Church Books

Marva Dawn has a believer's heart and a teachers mind and together they give us wonderful insights as to how to foster young people in the faith of Jesus Christ. This book would be a wonderful gift for a minister or Christian educator and would no doubt be referenced often.

Marva has included outstanding hymns that convey the message of each of the chapters, at the beginning of each chapter. "Bless the Ones Who Nurture Children" is just about the best hymn anywhere about teachers in the church. It would make an excellent rally day hymn or as a thank you hymn on teacher appreciation Sunday.

There are excellent discussion questions for each chapter which would make it a good adult study book, too.

If you find this review helpful you might want to read some of my other reviews, including those on subjects ranging from biography to architecture, as well as religion and fiction.

Written from a Christian perspective, this book has something to say to both Christians and non-Christians who are seriously concerned at the way our children are being raised (or more aptly destroyed) by modern "post-Christian" culture. Marva Dawn correctly assesses the threats to the well being of our children and offers the best way to counteract such influences. Mrs. Dawn rightly focuses on the Biblically rooted, Christ centered Christian community of faith as the key to saving our children from the influences of a dying culture. This book is a must read for the pastor, parent and educator (Christian or not) seeking alternatives to the way modern society has tried and failed to "raise" our kids. This work is insightful and at times heart wrenching in the statistics offered as examples. Be prepared to "dog-ear" pages and highlight passages at will! The information and insight in this book is worth coming back to again and again. (Chapters I believe Christian leaders should take special note of are 3-6 and 10)

This book is excellent for Christian educators and youth ministers who are feeling burntout and discouraged over the state of children in the church. Dawn goes beyond the recommendations of pre-packaged youth minstry programs and addresses the need to CHALLENGE youth in order to make them disciples. Dawn offers several examples of her own experiences in which children and teens embraced difficult teachings and sophisticated music in favor of things that supposedly cater to kids. This books is also a wake-up call to Christian parents who are too quick to embrace popular culture in their own homes and who may mistakenly believe that youth ministry is doing its job correctly.

This is a great book for parents, pastors, worship leaders, as well as lay persons. She explains worship, educates on why the church does what it does how it does, and challenges churches of all denominations and leanings (traditional to contemporary) to re-examine the way they approach youth involvement in church.

I enjoyed the hymns at the beginning of each chapter and the discussion questions at the end of each chapter. This would be a great book for a group to read together in that sense. Marva Dawn comments on a whole range of subjects, from worship to the media and the meaning of work. It doesn't have much of the "fluffy" stuff that I find in a lot of so-called "popular Christian books," and I find it bracing and refreshing, good tonic for the spirit and mind. Wish I could get some people in my church to read and discuss and act together on the ideas brought out in the book.

This is my current favorite book. I've read 'Decoded' several times and have looked up many of the references cited. The truths explained by Dr. Gileadi were always in Isiah but required someone with his depth of understanding and language skills to explain them. I think this book is a significant increase in our understanding of the coded book of Isiah. I think it is so good that I recently bought copies for my Dad and brother.

Gileadi has so much information in this book. It is definitely not an easy read, but is very valuable as a reference book and to gain knowledge of a deeper meaning of Isaiah.

Isaiah Decoded

The pattern for traversing the ladder to heavan

Ruin and Rebirth (ch 1-5;34-35)
Rebellion and Compliance (ch 6-8; 36-40)
Punishment and Deliverance (ch 9-12; 41-46)
Humilation and Exaltation (ch 13-23;46-47)
Suffering and Salvation (ch 24-27; 48-54)
Disloyalty and Loyalty (ch 28-31; 55-59)
Disinheritance and Inheritance (ch 32-33; 60-66)

Gileadi Quote:
Isaiah's ladder accommodates every class of character, from the noblest to the basest and as on Jacob's ladder, the God of Israel-the creator of heavan and earth-stands at the top. The only way to experience "salvation" and "exaltation" is the meet the requirements. God asks each of us to love and be loved, to give and to receive, to reach out and be reached. Isaiah's ladder to heaven is a ministering model that embraces everyone, in which each of us discovers he or she is important.
End Quote

