Christianity Books

This book was the basis of a class in prophecy. There is much to be learned from Graham Cooke. It's a book to enjoy as a part of quiet times with an open Bible and a notebook.

Mr. Cooke does an excellent job of authenicating the prophetic gifting and ministry for the contemporary church. He gives comprehensive insight into the relevancy of the gift for today, and takes an in depth look at ways this gift should be utilized within the five fold ministry. This book is a "must have" for any church that is serious about fulfilling it's commission with a scriptually sound strategy for success. It also gives invaluable direction and insight to those wishing to understand and develop their personal prophetic gifting.

This book is an excellent addition to anyone's library who is interested in the prophetic voice today. Not only does Graham give a solid biblical background, but he addresses some of the problems with the prophetic in the church today. Whether you are a beginner, or a pastor looking for some help in releasing and living with this gift in your church, this book is for you. One of the most balanced, well written books on this that I've read.

This book was required reading for our ministry teams at church. It should be required reading for anyone in the prophetic ministry today. My pastor affectionately calls this book, "The Cooke Book" for the prophetic. Truly, it serves up the right recipe for understanding and using the prophetic gifts in body ministry. I had to grow another brain to remember everything Cooke says in this manual. But, it was worth it!

The text is comprehensive and thorough in laying a biblical foundation regarding prophecy and its use in the church (although I hear rumor that it is to become a 6 volume set!). Cooke writes from the heart and packs his message with warmth, wisdom and practical insight gained from years of prophetic ministry experience. We should all listen well.

Graham hammers home the need for a framework of accountability in leadership, stating that leadership without accountability is unbiblical. He focuses on character, relationships and partnerships in the Body as much as the practice and role of the prophet. How refreshing! Of particular value is his loving treatment of how to handle "wrong" prophecy and discerning the difference between false prophecy and poor prophecy.

This is a must read for anyone with a desire to function in prophecy in a way that truly edifies and builds up the church.

My hunch, considering that everyone else has given this book 5 stars, that I'm the only non-Charismatic reading this book.

Let me start with where I'm coming from. I have spent most of my Christian life in churches that feel prophecy, tongues, etc. have all ceased. However, I am not as convinced. Thus, I am open to prophesy existing, but I find short-comings that need to be developed.

First, author Cooke is not above interpreting (or is it mis-interpreting) Scripture and other views to his advantage. Almost immediately, he makes a passage about Moses' appointing judges to mean something the text does not support, basically the role of writing down his prophecies. Later in the same chapter, Cooke claims some who say prophecy does not exist as a modern-day spiritual gift treat miracles and healings like they do. That is incorrect. Those people believe the GIFTS of healings and miracles have ceased as well as tongues and prophecy, but that God is Himself the one who heals and does miracles.

Second, for a book that claims to be Biblical, there is not much Biblical about it. This book is focused more on the author's experience than on what Scripture says. Preparation for prophecy, for example, includes prayer, meditation, waiting on God, and speaking in tongues. Is meditation dealing with meditating on Scripture? No. Thus, Bible Study is not one of the pre-requisites, but shouldn't it? Shouldn't one have a firm handle on what Scripture says before giving new revelation?

Third, in giving ways to check if it is of God, it forgets (or quite possibly ignores) the qualification in Deuteronomy 18, that the true prophet will have a 100% success record. He tries to distinguish between false prophecy (deception) and poor prophecy (inaccurate), and then even goes further to say more are deceived by false teaching than false prophecy.

There needs to be a book dealing with what the role of the prophet really is and how that can be filled even in a setting that does not believe the gift still exists. Unfortunately, this is not the book.

You want to know God's love and mercy then read it.... I have not finished the book but i am excited to read the rest....

I love the content of this book.

However, I agree with Don--another reviewer: the print in this book is VERY SMALL. I find it difficult to read such SMALL PRINT.
Unfortunately, I didn't take Don's warning into account when I bought this edition. Avoid making the same mistake.

By the way, the only glasses I use are safety glasses, at work. And my vision is excellent.

It's just a matter of comfort. I dislike struggling reading such small print and feel the need to buy a different edition with larger print (I probably will.)

Other than that, its content is a joy. Plus, due to its smaller print, the size of the book is smaller as well. That is good if you are traveling with it or if you take it with you to read throughout the day, outside your home.

Remember: if you're are going to read it at home solely, you'd be better off buying an edition with larger print.

This is a beautiful & eye-opening book! It changes your way of thinking and your life!! I absolutely love it and can read it over and over. It helps understand God.

The print in this book is quite small making reading difficult. I would recommend searching for a copy with normal size print.

