Koncocoo

Best Christian Discipleship

The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears
According to Pastor Mark Batterson in this expanded edition of The Circle Maker, "Drawing prayer circles around our dreams isn't just a mechanism whereby we accomplish great things for God. Mark Batterson serves as the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C.
Reviews
"As individuals we didn't come into this world just asking our parents once to supply us, we harassed them unless they were cruel or absentee.. Batterson validates the 'pray and keep on praying' concept and activity the Paul seems to advocate in his gospels."
"Reminds me of Lessons in Prayer from Andrew Murray and George Mueller."
"The author backs this premise up with real life examples from thousands of years ago to the present: very convincing to me."
"His focus seems to be how to pray to make certain outcomes come to fruition, instead of emphasizing prayer that brings one into a closer relationship with a God who orders our steps."
"What this all does is teaches "a new way to pray" that the Word of God never espouses and is against Biblical teaching on prayer."
"He left out a very important part of that passage which is how God sent a plague after sending the quail."
"Bad theology."
"I just don't understand why this book was written or taken seriously by people who read the word of God. The following article is good, but honestly the Biblical problems I have with this book and 40 days are many more than mentioned."
Find Best Price at Amazon
The Holiness of God
He paints an awe-inspiring vision of God that encourages Christian to become holy just as God is holy. Thank you Mr. Sproul for your heart and your ability to teach on such a difficult subject --Ligonier Website Every Christian who is serious about his or her growth needs to read The Holiness of God. (Jerry Bridges, author of The Pursuit of Holiness). When I first heard R. C. Sproul’s teaching on the holiness of God, it brought me face-to-face with the awful splendor of God’s majestic holiness in a new and fresh way. I was smitten with the realization that holiness is not merely a peripheral attribute of God; it is at the core of all He is and does.
Reviews
"Nonetheless, Sproul offers an excellent treatment of the holiness of God here."
"Holiness on God's level is simply incomprehensible ... Sproul is not. God is Holy, man is not ... but ... we must be made Holy. Sproul effectively places God's Holiness at the root of the old testament "hard stories" of God's Justice (e.g. Uzzah struck down 'protecting' the Ark, the sons of Aaron vaporized for using the wrong incense) ... these are particularly difficult and frightening acts of God that are seemingly inconsistent with a loving and merciful God (at least for me)."
"But he does it with eloquence and clarity and powerful examples of people coming to terms with what God's holiness means."
"I would also heartily recommend the book to my Pentecostal, Roman, and Orthodox brothers and sisters."
"With a communicative command of language, thought, and heart, this called individual shines a powerful searchlight on the familiar words of God's inerrant Word, that awakened me more fully to the treasure of God's redemption accomplished and applied for and to me."
"I found this to be an illuminating read, and it's changed my view of the word holy forever."
"RC Sprould's book is a classic work on "The Holiness of God.""
"Fanntasti teaching on the Holiness of God."
Find Best Price at Amazon
The Forgotten Jesus: How Western Christians Should Follow an Eastern Rabbi
Trading the popular, but inaccurate Western perspective of the Bible for the context in which Jesus actually ministered in 2000 years ago, author Robby Gallaty reveals the fascinating Hebraic culture, customs, and nuances many Christians have never experienced or learned about. By uncovering the teaching of the first and second century rabbis and Christian theologians, and highlighting little-known Jewish idioms and traditions, Gallaty takes Christians on a biblical journey to rediscover a forgotten Jesus from a biblical perspective, deepening your relationship with God. "For many years, First Fruits of Zion has aimed to help Christians to know Jesus better by seeing Him in His Jewish context. ​ Bryant Wright , Senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, Marietta, GA. As Gallaty re-situates him in his historical setting, he shows how our Rabbi brought the truth of God's Word to its greatest expression. Readers will be freshly amazed at Jesus' life and ministry when they view it in light of his first-century Jewish reality." As Gallaty re-situates him in his historical setting, he shows how our Rabbi brought the truth of God's Word to its greatest expression. Readers will be freshly amazed at Jesus' life and ministry when they view it in light of his first-century Jewish reality." In The Forgotten Jesus, Robby Gallaty helps us better understand the long-forgotten culture and context of Jesus's life and ministry so that we may better grasp the timeless beauty and power of his gospel." Pastor Robby Gallaty is a pastor and Bible teacher who shares that vision. His new book "The Forgotten Jesus" will help Christians to remember the Jewish Jesus that has largely been forgotten. "I'm delighted to see Robby Gallaty's The Forgotten Jesus and know it will be