Christianity Books

The End for Which God Created the World represents the core of Jonathan Edwards's thought. Edwards's thesis is this: God designed everything to revel in his glory, and he desires for us to take joy in his magnificence. What's more, those who enjoy God will enjoy him with ever-increasing joy for all eternity. Isn't that a breathtaking thesis?

Edwards marshalls huge amounts of scriptural evidence to support his claim, and, as always, he brilliantly answers philosophical objections against what the scriptures reveal about the matter. His writing throughout is penetrating, perceptive, persuasive, and deeply worshipful.

I think John Piper's goals in his contribution to this work were to whet the reader's appetite for the feast of The End for Which God Created the World and to make the work more accessible to the average reader. He succeeds in both respects. After reading Dr. Piper's introduction I was eager to plow forward, and, while reading The End . . ., I found Dr. Piper's explanatory footnotes helpful.

The End for Which God Created the World is a majestic work, and I am grateful that John Piper took the time to re-introduce it to the general public. May God use this humble offering from Jonathan Edwards's pen to help our tragically parched world find the living water flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb!

This book recovers a much needed perspective for the evangelical church-- the importance of theology (what we believe about God) and intimacy (how well we know God). Too often, we get caught in the middle, in methodology (how we do things). Most books, most conferences, etc., deal with "how" instead of the other, more pertinent issues, which Piper relays from Edwards in this book. (I see this most often in the "church growth" movement-- where pastors all get together, go to conferences, and seek to copy what's working in some other place in the country, rather than struggling to know God in the present.)

J.Edwards was one who, according to Piper, was steeped in both theology and piety-- both, without neglect the other. Theology without intimacy leads to cold, dry orthodoxy. Yet, intimacy without theology often has no moorings... no depth...

The book is challenging... and will stretch you to move beyond simply copying the methods of others (whether you're a church leader or whatever) and get back to the God you know and relating to that God as you seek to know Him and make His glory known.

The book is in two parts. The second part of the book is an essay by Jonathan Edwards called, "The End for which God created the World." Edwards lived in the 18th century and was a careful and brilliant thinker. Needless to say, the essay is very tough read. I tried reading it slowly and carefully, but I gave up and decided to read it in normal mode. I plan to go back in a year and try it again. The essay needs to be digested slowly with multiple readings. Piper has added many footnotes to help guide the reader through the more difficult passages.

The first part is Piper getting you prepared emotionally and physically for the intellectual climb. He does an excellent job of encouraging the reader to make the climb for the view is great from the top.

The book is worth reading even if you don't understand it. It helps bring into focus all of Piper's writings.

This is a solid, powerful, stunning, and most biblical text from both Jonathan Edwards and John Piper. This book includes Edward's essay titled "The End for Which God Created the World," along with comments and further delineation from John Piper. To read Edwards sometimes takes much concentration and hard work, and Piper has done a great job bringing this work to life.

The first part of the book is an introduction to Edwards's work, by Piper (a sort of commentary, if you will), and the later part is the actual work of Edwards's. Piper begins by expressing his concern about the issue at hand, and then leads into a discussion of not only Edwards's life but his work as well. Piper comments on Edwards's conclusions in relation to Piper's concerns in his current ministry and then allows the reader to take what Piper has discussed and make application of it through Edwards's original work.

The thing I find most interesting about this work is its relevancy. What I mean by this is the fact that Edwards's wrote this work 200+ years ago and it is still pertinent to our own culture today (sure proof that the Truths of God endure forever). This is a great text, solid theology, and extremely relevant reading for today. I heartily recommend this work!

This is a general comment on Piper's books. I deeply appreciate the work of John Piper--especially his emphasis on missions and on living God-centered, Christ-exalting lives of worship. And I am Augustinian, so I love Piper's theology and am thrilled that he has become so popular. But I do want to provide a warning. Piper's main emphasis is (and you'll read this over and over again) "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied (or delighted) in Him." This is a biblical and wonderful proposition that Piper became aware of through the writings of Jonathan Edwards. To Edwards, this proposition was one small part of his theology.

But Piper has taken this idea, which he calls "Christian Hedonism," and built his whole life and ministry around it. The problem is that if you read enough Piper, you will begin to focus on the FEELING of being delighted in Christ, rather than on Christ Himself. And when your feelings don't match what you want them to be, you will become disheartened. (And let's face it, few of us have the emotional intensity of John Piper.) At that point, your feelings (of being delighted in God) become the object of your desires and, thus, an idol. Yes, they are feelings TOWARD God--but those feelings are NOT GOD. And when the focus of your life has become your emotions, it has deceptively become an idol.

