Christian Living

The Purpose-Driven Life- What on Earth Am I Here For-

2 stars (Nothing New Here) - I had heard people speak of this book and saw the author on the news so I figured it was worth reading. Unfortunatley there is very little that is new here wich has already been said by others. I personally don't agree with a bit of Mr Warrens conclusions and statements about what God's purpose for us is. In my opinion if you want to know What God's purpose for us is, read Neale Donald Walsch's books "Conversations With God" series and the others he has written. These books have changed my life and how I view God. They give many more answers wich are true to me than does "The Purpose Driven Life". But I will also say that if this book helps you,I am happy for you and Thank God. 5 stars (Live life with a purpose!) - The book is extremely well structured. Plenty of material to read and reflect upon. I recommend as a 'must read' and 'act upon'. Personally, will read this book once again in 6 months. 5 stars (The Purpose Driven Life) - A book that will lead you straight to God. Second only to The Holy Bible. EXCELLENT reading for ALL Christians! ...
Zondervan :: Religion & Christian Life :: CHRISTIAN LIVING SPIRITUAL GROWTH SPIRITUAL FORMATION :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Christianity - Christian Life :: The Purpose-Driven Life- What on Earth Am I Here For-

God-s Politics - Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn-t Get It

5 stars (True Christianity returns to the mainstream. Thank you, Jim Wallis!) - Kudos to Jim Wallis (best known until now as publisher/main writer of of the Christian magazine "Sojourners")for crafting such a well-considered read at a time when the American Church really needs it! Any Christian who is alarmed by the deciededly un-Christlike tactics & teachings of the Relgious Right (epitomized by shamefully out-of-touch leaders such as James Dobson, Jerry Falwell, & Pat Robertson) should buy this book and read it as soon as possible. Wallis lays out a viable plan to "take back our faith" from the hands of the Republican Party, and return Christianity to it's first century roots - a faith of compassion, peacemaking, and service to our fellow man. In one of the book's more facinating chapters, Wallis discusses the theological presuppositions of George W. Bush, and how they have lead him to confuse American imperialism with the Kingdom of God. But it should be noted that Wallis is equally critical of the secular left, and makes some good arguments that true Christianity can never be represented fully or faithfully by ANY political party. As a Sojourners bumper sticker campaign put it, simply by honestly, "God is not a Republican...Or a Democrat". All in all, an EXCELLENT read for anyone who has ever thought that something just doesn't smell right with modern mainstream Evangelicalism. 4 stars (A Very Timely Book) - As a Christian, I have become increasingly troubled by the direction of conservative Christianity in America. Christian leaders seem blindly willing to sell their integrity and their witness to a political party that largely ignores 95% of the Biblical message, all it seems for the sake of political power. I have also been less than enamored by the political left which seems to ignore the importance of faith in people's lives. When I saw a television interview with Jim Wallis, I was so taken with his thoughtful and refreshing approach to faith a...
HarperSanFrancisco :: Religion & Church & State :: CHRISTIAN LIVING PRACTICAL LIFE POLITICS :: United States :: Religion :: Politics & State :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: :: God-s Politics - Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn-t Get It