of great benefit for anyone wanting to understand Jesus' Jewish context. Readers will be freshly amazed at Jesus' life and ministry when they view it in light of his first-century Jewish reality." "I'm delighted to see Robby Gallaty's The Forgotten Jesus and know it will be of great benefit for anyone wanting to understand Jesus' Jewish context. Readers will be freshly amazed at Jesus' life and ministry when they view it in light of his first-century Jewish reality." In The Forgotten Jesus, Robby Gallaty helps us better understand the long-forgotten culture and context of Jesus's life and ministry so that we may better grasp the timeless beauty and power of his gospel. ---Larry Osborne, Pastor and Author, -- Larry Osborne, Pastor and Author, North Coast Church, Vista, California. For many years, First Fruits of Zion has aimed to help Christians to know Jesus better by seeing Him in His Jewish context. Pastor Robby Gallaty is a pastor and Bible teacher who shares that vision. His new book The Forgotten Jesus will help Christians to remember the Jewish Jesus who has largely been forgotten.
Reviews
"The detail given to the cultural rendering of words was a great help in understanding scriptures and answering questions in reference to words used that were different in western culture."
"I found this book to be very helpful in understanding some of the ancient Jewish culture."
"Very interesting perspective on ChrIstianity, and a good way to start to go through your Bible."
"I could not stop reading."
"Excellent resource to help us all understand the context and culture of the Bible."
"If you want to know what the world was like when Jesus was living, a wonderful read."
"Deepened my faith by demonstrating more clearly the extent of God's redemptive plan and how, with every word and action, Jesus is the perfect fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy."
"This is a book that every Believer should, no must read."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Christology

Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “A lucid, intelligent page-turner” ( Los Angeles Times ) that challenges long-held assumptions about Jesus, from the host of Believer Two thousand years ago, an itinerant Jewish preacher walked across the Galilee, gathering followers to establish what he called the “Kingdom of God.” The revolutionary movement he launched was so threatening to the established order that he was executed as a state criminal. Sifting through centuries of mythmaking, Reza Aslan sheds new light on one of history’s most enigmatic figures by examining Jesus through the lens of the tumultuous era in which he lived. He explores the reasons the early Christian church preferred to promulgate an image of Jesus as a peaceful spiritual teacher rather than a politically conscious revolutionary. A vivid, persuasive portrait.” — Salon “This tough-minded, deeply political book does full justice to the real Jesus, and honors him in the process.” — San Francisco Chronicle “A special and revealing work, one that believer and skeptic alike will find surprising, engaging, and original.” —Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power “Compulsively readable . Q. Yours is one of the few popular biographies of Jesus of Nazareth that does not rely on the gospels as your primary source of information for uncovering Jesus’ life. A. I certainly rely on the gospels to provide a narrative outline to my biography of Jesus of Nazareth, but my primary source in recreating Jesus’ life are historical writings about first century Palestine, like the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, as well as Roman documents of the time. In other words, the gospels tell us about Jesus the Christ, not Jesus the man. To get to the bottom of that mystery, which is what I try to do in the book, one must sift through the gospel stories to analyze their claims about Jesus in light of the historical facts we know about the time and world in which Jesus lived. But the more I read the Bible – especially in college, where I began my formal study of the New Testament – the more I uncovered a wide chasm between the Jesus of history and the Jesus I learned about in church. But the irony is that once I detached my academic study of Jesus from my faith in Christ, I became an even more fervent follower of Jesus of Nazareth. So in a way, this book is my attempt to spread the good news of Jesus the man with the same passion that I once applied to spreading the good news of Jesus the Christ. The key to understanding who Jesus was and what Jesus meant lies in understanding the times in which he lived. Aslan, who authored the much acclaimed No god but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam, offers a compelling argument for a fresh look at the Nazarene, focusing on how Jesus the man evolved into Jesus the Christ. Approaching the subject from a purely academic perspective, the author parts an important curtain that has long hidden from view the man Jesus, who is every bit as compelling, charismatic, and praiseworthy as Jesus the Christ. Carefully comparing extra-biblical historical records with the New Testament accounts, Aslan develops a convincing and coherent story of how the Christian church, and in particular Paul, reshaped Christianity's essence, obscuring the very real man who was Jesus of Nazareth.