I know Piper fights against this tendency. But I'm afraid he is often unsuccessful. The fact is, the Christian life is not going to be one of unending joy in God. Read the Psalms to see how often the psalmists cry out in agony and desperation and sadness to the Lord. Read Romans 7 to find out how tough and discouraging the Christian life can really be.

According to Piper, our happiness in God should be the driving motivation in our life. But when Christians are inevitably not overflowing with delight in God, then under Piper's framework, the only solution is to seek that feeling of joy rather than just do our duty. There are times when duty and obligation (which Piper hates) are the only motivations for the Christian to be obedient and live a life of faith. I agree wholeheartedly with Piper that delight in God is a much better motivation for the Christian than duty. But when that delight is not there, we still must be faithful and obedient, and we can't always wait on our feelings to drive us on toward the prize.

Read Piper's books. And enjoy his passionate and Christ-exalting preaching. But beware and repent when your emotions--rather than the Triune God Himself--become the focus of your life.

I gave this book to my best friend at his wedding. I can't think of a better gift for someone you care about on the advent of their wedding than a book that helps them remember to make Christ a member of the family. A marriage is a lifelong experience that can only be made better with the recognition of the proper influence of God during the day to day decision making processes of a marriage. At least that is my opinion.

This book is amazing. I am single, and it totally spoke to me all the way through. I've read books in the past that did not do so well on that. When they got to dating relationship and marriage, it kind of left those of us who are single out. But Craig's book helps keeps every relationship status involved throughout the book. I found that after reading it, I put it next to my bed and keep it as a quick reference.

I encourage you to buy this book. But beware...when you read it, you'll want to purchase one for all your friends!

Groeschel hits the target! This book is a staple and a must read for ALL that are considering or have respect for the institution of marriage! Teens, Young Adults, Adults, Divorced, Married... all need to have this prize in their hands. Each page is filled with straight forward truth about how to find and keep that special someone...no fluff and flutter! So where was this book 11 years ago before I was married? This book truly is a great gem for those that are already married like myself as well. So pick one up! I rate this book as one we will be passing down for generations to come! A must read!

This past month, Going All The Way: preparing for a marriage that goes the distance, finally made it off the shelf and into the "read me" pile. Stefani and I got this book as a gift and agreed to blog about it - then life went a little crazy. But, it made it off and was worth the read.If you are looking to date, are dating, are thinking about marriage, or are in the midst of making wedding plans - I recommend you read this book. Also, if you work in pre-marital counseling or with young married couples - read this book.

Craig Groeschel, founder and pastor of LifeChurch.tv, doesn't share research data or psychological principles for building strong marriages. Instead, his approach for fostering committed, long-lasting marriages come through his real life experiences - full of messy relationships, and a journey that led him to meet his "One" - entering into a relationship with Jesus Christ. Through self study he learned the importance of developing a relationship with his "One" first, then working to find his "Two".

This August, Stefani and I will be married 13 years. Some of you are probably thinking, "this isn't exactly the time to be reading a book preparing you for marriage." Truthfully, it was refreshing to read this book - seeing in print many of the "habits" (chp.14), we have put into practice throughout our relationship. It was also a great reminder that passion and pursuit doesn't stop once you get married - passion and pursuit are a vital part of the marriage covenant that "goes all the way."

Thanks to Craig Groeschel for writing this book from his life story - challenging us to live differently than what society calls "normal"

At our last youth event on of my 8th graders broke his nose while we were playing in a youth touch football tournament away from home. After a few minutes the bleeding stopped and he seemed a bit confused so we called the parimedics just in case there was a concussion and to make sure his nose wasn't broken to badly. We'll the ambulance arrived and I hopped in (leaving the rest of our football team in the care of our great volunteers) and was asked to sit up front. I got in the driver asked if I wanted to put on the head set so we could talk and he asked the usual questions. What happened? What were you guys doing? Who are you with? As I explained who we are, what we were doing and what happened he told me his youth group never did anything like that but just went to summer camp. Now just a few days before I had sat in on a workshop about conversational evangelism and I decided to ask the question, "so do you attend church now?" and he said yes then said that we were on the main channel and everyone could hear our conversation. So thinking it was over and not wanted to push it I dropped the conversation and waited for a minute to see what we could talk about next when he brought it back up again. He began to tell me about the way the church he grew up in treated his mom after she divorced his father and how they continued to attend on and off for a while. Eventually his mom started attending a big church in the area and he and his wife started to go but but for awhile they were sporadic in attendance. And right after that he said the most profound statement a non committed Christian can say about God and marriage. He told me that for a while his marriage had been on the rocks and how since they have been attending regularly his marriage has been getting better and I could tell that meant a lot to him.