Tender Warrior - God-s Intention For A Man

5 stars (Oustanding! ) - This book should be mandatory reading to every Christian male. It should be given to every young man so that he starts off his walk right. One of the best books I've ever read. Ever since I first read this book, I've given and continue to give copies to every one who I think might read it. If you can, also try to order his other books. I especially like Spirit Warriors. Do yourself, your family, and your community a favor and order Stu Weber's books. 5 stars (Excellent book on being a Christian father and husband) - This is an excellent and inspiring book for all men who want to be what God has called them to be. I think most men know that we're not living up to all that we could or should be, but so many of us don't know what to do about it. We're not being "real men." Now, for those of you who may be thinking "Oh no, not another 'get naked and beat tribal drums' book," Weber discusses several of the "drum beating" types of books, fairly discussing their positive points but concluding that they fall way short of where they need to in their search for authentic manhood. To find what men are made to be, you have to go back to the Author himself: past one man's personal insights into himself, past ancient tribal customs, past the "old stories": to the original Author Himself. This is a very Biblically-based book, and Weber makes no apologies for that. Weber divides manhood into four divisions, which he calls King, Warrior, Mentor, and Friend. This general theme is discussed in some other books on manhood (as Weber admits) but not as Biblically as Weber does it. For example, another book calls them "blueprints" of a man: Weber says he prefers to think of them as "fingerprints" of the man's Creator. But Weber doesn't hang his entire book on these four (rather arbitrary) divisions. Weber then finds a common thread throughout all of them: Initiative. I think this idea of Initiative being the core of manhood was one of the most insightf...
Multnomah :: Religion & Inspirational :: CHRISTIAN LIVING & PRACTICAL LIFE & MEN :: Sex role :: Religious aspects :: Religion - Marriage & Family&Singles :: Religion :: Men (C :: Tender Warrior - God-s Intention For A Man

Waking the Dead- The Glory of a Heart Fully Alive

2 stars (Try it at your own risk) - I certainly wouldn't be the first to question the wisdom of meddling with nature to the extent outlined in this book. Down the ages, commentators from Mary Shelley to George A. Romero have illustrated the potential negative consequences of achieving what this book shows you how to achieve; the "glory" can soon turn sour indeed. Credit is certainly due to the author for his revolutionary method of integrating the four "streams" to achieve a state of total animation. Now that this knowledge has been made so publicly available, though, we await with foreboding the terrible consequences for humanity... 5 stars (Waking the Dead) - This is a life changing book. It is very well written. The author is insightful and touches on how we can really live life. There are just a few books that I have read that have had a real impact on my life. This is one of them. I have the audio version and it likewise is terrific. 5 stars (Waking a Long Forgotten Heart) - I have had experiences with John Eldridge before in "Wild at Heart," but "Waking the Dead" awakens a many times forgotten side of Christianity. Eldridge brings to light the side of humans so often forced into hiding by society, sin, and religion. Jesus Christ came to sacrifice his all for our hearts which when turned over to Him offer a new depth to the Christian walk. Not only does the author offer therapy for a wounded spirit, but also he equips the reader with a strong exhortation in Christian warfare about which I often forget but about which Paul teaches us at the end of Ephesians. Live from your heart, but guard it as a fortress for God. All in all, this book deserves a read by any Christian looking for a new depth or perspective. Personally, I would recommend it for everyone! ...
Nelson Books :: Spiritual Growth :: Religion & Spirituality :: Christian Living :: Spirituality - General :: Religion - Prayer & Spirituality :: Religion :: Christianity - Theolo :: Waking the Dead- The Glory of a Heart Fully Alive

The Sacred Romance- Drawing Closer to the Heart of God

5 stars (...Out of the dark night he leaps like a stranger to cripple and to bless...) - My guess is that readers who think they already have a good handle on life and Christian doctrine will probably be disappointed with this book. Likewise, this book will disappoint readers who want to see concepts like faith, hope, love, idolatry, grace, election, predestination, etc., expressed in religious language with which they are familiar, and not in language (and metaphors) in which people of our culture commonly express what is important to us and what drives us. Many thoughtful, ardent, traditionally-minded, well-meaning Catholics, Calvinists, etc., will not like this book. Readers, however, who are desperately asking questions like, "Why do I have to hurt so much? When can I finally get out of the situation I am in? Why am I so burned out even though I have done everything I know to be faithful to Christ? How can I be so lonely? Why does this addiction keep re-surfacing? What is God doing here?" will probably find this book a God-send. I re-read this book recently at precisely such a time in my life, and it was wonderful. It reminded me that God is not after my religious devotion and doctrinal comformity, he wants my *heart*, the deepest center of myself, and that he may well invade my life in a way that hurts me, that strikes me as ruthless and devastating, in order to get it. God is committed to my sharing and radiating his glory--nothing less. Amazing. In my view, one of the best aspects of this book is its emphasis not just on what God has promised to share with us (beauty, intimacy, adventure, glory), but *when* he will share it. Yes, we get a substantial foretaste now, but our deepest longings will be finally, fully satisfied only when we see him. Until Jesus comes back, God will mess with our lives and our idols in order to make sure that we don't get distracted by anything less than the awesome destiny he is preparing for us. As eloquently expressed toward th...
Nelson Books :: Religion & Christian Life :: Christian Living :: Spirituality - General :: Spiritual life :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Christianity - Christian L :: The Sacred Romance- Drawing Closer to the Heart of God