This is my all-time favorite spiritual book. By reading about St. Faustina's growth in holiness, I learn about growing in holiness and above all, God's endless mercy. I've read this book probably a dozen times and I everytime I hear something new and grow more deeply in my relationship with Christ. By this book for yourself and everyone you know! Spread the hope of God's awesome mercy!

This is an excellent study guide to help the reader understand symbols and imagery in the Bible.

This is a very good reference book. I have a couple of seminary graduates that recommended it to me.

a tremendous work of explaining the imagery found in the bible. The range of subjects are vast in scope. A must have reference resource for serious bible study. Goes a long way towards helping one to understand the various levels and ways that symbolic and picturesque meaning is used and construed in the bible. Deals with individual concepts, broad ranging themes, people, places, books of the bible, events and more. Top notch resource!!!

The Dictionary of Biblical Imagery is an excellent reference for obtaining expanded meanings of the different words and images of the Bible. And even if it's a "dictionary", it is an enjoyable read straight through or even just when you want to hop from one entry to another. And for the price, it's a steal.

Highly recommended!

This book was one of the most unusual presents I have ever received. It was given to me by an individual who had enjoyed my teaching and thought I would find it helpful. It has proven to be an indispensible aid to Bible study and the understanding of deeper underlying themes of the symbolism which are so prevalent in the scriptures if you have the eyes to see them. The reader/researcher will find the material easy to use and well refrenced with historical and theological explanations. Although the Dictionary is written from a Protestant viewpoint, seekers of wisdom from a variety of different experiences will benefit from the insights and cultural revelations which can aid in unfolding deeper meaning through the symbolism, stories and pictures of the Bible.

One thing that I have learned is you have got to invest in yourself, and this book is a great investment. You will want to read it over and over again, because it is a blessing to your soul. After reading it, you will take a closer look at the people around you. Are they depositing something positive in you or are they trying to get you off track?? Juanita Bynum also shares personal experiences in this book. SHE IS JUST REAL!!! Again, three words.....BUY THIS BOOK!!!

This book is designed to encourage you to push forward to your devine destiny and do not settle for less along the way.
On page 9 she writes, "We have not even scratched the surface of where God's going to take those of us who are willing to go somewhere." She uses David to illustrate the importance of filling one's mouth with praise and worship instead of negatives.
On overcoming circumstances and emotions, she adds, "I'm not moved by what I see, and I don't operate on what I feel" (p. 12). She spends several pages talking about divine appointments. God's timing is also included in the explanation given. She notes, "God has a preset time for you to arrive at this place" (p. 36).
The season of preparation is describe. Again, she uses David to illustrate that he experienced certain victories before he encountered and overcame Goliath.
On promotion she writes, "Stop trying to promote yourself. Just devote your whole heart to God" (p. 73).
Promotion doesn't come from the east, west, north, or south. It comes from God.

Prophetess Bynum imparted so many truths through this book. In it, she helps you to understand first and foremost that you have a destiny in God. She exposes circumstances in which the enemy would desire for you to give up and "get off of the train". She uses biblical examples of people who did not get off the train, although they had difficulties throughout the journey and how God eventually blesses them for their faithfulness. The added punch is that everything that you experience is preparation for where God is taking you. This book is dynamic. I read it and will read it again. It is powerful!!

Another spiritual healing reader from Ms. Bynum. If you havent read the "No More SHeets" series, I encourage everyone to pick up a copy.

Just when you think you've got God all figured out, he'll throw a monkey wrench in the plans and knock your whole world off balance. This book came at a time when I felt as if I had lost everything including my mind, health, and even my life. Once again Prophetess Bynum has managed to keep everything straight and to the point. She displays that everyone slips and falls but the only mistake that's made is not trying to get back up and get on the path to reach your goals. By simply stating "Don't Get Off The Train En Route To Your Destiny!" The title say's it all God called us to Conquer, not quit. Christians should display, God's love not only to one another, but also to a hurting world and ourselves. By not giving up and living defeated lives we exemplify that God is more than enough. Period. I recommend that you read this book and re-discover who God intended you to be, while getting back on the path to your destiny.

Superb. Simply. Great literature. The character of John, the main character's friend was the best and most gratifying of all. Please obtain and let your eyes go to work. To think the author died short of fifty. Man, we get burned sometimes.

I am thilled to see this book being available in hardcover and paperback as well. I read this book about ten years ago and I read it regularly every couple of years. The story is very compelling and the scene of the protagonist walking home through a run-down community is a classic of American literature.

