Christianity Books

The great power of Arnold's book is in the real world examples of forgiveness he offers. Some of the examples have an "everyday" kind of quality to them while others are staggering in terms of the ability of people to somehow cut through their hurt, anguish and rage to come to the point of forgiveness. Arnold avoids the "Oprahzation" of forgiveness by reminding the reader that forgiveness takes both truth and grace into account He neither diminishes nor denies the hard realities with which people must live. Arnold devotes much space to the self-interested nature of forgiveness. We forgive because such an act works toward our own good. I would have liked to have seen him devote a bit more space to those instances in which people forgive because they see it as a way to display something of the character of God even when they themselves may never find peace through forgiveness. My only critique of the book is that author does not provide bibliographical references. The book is full of wonderful quotes and stories. I would like to have known the sources. Further, a recommended list of readings would have been helpful. However, having said all of that, this is the kind of book that makes you want to take off your shoes as you read...you recognize that you are on holy, holy ground.

Why Forgive? Hard as it may be this book shows in a simple and powerful way that the only way to true freedom is through forgiveness. While bitterness seems the roads to take and hatred towards those who have hurts us the excepted emotion, Arnold dares to tells us the true stories of people who choose the road less travel and in the end found the freedom to let go and change their world by forgiving. He also gives us a look into the lives of those who choose to be angry, only to destroy themselves. This book is moving and powerful, it is a striking lesson of something most people and talkshows refuse to speak about. I only pray that people out their struggling with bitterness and revenge read this book and know there is another way.

A powerful, emotionally driving book, "Why Forgive" provides a framework of forgiveness that not only defines why it is important to forgive, but also how not forgiving eats at us like a cancer until it kills our happiness and our very essence.

With true life stories of amazing acts of forgiveness, the book shows how forgiveness is required before truly moving on to complete healing when you have been wronged. The extremely powerful stories show how forgiveness has allowed individuals to regain their lives after severe tragedy has entered their lives. Instead of taking the easy path and allowing anger and hate to destroy them, they make a choice that results in a deep peace. Pick up the book, learn to forgive, learn how it is necessary for true peace, choose the road less travelled and choose forgiveness. If there is a book that should be required reading for everyone, this is a contender for that book.

This book will banish any lingering doubt that forgiveness and reconciliation is the linchpin of good in this world. Filled with compelling personal accounts of those who truly have the right to ask us all to forgive, the book has the power to change the direction of your life for the better. Don't miss it!

Forgiveness is the key to real freedom. The path to forgiveness is not always easy. The renewal of the act of forgiving makes the path easier to travel. The road to forgiveness becomes smoothly paved as we forgive and keep on forgiving. Our journey gets easier with each trip down the original path, leading to the paved road of freedom and happiness. See chapter 14, Not a step but a Journey.

Although I do not have any teenagers in my house, I thought it would be better to read this book too early, instead of too late. I believe I was right. This book reminds me a lot of Tedd Tripp's book, Shepherding a Child's Heart, but with an emphasis on teens and how to relate to the teenage populace.

I truly enjoyed the honesty and also the way in which Dr. Tripp directs us as parents at the heart instead of our children instead of fixing mere actions. Usually, we as parents believe all is well if our children would just obey us, whether they are obeying us for the right reasons or not is a totally different question. Paul's book sets up so the parent gets to the teen's heart so that they obey based on their love of the glory of God rather than merely trying to follow rules that are set up. What this will do is drive critical thinking in the teen so that they can make decisions for themselves in different situations and will not need to know, "did my mom and dad say specifically I couldn't do this or that?" Instead they will strive to seek the Lord's will and ask, "In what way does this decision either glorify God or take away from it?"

The book is set up in three parts:

Part I: Clearing the Debris

In this first part Dr. Tripp is really trying to lay the foundation of the family and how God desires it to be set up. He speaks to those involved (parent and teen) and also speaks to the parent understanding the teen so that the next parts of the book can fall into place. I sincerely appreciate the chapter on "Whose Idols Are in the Way?" Dr. Tripp drives home the importance for us as parents to seek out our idols and destroy them so that our discipline and time with our children becomes godly, instead of reactionary.