The Tongue- A Creative Force

5 stars (Life Changing book for Christians) - I read this book and realized why my life has not been up to par. This book lets you realize that we are all below our potential. We get just what we ask for! 5 stars (THE POWER) - THIS IS A VERY POWERFUL BOOK. THIS IS THE FIRST PLACE I FOUND OUT JUST WHAT THE WORDS WE SPEAK EVERYDAY CAN MEAN TO US....CHARLES CAPPS IS AN EXCEPTIONAL BIBLE EXPERT WITH A WONDEFFUL INSIGHT INTO THE CREATOR AND JUST HOW MUCH POWER HE ACCTUALLY GAVE US TO CREATE AS HE HAS....USING OUR WORDS AS SEEDS WE PLANT INTO THE UNIVERSE AND REAP THE HARVEST OF OUR WORDS AS HE DID, WHETHER FOR OUR GOOD OR OUR BAD...MANKIND HAS BEEN IGNORANT OF THIS FACT AND HAS PLANTED THE SEEDS OF HIS OWN DISTRUCTION WITH HIS MOUTH FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS!...DOES THE PHRASE "I'LL BE DAMNED" SOUND FAMILIAR?...DO YOU WANT TO FEEL HUMBLED? DO YOU WANT TO FEEL POWERFUL?...THIS BOOK WILL INFORM YOU AND CERTAINLY MAKE YOU PAY ATTENTION TO EVERY WORD YOU SAY....HOORAY FOR CHARLES CAPPS! 5 stars (Another 5 star book by Charles Capps!) - This book is a "must read" for every believer. Most Christians don't realize how powerful their tongue is. "Death and life are in the power of the tongue..." How true that is! Right now I am on my 7th book by Charles Capps! I recommend all of his books, tapes, and videos to every believer. Go to www.charlescapps.com and check them out! "...in all your getting, get understanding." Proverbs 4:7 ...
Harrison House :: Word of God (Theology) :: Religious aspects :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Language :: General :: Christianity - History - General :: Christianity - :: The Tongue- A Creative Force

The DNA of Relationships

4 stars (Not just for married people) - I thought this would be a really stupid marriage book when our church started this study (and I'm single so I didn't want a stupid marriage study), but I have really enjoyed the videos, the book, and the downloadable study guide. I decided to take the study seriously and discovered this book is a practical guide to how to make ANY relationship better. The review at the end of each chapter is a quick way to refresh your mind on the main points of what the previous chapter taught. The quiz at the end of the book is great and helps you to identify your core fears - what sets you off in what Smalley calls the "Fear Dance," when you have conflicts with others. Each conflict boils down to one of two core fears - fear loss of connection, or fear of loss of control. Women usually have the first fear, and men the second, though there is overlap. ALL fears we have boil down to one of these two. I have learned that I need to take responsibility for my buttons and allowing people to push them (the chapter "The Power of One"). No one can make me do or feel anything. This book has also forced me to take a hard look at myself and how I treat others, and whether I have created an anvironment where they feel safe to share their heart with me. 4 stars (Makes sense to m) - The book is easy to read, and the exercises really make you think. My ex and I are going through this book with our pastor to see if there's any hope of reconciling and so far it's helped us realize all the things we did wrong in our marriage and why. It's helping us to take the focus off who's to blame and refocusing on what's the right thing to do. We're about 2/3 of the way through the book so we haven't finished it yet, but I expect the rest of it will be as helpful as what we've already covered. I'd recommend this book for anyone considering a serious relationship, in the middle of a relationship, or trying to rebuild one. It does a good job of covering them all. ...
Tyndale House Publishers :: Religious aspects :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Interpersonal relations :: Christianity - Christian Life - Interpersonal Relationships :: Christ :: The DNA of Relationships