All of us want better marriages and stronger marriages but most people have a hard time figuring out what it takes to get there. Craig Groechels's book brings the answer back into focus by realigning our number 1 and our number 2 and then pieces begin to fall into place behind them. With the business of life we allow all kinds of things to become our number 1, sometimes its our spouse, or our jobs, a lot of people put that focus on the children and a good number of us put it in places it totally doesn't belong (ie. hobbies, friends, affairs) never realizing that for the relationship of marriage to work our number 1 has to be God, completely focused on Him and making sure that our relationship with Him is strong (by daily connecting with Him prayer and listening to Him through His word, commitment to His church and living our life every minute relying on Him to direct us) and then rightfully place our spouse as number 2 and make sure that we are strong in that relationship as well (taking time to talk, dating your spouse, praying together) and these practices build a strong marriage and it cannot happen any other way.

Going All The Way is great book that is easy to read, full of life stories that make it real, and Craig is funny and honest never ducking from tell us how he has messed up and how he has worked to make his marriage strong. I've already given a copy as a wedding gift (to my sister) and know of at least two more friends that I want to send it to as well. As a guy who has made mistakes in his marriage and at times placed the focus of my number 1 on other things than God and my wife I have been really encouraged and after reading this book we are working to realign our focus as a couple on God first and then each other.

As I we kept driving to the hospital that afternoon and the Fireman/ EMT told me that, I responded by saying that I wish more couple realized that God is the answer to our marriage problems. Focusing on God is the only way to have and maintain a health marriage.

Keenan explores the realm of the soul in this pleasant, enlightening discussion. A problem I had is that he never (that I can remember) defines the soul or discusses the spirit. So, much of the language about the soul is somewhat ambiguous. I think at times he referred to what I consider the spirit as the soul. I never grasped exactly what he means by "soul," which is frustrating when that is the focus of the book.

Much of the book lacked the passion that really moves a reader to wake up to the sense of soul and spirituality and the need to address the unseen world. The book is told/read without much drama.

Keenan does share insights about life that will probably cause you to examine your priorities and direction in life. He shares stories that are relevant but that didn't seem to strike a loud enough chord to me. I think he could have gone deeper into his spiritual well to offer the reader more living water that what is here.

I think there is a lack of specificity about what he truly believes regarding the soul. He doesn't share much of his Catholic belief system but more of a watered down spirituality that ignores much of what one would expect a Catholic priest to believe.

There were some nuggets that I can take with me such as looking for the miracle in everyday life, expecting gifts from God and from life, and trusting in the guidance of providence when least suspected.

I would encourage him to be more earnest about what he believes in the future.

I thought this was a good book. Because it was about football. It was'ent just one team it has different players and some of the best players from the 80's to the 90's. Some players are still playing till this day.Thats what this books about good professional players ;about their good days and their bad days.

I didn't finish the book yet because I keep going over some chapters that apply to my own spiritual journey. I can relate to so many things Fr. Pauls says. He is truly a gifted author and buying this book was no "coincidence." I was looking for another book, but this came into my hand because God wanted me to read Fr. Paul's words. Thank you Father Paul for sharing your insights with us. We are on this journey together.

Sometimes, books like these can become too heavily optimistic and, therefore, alienate the reader that really needs comfort in a time of suffering. When I purchased this book, my older sister had just died at the age of 27 and I was desperate for some kind of comfort. My friends and family, though they tried, only seemed to make me feel worse. This book, however, was just what I needed.

Good News for Bad Days takes a sober and uplifting look at life without making your problems seem mundane or unworthy of notice. It is a book that is full of empathy and not pride or guilt. Father Keenan does not push Christianity down your throat or even try to convert the reader, rather he uses modern day situations to show the different ways one can look at life and times of need.

If you are looking for a friend to be compassionate and there is no one in sight, this book is just what you need.

This is a truly helpful book. Father Keenan's compassion comes alive on these pages. You can feel his hand in yours as you read. It's been a fad for quite some time now to say that one is "into spirituality" or is "a spiritual person." But to completely understand spirituality, one must first realize the function of the soul in life. Soulfulness is the basis of all things spiritual, emotional, and physical. It is our very essence. And this guide will help you in your quest to make your life a soulful one. On a personal note: My family sustained the loss of my dear sister just weeks before the release of this book. It served as a comforting tool to all the members of my family during this difficult time. But whether you are hurting, searching, happy, or sad, Father Keenan's words will lead you to a better understanding of the very thing that gives us the vitality and strength that we so need to survive: the soul. Father Keenan taught me so much through this book that I have actually been able to use what I've learned to help others through loneliness, loss, and frustration. And it's been an absolute delight to share what I've learned with all of God's souls who have come into my life.