What this book and O'Connor's other novel, The Last Hurrah, apart is the writing. In an era where writers seem to challenge one another to be more like Faukner and less comprehensible to the average man, O'Connor wrote very well and his language is beautiful. From this fine prose arises really deep characters which are flawed and so easily identifiable to us all.

I found this to be a wonderful novel and a great pleasure to read. I have been trying to find this for years and could not in any bookstore. While this could not translate to the movies as easily as Last Hurrah, I found this to be so much more interesting. A truly Catholic novel, it is a joy to find something that takes spiritual issues seriously and yet is hardly preachy. And if you are Irish, the dialogues of the "friends" of the family will make you laugh outloud while reading. This brought back the charms and frustrations of my childhood and my own family of Irish aunts and uncles. Long but worth the effort. A great find.

This simple but beautiful bittersweet story of life among the Irish-American citizens of an unnamed eastern city is a joyful and beguiling tale. O'Connor's characterizations and dialogues are engaging and from my personal experience utterly authentic. I feel as though I have met all the main chacters and could give them names among family and acquaintances. The set piece of Father Kennedy' battle with alcoholism is tastefully done.

As I was reading THE EDGE OF SADNESS, I couldn't help but think that in 1961, when this Pulitzer Prize winning novel was published, it must have been rather controversial. It dealt with the humanity of priests, noting flaws but in a respectful manner. While some writers such as Georges Bernanos dealt with such issues in his DIARY OF A COUNTRY PRIEST, American audiences were still used to the Hollywood Big Screen concoctions of Spencer Tracy--Father Flanagan/Bing Crosby--Father O'Malley models of priesthood. While the priest in THE EDGE OF SADNESS may be worthy of the warmth and love given to his movie counterparts, he's hardly perfect.

The novel tells the story of an alcoholic priest named Hugh Kennedy beginning again in ministry in an older, run down parish. Readers get a sense he's not the priest he once was, and throughout the novel we learn of his early ministry, the ramifications of the death of his father, the struggle with alcohol, and the loneliness that is a real part of his life. The book is written in the first person, and we hear the story of his life as he tells of his rekindling of a friendship with the Carmody family: Charlie, the patriarch, his son John the priest, Dan, the ne'er do well, Helen, the outspoken sister married to a doctor and Mary, the daughter who remains at home to care for the aging but still independent and at times ruthless Charlie. We also meet a host of minor characters: Helen's husband Frank, their son and daughter-in-law Ted and Anne, Charlie's longtime friends P.J. and Bucky, Roy, the maintenance man who works at Fr. Kennedy's church, and Fr. Stanley Danowski, the endearing yet naïve and at time nerdy young curate at Fr. Kennedy's parish. As the events of the novel unfold, we see changes in Fr. Kennedy as he discovers his love for God and his vocation.

This is an older style novel in many ways. O'Connor is not short on words and he gives a number of details, yet the novel flows and is a fast read for a volume of nearly 650 pages. The issues of struggles in priesthood, vitality of parishes, older priest verses younger priest, unstated yet real competition between clergy people, and a hunger for God are all present in this book. In some ways if some historical details were changed in the book, it could be about modern day Catholic life. Perhaps this is the power of this book and why it can seem timeless. While it tells a story from an earlier day, it's not an invitation for nostalgia, at least for Catholic readers. Instead it will remind readers of what truly matters in life: the importance of faith, and the importance of having people who love us and people we love in return. While it may seem dated in some ways, readers will agree that the editors at Loyola Press were correct in reissuing this book as a classic.

I purchased this book after reading the first novel by Ryan Phillips, Saving Grace. Then I purchased the next book. I have all three and I have never been disappointed with her work. If you are in want of a good book, then read this but be prepared not to get anything done because you won't be able to put it down. One of my co-worker/friend was on our way to a meeting in which we had to travel three hours. I decided to bring along my book because I knew this would be the opportune time to read. Needless to say, I didn't talk much to my co-worker and really didn't want her talking much to me because I was so intensely into the book. I recommend reading the preceding one before reading this one. By then, you will swear you know each and every character. Can't wait until Ryan comes out with more of her great work.

After reading Ryan Phillips' first book, "Saving Grace", I became an instant fan of her work. I just finished "Fall from Grace" and I am equally, if not more, pleased with this book as with "Saving Grace"!

Ryan Phillips is truly a great author, I would highly recommend this book! GREAT READ!! Can't wait for the next one!

I really hope she continues Grace's story. Saving Grace was GREAT and Fall from Grace was a great follow-up. I'm still amazed at how young Ryan Phillips is you can tell that her writing is a God-given gift.