The Barbarian Way - Unleash the Untamed Faith Within

4 stars (Oh Yeah!) - Great book for anybody who is burdened for the lost and believes they are being called by God to do more than the Christian next door. I recommend this book to everyone thinking of going into ministry or missions, or for anyone who knows someone already involved. Maybe it will help you understand why they act like they do. Peace! 4 stars (Where Do We Go From Here?) - McManus says it like it is. The church has become a tame, domesticated version of what Jesus seemed to introduce. Nearly every page of this book highlights invaluable concepts for the Christian life as it was meant to be lived. I can relate to the author; I was born and raised to walk the barbarian way--living my faith in a way that demands obedience at any cost. While others have tackled similar subjects, they often times seem to be full of bitterness and rebellion toward the church at large. McManus never gives off that sense of a grudge; instead, he wants to raise the church from its slumber. His "barbarian" way is a way of sacrifice and servitude. This is no mamby-pamby gospel that he's talking about. This is a commitment to a life lived for Jesus, no matter the cost. I loved everything this book had to say. My only complaint is what it didn't say. It didn't give us any practical ways to walk the barbarian way while dealing with the existing church. How do we make these concepts real without seeming divisive? Or, if we are to be divisive for a purpose, how do we go about it with Godly accountability? These are issues I've wrestled with for years. This book encouraged me to keep wrestling, but it failed to answer some of my deepest questions. For those who are still "civilized," this book might change your world. For those still trying to reconcile McManus' concepts with everyday church life, you will be inspired. The question remains, though...Where do we go from here? 5 stars (Insightful and quick read...) - Erwin McManus once again demonstrates how he underst...
Nelson Books :: Religion & Christian Life :: Spirituality - General :: Religion - Prayer & Spirituality :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Christianity - Discipl :: The Barbarian Way - Unleash the Untamed Faith Within

Organic Church- Growing Faith Where Life Happens

Organic Church: Growing Faith Where Life Happens...
Jossey-Bass :: Religion & Christian Life :: Religion & Beliefs :: Religion - Church Life & Growth :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Institutions & Organizations :: E :: Organic Church- Growing Faith Where Life Happens

Boundaries

5 stars ( Boundaries ) - This is the most life-changing book I have ever read (second the Bible)! I think every high school graduate should be required to read it! The authors describe in great detail what boundaries are, and who needs them. I experience a lot of guilt when I want to say no to someone's request. I feel that I am letting them down, no matter what the request is. The authors use scripture to help you determine what are appropriate things to say no to, and why you should not feel guilty. Even Jesus, the most giving person who ever lived, had boundaries! This book does not give excuses to get out of your responsibilities, but helps you to see what are unhealthy situations to avoid, and how to get out of them. It even gives some examples for parenting so you children will learn boundaries. I am grateful to have read this book, and find myself re-reading it often. 4 stars (inspiring) - I haven't completed the entire book as of yet but what I have read is very helpful and inspiring. For anyone who lacks confidence, this book is a God send. 5 stars (Extraordinary!) - The principles in Boundaries have revolutionalized my life. Well worth the time and money. It's way beyond "a good read"; it's extremely practical. I wish I'd read it years ago. I WILL be reading it at least once a year from now until I die. It's THAT good. ...
Zondervan :: Religion & Counseling :: CHRISTIAN LIVING PRACTICAL LIFE PSYCHOLOGY :: Self-Help :: Religion - Christian Living :: Personal Growth - Happiness :: Inspirational :: Boundaries