Reviews
"There's nothing in this book that would surprise a person (like myself) who has read pretty much all of the accessible scholarship on Jesus published in the last 30 or so years. 2) Aslan takes the position that Jesus was a zealot for God and God's Temple, but (and this is repeated several times in the book) he was not a member of the Zealot Party, which wouldn't arise until over 30 years after Jesus' death. 3) Aslan doesn't stop with the death of Jesus, and, as someone writing history, not hagiography, he carefully notes that he can't pass judgment on whether Jesus' resurrection occurred, because it is not a historical event but an event of faith. (For example, Luke 16:19 points out that the rich man in Jesus' parable of the rich man and Lazarus wore purple and fine linen and all four gospels are agreed that Jesus was buried in linen.). Moreover, if Aslan was pushing Islam, you'd think that he'd make a point of saying, "Well, Islam considers Jesus a prophet," but he doesn't."
"I read this book primarily because some of the negative reviews were so hysterical in their fear that I was curious what the big deal is. His job as an academic is to present a thesis, develop it based on both evidence and his theories of meaning and then let the reading community judge it."
"Once I began reading it, I could not put this book down."
"An interesting book apparently well researched by a religion scholar."
"Terrific book, Well researched."
"A thourogh and at times, painstaking, deconstruction of who we think we know as Jesus."
"The Aslan book struck me as lucid, unpretentious, coherent, and above all far. more plausible than anything else I have read in the area of organized religion. or religious history."
"It must have been difficult for the author to not exercise his opinions but for the most part he tried to present all sides of the life of Jesus."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Adult Christian Education

Love and Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs
The DVD includes a 30-minute presentation by author Emerson Eggerichs speaking on Love & Respect and a downloadable study guide for the seminar. It's the secret to marriage that every couple seeks, and yet few couples ever find. Dr. Eggerichs has a M.A.
Reviews
"This book changed our marriage for the first time, because it helped me understand that my husband is just plain wired differently and MUST feel respect. Finally, as I changed my interactions with him, he felt respected and calmed down."
"Been practicing and studying this book for a year or so."
"That being said, if a woman reads the book without regard for the religious filler (or if she is religious anyways), I can vouch that nearly every man will agree that if the teaching of this book were introduced into their relationship, he would be instantly more satisfied and many relationships could be saved. Between this book and "Five Love Languages," I believe many failing relationships could be salvaged; so long as both partners are at least good-willed."
"It's allowed me to be more patient with my other half and open up a whole new way for me to see things from his point of view."
"Great, awesome book."
"I particularly loved the tools, the action steps, one can take to live or the principles shared in this book!"
"This book was a bummer."
"When you love someone you show respect."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Christian Ministry

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality: It's Impossible to Be Spiritually Mature, While Remaining Emotionally Immature
Scazzero found two truths to be true: you can't be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature, and unless you slow and quiet your life down for a first-hand relationship with Jesus Christ, little change is possible. In this book, he unveils what's wrong with our conventional means of 'spiritual growth' and offers not only a model of spirituality that actually works, but seven steps to transformation that will help readers experience a faith charged with authenticity, contemplation and a hunger for God. He is also the author of The EHS Course and Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day .Pete and his wife, Geri, are the founders of Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, a groundbreaking ministry that equips churches in a deep, beneath-the-surface spiritual formation paradigm that integrates emotional health and contemplative spirituality.
Reviews
"Very practical insight into how to understand why we behave in certain ways and how to heal from our past and not allow it to hold us back in our relationship with Jesus."
"Used for small group bible study."
"This is the greatest book (outside of the bible) that I've read and applied to my life!"
"My church is going through parts of this book together - it's awesome!"