I couldn't put this book down. I read it at the perfect time for me. I've studied and taught the Bible for decades from a Christian viewpoint, but I've always been drawn to the connection between Judaism and Christianity. This curiosity has led me to spend more and more time in the Old Testament, or Tanach. This book is the account of another Christian Bible student with a similar attraction to Jewish thought; however, Dickson went directly to the source and attended regular study sessions at a local synagogue. Through this book I have been stretched intellectually and spiritually in ways that are brand new to me. My resolve to learn more on these subjects is stronger than ever. I've even signed up for Hebrew lessons at a local synagogue. I am excited about the possibilities of future spiritual growth as I dig deeper into the Scriptures revered by Jesus and his disciples.

Very well written, thought out. He covers alot of area and does it very well. Everyone should be open minded and read this book slowly.

This was a great read. Highly recommended.

The book reads smoothly, uses comfortable language, and flows in a logical way. Dickson employs several mini-stories throughout the book to introduce and illustrate the subject matter of that chapter.

Dickson touches an area of Christianity which is desperately needed. We embrace so much of our faith without having any knowledge of its roots or foundation in Judaism. Christianity and Judaism are not synonymous. They have significant differences, and Dickson does not ignore these differences, or try to homogenize the two faiths. But they ARE similar, and Dickson does a great job of showing just how so many of the themes in Christianity overlap with those of Judaism, even if that doesn't appear to be the case at first glance. Most of Dickson's focus is not on the minutiae differences of Christianity and Judaism, but is on the larger elements of our faiths, including the differences in how we approach our faith, and how we answer the hard-to-answer questions.

Allow me to share my favorite aspect of the book. Dickson discusses, in detail, the difference in the way Christians and Jews deal with difficult questions about our faith. I grew up in the church, Dickson is correct in characterizing the way most Christians answer those questions: we often try to make them seem less difficult than they really are, and look to some pre-fabricated answer found in our "ways to answer those questions" manual. Many questions are off-limits as quasi-heretical, meaning that we often never quite satisfactorily examine the things in our faith we struggle with. By Contrast, according to Dickson, no question is off-limits for Jews, and they embrace difficulties and questions concerning their faith. I believe more Christians should react like the latter. We should be willing to ask questions--the answers in our manual may be correct, but we should be willing to go and see.

One of the things that make this book so good is its ability to make you think-it encourages you to examine what you believe. You will find yourself pondering the things you read throughout the day. I cannot agree with everything that Dickson asserts in the book, and there are some areas in which I felt he could have elaborated and discussed more thoroughly. But the book DID make me think, and it did have an effect on what I think about a couple of issues. If you read this book, and consider the things discussed in it, there is a fair chance that your view on an issue or two will be tweaked in some way too.

The book is great. The book is easy to read, and enjoyable. While I still don't necessarily agree with everything Dickson says, those things are rather minute and mostly insignificant. People interested in the subject matter should definitely read the book. I am confident that you'll enjoy the book, and that you'll be glad you bought it.

This was neat. But in saying that, it was by no means at all, a light read. Athol Dickson made you think. A great writer of fiction, he writes great stories, with a message. But when he wrote, "The Gospel According to Moses," he is to be taken very seriously. Upon joining a Chever Torah group, his faith was challenged. And his faith was ultimately strengthened. He wasn't afraid to address difficult questions.

When I read this, Dickson wasn't afraid to to discuss what a Christian believes, opposed to what a Jew might think. And he wasn't afraid to apply Torah and Bible scripture. He takes examples in The Bible like Moses and Abraham, and events in their lives. He begins by stating, "Life's most important moments are often disguised as the commonplace." In this case, in the situation that Athol Dickson knowingly put himself into, that is most certainly true. Did he expect to be challenged? Possibly. He wasn't afraid to expose the differences. Or was he? Where does Jesus fit in this? You'll know soon enough.

So, if you want a few of the topics that Dickson addresses in a nut shell, I'll give a few. In the opening chapter, Dickson talks about dealing with doubts. He'll talk about why God lets us suffer. He'll discuss finding connections between obedience and grace. And in the final chapter, he'll ask a real tough one: Are Jews going to Hell? He discusses a lot of other stuff as well. The topics are 13 chapters total. I would dare to say, give this a try. If you have tough questions, then maybe this has the answer. Will it give you satisfying results? Only you can answer that.

Is this possibly a "Jesus Freak Among the Jews" account? Quite possibly, and a little more. It was awesome.