Hezekiah foreshadows our day

Hezekiah is a type of savior. Hezekiah interceded for his people providing "salvation" from the Assyrian forces of Sennacherib. You may recall, the Lord told Hezekiah, he would die soon, so, Hezekiah pleaded with the Lord to preserve his life. The Lord considered Hezekiah's valiancy in destroying the places of Idol Worship in Israel and restoring the covenant with House of Israel and chose too extended Hezekiah life by fifteen years through both a miracle and a sign (sun dial turned back). Isaiah counseled Hezekiah not form an alliance with Egypt because the Egyptian soldiers were men not Gods and Isaiah foresaw the Egyptian army falling to the Asyrians and the Lord would fight Israel's battles.

Sennacherib blasphemied God and his cursing were known by God causing the wrath of God to be turned against the Asyrians and as they came to deliver the death blow to Israel, a rumor was heard among the soldiers causing them change course away from Jerusalem. The Lord sent his destroying angel to lay waste 185,000 Assyrian Soldiers. This pattern is a foreshadowing of our day. The watchmen need to wake up from their sleep and be aware where the enemy resides and his movements. The enemy will strike fast and his destructions are at a global scale that no organization can mitigate, neutralize, or alleviate the suffering. Only those who are prepared shall not fear, the great and dreadful day of the Lord.

Gileadi Quote
Just as the king of Assyria attack's God's people "Israel", so he attack "Egypt". In Isaiah's end-time scenario Isaiah is also a codename. Isaiah use Egypt and Assyria as codenames for end-time world powers follows a pattern often employed by Hebrew prophets. Zechariah, for instance speaks of Egypt and Assyria as world powers God will subdue in a future day of destruction. (Zech 10:11) So they represent opposite Political and Spiritual Power Today: (Egypt verses Assyria) (Zion verse Babylon)

When Assyria suddenly became a world threat, other nations still looked to Egypt's immense military might to defend them, trusting in alliances for protection: "Woe to those who do down to Egypt for help, relying on horses, putting their trust in immense numbers of chariots and vast forces of horsemen, but who do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor inquire of the Lord!" ...The Egyptians are human, not divine, their heros are flesh, not spirit: when the Lord stretches out his hand, those who help them will stumble and those helped will fall; both will come to the end together...Pharaoh's protection will turn to shame, shelter in Egypt's shadow to embarrassment (Isaiah 30:3;31,3)

However, the only nation today that fits Isaiah's description of "Egypt" is America...In future rerun of past events, we may expect to see a scenario develop like that of Isaiah's time: when Egypt's inhabitants choose evil, preferring idols and spiritually altered states; when Egypt's economy crashes and civil war sweeps the land; when Egypt's politicians take matters into their own hands and mislead the nation. God empowers the king of Assyria against them.
End Quote

Gileadi Quote
Meanwhile, the king of Assyria/Babylon wants much more than to subdue and destroy God's people, though this is the chief goal, his desire for power is insatiable; it know no bounds. The archtyrant wants to rule the whole world, not simply bring people to justice or humble them. God appoints him to punish the wicked, as Isaiah notes, but "it will not seem so to him, this will not be what he has in mind. His purpose will be to annihilate and to exterminate nations not a few." (Isaiah 10:7) As they set out to conquer the world, the king of Assyria/Babylon and his alliance of nations commit murder on a scale never before seen. The horror of their rape of the earth will surpass all that has gone before.
The archtrant doesn't know, God allows him, to do all he does. He thinks he has achieved it all by himself; unaware he was only part of the larger purpose. He boasts, the noun "I" appears seven times. "I have done it by my own ability and shrewdness, for I am ingenious. I have done away with the boundaries of the nations, I have ravaged their reserves, I have vastly reduced the inhabitants. I have impounded the wealth of peoples like a nest, and I have gathered up the whole world as one gathers abandoned eggs, not one flapped its wins, or opened its mouth to utter a peep (Isaiah 10:13-14)
End Quote

The archtrant desire World domination and by reducing world population, his goal can be achieved.

