the leading anti-apartheid organization. Amazingly, while inside, he actually increased his influence as a resistance leader. In 1994, after his release, he was elected South Africa’s president in the country’s first free election. Realizing that his new government was on tenuous ground and could disintegrate at any moment, he sought a symbolic moment that would unite the black citizenry with white Afrikaners and hit upon the idea of South Africa hosting rugby’s first World Cup. The first step was to convince South Africa’s national team—the Springboks—to get aboard. Mandela’s charm, determination, and patriotism won them over to the point that the team wound up singing the national anthem of the black resistance movement in a much-replayed television spot. Improbably, Springbok—once the sporting symbol of Afrikaner dominance and arrogance—advanced to the cup finals, gathering more fans, black and white, with each win. Carlin, former U.S. bureau chief for the Independent, was assigned to South Africa during the transition from white to majority rule. He personally interviewed most of the principals involved in this fascinating story and undertook the project with Mandela’s blessing. A new slant on the familiar but always inspiring saga of Mandela’s rise to power. --Wes Lukowsky
March
Realities of Faith
by the Evangelical Sisters of Mary
"This book does not deal theoretically with the idea of a God who works miracles, it is a factual report of that which the living God has done."
A handful of young Christian women in the midst of war-torn Germany with a shining faith made all the brighter against the backdrop of a nation in despair—here is the incredible but true story of Mother Basilea Schlink and the Evangelical Sisterhood of Mary.
April
Battlefield of the Mind
by Joyce Meyer
Winning the Battle in your Mind. There's a War Going On And Your Mind Is The Battlefield. If you're one of millions who suffer from worry, doubt, confusion, depression, anger or condemnation, you are experiencing an attack in your mind. Overcoming negative thoughts that come against your mind brings freedom and peace. Find out how to recognize damaging thought patterns and stop them from influencing your life. In this powerful book, best-selling author and conference host, Joyce Meyer, guides you through an honest self-appraisal by sharing the trials, tragedies and ultimate victories of her own marriage, family and ministry- including the truth she learned about what she was thinking and feeling every step of the way. You'll gain insight into how Joyce won the battle in her own mind- and how you can as well. You'll also discover how to: Find peace and stop brain-storm of mental activity. See the truth by thinking correctly. Use spiritual weapons effectively. Overcome the 10 wilderness mentalities that hold you in harmful circumstances. Don't surrender to misery another day. Find out today what you can do to ensure your victory in the Battlefield of the Mind!
May
Muslims, Christians and Jesus
by Carl Medearis
Based on the author's twenty-five years of first-hand experience, this engaging book reveals what Islam really teaches and how today's Muslims live and think. With practical information and personal stories, Carl Medearis shows readers how they can build life-changing bridges between the world's two largest religions--one person at a time, whether in the US or elsewhere.
June
Prison to Praise
by Merlin Carothers
Over 210 weeks as a national bestseller! An inspiring story of a man who found freedom while behind bars, who searched out the fullness of the power of God, met the Holy Spirit, and lived to touch many lives. Prison to Praise is not about a prison with bars, but about a prison of circumstances - and how to be set free! Millions of people have found answers they never expected to find and as a result they're eager to pass on the Good News.
July and August
The Art of Seeking God
by Morris Means
This book will help you develop a mighty and effective prayer life.
September
Simplify Your Spiritual Life
by Donald Whitney
Let's face it - we live in a complex world. Technology improves daily, and with it, the pace increases. Surrounded by driving forces, it is no small wonder that our spiritual lives take a hit. But if the weight of the world is hindering your walk with the Lord, maybe now it's the time to step back and evaluate. Life on earth was less hectic in Jesus' time. He faced incredible challenges and suffered agonizing trials, but there was simplicity in His relationship with His Father that we can emulate. And in that simplicity, we can realize our greatest fulfillment as believers. If your Bible study seems as tedious as filing your tax return and your prayer life as wearisome as trying to understand your phone bill, stop. Take a deep breath. Let author Donald Whitney show you how rewarding the simple Christian life can be.
October
Soul Repair
by Jeff VanVonderen, Dale and Juanita Ryan
Sometimes our spiritual lives can become unhealthy. Do you feel like you have to earn God's love? If you miss a quiet time do you feel guilty for the rest of the day? Your spirituality may be heading down a toxic path that needs healing. In Soul Repair authors Jeff VanVonderen, and Dale and Juanita Ryan examine four distorted images of God--abusive, addictive, anorexic and codependent. They then show you how to promote healthy growth by relying on God, being honest with yourself, living in community and more. Come back to the love and freedom a relationship with God can bring!
November
Under the Overpass
by Mike Yankoski
Yankoski's parents were right: It was crazy to live as a homeless person in six American cities for five months; fortunately, this crazy idea makes for quite a story. Yankoski, a Christian college student, challenges the reader to learn about faith, identify with the poor and find "more forgotten, ruined, beautiful people than we ever imagined existed, and more reason to hope in their redemption." The journey begins at a Denver rescue mission and ends on a California beach. Along the way, Yankoski and a friend learn the perils of poor hygiene and the secrets of panhandling. They meet unfortunates like Andrew, who squanders his musical talent to feed his drug habit, and hustlers like Jake, who gives the pair tips about how to look and sound more pitiful to get more money. Yankoski tends to moralize: "If we respond to others based on their outward appearance, haven't we entirely missed the point of the Gospel?" Still, the book features fine writing ("I awoke, rolled over and saw beads of sweat already forming on my arms. Saturday, early morning, Phoenix") and vivid stories, authentically revealing an underworld of need. (Apr.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved
December
In His Steps
By Charles Sheldon
In His Steps is one of the greatest Christian Classics ever written. Most Christians today who have some sort of symbol with WWJD do not realize this phrase, "What Would Jesus Do?", came from In His Steps. The entire book is written to teach Christians how we are to live out our faith and "as we are going, make disciples of all nations." I believe it is the most important book any young Christian could ever read outside the Bible. I highly recommend this book for small group studies as it is divided into wonderful chapter with many online study guides available for download. Hurry and find out how to live your life "In His Steps."