"A refresher and guidance about what it really means to Live in The Lord as He created us individually to be."
"I read through this book at least once a year."
"Enjoyed the book but would like to have seen some of the ideas explored more deeply."
"The author does a wonderful job of teaching us how to "grow up" spiritually."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Christian Sermons

Communicating for a Change: Seven Keys to Irresistible Communication (North Point Resources)
An insightful, entertaining parable that’s an excellent guide for any speaker, Communicating for a Change takes a simple approach to delivering effectively. By knowing your destination before you leave (identifying the one basic premise of your message), using your blinkers (making transitions obvious), and implementing five other practical points, you’ll drive your message home every time! In Communicating for a Change, Andy Stanley and Lane Jones offer a unique strategy for communicators seeking to deliver captivating and practical messages. “Whether you are a senior pastor with weekly teaching responsibilities or a student pastor who has bern charged with engaging the hearts and minds of high school students, this book is a must-read.” -Bill Hybels, Senior pastor, Willow Creak Community Church “A very practical resource for every biblical communicator who wants to go from good to great.” -Ed Young, Senior pastor, Fellowship Church, Grapevine, Texas “To communicate effectively, you have to connect. Andy Stanley Communicator, author, and pastor, ANDY STANLEY founded Atlanta-based North Point Ministries in 1995.
Reviews
"Andy Stanley puts forth some good ideas about narrowing focus and producing a one point message."
"But from the first few pages I was finding principles that I can use in my everyday work and I have a deeper understanding of what it takes for my Pastor to prepare each week."
"Some have suggested that to follow the principles lined out in this book is simply to try to imitate Andy Stanley's style. If anything following (or adapting) this methodology allows for your own personality to come out even more, helping to make you more relatable to your audience and more genuine in your messages. Preaching a one point sermon actually requires more study time and the willingness to cut the fluff and filler."
"The first half of the book is an extended metaphor written by Jones to illustrate the principles of communication that Stanley presents in the second half."
"I don't accept Andy Stanley's insistence that the sermon template in this book is the ONLY effective way to preach."
"But, I would rather work harder to craft one really good point that affects life change than have my audience get all the way through my outline and ask, "So what was the point?" And if you're communicating God's Word to anyone and you really want to see life change, Communicating for Change is book you should definitely consider."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Christian Preaching

The Moody Bible Commentary
Imagine having a team of 30 Moody Bible Institute professors helping you study the Bible. Not many commentaries can do that. This new commentary by the faculty of Moody Bible Institute is a worthy addition to this category of good single volume commentaries. Going through verse by verse at times, the commentary explains the texts, highlights some of the original languages' nuances, and also connects the theme to other passages in the Bible. Issues such as learning to apply timeless principles from Old Testament laws and regulations; contrasting the consequences of godlessness versus the promises of godliness; highlighting devotional material from the Psalms; wisdom from Proverbs with scholarship material from other commentaries apart from their own; a structural framework on understanding the Song of Solomon with an explanation of the different interpretative methods; and many more, making the commentary a very integrated one that aims to bring the central teachings across. Each book begins with some explanation on authorship, approximate dates, who the intended audiences are, the purpose of the book, and how the book contributes to the overall thrust of the Bible. This part alone makes this commentary an excellent primer to begin any in-depth studies of each book. On top of that, the books of the Bible are of different genre and commentary will have to be adapted according to the way and purposes the book are written. That is why it is very difficult to apply any one standard commentary for all the books. After all, students of the Bible learn best not by becoming dogmatic over their own philosophy but to be humble to acknowledge that the Holy Spirit can use anyone to teach us, including using this excellent 1-volume commentary on the Bible. As with the use of commentaries, even though there is an increasing use of electronic references, I feel that having a printed commentary is valuable too. The Moody Bible Commentary, a comprehensive one-volume commentary of the whole Bible, provides an objective look at the historical and cultural backgrounds of each book and help readers interpret Scripture in light of Scripture. The Moody Bible Commentary includes an outline of each book of the Bible, an introduction to each book, and then a more in-depth commentary following the outline given. In the New Testament, charts help readers grasp “The Eight Signs in John” as well as “Jesus’ Seven I Am Claims.” And, readers come to a clearer understanding of the book of James with the chart outlining “Parallels Between James and the Sermon on the Mount.” Of course The Moody Bible Commentary wouldn’t be complete without the Scripture index and subject index at the end, which help readers easily navigate the extensive volume. If you are looking for a one-volume commentary on the entire Bible, The Moody Bible Commentary fits the bill.