Based on insights gained from his experience as a Christian guest in a Reform Judaism Bible study, Dickson offers his thoughts about God, scripture, and interfaith misunderstandings--such as the relationship of faith to obedience, grace to works. 'The Gospel According to Moses,' one of the most refreshing books I've read in a while, has caused me to study the Jewishness of the Christian faith, which in turn has brought new depths of understanding of and awe for God and the Bible--and more questions to contemplate and explore.

Mrs Osteen does a wonderful job showing the reader how to keep your chin up even in the worst of times. Giving us views and glimpses into her own heart of steel, Dodi Osteen shows the reader the true power of applying God's word to not only your health, but your daily life as well. A Must read!

I purchased this book after I was diagnosed with cancer. I found it to be very uplifting and inspiring. My husband and mother also read it and found it to be a blessing for them as ones who are dealing with a family member going through such an ordeal. I then passed it on the a friend who was diagnosed with cancer and then order another one for myself. The point being, purchase several of these as you'll want to keep one and pass on to others as inspiration.

I bought this book for a friend with lung cancer. I see Dodie Osteen every Sunday sitting in her son's congregation on nationwide TV nearly 25 years after being told that she had weeks to live in 1981. I have since come back and bought more copies of the book for my aunt with Parkinson's, my mother with rhuematoid arthritis, for my sister and her husband who have had breast/prostate cancer. An inspirational book whether you are ill or not that everyone should read, especially if you or someone you love is ill.

Don't let the title of this review fool you into thinking I'm skeptical of Dodie Osteen's story; not at all! This gorgeous booklet, chock full of Scripture as well as Dodie's remarkable story, is only further proof to me of God's miraculous ways. God has used Dodie in many ways as a tool to spread His glory, and her disease was just another way He came through for her. Dodie is now living fulfillment of His promise to work all things for His good.

The only qualm I had with the book was not the story itself, but some of Dodie Osteen's occassionally extreme and presumptious remarks. Shortly after she and her husband found out she had life-threatening cancer, they went home to pray. At this point, Dodie turned to her husband and said "Darling, you are the head of this house. You are going to have to take authority over this cancer in my body".

Now, I've heard of men being told that they're the head of things they really have no authority over, but this is a new one: cancer? I rather think that only God has authority over disease, not man or woman. Talk about placing a load in your husband's hands!

Dodie then said that her husband "anointed her with oil as they got down on the bedroom floor, face down before God, and he took authority over any disease and any cancerous cells in her body".

This just gave me a bad taste: her husband "taking authority" over her disease and anointing her with oil? He's her husband, not a priest or an intermediary between herself and God. This display of theirs seemed overly done and rather misdirected. Just goes to show how men ruled the roost back then. (And I don't just say this because of her husband's actions; this poor woman had to go to a gynecologist who was not only male, but a friend from church! Can you imagine being a pastor or pastor's wife and having someone from your own flock inspect you in such a personal way? Blecch! The very thought makes me sick)

There was only one other comment in this book that I found offensive, but it did rather throw me. Dodie, when relating her prayers to God, said, "I reminded the Lord that my husband needed me, my children needed me, my flock needed me, and HE needed me".

I actually read this line over to make sure I'd understood it. She actually told God that He NEEDED her? I was so gobsmacked, I almost laughed. Dodie honey, God doesn't "need" anyone. Or, if He does, it's only because He chooses to. He made you, knowing perfectly well what He would do with you. The Word tells us, in fact, that before we existed, God wrote in His book everything we would do. We are needed in the world by others, yes, but only because God made it so, not because He was at a loss without us. What threw me was not only Dodie's thought that God needed her, but the fact that she "reminded" Him of this. As though God Almighty needs reminding of anything! Good heavens; I'm no stodgy conservative, but that line of thinking is laughable at best and blasphemous at worst. God knows how He plans to fit you into His works, Dodie; He doesn't need any help or reminding, and if He did, you'd be in big trouble having to entrust your disease to such a God!

Inspite of these faults of logic, this book is, altogether, a beautiful recounting of an event that could only be described as miraculous. If nothing else, I recommend you read it for the more than forty Scripture quotes in it; those alone should prove healing to the most deeply wounded soul. Rest assured, Dodie Osteen is a woman of gump, but she gives all the credit to God as the Healer of all.

My wife has been diagnosed with Cancer. This book has helped us to remind us of God's promises. He is faithful. Dodie's testimony is so amazing and encouraging. She offers a chapter with 40 healing scriptures that have been uplifting for us. I saw her the other day on TV and she does not look like a 90th years old lady. God is good, get the book if you need to be remind of His grace and healing power.