The archetyrant tries to make Assyria the "head of the nations" and not "Israel"

Gileadi Quote
God gives him (archtyrant) power over the wicked of God's people throughout the world because they have "transgressed the laws, changed the ordinances, and set at naught the everlasting covenant" (Isaiah 24:5)
End Quote

1. They that pass the tests of loyalty, which tests God orchestrates for them and they show him they are loyal to him.
2. They reach a point of purification where they know God has forgiven them of their sins. They cease to do evil and learn to do good.
3. They tend to the spiritual and material needs of others, following Christ example. They heal the sick, comfort those in need of comfort, cloth the naked, cast out devils, and raise the dead. The lean on God as he strengthens them through their struggles. They provide deliverance and the message of salvation to those less fortunate then them. They continue on towards perfection and sancify their lives further. These are they that are known, as "Saviors on Mount Zion". They act as an intermediary between God and man, as a type of Messiah. The prophet demonstrates this pattern. The prophet intercedes for the people of the world and church and pleads our case to the Lord. Joel and Alma stated we must all become prophets and be capable of prophesying of all things. The reason for this counsel is that Christ Servants are empowered as a type of Messiah and have the power to act accordingly.
4. The promises of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are realized and sealed through the spirit and power of Elijah in Holy Temples of the Lord.
5. God Servants act as a type of King David. They maintain the covenant and provide protection to God's people. The rebuke the curses of plagues, starvation, and death. The servants of God call upon divine protection. Just as the Lord provided divine protection against the Egyptians as they fled from bondage, so will God protect his people in our day.
6. Christ appears directly to his servants and ministers to them. Christ instructs them directly and communicates as one man speaks and reasons to another.
7. Gileadi Quote: As Christ's servants become more like Christ, by learning to love and serve others, he blesses them with the same eternal blessings and promised lands, thrones and dominions, and so forth as persons in the past. End Quote
8. Jesus said the "Meek would inherit the earth", these are the servants of God, as celestial beings they inherit the celestial earth. The earth will become a great urim and thummin and the glory of God will reside on the earth. Those who have received their exaltation will receive an inheritance on the earth.

This is one of the greatest books ever written on the great Bible Prophet Isaiah! I highly recommend this book to anyone searching for Bible truths, studying Isaiah, or who really wants to know the true nature of God. What I really liked about the book was that Dr. Gileadi is such a good writer pain and easy to understand, and he wrote the book in such a manner that the reader does not have to know a lot about the Bible, religion, or even have ever read the book of Isaiah to understand it. Dr. Gileadi is a brilliant man and he truly cracked the encoded message of Isaiah. This book is a must read for anyone searching for true religion. I give it 5 stars.

The writers of this book maintain that Scripture should where possible be interpreted within the context of the "Author intended meaning", which I found was a refreshing and illuminating approach. Care being taken not to take Scripture out of it's true context where it's original meaning could be in danger of being lost or distorted.

The Holy Spirit inspired Scriptures being interpreted in the context of the circumstances in "which they were spoken, to whom they were spoken, by whom they were spoken, and as it would have been understood by all concerned at the time they were spoken". A principle which will ensure, as far as is possible, that there is no misconception in reading & understanding the true meaning behind the Scriptures themselves.. (Eg; when Israel was a nation besieged or the Body of Believers were under persecution etc.).

Many aspects of Scripture are discussed using this principle of interpretation with special reference given to the interpretation of Biblical prophecy, the Gospel message and the numerous Hebrew prophets.

The differing, often controversial, opinions within the Church in relation to the "End Times", including the Rapture, Tribulation, Millennium and the appearance of the anti-Christ are also examined, with each position explained alongside the writers' own interpretations and whether or not they agree.

The place of both Israel and the Church are similarly examined in detail, both in their own rights and in so far as they relate to each other, the Gospel and the "End Times".

The authors ask at the outset that the book be read with an "open mind" so I will not "spoil the plot" by explaining the personal interpretations of the writers here. In my experience this often causes either instant dismissal or acceptance of the book with an appropriate vote given to the review. I think that instant dismissal of this book in such a manner would be disappointing as there is so much on offer here.

As I progressed through the book I was pleasantly surprised how much I agreed with the interpretations given in this work. Even those who will disagree with the observations here will surely obtain some enlightenment from this book and will perhaps examine the Scriptures more closely in future. A recommended read.