Reviews
"The new Moody Bible Commentary (MBC) is a large, handsome, well formatted, brief Bible reference work that includes useful intros, bibliographies and indexes. Believer's Bible Commentary (BBC) by William MacDonald (more devotional, NKJV). The Bible Knowledge Commentary (BKC) by Walvoord and Zuck (more scholarly, NIV). Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Commentary (NNIBC) by Radmacher, Allen & House (like Nelson's NKJV Study Bible). Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable (FREE online, more comprehensive, NASB). ILLUSTRATIONS. *** The MBC includes 80 black and white illustrations. HIGH HOPES. Based on a similar work by Dallas Theological Seminary staff, the 2 volume Bible Knowledge Commentary, I had great expectations for this commentary by Moody's faculty. For example: OLD TESTAMENT (OT). In Genesis 6:2, the Moody Bible Commentary discusses 4 viewpoints of who the "sons of God" are. The MBC doesn't mention that the Greek Septuagint (LXX) translates "sons of God" as "angels" and "Nephilim" as "giants." The MBC doesn't mention that "sons of God" in Hebrew (Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7) always refers to angels. Even Moody Press's shorter 1962 "Wycliffe Bible Commentary" actually exegetes Genesis 6 with a Hebrew word study and relevant cross references. The MBC on 2 Samuel 15:7 doesn't give the manuscript evidence (Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic, Syrian, Latin) for why some translations say "forty years" (KJV, NKJV, NASB) and others read "four years" (NIV, ESV, HCSB). *** At 1422 pages, the MBC OT commentary is longer than the BBC at 1150 pages, and the NNIBC at 1128, but shorter than the BKC at 1575. Since the MBC is based on the NASB translation, some authors may not discuss alternative translations (e.g. dispensation for stewardship) or the many longer NT readings found in the KJV, NKJV and World English Bible. *** At 580 pages, the NT commentary is shorter than many one or two volume commentaries (BBC 1183; BKC 979; NNIBC 634), but longer than most Bible handbooks. ADVICE. The MBC may be OK as a backup commentary. After many years of use, I can highly recommend: Believer's Bible Commentary (BBC) by William MacDonald (more devotional, NKJV). and. The Bible Knowledge Commentary (BKC) by Walvoord and Zuck (more scholarly, NIV). "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.""
"A nice, explanatory commentary."
"Very cumbersome BUT an extremely useful tool to understanding the bible."
"Both Michaels who oversaw this project have done a great job with this commentary."
"I really love this commentary on the entire Bible!"
"Michael Rydelnik is a joy...Moody Bible commentary is an outstanding Bible reference book.Open Line Radio program. with Michael Rydelnik airs on Sat Morning in my area......happy with purchase, the price, the delivery, excellent."
"Paper is average, no photos, but content is head-on, and doesn't avoid difficult passages."
"A solid study help, gives helpful commentary."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Christian Evangelism

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity
In Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus, now expanded with bonus content, Nabeel Qureshi describes his dramatic journey from Islam to Christianity, complete with friendships, investigations, and supernatural dreams along the way. -- Mark Gabriel, , Author and former lecturer, University of Cairo. Fresh, striking, highly illuminating, and sometimes heartbreaking, Qureshi’s story is worth a thousand textbooks. His quest brought together several exceptional features: a very bright mind, extraordinary sincerity, original research, and a willingness to follow the evidence trail wherever it took him. This book gives westerners a glimpse of the richness of family and love in a devout Muslim home; it is an enviable picture of respect, devotion, and society. But Christians and Muslims alike are told stories about their religions when they are young, while few have ever personally researched the writings of their founding fathers to assess the validity that undergirds their respective faiths. But it is also a deeply personal heart-wrenching and tear-evoking saga of the life of a young Muslim growing up in the West, a gripping biography that is impossible to put down. We are introduced to the depth of spirituality, the love and honor of family, and the way a person “sees” and “feels” in a devout Muslim home. It reaches both East and West, teaching Christians about Islam from an insider’s perspective and helping Muslims understand the love and truth of Jesus. Nabeel Qureshi masterfully argues for the Gospel while painting a beautiful portrait of Muslim families and heritage, avoiding the fear-mongering and finger-pointing that are all too pervasive in today’s sensationalist world.