Part II: Setting Godly Goals

This is really the practical part of the book. After laying out the foundation Dr. Tripp shows what should be important for every godly parent. He helps show forth how to disciple your children to have godly convictions towards culture and wisdom in how to respond. The idea behind this chapter is so that when that day comes where the teen leaves home, you can be confident that your work in them has been accomplished and they are ready to decipher the world through godly vision.

Part III: Practical Strategies for Parenting Teens

This last part is only 40 pages of the 253 page book. It seems to be more of a wrap up instead of completely new ideas. It seems to be more of a conclusion than a separate part. Part II and Part III really bleed together to make the last half of the book the practical wisdom given from Dr. Tripp to the readers.

One of my favorite discussions in the whole of the book was found in chapter 11. Dr. Tripp sets up four verbs for parents who desire to model Christ to their teen. I believe a quick synopsis of this will give you an overall feel for how the book is laid out.

They are:

Accept: We are to accept our sinful children with the grace of Christ. We are not to enable their sin, but we are also not to be judgmental parents who are condemning to the teen. When condemnation and judgmental attitudes prevail the teen will shut themselves off and never feel as though they can openly communicate to the parent.

Incarnate: As Christ was incarnate God to the world and to us, so too we are to incarnate Christ to our children. We are to reveal love, grace, patience, gentleness, kindness, etc. and continue to show them the gospel in deeds instead of merely words.

Identify: (my favorite part of the entire book) Hebrews 2:10 says that Christ was not ashamed to call us brothers and we should not be ashamed to call our teens, brothers and sisters in Christ. We should be able to identify with them in their sin. We should not be ones who would ever say, "I can't believe you would do that, I would never have done that." If this statement is actually true, the parent is not a sinner saved by grace, but a Pharisee who sees themselves as greater than others by their works. To identify with the teen will show them that you too struggle with sin, and you can show them who you go to for comfort and forgiveness in that sin: Christ Jesus our Saviour. Without the reminder that we too are sinners, the teen will believe that you cannot relate and will run away from you during their struggles instead of running to you.

Enter: As Christ entered our world and culture for 33 years, so we too should enter the world that our teenager lives in. This means seeking them out, even if it is uncomfortable. Asking them questions and listening to what drives them, what discourages them, what excites them, what they struggle with and the temptations that they face every day. When we seek them out to find out where they are coming from, we show them that we truly have an interest in who they are and what they face instead of trying to just pigeon hole them into whoever we think that they should be and what they should be facing. It shows that we truly have interest and value them.

I truly enjoyed this book and believe it is of great help to any who have teens now or who will be having teens soon. Dr. Tripp continues to humble the parent and drive them to the greatest desire: to parent for the glory of Christ, not for the glory of the parent. Highly Recommended.

This book is AWESOME!!! I would highly recommend it. In fact I wish all parents were required to read it.

this was highly recommended by our daughter when i related afriend who was having difficulty with her teenager. I bought it and gve it to the friend and she said it was just what she needed to cope with the situation...she could not thank me enough.

Having read a number of books on parenting, this book was found to be the most inspiring in terms of causing us to reach to God. As Christians we are called to walk by faith in every area of our lives. This book shows us how to be loving and strategic in our parenting whilst reaching to God in faith believing for our children also to walk with Him.

Reading parenting books takes time of which parents have little. This book has been encouraging and convicting- well worth the time. I highly recommend Age of Opportunity to any parent!

Get this work into your library. It is by far the most critical work on this subject you will ever read! A MUST HAVE.

This is book primarily deals with the history of the development of the Canon. It was quite interesting to read the history of various books and letters of the Old and New Testament and to realize how most Christians take for granted their acceptance as Holy Scripture. It was fascinating to discover that books like Hebrews and the Apocalypse had difficulty in finding their place in today's Bible,and why others such as the Shepher of Hermas were rejected. Reasons for the acceptance of letters and oppositions to others varied upon authorship, content, usage, and most of all inspiration.

Not surprisingly was that the need for a canon arose from the ubiquitous nature of heresies abounding in this era. Specifically one of the earliest heresies mentioned is the movement started by Marcion. Marcion's belief that solely the teachings and writings of the Apostle Paul is what made up the true faith led to the first collection of the New Testament epistles being collected together to form a body of doctrine. Later on many of the Gnostic gospels and sects were another impetus which drove the Catholic Church to canonicity of its collected documents and to determine what was to be standard for what was Apostolic and inspired.