The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader- Becoming the Person Others Will Want to Follow

4 stars (Good) - The book gives practical, digestible essence of leadership. This makes it much better to digest as one can read and not be overwhelmed with pages upon pages of info that will keep you from reading it. The points are specific, he uses stories to highlight the quality, as well as some practical ideas/recommendations for each quality. It also gives you a suggested way to read as one should not try to read it in one sitting, but read one quality and meditate/live it for a day to have it sink in. 5 stars (Don't Let Your Skills Keep You From Leading) - Don't Let Your Skills Keep You From Successful "Are you a thinker, a doer, or a clutch player? The better you are, the greater potential for influence you will have with your people" -John C. Maxwell In order to excel you need to develop your skills... in order to lead effectively you need to evaluate how you lead then practice how those you lead respond to your leadership. John C. Maxwell has provided an easy-to-read and easy-to-implement guide for leadership in this book. He lays out 21 essential skills needed to be effective as a leader. Simply stated, the following 5 points outline how to implement the 21 essentials to lead other to greatness. * Show Up Every Day * Keep Improving * Follow Through with Excellence * Accomplish More than Expected * Inspire Other If you want your employees to run through walls for you and your organization you will get, read, think about, implement and live these essential skills. Read one a day or one a week... but read it! It will make you more successful-guaranteed. Daniel Felsted, Principal of The Image Foundry Consultancy. 5 stars (Must in your collection) - If you are not sure what leadership means this is the book to start knowing about it. Managing is not leadership, start with this book to find out what it really is. ...
Nelson Business :: Business & Economics & Corporate Finance :: Religion - Christian Living :: Psychological aspects :: Leadership :: Business&Economics :: Business & Economics :: Jo :: The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader- Becoming the Person Others Will Want to Follow

Abba-s Child- The Cry of the Heart for Intimate Belonging

5 stars (Experienced Love) - Abba's Child is a revelation that all of us, as believers - Christians - need in order to ove the kind of life that will truly glorify The Lord Jesus. Ian 5 stars (One of those few "turning point" books) - Do you struggle with your insecurities? Is rejection something that haunts you? When was the last time you FELT the Father's love? If you answered yes, or never, this book is for you. Abba's Child grips you with the tender compassion that our heavenly Father has for each of us, because of that theme, I think that this book is dangerous and offensive to those whose spiritual security comes from empty religiosity. Throughout the book, Manning demonstrates that he has walked the difficult path to intimacy with God. He has found a way to intimacy that a generation of broken families can follow to reach new depths in their relationship with God and with others. For me personally, this book was the catalyst in my journey to the Father heart of God; of learning that I am acceptable and have worth. Through Manning's experiences, words, and the words of the wise whom he quoted, I have become an entirely different person. I was one of those Christians who liked to wear different masks, then I read this book. I have read the reviews of the naysayers, and can only conclude that they missed out. Oh, and I have read three other of Manning's books since this book, and they're all incredible. -Ragamuffin Gospel -Ruthless Trust -A Glimpse of Jesus 1 stars (utter crap) - God is about relationships and fruits of the spirit, He is not about abandoning everyone and everything to find Him. This dude is so contradictory, depressing, negative, angry etc. I just don't see how anyone can read his stuff and not vomit. If you're depressed and need to feel worse, dive right into his stuff, if you are a Christian trying to learn more about God, yourself, and the world around you in a positive, enlightening, Godly way then skip this waste of trees and...
Navpress Publishing Group :: Self-esteem :: Religious aspects :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Intimacy (Psychology) :: General :: Christianity - Christian Life - General :: Christ :: Abba-s Child- The Cry of the Heart for Intimate Belonging