Reviews
"For myself, I was reliving the search I had pursued forty five years ago, when my embrace of existentialism had left me so empty and purposeless that I had to reconsider the claims of Christ, just in case they might be true. I found myself anticipating each next step in Nabeel's intellectual journey, as each critical aspect of the truth of Christianity was substantiated by his investigations. I even experienced to a degree Nabeel's family conflicts, though for me it was my mother's amazement and bitter disappointment with my choice after college of seminary instead of medical school."
"The dedication at the beginning of the book, read by the author himself, had me bawling like a baby. I was unaware of how much disagreement about doctrine that there is within different Muslim beliefs and Qureshi walks through them carefully and respectfully."
"I have to say that as a Christian, before reading this book, I had very little knowledge of the Muslim faith and how Muslim children are raised."
"He shares his story for those who wonder “is it worth sacrificing everything for the truth?” I highly recommend this book."
"What a great book."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Christian Youth Ministry

Bible Expositor and Illuminator (Christian Life Series)
Winter Quarter 2017-18 December 2017, January, February 2018.
Reviews
"It is exactly like what we use in Sunday School with 2 exceptions - 1. it is location based, not page number based."
"I am happy to rate 5 stars with the way the scriptures are illuminated and explained in order to get a spiritual understanding."
"This works together with the Adult Bible Teacher, it makes it easy to teach my lessons."
"Perfect size -- both in terms of typeface and overal size of the book."
"Also it allows me to always have past issues available without worrying about books piling up."
"great reference to the jewish background... book format same info as ebook download...life for all mankind in GOD'S TRUTH!!!"
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Adult Christian Ministry

How People Change
Timothy S. Lane, M.Div., D.Min., is Executive Director of the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF), a faculty member, and a counselor with twenty-five years of experience, including ten years as a pastor. He is the coauthor of the books How People Change and Relationships: A Mess Worth Making, coauthor of the curriculums Change and Your Relationships and How People Change, author of the minibooks Conflict; Family Feuds; Forgiving Others; and Freedom from Guilt. It's encouraging to know that, in God's hands, the winds of adversity that batter our lives are also agents of fruitful change in us. Paul Tripp and Tim Lane have done us all a favor by leading us down that path of change and teaching us how to embrace God's transforming work in our hearts. We are called to consider our circumstances and our responses to them, and beneath that to examine our hearts desires and to turn afresh to Christ's cross. We are called to consider our circumstances and our responses to them, and beneath that to examine our hearts desires and to turn afresh to Christ's cross. It's encouraging to know that, in God's hands, the winds of adversity that batter our lives are also agents of fruitful change in us. Paul Tripp and Tim Lane have done us all a favor by leading us down that path of change and teaching us how to embrace God's transforming work in our hearts.
Reviews
"Haven't read it yet, but it came as advertised."
"Many concepts in the book have been echoed or expanded in other places, but even if you are familiar with those concepts you will likely find the book a helpful reminder."
"This powerful work serves to provide a thorough paradigm reference for truly understanding the active role of change in the life of every believer!"
"This is not a book to read from cover to cover and move on to the next book."
"This theme is applied to different topics, depending on the subject of the book; e.g., pastors, marriage, or personal sanctification."