Prof. Bruce follows the topic of canonicity into the Renaissance and the Reformation and the Counter-Reformation. It was interesting to discover that with the revival of Classical Greek and Hebrew, that European theologians began to question the canonicity of the books contained in the Vulgate and the accuracy of that one-time prevalent translation. One example of how this controversy is carried over into current modern apologetics is how the Roman Catholic Church criticizes Martin Luther for questioning and suggesting that James and Hebrews be rejected from the Canon. However what Prof. Bruce points out is that for many in his day, Luther practiced what many in the church were doing in their re-examination and criticism of the canon.

Also from the Reformation is Luther's position of the Canon within Canon. Although I do not completely agree with Luther on this point, I do agree with the importance of studying Scripture with the view of placing the Gospel of Christ as the central theme of the Canon.

The closing chapters are very valuable regarding the criteria for canonicity in early church history and the criteria for the church today as well. I found especially intriguing the proposition of anyone finding one of St. Paul's lost letters to the Corinthian church and would they be added to the books of the New Testament? Please read the book to find the answer. I hope this unanswered question will entice you to read this work. However, in my review,I know that I am not doing justice in my appreciation for this book and what it has taught me.

Final Note: I would not recommend this book without some prior knowledge of the Ante-Nicene and the Nicene Church Fathers as their opinions about the canonicity are frequently presented. The reader should be familiar with the church fathers mentioned and their significance and contribution to the Christian faith in the early history of the church. Although one will benefit from the text without it, such knowledge would enhance the reader's understanding of the reasons and the importance of Prof. Bruce citing these individuals.

The book The Canon of Scripture, by F. F. Bruce, is a thorough scholarly treatment of the history of the Holy Bible as found in its present form: Old and New Testaments, 66 books constituting the authoritative writings of the Christian church. It is formal in style and thoughtful in content. It is nearly exhaustive, presenting ideas from a broad multitude of sources, yet manages to remain an engaging and fascinating read. Throughout, Bruce manages to be fair to the facts of history while remaining true to the convictions of the Christian faith.

Bruce's Canon of Scripture is the most thorough, scholarly, and readable account of the canon that I've come across. This book was recommended to me as a great place for a layperson (like myself) to read the story of how our Bible came into existence.

Bruce provides a detailed account of how Christ, the apostles, and early Church fathers interpreted and used the canon. He also discusses heretics like Marcion and soundly dismisses their claims. For Christians who trust the Bible as an inspired document, this book will be encouraging, as Bruce shows how the orthodox canon and orthodox interpretation have persisted throughout church history.

Although Bruce's prose isn't overly scholarly, his sense of story -- the way he structures this book -- is less than arresting. I found myself reading this book in chunks, skimming some sections and skipping others altogether. I imagine few people would enjoy devouring this book straight through. That said, this work is superior to a simple reference book, as Bruce provides a great deal of detail and appeals to a number of primary and secondary sources. Until a better book comes along, this one's essential for Christian households.

I bought this book because it was recommended as the most authoritative history of the New Testament canon in English. The book is scholarly and thorough. The author is an academic. The book reflects that for better and worse. The information is excellent and well documented. The writing style is often dry. It is best read in small segments.

Bill Breer

This book is excellent for helping a person to understand the Catholic faith as explained in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. I ordered 16 copies to give to catechists who teach the Catholic faith.

Top notch reading.

I am working on a longer review for one section of this book (ch. 6-10), but one thing I would like to say as a whole is that I feel Peter Kreeft's book in no way represents the broader Catholic understanding of the Catechism. His is a conservative, even at times erroneous, or at least highly subjective, "catechism of the Catechism", which is nice for those of us who want the catechism in simpler language, but for those who want a much deeper understand, I would recommend going beyond this book (after having read it for themselves). It is only one man's understanding of the Catechism, and he's coming from an ultra-conservative background, so it is not the only way to read the Catechism. In my longer review, there will be more examples, but for now I'll point out one: on page 101, Kreeft states that "Vatican I defined what Catholics had always believed". This is not true; the majority of Catholic scholars believe doctrine developed over time, such as the infallibility of the Pope. They are no less true because they developed, but there are few things "Catholics have always believed".