Saving Grace was an excellent read and so is this sequel Fall From Grace.

Grace and Trina have been best friends forever. Their relationship though causes alot of conflicts between them. At a point in their lives they lose themselves and Christ and must find a way back.

This book is filled with everyday issues, with twists and turns.

Fall From Grace was so good that it would literally take me all day to describe everything I loved about it. It was witty, mesmerizing, challenging, beautiful. To have a front row seat into the hearts and minds, successes and failures of fellow christians was far more than an entertaining read. The characters are so rich it made me think how can one person (the author, Ms. Phillips) be able to so keenly describe, speak and think for such a variety of individuals less she be utterly ingenious. WOW WOW and WOW pretty much describes how I feel and what I think. Beautiful. Creative. Unpredictable. Congratulations Ryan Phillips, I have a new favorite book. I never imagined that the sequel could be any better than Saving Grace (which was phenomenal). Fall From Grace was better than any movie or book I've ever seen or read thus far and I am so excited for the next Masterpiece. I am so thankful for the wonderful blessing this story was to me.

P.S. Between you and me...my eyes were a little watery...and I never cry over fiction! :)

In the few days it took me to read this book I feel I am a new person. This is a must read for women and men alike. Don't let the title scare you away men. This is a man and a woman's guide to emotional health. I told my sister I would pass it on to her once I finished it but I think I will buy her one for her to keep as I think it will be very helpful for me to go back to from time to time and re-read many areas.

This book is a must read. I've read it, my husband is reading it and I've bought it for friends. If every person in therapy would read it,their healing time would be cut in 1/2. Combine it with the author's Power of a Praying Wife and Power of a Praying Husband and the divorce rate would be cut in 1/2! Stormy Omartian is a blessing to those of us who didn't grow up in perfect homes, and have not lead perfect lives but want to grow in the Lord and in life! God Bless Her!

I have read countless books for emotional healing. This is by far the best and probably the only one that needs to be read. Unfortunately, the subtitle of the book may turn men away from reading this book. This book is for everyone! For women AND men. Even for those who have not suffered abuse. We all have low points in our lives. This book will guide you through them.

While I believe there is a time and place to see a shrink, there is also a time and place to get real with yourself and look deep within yourself to find the root of your problems.

In Finding Peace for Your Heart, Stormie shows us how vital a role God plays in our healing, and how important it is for us to be willing to look at the root of our problems. It's truly the first step towards healing and spiritual growth.

I read this book with great intensity, found areas in my life that the Lord wanted me to work on, and finished it feeling truly inspired to lean on God more.

Stormie manages to help us see God's truth for what it really is with a straightforward, sincere, down-to-earth conversation-like writing style which gives the realistic, positive and wonderful perspective of our Father's purpose for our lives. LOVED IT!!! Who needs counceling after this book?

Nancy Hoag has produced a collection of memoirs to touch the heart and inspire all. Her experiences when God was at work in her life are marvelous. From her dread of attending Bingo with the elderly of her community to getting caught under the raft during a whitewater expedition, she carries the reader through touching and trying moments that turn out to be blessings of the finest kind.

This book reminds us that no matter what is happening in our life, God is always there. When our patience is being tried to the limit, when we feel lost and alone, when we are depressed or angry, when we are sick or sorrowful; no matter what is going on around us, it will be okay as long as we keep God's love within us.

Hoag's narrative is loose, flowing, and chatty. She invites the reader into her life and shares everything with us: her feelings, thoughts, surroundings, friends, and family. This is a marvelous book that will certainly entertain you while showing you that you are never without God. I strongly recommend it. Let this woman show you the extraordinary touch of God in your everyday life.

Like a good box of chocolates, it's hard to read just one of Nancy Hoag's stories--I find myself wanting just one more, and one more...
Nancy's experiences are fresh and real. Many of us women can identify with the situations she went through. She finds God in each one and shows us how to find him, too.
This is a book that stays on my nightstand and gets read over and over.

Nancy is so open to hearing God. And He speaks to her in many ways. She gets through one problem after another with His help, and she assures us we can too!
This book is a great confidence builder. Helps me to believe and trust that God is with me, as he is with her, in every aspect of my life.
It has also made me aware that God talks to me - I just need to listen.

If God's words are the "meat and potatoes" of life - then Nancy's books (more specifically 'The Fingerprints of God') are the icing on the cake! It would be very easy to devour her books in a single sitting, but I try to slowly savor each heartfelt chapter. Nancy's words touch my soul to the very core, she writes the thoughts I so often have inside. By the end of the book, you will probably feel like you've made a new friend. This book could be used as a daily devotional, but I dare you to sit down and just read one chapter!! When you feel as though God has maybe deserted you, pick up this book and feel renewed that just as He has heard Nancy, He will hear you too.