Mr. DeVos' book has moved me deeply and powerfully. I have already started applying some of his beliefs and principles in my life and am feeling more empowered than ever. He also has boosted and strengthened my belief in God and my trust in Jesus. His inspiring personal story and his acknowledgement of the power of God's grace will have a lasting effect on me. I suspect anyone else who reads his terrific story will feel the same. The book is a "quick read' and I love the format of how the ten lessons for life are presented. This book should be read by Christians and non-Christians alike in my opinion. Thank you Mr. DeVos for sharing your story, your wisdom, and your unshakeable faith in our Lord and Savior. You have made me realize even further just how much He loves each and every one of us.

Rich Devos, co-founder of Amway and owner of the NBA Orlando Magic, writes his passages from his own experiences. He is encouraging and honest by presenting the many possibilities of life's pained times while showing how to positively grow from them. This book is dressed with vibrant pictures from cover to cover and filled with inspirational quotes that are the kind anyone will want to jot down on a post it and leave next to the front door. Rich Devos will give the reader an edge and feel of strength page by page.

This book is like a life guide for me. Rich Devos really knows how to touch you deeply with simple facts of life. I'll recomend to anyone and hoping this book will be translated to many other languages so it could really reach anyone.

If you need rules or guidelines for your life without an entirely religious or spiritual basis, this is them. Rich DeVos is a very religious person, but is able to relate ten lessons of how to succeed in life. From faith through love, Rich tells us how each one provided great things in his life. Being successful in all areas of his life, Rich is someone that everyone should listen and learn from, in business or not, christian or not, successful or not. There is always room to grow in your life, so let Rich lead the way.

I can't think of a better word to describe this book than - INSPIRED! You will be blessed by this book. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, get comfortable on the couch and.....enjoy.

I read this book 32 years ago and became a Christ lover. Real love was evident to me in this story and I wanted real love. The pastor in the book explained so beautifully what love was and how it was to be waited for, made choices towards and fully expressed in the sacredness of marriage, I got completely and radically saved.
I have purchased this book for so many girls over the years and my son's friends have picked this book up from the coffee table and in just reading a little bit of it, comment, "That's a good book -".
You cannot help but be moved and challenged by the couple's story, the TRUTH they are hearing and their candid responses.
I highly, highly recommend it for anyone wanting to understand the love of God and see how His love manifests in the paradigm of marriage.

This is an excellent story about real people who have real struggles and yet, through it all, are seeking God and His will. Francois is a modern day Jacob who wrestles with God and refuses to give in until God blesses him. All the people in this story disappoint at one time or another. However, that serves to illustrate God's love and faithfulness all the more. It is a true example of Romans 8:28 - All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Because the book is a compilation of private letters, there is a real sense of the pain and struggle that Francois is going through, and of the sympathy and compassion of Pastor Trobisch. One can easily relate to the characters.

As one aspiring to become a pastor this book was incredibly helpful, the compassion that Pastor Trobisch shows toward Francois while at the same time being firm and clearly and convincingly discussing Biblical principles regarding sex, love, and marriage, is truly moving. It was an excellent example of how to counsel someone who is truly struggling and seeking God.

And as a young man myself, it was helpful to see I have a brother who struggles with love, hope, and disappointment. The words Pastor Trobisch writes to Francois were very helpful and encouraging to me as well.

Some secondary issues: Because Francois is a young African man, the problems he faces, and the interaction between him and Pastor Trobisch - a European missionary - has an added color which both makes the story interesting and demonstrates the difficultly of trying to balance Biblical principles, and respecting cultural traditions. Furthermore, Francois, despite being spiritually immature in many issues demonstrates a remarkable understanding for the importance of the Lord's Supper which is lacking in most Western evangelical churches. Also, church discipline comes up a number of times and demonstrates the human tendency to be a pendulum. The African churches misuse church disciple, using it to punish instead of draw people to repentance (I Cor. 5). At the same time, it is obvious that the Western church has neglected the use of church discipline out of fear of misusing it. It should be noted that although the African church was too strict and unforgiving, Francois would not have been driven to write to Pastor Trobisch if he had not be disciplined. By neglecting church discipline churches damage their members instead of showing them grace and mercy.

This is an excellent book, and, although not without its faults, certainly worth the money and time. I strongly recommend it.

Every teenager should read this book. It is straight to the point. The moment you open the book, it has you enchanted! It isn't even long! I finished it in a day. Nobody will be intimitated by it. It is a great book!