I really enjoy Peter Kreeft's books, so this one was not a surprise to me. I like this book more as a reference guide to questions that I may have. It is truly awesome. I would have given it 5 stars except when I received the book I was dissapointed that it was a used book, when I paid for a new book. It was stained in the inside. Unfortunate... but I got over it pretty quick.

and then you will want to hang onto it as a reference book for your own personal library. Dr. Kreeft is a professor of Philosophy at Boston College and has authored many, many good Catholic books. Additionally, he is a outspoken defender of the Catholic Faith.

Catholic Christianity is a common sense, plain English, easy to read commentary on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It makes a great companion to the Catechism offering easy to read explanations for most of the content of the Catechism. It would also make a good introduction to the Catechism. If you have been a bit intimidated by the size and language of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, this would be a good way to get started. It will give you a good overview that you can then follow up with the actual text of the Catechism. But this book, as good as it is, can in no way replace the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Dr Kreeft himself writes in the Preface, "Let no one read this book instead of that one."

This book will not act as an impediment to ecumenism, nor is it in any way anti-Protestant. Instead it can exert a strong unifying effect, presenting the Catholic faith as it does in plain English without the use of technical theological jargon.

All of us need to understand that the Catechism of the Catholic Church is a tremendous gift to all who would understand the Catholic Church, its teaching and its practices. There is no excuse for anyone not knowing their faith in all its beautiful fulness. Every Catholic, everyone who loves a Catholic, and anyone interested in understanding the faith of the Roman Church can benefit from the Catechism and from Catholic Christianity.

The sub-title of Peter Kreeft's "Catholic Christianity" really does say it all: this is a thuroughly worthwhile catechism of Catholic beliefs based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church: Second Edition, as all good adult compendiums & catechetical resources on Catholic teaching should be. The book is very accessible, with a very user friendly format that is fully referenced to the Catechism. The writing is clear and concise, allowing readers to easily comprehend what Holy Mother Church actually teaches. Prof. Kreeft's book received an Imprimatur from William Cardinal Leveda, the current Prefect for the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith ( Pope Benedict XVI's old post under JP II,) while His Eminence was still the Archbishop of San Francisco. So many books purporting to be true distillations of the Faith do not have this designation, which grants a book a bishop's permission to be published. Further, "Catholic Christianity" has a Nihil Obstat, granted by the Rev. Milton T. Walsh, STD. This declaration is given by a competent authority who has examined the work in question, and has determined that the book is free from doctrinal or moral error ( Richard P. McBrien's "Catholicism," for example, has neither designation.)
Aside from the Catechism of the Catholic Church: Second Edition, there is no finer teaching tool for explaining the beliefs of the Catholic faith than Peter Kreeft's "Catholic Christanity," from perhaps the finest Catholic publisher in America today, Ignatius Press. This is the one to choose, my friends. Buy with confidence! Highly recommended!!

"Francis A. Schaeffer, 1912-1984, will long be remembered as one of the intellectual and spiritual giants of this century.
His books have been translated into more than twenty-five languages with more than 3 million copies in print.

The work of L'Abri Fellowship, founded by Dr. and Mrs. Schaeffer in 1955, is a living tribute, with branches in Switzerland, Holland, Sweden, and the U.S.

In a time of moral breakdown and brutal inhumanity, the works of Francis A. Schaeffer speak boldly in defense of the Bible as God's absolute truth and the sacred value of every human life."

"The books of Dr. Francis A. Schaeffer have marked a watershed in Christian thinking and have deeply affected a generation of readers.
Now, in this complete and FINAL EDITION OF DR. SCHAEFFER'S WORKS, all twenty-two of his books are included.

This five-volume set is the definitive edition of Dr. Schaeffer's books, each of which he updated and revised two years before his death.
A comprehensive index is included for easy access to the entire set.
Similarly, the set has been arranged so as to best follow Dr. Schaeffer's thought.