Dan Juster is a Messianic Jew - a Jew who believes in and follows Messiah Jesus. This book, written with Keith Intrater, is of reference quality, yet, it is easy to read and understand. It contains valuable insight presented in a forthright and balanced manner. A must read for any thoughtful person, especially one who believes in Messiah /Christ Jesus.

This book is a must read for every Believer in Jesus, the Messiah! This book gives indepth analysis of the complex, and everlasting connection between God's people, the Israelites and the Christian Church. I was inspired by the authors' fearless examination of longtime, dearly held traditional beliefs of the Christian Church, confronting basically unscriptural teachings with the timeless truth found in the scripture itself. Their emphasis on the "Kingdom of God" as the focus of the Lord's purpose in the Last Days is truly a revelation from God's Word, the Bible.

As an author of a book on Bible prophecy myself, I found this book to be a source of both information and inspiration as I concluded writing "Mystery Babylon the Great, Defender of Israel, A Search for America in Bible Prophecy". Discovering Keith Intrater and Dan Juster's work gave me confidence that I was not alone in questioning some basic teachings that are inconsistent with scripture.

I congratulate them on this excellent and courageous work that bravely stands on scripture in challenging Christian traditions such as the timing of the Rapture and the idea that the Church has replaced Israel as the focus of Bible prophecy related to the end times. Such traditions have mislead a generation who have misplaced their hope on such erroneous teachings that led to the fiction of the "Left Behind" series.

I must also recommend my own book as one which builds on this theme of "Israel and the Church in the Last Days" with great detail from the Book of Revelation and other scripture into how America will carry out the curious role of being God's tool of the ministry of the Gospel and protector of Israel while at the same time fulfulling the prophecies of Mystery Babylon, the great whore of Revelation.

As the last days approach, Dan Juster and Keith Intrater present an optimistic view for believers around the world. A restoration of the Body of Christ is beginning to take place as the church asserts her unity, power, gifts and begins to establish the five fold ministry as found in the example of the first century church. What is the key element for the Church in these last days as she asserts her power? Establishing a saved remnant of Israel. How does one help establish a saved remnant, especially a saved Jewish remnant? Through establishing the Kingdom of God in every sphere of life through signs and wonders, deliverance, healing and living according to the law as Christ himself lived.
This book was first published in 1990, ahead of it's time considering the recent trends in publishing with Dallas Willard's Kingdom living emphasis in 1998's Christian Book of the Year - The Divine Conspiracy.
While optimistic for believers, the book also proclaims some bold truths which also seem prophetic in light of recent events, such as page 187 under the title - The Coming Armageddon. After quoting Joel 3:9-10 the authors' write "This is the buildup for the greatest clash the world has ever seen. The three themes of spiritual warfare, the restoration of Israel, and the judgement of the nations are all pending and at hand." Recommend Revelation - The Passover Key as a companion by author Dan Juster

As a seminary student, I have begun to find a very problematic atmosphere cropping up in today's churches and intellectuals--the problem is that of replacement theology, the idea that the church fully replaced Israel in importance and significance. This theology is extremely detrimental toward true study of scripture, both historical scripture, wisdom scripture, the Gospels, and all the prophetic literature within the Bible, both Old and New Testament. It undermines God's Covenantal Redemptive History and it leads, I fearfully have to say, to either lack of concern for Israel and her people to downright Anti-Semitism. Postmillennialism, amillennialism, and preterism is rooted in the Anti-Semitic teachings of the church during the first few centuries of the church's life (from around St. Augustine) even up through Martin Luther to today's day and age. Not that I am saying that you are racist against Jews if you do not follow the PreMill point of view, still, you must realize that the other "millennialisms" are washed in almost two thousand years of Gentile racism point of view toward Jews. You are probably not a racist, in fact you (whomever may be reading this) probably deeply loves and cares for both friends and enemies as you should, however you must realize that the birth of other interpretations are borne from racist thoughts and ideas. If the church is what's important, than the church gains the power, and the truth is left to the side. The Bible clearly speaks of the futurist importance of Israel and her people in both the Millennial Kingdom and the New Heavens and the New Earth. Go read the book Unholy War by Randall Price to gain a better realization, along with MacArthur's The Second Coming.