This book is one I think everyone should read. It is inspirational, and expresses in totality what true love really is.
"I Loved A Girl" is a book of private letters written between two young Africans, Francois and Cecile and their Pastor. In these letters they express their unconditional love for each other combined with the love of Christ.
This is definitly a story that should be shared with couples, or those who ever been in love.

Earlier this year, a man I respected gave me a copy of Trobisch's book Love is a Feeling to be Learned. It was very challenging. When the former pastor of my church gave me a copy of I Loved a Girl a few weeks ago, I was excited to read it. I was not disappointed.

This is a chronological collection of letters between two young lovers from Cameroon and their pastor, Trobisch. Initially the concern is the nature and place of sex--"knowing" a woman--it quickly turns to much deeper matters: those of true love and what it really means to fight for a woman's heart. I started reading it last night and stayed up until I finished it, which is rare for me. If you want one book to succintly drive home straight talk about sex, relationships, love, and pursuing your beloved, then this is it!

I really appreciate all parties' transparency and candor in the letters that were written; these are real letters from real people struggling with real issues. Beware: you will be moved and challenged!

Also, I've found that this might be a great book to give to someone considering Christianity but wary of its "outdated" morality. Trobisch really highlights the beauty and purpose of taking male-female relationships God's way instead of man's way.

I truely believe in the teaching of this book. I believe that everyone alive should read it. Rob Brendle's teachings about the "practice of proactive waiting" are not only insightful, they are practical and hold true to everyday life. Using the example David (from the Bible) and other everyday real-life examples, Brendle brings to light the struggle of figureing out your next step. It doesn't matter whether you know what you are destined to do, or you are still trying to figure that out, Brendle teaches that it is what you do while you wait that helps you become the man or woman you are destined to be.

I recommend this book to everyone. As a twenty-something who is still trying to figure out her calling is, I found this book helpful is teaching me to enjoy the now, and how to work towards what it is that God has planned for me. However, no matter what your age or place in life, this book has something to help you with your next step.

What do you do after the Lord has called you to be his special worker? Go off half cocked? Forget the whole thing? Become so bemused you just stand there, achieving nothing? The aim of In The Meantime is to help you realize God has truly called you, stop pleading with Him to let you know if He has, and start listening to Him, doing what He wants right now thus heading into your particular calling.

Using a new and interesting spotlight, pastor and author Rob Brendle illustrates his ideas with chapters from the life of David, shepherd, king, and psalmist. Themes discussed include: the wrong way to go about this adventure; accepting and learning from those who are in authority over you; do the job now at hand, don't wait for the `right' position; consent to the lessons of humility, and losing your life to find it; practice fleeing from sin; accept the costs of grace; make Bible reading, prayer, and patience an integral part of your life. Brendle quotes extensively from his own ministry and life, illustrates comprehensively with relevant Scripture, and cites many sources, Star Wars to the U.S. Hockey team. The closing section of notes, listing the references for Scripture used in this book, provides research material and is a fine devotional aid.

An associate pastor ministering to those in their twenties and thirties, Rob Brendle's vocabulary is very contemporary. With a light air, and a heart for the Lord, Brendle casts the age-old Christian themes in a modern light. Much of In The Meantime provokes new thought on Christian ideas, for instance: "Jesus massacred the devil that day in the wilderness, and just to show it could be done, he did it in the weakest human condition imaginable." (p. 178). Readers of all ages, teens to retirees like me, who are truly seeking to follow their Lord, will find this book valuable and interesting. - Donna Eggett, Christian Book Previews.com

Rob Brendle uses some imaginative and insightful stories to clearly demonstrate what we all feel when spoken to by God, how to deal with calling he gives us, and how to confidently and proactively wait for God's plan, God's journey for us, to unravel. Thank you Rob, but more so thank you God, for having inspired this man to put pen to paper in order to give us greater understanding of your love and plans for our lives.

Daniel and Dayna Webb, UK

So, you have looked at your life and asked yourself "What is the big picture" or you are saying "I know the big picture so beam me up Scotty". But, nothing is happening. You are frustrated and ready to tear your hair out. Relax, you are in your prime time with God.

This book has the humor, and the guts, to show you how to discern God's heart for your life and how to relax and work into your calling with God.

Rob utilizes personal experience, biblical stories, and theology to weave an intricate story about his life, which by the way, probably looks a lot like your life to.

I suggest reading the book, then buying a dozen for your friends.

This is the first book of hopefully many from this young Associate Pastor of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Co. The writer blends the narrative of the life of King David with his personal life experiences, resulting in a guide on how to live out one's specific calling. Rob fills the book with his energy, wit, wisdom, and biblical insight, along with his personal relationship with his Lord and Creator.