The Complete Works of Francis A. Schaeffer is an invaluable resource for students, ministers, for all who have read some of Dr. Schaeffer's books and want to know more---about the Christian faith, about the critical needs of the world today, about "the God who is there."
[from the books of the back cover]

I first encountered the books of Schaeffer in the mid 70s when I was a new Christian at the University of the Philippines. My cell group leader would often quote him. What I like about him then was he was able to explain the Christian faith in a rational and philosophical manner.

Reading again his "The God who is There" thirty years after brought these fond memories of him. I am privileged to renew my acquiantance with this intellectual giant.

A good friend who knew that I just bought Schaeffer's five volumes commented to me -- "Don't forget your wife and kids". Yes I intend to read the rest of the remaining 21 titles in the collection. This is my way of paying tribute to this great man. Mabuhay ka!

Thank you all for your reviews. You have already said just about everything I would have said far more elegantly than I could have. About the only thing that I would add is that were it not for this man (his "How Should We Then Live" film series to be precise) I would not be a Christian today.

Dr. Schaeffer was the first man in my life who said (without words), "It's OK to be a devout Christian without getting lobotomized."

Prior to Schaeffer I backslid twice. After Schaeffer I have been steadfast and stable primarily because I developed a fully formed Christian World View and Reformed Theology. (30+ years and still going strong)

Then I discovered Edith Schaeffer and the "softer" side of my Christian faith began to bloom.

I owe a tremendous debt to Dr. and Mrs. Schaefer and can't recommend this particular imprint highly enough. If I could give it more than 5-Stars I would!

Here a list of Edith's work that will help you develop the "softer" of your Christian faith:

The Tapestry: The Life and Times of Francis and Edith Schaeffer

L'Abri

Christianity Is Jewish

Forever music

A Celebration of Marriage: Hopes and Realities

Art of Life

Common Sense Christian Living

The Life of Prayer

10 Things Parents Must Teach Their Children (And Learn for Themselves)

Affliction

P.S.
Personal note: My faith has even survived the onslaught of the Schaeffer's obnoxious, abrasive, loud-mouthed, narcissistic son! I thank God that Dr. and Mrs. Schaeffer also taught me how to put my faith in God not men. However, Franky's sad outcome is a constant reminder to me that ministry to the world must never, never, never supersede ministry to my family (which seems to be the take away lesson of Franky's book "Crazy for God" - as in, "Don't let your kids end up like Franky Schaeffer!")

Francis Schaeffer pinpoints the problems of humanism and how they affect the 20th century. He give insights to the Christian to help him understand history and art and philosophy from a Biblical point of view. Schaeffer discerns the meaning and lack of meaning in the humanities for the bewildered secularized Christian.

Having recently reread many of the works of Francis Schaeffer, it seems right to list several lessons he can teach Bible-believing Christians (and others) today. Schaeffer was a prophetic generalist, pastor, apologist, and primarily an evangelist. That latter is how he typically explained himself.

1. Schaeffer had a passion for God and truth. This came out of his intellectual conversion as a teenager, after he read both classical Greek literature and the Bible, as well as from his intellectual crisis that hit him after over a decade of ministry. Having not see the reality of Christian love and the work of the Spirit, he questioned everything for several months, yet returned stronger, spiritually and mentally to the task.

2. Schaeffer cared deeply about the lostness of modern people. NonChristians were not "objects" for this man of God, but image-bearers of God who were hopeless apart from the gospel of Jesus Christ. When Schaeffer exegeted culture, he did so with an angle on how so much of culture reveals a lack of hope and meaning. In his apologetic conversations, Schaeffer would not cognitively spare with opponents, but try to lead souls to truth through love and reason--and not without tears, as he often said.

3. Schaeffer was an unapologetic generalist for the cause of Christ. He studied the areas he thought pertinent to ministry and the calling of the church in his day. While some wrongly took his judgments as the last word, they were almost always a vital first word and call to further study and prophetic engagement with the world under Christ.

4. Schaeffer was not a self-promoter, but sought God for life and ministry. The L'Abri ministry of apologetics, evangelism, and study in the Swiss Alps developed as Francis and Edit responded to the needs of questioning students. Later in his ministry, Schaeffer was sometimes promoted too heavily. This may have been the fault of his son, Franky, who produced the film series, "How Shall We Then Live?" and "Whatever Happened to the Human Race?" (Franky is a sad story. He went on to leave Protestantism for Orthodoxy and to write series of not-so-thinly disguised autobiographical/fictional works criticizing his parents and their religion.) Schaeffer never even planned to write books, but wrote when his lectures and discussion were so well received that books were requested.