Now, let's get back to this fine book for your library. That is why I am happy to see this work by Keith Intrater and I hope to see new books by him in the future, his other volume being From Iraq to Armageddon. It is a vital importance that you and I gain an appreciation and a love toward the Jewish people and their God-given land, Israel, especially the City where Yahweh dwells with His people, Jerusalem. In this day and age when Israel is fulfilling prophecies found in both Testaments, when the battlelines are being drawn between the world and Yahweh, it is a joy to see Jews coming to Yeshua, Jesus, and rebuilding the relationship that had been broken down in AD 70 between Gentile Christians and hopeful Jewish Christians to come. With each chapter, the reader will gain a fresh understanding of just how important this little bit of land is for the entire earth, and how her people are important integers in the final battle between the forces of light and darkness. This book will help you even if you are like me, a Gentile, who wishes to give love and prayer to Yahweh, God, through Yeshua, Jesus Christ, by holding a hand out to the Jewish people and fighting for their rights, when the whole world and the darkness that lives in the world, wants to destroy the Jews--from Western and Eastern Europe to the radical Islamic nations.

If you like this book, I highly suggest you read the works by Randall Price. It gives a Gentile impression on how we need to band together for the name of Israel and her people, along with the future of the Temple.

Anyone can slap a cross on their chest (or attend church) and claim to follow Jesus. This book gives the reader a much deeper insight into what Jesus' life actually represents. Jesus did not judge people. Jesus used nonviolent civil disobedience in a determined effort to bring about justice for the poor. He opposed war and a corrupt state. He befriended and advocated for the poor, the sick and the downtrodden. His ultimate aim was Love. In short, Jesus was an extraordinary activist in his times. And by extrapolation, the book intimates that if we are to truly call ourselves followers, then we too must actively engage society and seek justice for all. Highly recommended if the reader wants an authentic understanding of Christ.

Having read John Dear's Transfiguration: A Meditation on Transforming Ourselves and Our World, watched his DVD "The Narrow Path, Walking Toward Peace and Nonviolence with John Dear, SJ", read his weekly essays on ncrcafe.org, and listened to Fr. John speak, I thought I knew what to expect in JESUS THE REBEL. I was wrong - it was even more compelling than I knew it would be. Fr. John is walking the walk. He has been imprisioned for his pro-peace activities and is currently facing further punitive actions by a judge in Albuquerque for a peaceful demonstration against the Iraq War. We need to spread his story and join him in personally reinforcing Jesus's message of nonviolence if we want to put an end to answering violence with violence. The hypocrisy of the US in claiming to be a Christian nation while bombing anyone anywhere must be exposed. JESUS THE REBEL is powerful reading anytime, but especially during Lent and Holy Week. I am delighted that Fr. John has been nominated for the 2008 Nobel Peace Prize by Archbishop Tutu. All the more reason to recommend his books.

I was amazed at this book, and the impact it has had on my life, and choices I have orignally made. This book tells of the Gospel of Jesus and relates it to everyday modern life, and choices we must all make. I never really understood the messages behind the gospels I read this book. This book relates the Christian message behind the death penalty, civil disobediance, belief in faith, and your sprititual journey in life. The book is well written and easy to understand. Each chapter starts out with a chapter in one of the Gospels and then relates it to modern day life. I will be forever changed by the reading of this book.

If you want to be comfortable and continue to feel all warm and fuzzy with your Christian faith, don't read this book! John Dears read on the Christian message hits home hard and in a big way. It challenged me on many levels, as material consumer, as peace maker, as one person challenging the system, whether it be political or religious. It clearly outlined the mission, as a call to work for justice at every point in our life. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who is searching for the deeper meaning of the Christian message. Mary Routh Ankeny, Ia joyfam@dwx.com

The Rev. Father John Dear as always clearly and concisely presents with great courage the essential message of Jesus Christ and His mission to liberate the captive, comfort and free the oppressed, bring sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf and to declare a year of Jubilee (as Father Dear quotes Jesus quoting Isaiah early on).