While the book's main focus is how to live out God's personal and specific calling, the principles set forth are invaluable for those navigating the general calling of God. Regardless of the reader's life circumstances, the principles in this book will help them to live life well.

It is my sincere hope that this is the first of many writings from this gifted and talented young man, and look forward to the next book.

I loved this book. It really gives you a feel of what it would have been like to be one of Jesus' deciples. It helps you to understand that even they were not perfect. Highly recommended.

I love and have read several Christian Fiction books. This book "John" is the best I've read. The biblical facts seem very accurate, and what she adds to this character seems very plausible. I found myself referring to the Bible and digging deeper. I love this author! Although this book is Biblical "fiction", it gave my commitment to Christ a little deeper meaning.

Most of us think of John as the lucky disciple - the one who didn't die a martyr. Ms. Traylor makes the point that his lot may have been the hardest of all in this fictionalized account of the life of the young man who stood at the cross with Mary and the old man who wrote the book of Revealation.

Living to be an old man meant, for John, the horror of seeing everyone he ever loved die - not only Jesus but his earlier mentor John the Baptist, his brother James, best friend Peter, adopted mother Mary and even the young disciples following Paul. It isn't until the end of his life that he comes to understand, through what he learned from Christ, that it's our souls and not our bodies that count. Only then is he given the rather dubious gift of the vision of the Apocalypse, ad he finally understands why he was meant to survive his loved ones.

The book is quite biblically sound, with the possible exception of the notion that Mary sister of Lazarus was the love of John's life - and althought it's not mentioned in the Bible there's no real reason why it couldn't have been true. All the characters are well written, so you feel awful when John looses them even though you know what's going to happen (I especially liked the charming portrait of Peter's brother-adoring and painfully shy "little" brother Andrew and the powerful, heartbreaking depiction of John the Baptist's last thoughts). A good addition to your biblical fiction library

I just recently made a decision to read and turn off the TV. The first book that God led me to was John Son of Thunder. I know it's a fiction book and that certain liberties are taken, but Ellen does an awesome job of sticking to the Bible. I really felt like John. I felt his love for his two mentors (John the Baptist and Jesus). I understood why he got the title "Son of Thunder". I felt his horror and confusion at the crucifixion, and his important part in the first church.
I was in tears the last few Chapters feeling for John and praying that I might know what it means to give as much of a sacrifice for Jesus.

From the banks of the river Jordan-to the End of the World on Patmos Island! This story of an angry Jewish teenager who becomes best friends with the Son of God is a monumental work. Filled with action, danger, romance, sorrow, and the everlasting friendship with Jesus of Nazareth, this is an epic for all ages. Please, read it and enjoy!

This small catechism, though not a deal clencher on its own, certainly played a vital role in my move from the contemporary American evangelical movement to the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. If you're looking for solid teaching on the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, The Apostles Creed, the Lord's Supper, baptism, and Confession and Absolution, then the writing in this book will aid you along very nicely. For those who desire a deeper look at the Lutheran Confessions I would recommend purchasing a copy of the Book of Concord, which has a copy of the Small and Large Catechisms. That said, I highly recommend this version of the small catechism as it's nice to have as a resource when questions come up.

As a former Thelemic briother and now baptized Lutheran, I have to say that Christianity is a lot more gothic and the all around best religion in the world today. This book is for the baptized or church going Lutheran. What's really great in real terms is that this book is used by Lutheran ministers for adult confirmation, which I am currently attending. Anything you give your church is considered a donation. They ask for none of your income whatsoever. Behold the glory of the crucifix.

Beautiful new cover and color. Inside the new page color(cream or tan) makes the print just jump off the page. Very easy to read.
Everyone should read this book, and find out what Lutherans believe and why.

This is an excellent version of Luther's Small Catechism with Explanation, with very good supplemental materials added. This book would be a great resource for Protestants of all denominations, and is required reading for all Lutherans. Essential aspects of Christian doctrine are concisely reviewed with the scriptural basis provided for these beliefs. This book is highly recommended to everyone seeking insights into the foundations of Christian doctrine.

I have been a Christian for quite a few years. And I went through two years of confirmation classes as a teen. But over the last few years as I spent more time in God's Word, I found I had a lot of questions. I asked my pastor, but never got satisfactory answers. I recently joined a Lutheran (LCMS) church and read this book and the Book of Concord. I found both to be very helpful, but in particular, I enjoyed how the Small Catechism answered so many of the questions I had previously been unable to answer. All of the points are backed up with quotations from scripture (NIV translation) which I also liked. All in all, I highly recommend this book. I think it is appropriate for all Christians, not just Lutherans.