"This is a Christian book."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Children's Christian Ministry

Spiritual Parenting: An Awakening for Today's Families
Spiritual Parenting introduces the simple but revolutionary concept that parents are, by the power of God's Spirit, to obey and depend on God in order to create an environment God can use to beckon their children to Him. The Ph.D. mom-authorÖs conversational style is rarely preachy and more narrative than didactic as she describes her £Aha!¥ moments, when she moved from attempting to control her childrenÖs behavior to putting them into environments where they can know God and be changed by him. This is not a £how to¥ parenting manual, but a guide for developing as a spiritually minded parent who asks, £Who did God create my child to be?¥ Attractive to many readers is the authorÖs mix of competence and vulnerability: £It frustrated me that some punk kid down the street had more credibility than I did.¥ Her writing is vivid, terse, and revealing--a story of a boy who grew up without a father to become a great father himself is the heart of a chapter on love and respect.
Reviews
"Dr. Anthony has done a great job instructing parents in their role of spiritual parenting."
"It's a way of parenting that declares, 'I want to parent the child or children that God gave me in such a way that I first honor God, and then second, create the best environment to put my children in the path of the Divine.'". Oftentimes we pray in silence for our children, but if we speak a blessing to them faithfully, God can use these spoken words in ways that will bring them confidence in their identity as we give language to the work that God is doing in their lives.""
"The book is also great alone, but is well-enhanced by the video (Michelle Anthony has a great presence and she is very easy to like and relate to)."
"Michelle does a great job of outlining how to make Christianity relevant in practice and keep children engaged and learning to grow in the faith rather than abandoning it as irrelevant."
"Fantastic book with practical ideas for having and inspiring a Christ-centered life."
"This is an EXCELLENT book to help parents grow in the Lord and model it for their children."
"Michelle's take on being a Christian parent was honest and refreshing right from her purpose statement in the first chapter: "It was not my job to merely control my child's behavior and by doing so somehow create a spiritual life for him or her...my goal was to pass on a vibrant and transforming faith." In order for parents to pass on that "vibrant and transforming faith" they have to model it, live it out in what they say and do, and become proactive with the experiences they offer their kids. She walks parents through ten environments they can create in their homes from storytelling to serving together to moving our families out of our comfort zones. I highly recommend this book to parents just starting their journey and to those who need a shot in the arm for the next chapter of their family's life."
"I joined our school's all year round book club, meeting ones a month to discuss the book."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Christian Counseling & Recovery

Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life
To regain control of your life, you’ve never needed Boundaries more than you do today in today’s always-on, always-connected digital world. Henry Cloud and John Townsend give you biblically based answers to these and other tough questions, and show you how to set healthy boundaries with your spouse, children, friends, coworkers, and even with yourself. In order to call themselves good Christians, many people have drawn overly flexible boundaries (unwilling to say no, always accommodating others' needs) or overly rigid boundaries (to the point of being righteous and judgmental).
Reviews
"Near the end of the book he gives an example where a child refuses to go to school and the mother realizes she "can't make the child go to school" but sets the boundary that the child will have to stay in his room if he doesn't go to school. The problem with that logic is, if you can't "make a child go to school" how can you "make a child stay in his room"? We can't make a child enjoy school or even pay attention to the teachers, these things take incentives and consequences, but parents do still need to hold onto the reigns on certain issues."
"I don't know if you've experienced this, but sometimes it SEEMS that more is asked of me in church, work, and elsewhere, because the assumption is my singleness provides me countless hours of time that I'm sitting around waiting to fill by wandering aimlessly about my house eating pints of ice cream, petting my cat, and growing increasingly more bitter. I have to do something about my boundaries. In a chapter on boundaries and spouses, I thought I'd just fly through the chapter because it doesn't apply to me, but I found myself knee deep in the concepts. I could relate in a big way to a story of a wife bringing her husband to counseling because he was spending increasing amounts of time away from home and she was becoming increasingly lonely within their marriage. She would sit at home anxiously waiting for him to get home, calling several times a day, and then with mountain high expectations of him when he finally arrived. A lot of times it is because I have a boundary that they are asking me to extend to them, because I haven't told them it was there in the first place. I can't be angry with someone else because I don't honor my own boundaries or because I don't communicate to them the truth of what I'm feeling."
"I think maybe the biggest lesson in this book for me personally is discovering you can’t change other people you can only change your response to other people. This book is also awesome for how to lovingly do that instead of having some huge confrontation it tells you how to diffuse the situation and make it more of a conversation and less of an ordeal."
"This review is for audible only."
Find Best Price at Amazon