The importance of this book for prayerful reading by EVERY Christian grows each year as our various elf-proclaimed Christian Churches appear to lose our way in Christ. Read especially around page twenty of how we service the objectives of the current Empire rather than our one true Lord. Not all who cry Lord Lord will get into the Kingdom.

Courageously and clearly, the Rev. Father Dear wrote these words last millenium which grow more relevant each year. Please read them very carefully and prayerfully. Read as well his other volumes, which truly open to us the true meaning of Christ's eternal mission today, and which are available here on amazon very inexpensively. I truly hope some of that goes to support the good work and essential writing of Father Dear.

Item rated with an infinity of stars

A good book written by a great man. Yet, I expected much more from a man who had risen to the papacy. One might want to consider the other side of the `John Paul Coin' - Albino Luciani or John Paul I - the valiant champion of human dignity for women, orphans, the remarried, homosexuals and others whose everyday lives are scorned by doctrine. Unlike his successor who was taught from an early age not to question the authority of his ancestors, Albino received his commission to rise to the papacy and bring change to the Church at the age of twelve from his revolutionary activist papa. Two good men - yet, two very different men - two very different sides of the same coin, John Paul II the conservative side and John Paul I the liberal side. I would suggest a look-see at Lucien Gregoire's PAUPER WHO WOULD BE POPE.

This compilation of quotes from the Holy Father's addresses and writings show what an appreciation and love he had for the Blessed Mother, and is like a peek into his heart.

The Holy Father had a great devotion to the Blessed Mother and this book is a beautiful tribute to that devotion. I hope you enjoy the read as much as I did.

This beautiful book is a loving tribute to the Blessed Mother through the words of His Holiness, Pope John Paul II. His devotion to Mary is wonderful to behold. The book is ideal for devotional or inspirational reading.

I find this book to be very inspirational and insightful to John Paul II's, one of the holiest men alive, knowledge and understanding of our Blessed Mother in the Catholic Church today. The author has taken 17 different titles of Mary and taken many different speaches, writings, etc and put them together to show JPII's desire for us to know who Mary is and what she does for us. I really took a great deal from this book as I not only use it as a prayer meditational, but also as a refernce helping me to grow in my devotion to Mary.

A friend of mine had this book and I was able to look it over. I decided that I really liked the reflections and wanted to be able to add these to my prayer times so I took the opportunity to find it on Amazon.com and ordered it. I am happy I did as I not only value having it available for reflection but I also learned from it in that I was able to understand for the first time what the foundation was for honoring Mary in the Catholic tradition which I have been a member of for my entire life. I didn't know that the reason why Catholics take the position that they do regarding Mary is based on the event of Jesus on the cross giving Mary, his mother to John the Apostle and vice-versa. John the Apostle represents all of us in the church and that is how Mary came to be seen as our spiritual mother The church interprets this as Jesus actually giving all of us his mother to help us in additon to having the Holy Spirit of Jesus and our heavenly Father to help us so essentially we have a spiritual mother and father to serve as our spiritual support system, which I personally find comforting. Non-Catholics tend to think Catholics worship Mary but the truth is we honor her because of the way that Jesus gave her to us and that is the reason for the way Mary is honored in the church. I never knew this before and I am 72 years old. I found that to be a helpful insight as it helped me to put everything into proper perspective. Sharon Rasmussen

This is a simple book of insight and reflection upon the Virgin Mary. I've come to love the way that Pope John Paul II expressed his thoughts and this little book is a perfect example why. Each page is a different snippet, or reflection that really touches your heart, makes you smile, or comforts. This would make a wonderful gift! Mother's Day is right around the corner.

Now, I do not claim to have any answers for anyone as to The Blessed Mother's essence let alone her Immaculate Heart. But for the first time in my entire life, a book appears - this amazing little book - with such sublime artistry, genius, vision, sensitivity, and compasssion that renders a small book into a huge vista where one actually glimpses Our Lady in countless facets of her Magnificence as Our Mother and truly, for many, The Mother of everyone on a precious planet called Mother Earth! I do not understand how compiler Marianne Lorrraine Trouve, FSP, managed to accomplish this; especially with such refreshment of few words but perhaps that is why the book transcends linear lanaguage itself about The Blessed Mother to transport a reader like me to a place where one feels completely embraced and loved as nowhere else!