5. Schaeffer loved the arts, could recognize aesthetic goodness even in nonChristian (or anti-Christian) art, and gave Christian artists permission and vision for artistic endeavor. On all of this see Art and the Bible, recently republished with a foreword by musician and author Michael Caird. He often spoke of bringing "beauty" into the Christian life.

6. Schaeffer had a deep knowledge of and love for Scripture. The Bible was a living reality for his man. He said in The God Who is There that we must be studying the Scriptures daily in order to present the truth to unbelievers. He himself read at least three chapters from the OT and one from the NT each day. His writings exude biblical truth and wisdom. Let us do likewise (Acts 17:11).

7. Schaeffer was "a man of the Reformation," who, nevertheless, was not doctrinaire or haughty about his Calvinism. Schaeffer realized that the Reformation was necessary and that we must remain "a reformed church always reforming." The Reformers, while hardly perfect, brought the Scripture back to its rightful centrality and also opened up social and cultural wonders for the West, as Schaeffer pointed out in How Shall We Then Live? and A Christian Manifesto. While Schaeffer believed in and taught The Westminster Standards, his appeal radiated far wider than Reformed and Presbyterian circles.

In a time when some, such as emergent author Brian McLaren, are calling us to be "post-Protestant," this means needs to be heard and headed. The Five Solas of the Reformation are not optional for Christianity, but are its life blood. Nevertheless, those who hold to the Five Points of Calvinism (the TULIP), as I do, should do so with conviction, but also humility. Five Pointers can and should work with Christians of other persuasions so long as the essential gospel is not compromised.

Therefore, let read and reread Francis Schaeffer. I suggest you purchase The Collected Works and work your way through them--for the glory of God, for the good of his church, and for the furtherance of the Kingdom. If you think you have "no time" to read, then make time. Eliminate distractions and immerse yourself in these books.

I like the book's quality and am enjoying reading it. It came within a week or two of ordering, as well:).

For those looking for ways their church can serve their community, this book is it. Through scripture and examples the authors challenge you to look outside the walls of the church to serve the community. Must reading for anyone being lead to follow our Lord's command to serve.

I am so glad I read The Externally Focused Church. It is so insightful and eye opening to what the New Testament church was and should be today. I appreciate that it is not just opinions but that they are backed up with scripture. I am currently reading it through with a couple of men from our church.

this book does a good job of helping Christian see the potential for getting involved in their community. Rusaw does a good job of not only telling the pluses but he also shares some of the challenges as well.

This insightful book will inspire followers of Christ to impact their communities through the power of authentic relationships. The authors present thought-provoking strategies designed to equip churches to play a significant role in community transformation. Concrete examples back up every strategy, and the pages at the end of each chapter are very practical for implementation. Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson are on the leading edge of this important movement in the church, and I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to make a difference in the world.

This was a great book. I bought it used and feel guilty - like I stole it. Very funny. Great Airport read. Great message with little need for your own thought.

Flashbang is a humorous look at life and Christianity. It is entertaining, but it also has substance.

The book consists of various situations in the author's life, a humorous look at them, and a spiritual application. It is pretty subtle at times, but the point is made. The writing style is a bit disjointed and is a bit of an acquired taste.

The common theme addressed is that Christians aren't and don't need to be perfect. They just need to trust the Lord more to do His work. It is good, but certainly not great.

This book came highly recommended to me and it has exceeded my skeptical expectations. I love how Steele takes the lion share of the beginning of each chapter to recount hilarious personal stories and then takes the last few pages of each chapter to make challenging applications that I did NOT see coming. I have been so entertained and challenged- an unusual combination- by this book. The result is that I am now more challenged to live a life that will leave a lasting effect and NOT just a life that makes me FEEL like I am doing things that matter. Read it, you will love it!

I didn't know that this book was a "spiritual" type book. I usually don't read them....honestly, I didn't get the spirtual message....it's that subtle. The writer is awesome. Had me crying and doubled over in laughter with some of his stories. Will probably read this again....it's a quick read!