What timely stories for a world that is asking, "God, are you there?" Nancy Hoag has a way of gently, but emphatically letting us know, by exposing her own life situations, the answer to that question. I can't imagine anyone's heart that wouldn't be touched by the chapter entitled "Grandma's Calendar," even as it brought tears to the eyes of my husband. This bounty is a real quicker-picker-upper, read a chapter on your next coffee break!

Steve has done a marvelous job with focus on how a man can maximize his ability to finish out his life without messing up. Steve uses great examples of men we know by name in real life and from the Scriptures. I use this book as a primer on how I should conduct my life and thought life in hopes I will be one of the 10% of Godly men who finish well. I have read it three times and continue to read from it every week to keep me focused.

This is a motivational and instructional manual on how to be a godly man. My husband loved it and passed it on to me. It has scriptural backround and examples-some will surprise you. Well-written and practical, Finishing Stong is an inspiration for anyone trying to finish the race well.

It is a great resource for a man to know God's direction for his family. It is something that we would recommend for every man.

This book has changed the way I look at and the way I carry myself day in and day out. The bible is still the authority on how a man should live, but Finishing Strong delivers the message in terms relative to today's christian man. It also can be understood by the non-christian also. I think that is the best feature behind this book is that whether or not you believe that God has outlined the way you should live, this book breaks it down to you in terms anyone can relate to and follow

I received this book as a gift on my 40th birthday, read it and enjoyed the dynamics of it so much that I purchased other copies to give to friends and relatives. I've always cherished a wholesome family life, and this book is like the icing on the cake. It has strengthen not only my Christian values, but my family and work ethics as well. It helps me to overcome many difficult trials in my life, with marriage and raising three sons. This book compliments Steve Farrar's other book, Point Man. Another excellent read! Spread the JOY!

I needed to some accurate information about developing strong relationships that would benefit average people in church. Very helpful reading.

VisionalLife: The Pursuit of God's Passion

If I were asked what book should a first time church launcher buy, it would be Launch. I only wish the book would have been out before we launched in Jan 2007. We did pick it up and begin to implement the practical step by step instructions and recommendations. Since our launch in Jan 2007, we are averaging 175 and are using many of the post-launch strategies outlined in Launch. I have read many books on church planting and launching that are theory written by guys who have never taken a church beyond 150. Nelson is not a theorist, but a practician.

Jeff Calloway
Lead Pastor - Bridge Church at Perry
Author of VisionalLife: Pursuing God's Passion

This is a great book to help your church implement a great guest welcoming program (hospitality). It is very practical and useful. You may not agree with everything, but you don't need to, to implement the program! This is uptodate and top notch.

Searcy and Henson have done a great job of putting together a very practical and readable guide to church growth. The basic premise is assimilating guests into engaged members by practicing an intentional hospitality and a structured follow-up strategy. The methodology makes perfect sense, and it is the same approach that Searcy used to grow his "from scratch" church in NYC. It is targeted toward a younger audience but could be adapted to different segments. There are also templates and other tools included in an appendix which make this a very implementable system. Searcy also shows that the motivation behind church growth is found in Bible verse. More information about Searcy can be found at www.ChurchLeaderInsights.com.

I read Nelson's book this morning, handed it to my Assimilation Director this afternoon, and sent Nelson a note tonight, congratulating him on a fine piece of work. New Song has been doing many of the things Nelson suggests for a long time, but his is a systematic approach that thinks through and closes the gap on each potential point where a newcomer might fall through the cracks.

I doubt if any of the pieces of Nelson's assimilation system are new. He's probably borrowed alot from Saddleback and a little from others. What Nelson has done is thought through, written down, and explained what to do, so that no one ever has to start from scratch again. This is a church assimilation primer! The surprising thing is that no one has written this book before. The laudable thing is, Nelson has now done it for us.

Smaller churches, if you want to think like a larger church, this is a very good place to start. As you grow, you'll need to adopt this type of system for welcoming newcomers, along with equally comprehensive systems for Small Groups, children's ministry, youth ministry, visitor attraction, branding your signature event in the community, and every other subministry of the church.

Larger churches may not need this - if they're already doing as much or more for visitors. Personally, I'm going to huddle with my team and use it as a reference guide and checklist to make sure we've closed as many gaps in our welcoming process as possible.

Great job Nelson! Keep them coming!

Hal Seed
New Song Community Church
Oceanside, CA