Groups

4 stars (Good resource and guide) - This book is a good tool to use for small groups, fellowship studies, or sunday school class. I used it for my college sunday school class to place emphasis on embracing our Christian community. While John Ortberg does a good job at painting the picture for us, it is basically his "The Life You've Always Wanted" book re-done for small groups in a practical way. I enjoyed using this guide but had to restructure the questions and format to cater to a sunday school environment. I would recommend making sure you know your group, and understand their needs, and perhaps come up with additional questions to meet the needs of your group. ...
Zondervan :: Religion & General :: BIBLICAL STUDIES BIBLE STUDIES TOPICAL :: Spirituality - General :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Christianity - Christian Li :: Groups

Come Thirsty - No Heart Too Dry for His Touch Lucado- Max

5 stars (You can't go wrong with Max) - Is there any better way to compliment study or prayer time with a little Max Lucado. In a world which we must live with our antennas up and dealing with sin and heresy -- even in our own lives and our own churches -- the writings of Max Lucado always calm the soul and refresh the spirit. He can tell why the Bible says not to sin in a way that's not abrasive and hypocritcal, yet confrontational. He can write about the Holy Spirit in a way that accentuates the love of God, yet contains discernment of the sweaty TV evangelists who tear apart believers. He explains stories and life experiences in a manner that connects us directly with God. The most compelling issue: how Max writes about faith in God. The last chapters are the most memorable for me. He writes of the promises of our eternal security in Christ, according to Romans 8:38. Indeed, nothing can separate us from God's love, and Lucado's "Come Thirsty" is just another one of his simple yet strong reads that brings every Christian that reads it closer to God. 5 stars (Pour me a glass, please!) - Mr. Lucado continues to write on spiritual truths in a way that makes them easy to understand and relevant to everyday life. "Come Thirsty" is no exception and a must read for all Lucado fans. Also would make a great gift for anyone who feels they are too far from God and undeserving of His grace. 5 stars (Goose bumps by page 10) - Max Lucado hits another home run with this book. "Come Thirsty" arrived at my house just when I felt I was going through a dry spell. His method of conveying God's love and the promise of your spiritual thirst being quenched by the living water of the Lord is,as always, clear, concise, and uplifting. Don't miss having this one in your Lucado collection. ...
W Publishing Group :: Religion & Christian Life :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Christianity - Christian Life - General :: Christian Life :: Max Lucado :: :: Come Thirsty - No Heart Too Dry for His Touch (Lucado- Max)

The Problem of Pain

5 stars (A life altering book) - I first listened to this book in audio form on a long drive, so heard the entire text in one session. It really was an inspiring experience. I actually listened to it a second time on the return trip. Lewis' gift for verbalizing complex logical and moral issues amazed and inspired me. As one reviewer said, Lewis is the "ideal persuader for the ... good man who would like to be a Christian but finds his intellect getting in the way." His discussions are logical, yet human. A masterful book. 3 stars (Good stuff, except for the Arminian slant) - C.S. Lewis makes many insightful points, but his Arminian (vs. Calvinistic) views distort his presentation at times. For example, he suggests that it isn't God's "fault" that pain and suffering entered the world, i.e. God's sovereign will was thwarted by man. When of course Calvinists like myself argue that it's the Biblical view that our all powerful and sovereign God foreordains all things as the prophet Isaiah says. But overall, it was a worthwhile read. 5 stars (Thought Provoking Jack Lewis) - I'm a blogger. Blogging makes me read. It makes me turn off the television and read. This is very good. What I have been reading lately is C. S. Lewis. Particularly, I've been re-reading The Chronicles of Narnia. After reading through The Magician's Nephew and The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, I decided to shift gears and read one of Lewis's theological works before resuming the Chronicles. All I can say is, "Wow!" The Problem of Pain is not what I expected. I'm not sure what it was that I did expect. Perhaps something more along the line of a good evangelical book - you know, shallow, but with lots of Bible verses. Pain is exactly the opposite. Deep and with very little use of prooftexting. How the Church of the twenty-first century needs more minds like C. S. Lewis! We have been drowning in the fluff of "make-me-feel-good-like-Jabez-bless-me-bless-me" Christian publishing for years. It is ...
HarperSanFrancisco :: Religion & General :: Religion & Christian Life :: CHRISTIAN LIVING PRACTICAL LIFE PERSONAL GROWTH :: Suffering :: Religious aspects :: Religion - Classic Works :: The Problem of Pain