A

If C.S. Lewis had been a standup comedian, I think he would have written a book like this.

I've heard some people accuse this work as being too simple, but I disagree. It's easy to read, yes, because it's ridiculously funny. I've never laughed out loud so much during a book. But that is no indication of it's depth and rest assured, it gets deep.

Steele writes in a way that reminds me of a good sermon. His anecdotes and musings keep you entertained and interested, but then he brings it all together to show you the point he's making...and it's a wakeup call. One minute you're doubled over in laughter and the next minute you're in deep conviction.

Perhaps the most endearing quality the author possesses is his ability to be real. Steele shares his thoughts with no hint of finger-pointing, high-and-mighty theology. He simply bares his soul and tells his story, and he tells it in such a way that makes it easy for the reader to relate.

If you're looking for literary fluff, look elsewhere. If you're looking for a refreshingly humorous book with true Christian roots, get Flashbang.

Anyone would enjoy the wisdom in this book...it makes you look at life and yourself in a totally different way...I bought some to give as birthday gifts...I cannot tell you how much this book has helped me..There is power in God's Word, and this book will help you find it...

A great book for Christians or just someone who loves God and wants to know how mighty He is. I really enjoy this book.

This collection of three mini-books by Charles Capps is a great addition to anyone who believes in the power of words and positive thinking. His work reminds me of Norman Vincent Peale's approach to positive thinking, but more expressly teaches right-speaking and offers Biblically inspired confessions. I use the book almost daily to help train my mind and mouth to think and speak according to Biblical principles regarding family, finances, health, and all things that pertain to life. I have purchased at least 12 copies and have distributed it to family and friends because I believe the teaching is thought-provoking and when applied, life-changing. As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. This book challenges those thoughts and consequently makes one examine what type of words are used in response to life's varied circumstances. It is an overall practical application of the word of God.

GOD'S CREATIVE POWER by Charles Capps is a powerhouse. It contains three works by Capps: God's Creative Power Will Work for You, God's Creative Power for Healing, and God's Creative Power for Finances. There is teaching here for healing, finances, and knowing and obtaining the will of God for our lives.

Capps believes that God's is true, that He means what He says. Further, if believers will speak the Word in faith and stand on God's promises, they, too, will have what they say. The scriptures support this teaching in Mark 11:23-24 and John 14:13, John 16:23-24.

Capps believes that healing, prosperity, miracles and all the gifts of faith are available to every believer who will "Only believe." There is power in the promises of God. They belong to every believer. God's answer to His promises is "Yes." (1 Cor 1-2)

This book is one of several excellent Capps books (The Tongue - A Creative Force, Your Spiritual Authoprity, Faith and Confession) and is in the same family of teaching as Smith Wigglesworth, Kenneth Hagin Sr., Keith Moore, and Dr. Paul Yonggi Cho.

This has helped me change my thinking. I've bought copies for friends and relatives that need hope and a "how to" guide for improving situations by speaking differently.

I enjoyed this book very much. Twelve well researched and written historical biographies of 9 men and 3 women who's lives demonstrated the fruit of signs and wonders. The author uses their stories to encourage readers to stretch their faith in the future.

This is a fantastic book containing the short biographies of twelve influential evangelistic people with healing ministries:

John Alexander Dowie
Kathryn Kuhlman
Aimee Semple McPherson
William Branham
William Seymour
Charles Parham
Evan Roberts
Smith Wigglesworth
A. A. Allen
Jack Joe
Maria Woodworth-Etter
John G. Lake

The book is from a Pentecostal/Charismatic perspective and as the title suggests, discusses where these people had success and where they had failure. Personally, I found the book a treasure to read.

God's General's is one of the most inspirational books that I can remember reading. In addition, it gives the history of some of the most powerful men and women of God since New Testament times. This book is a must read!

I Have two things to say about the purchase of this book: First, that it was delivered to my house in a timely fashion and in perfect condition. Secondly, the book itself is a wonderful look into God's hand on people's life in history. The Bible says that God created each and every one of us with a purpose. Sometimes, that purpose is to live a quiet life of ministry and love. Sometimes God uses us for extraordinary purposes. This book is an encouragement to all people that God can do anything, no matter who you are, if you put your trust in Him.