This is a wonderful book which clearly illustrates Pope John Paul II 's love and devotion to Mary, The Mother of GOD!! This book show Mary as religious icon and perfect role model for all people to follow!! Great for believers and non-believers. This is a beautiful Spiritual Gift! Thanks Amazon for carrying this exceptional treasure!!

This is a must have for any Catholic for it not only covers the basics of Mary and her role in bringing Jesus and Salvation to all of humankind, but it brings forth many of John Paul the Great's personal and deep insights. One gains deep, thought-provoking and beautiful insights as to how Mary's Faith, role as the mother of new creation, her holiness, her as Virgin and Mother, her sorrows, spiritual motherhood, her and the Eucharist, the Church, devotion and the Rosary to her are seen, practiced and how this all relates to us today. One can not only use this as a theological book for insight, but also for devotions, inpsiration and for meditation. For those who are not Catholic, this book would give you many wonderful insights as to how Catholics truly see and feel about the Virgin Mary in the words of the late Pope. I found this book to be beautiful with the color photos of JPII in prayer at the various Marian Shrines and the readings to be very inspirational and food for much deep thought. Again, this book is a must have for all Catholics for it brings to us the insights, thoughts and feelings of one of our Greatest Popes and how they are part of our lives today. Totus Tuus and blessed be the fruit of her womb, Jesus!

After seeing this author, Mary Nahas, being interviewed on a program, I realized that the life-story of her dad and how God used him to free Jews from Hitler's grasp needed to be shared with many people. God used Private Galione to free hundreds of prisoners from concentration camps, and only now is Private Galione's story reaching the world. The circumstances surrounding that rescue militarily changed the course of the United States.
This is a must read!!

This was a great book! I usually take two weeks or more to read a book, but I read this one in a week. It's the story of a soldier who followed his heart and wound up saving a lot of Holocaust victims, and also found the German's super secret rocket manufacturing facility. The story has been kept quiet for over 50 years because the soldier was made to take an oath not to reveal it. I am extremely glad that this man's daughter decided to write his story and let the world know of his discovery.

this was a great book! While you definitely have to be into history a little bit to enjoy the book the amazing glory that is given to God is wonderful! Definitely would recommend it to others.

I am a lover of history. This book is packed full of it. I learned things I never knew had happened. I recommend this book to those who love history and want more knowledge about World War Two and the Holocaust.

I really enjoyed the book, couldn't put it down. God has a purpose for our life, and it was awesome to read how God used Private Galione in World War 2. Mary Nahas did an excellent job writing her dad's story. The ending of the book was my favorite part. To God be all the glory!!

If you don't mind staying up all night reading this is an awesome book. I couldn't put it down. So, as a bonus, I had the rare (for me) opportunity to watch the sunrise, as I slowly closed this book.

Loved this novel - spent all afternoon reading it and couldn't put it down. Shows in wonderfully true-to-life form the way the faith is spread by lay people, by the apostolate of friendship and confidence. Many lessons for Christians of today.

This is a must read, especially for young people! I was suprised how exciting it was. Judging by the title, I thought it had been written for high school girls, but I found myself (an adult male) enjoying it immensely. I was even more surprised by how many details about life in ancient Rome it mentioned, as well as some interesting insights into human nature, and a good picture of the life of the early Christians. Great book!

How can anyone, living comfortably in the 21st Century, possibly relate to the early Christian martyrs, those champions of the faith who were fed to the lions or beheaded for their beliefs? Fr. Michael E. Giesler has built a bridge across time in his book, Junia. With a clear understanding of ancient Roman history and a deft hand for spinning a good yarn, Junia is the touching story of an adolescent girl who converts wholeheartedly and then gives up her life rather than renounce Christ. This book is a page-turner from the word go, and the character of Junia is warm and likeable. Her cheerfulness and devotion shines not only across the centuries, but across the generations. I read it, my 11-year-old daughter read it, her friend read it, their religion teacher read it...and it's about to make the rounds again!
A reader from Connecticut

Deceptively simple in its telling, this powerful story should be required reading in all Christian middle school curricula. Boys will enjoy its detailed and historically accurate recounting of life in the Roman Empire, while girls will empathize with the adolescent struggles of Junia and her friends. All (adults included) will find their faith strengthened by reading this tale of the ordinary apostleship and heroic martyrdom of everyday Christians almost 2000 years ago.

Jim Goll is a talented writer with an urgent message. This book serves as a call for believers to devote themselves to knowing the heart of the Lord, discerning the times and releasing grace through prayer. It is a challenging book if taken seriously. It will stretch many of its readers.

The author is clearly a mature Christian man whose gift for writing and personal walk with the Lord merge in this book and the result is a gift to the reader. I highly recommend this book.

Jim Goll has written an excellent encyclopedia on prophetic intercession. This book encouraged, instructed, and helped me. Great examples! All kinds of aids from book references to suggested actions. No book that I have read covers this subject in the detail that Jim Goll's book does. I have bought several copies for friends.

This book underscores the power of praying God's promises back to Him. Jim Goll draws from the Old Testament stories of Elijah, the New Testament story of Anna and his own testimony to illustrate the biblical mandate for intercessory prayer. When Christians "kneel on the promises" and cry for mercy, there is hope for God's intervention in the midst of the most hopeless circumstances.

This book is the BOMB! Jim Goll is not only a prophet, but he is a teacher! He explains prayer with Biblical examples from Genesis to Revelation! Another reason this book is so powerful is because he takes revelation knowledge that God has given him, and adds it to teaching from great men of God such as Charles Finney, Paul Cain, Jeanne Guyon, Kenneth Hagin, Dick Eastman, Rick Joyner, Derek Prince, and many others. This is a visionary book for people who want to see God soon.

This is without a doubt one of the best books I have ever read on prayer. This book will put your prayer life into high gear and have you on your knees in prayer and expectation.

Paul has defined what being a leader is all about. Read it for the insight, but live it for the true value! Step up to the plate as a leader the leads through their love relationship with Christ. The author's points are structured well and can be a tool that can be used in your ministry right out of the package! People will see the difference when you lead out of love!

Paul Heier, pastor of Lifespring Church of Palm Harbor, Florida, has provided a heart-felt and gripping book about the importance of walking with Jesus. As a former college administrator and professor, he brings out many salient points about leadership. For him, no one can properly lead unless they have a genuine and daily dependency on Christ. Everything rises and falls on our love for and from Jesus Christ. This book is an excellent resource for pastors, deacons, Bible college students, lay leaders, and those interested in ministry.

Paul has defined what being a leader is all about. Read it for the insight, but live it for the true value! Step up to the plate as a leader the leads through their love relationship with Christ. The author's points are structured well and can be a tool that can be used in your ministry right out of the package! People will see the difference when you lead out of love!

This is a must-read for all leaders. The author does a great job of giving practical guidelines for leaders and explores areas of leadership that so many prefer to avoid. It is an honest look at leadership and what it means to be a true leader. I am confident that it will be as valuable to you as it has been to me. You will be glad you read this book!

Hi Everyone, I've read this book I received a copy from the same author of it, I live in Nicaragua and I had the chance to meet Paul Heier since he has just settled in Chinandega, Nicaragua as full time missionary with his wife Thania Heier and his best friend Chris Rozycki (who is like my brother). The message of the book is so refreshing, Paul has a very dinamic way to teach and always put a spark of good sense of humor to ilustrate a truth, u know, whenever I start reading a book besides the message, I always wonder if the author really reflects with his life what he intended to transmit other in his book, and I can truly say that Paul is a living example of what he teaches in this book, I believe that he has that give from God wich is to lead with a deep love for the people, I've had the priviledge to work with him as translator, and I've learn more things from his behavior than from his teachings, and I really want to keep working with him and his crew until God allows me to do it. I strongly recommend his book, I assure u is a living testimony, I found things there that sometimes we don't thing too much about them but they are so important to develop an effective ministry for the Lord based in the universal principle of love, which should be the motivation of any leader who server to the Lord. I could keep saying many things about Paul, I really love this people, get his book as soon as u can.

Melvin Loza Lainez, melloza@gmail.com