A balanced, thoughtful, entertaining and useful look at some of God's major powerplayers over the past 100 years or so. Concerning the likes of Kuhlman, Wigglesworth and Branham, most writers either choose to vilify them or worship them. Author Roberts Liardon chooses a more accurate middle road that exemplifies a love for the truth combined with his own helpful Pentecostal insights.

This is a VERY interesting read that Spirit-filled Christians particularly will find both fascinating and useful. Useful because there is much to be learned from the successes and failures of these saints -- much that can be applied to our own lives.

This was book is a great summer read. Janice Thompson has done an artful job of weaving truth and fiction into an exciting and beatiful story.The characters tug at your heart and the images of the storm are emotionally powerful. Its fast pace makes it impossible to put the book down until your're finished. I highly recommend this book to any fiction lover and can't wait to see what Janice Thompson will come out with next.

Each of the main characters in Ms. Thompson's novel face an internal conflict that reflects an external struggle as their world is upturned by the worst natural disaster in the history of the United States. For those only slightly familiar with Galveston and the 1900 Storm, Hurricane, will be a slightly predictable journey of faith with easily recognizable humanly flawed characters.

Those who know the Galveston of 1900 well, and have detailed knowledge of the events of the Storm, should not bother with the book. Despite warnings that characters are invented and fact easily gives way to fiction, the author only tangentially writes a recognizable Galveston. Stereotyping abounds with regard to Galveston's immigration, and historical errors are common, especially related to the timeline of events for September 8. (One glaring example is Brent being frantically awoken in the Tremont hotel at 4 a.m. to be told that water is up to the diner and it is too high to send a carriage around. Yet six hours later The Strand, four blocks closer to the Bay than the hotel, has remained safe from flooding.) The author also inadvertently allows some characters to speak of late 20th century knowledge about hurricanes, their patterns and traits.

If you enjoy reading the allegory of Storms in our lives, and following characters as they struggle and lean on their faith to see them through, then you might enjoy this novel. Please understand that the Galveston and the events of the 1900 Storm as they are depicted here are largely fictional and not a true representation of the city and the Storm.

Normally when you hear a Texan is telling a windy tale it means something entirely different. Janice uses a work of fiction to tell the very real story of the 1900 Galveston Hurricane that has been labeled "The Great Storm." You can't help but identify with these characters and the story will keep you enthralled. I first read this book when it came out, but as the hurricane season is here again, found myself picking it back up. If the people of New Orleans had read this book before Katrina came roaring ashore there wouldn't have been nearly as many people caught up in it.

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I'm a survivor of Hurricane Camille of 1969, that tore through Gulfport, MS in 1969 and the worst storm to hit the US Mainland. So I couldn't wait to read Thompson's Hurricane. Instantly I was drawn into her fictional story of the historical and devastating storm of 1900, that hit the island of Galveston, Texas. Thompson vividly portrays the catastrophic and devastating effects on human life and property in sharp contrast to hope, survival and faith. I read this book this past weekend, while in Mobile, AL with the threat of tropical storm Arlene in the background, so it was perfect reading material.

Drama and well developed characters tell the unfolding story of death and triumph as the storm moves into the gulf with such impact, that lives on the island are changed forever. I could almost taste the salt water, feel the roaring wind and slashing rain, so accurately described by Thompson, a native Texan. Though 6,000 people lost their lives in this terrible hurricane, many found strength and compassion to help their fellow islanders, and selfishly give of themselves, even in their own despair. This well crafted, minute by minute story, will pull at your heartstrings and make you say a prayer for every storm that enters your life. I highly reccommend it.

Sometimes our humble beginnings-the ones we can't wait to get away from-are the ones we're inevitably drawn back to. So is the case for successful newspaperman Brent Murphy when he becomes disenchanted with the fast pace of New York City and returns to his hometown Island of Galveston. His return coincides with an event of catastrophic proportions, the 1900 Galveston hurricane.

Mrs. Thompson, a native Texan, has crafted an engrossing tale of tragedy, sadness, courage, and most importantly, hope. Experience one of this country's most talked about storms through the eyes of these well-developed characters. You will cheer for their bravery and cry over their loss. A wonderful tribute to the victims of the 1900 Galveston hurricane. A great read. Highly recommend.