What-s So Amazing About Grace-

3 stars (Not bad, but way below my expectations) - I think one of the most important subjects in christian theology is Grace. After reading the book by Erwin Lutzer titled ''How you can be sure you will spend eternity with God'' (one of my favourite books on that subject), i decided i need to give more time reading and studying about Grace. That's how i stumbled upon Whats so Amazing about Grace. Reading a fairly good reviews about it, i was so anxious to get it. But alas, i was very disappointed. The book has some excellent chapters and ideas for sure, but all in all, i am afraid its a boring book and doesnt present any new insight on Grace. Some ideas are very redundant and repeated over many chapters. The author uses very very limited bible referencing and you feel as if the author isnt bothering with scripture, and speaks more from a ''social'' point of view. I agree with another reviewer when he said 'Grace got lost in the way' as Yancey doesnt speak about the real Grace (God towards man) but more like grace as in man towards man. At the end of the day, i didn't learn anything new on Grace and was more or less bored. This book is ''ok'' but nothing more. I would give it 2.5 over 5. 2 stars (Grace gets lost in the mix) - I have read and reviewed The Jesus I Never Knew and Rumors of Another World by Yancey and loved them both...See reviews on those pages. However, I was completely disappointed with this book. There are few pages on which Yancey does not accuse and condemn the church for various imperfections. He uses several stories to show how the church lacks grace. Several of these include non-Christians accusing Christians of lacking grace. Yancey seems to side with any who condemn Christians for what they deem as "ungrace." One example is an addicted mother of a 2 yr old girl who has prostituted the girl for drug money. She states she did not go to a church because they would make her feel bad. This story opens the book and is referred to several t...
Zondervan :: Religion & Christian Life :: CHRISTIAN LIVING SPIRITUAL GROWTH SPIRITUAL FORMATION :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Christianity - Theology - Sot :: What-s So Amazing About Grace-

The Ragamuffin Gospel

5 stars (I'm thankful God loves Ragamuffins.) - This is a thought-provoking book, worth reading slowly. The message is pretty simple -- but not easy to internalize. I used the book as a daily spiritual meditation for a time. Then some friends and I reread it and met together weekly to discuss it. There is much in common with Phil Yancey's "What's So Amazing About Grace?" It mixes stories from the author's experience with spiritual insight about God acting in human affairs. The main point is that Christians need to honestly consider God's love and grace and appreciate it for what it is. It is human nature to resist God's grace, to try and prove oneself really "good" and "spiritual", but this is foolishness. Instead, ragamuffins focus on God's grace and enjoy God. If this were EASY to do, you could stop with this review. You wouldn't need Yancey or Manning to explain it again and again. But I find I really need people like Brennan Manning to lay it out for me.... The book has caused some controversy. Both Protestants and Catholics have claimed that it argues for "casual grace" or even that Manning is a universalist. Those charges are false (Manning deals with them in an appendix) but not everyone will agree with Manning's message. The author, a former Catholic priest, an alcoholic, divorced -- has painfully proven himself a ragamuffin and God is still in love with him, so maybe God can work in you and me? Enjoy the book. 5 stars (Enjoyable Read) - There is just something that stays with you when you read a book by Brennan Manning. Before digesting the Ragamuffin Gospel, I had never heard of the author. After reading the book, I was challenged to remove God from the box I had put him in, and I was drawn to explore more of Manning's writings. The Ragamuffin Gospel isn't just another book that will fill you full of God's expectations, and cram your "to do for God" list full of activities. Nor will the Ragamuffin Gospel remind you of all the Christ...
Multnomah :: Christianity :: Spirituality :: Grace (Theology) :: Christian Life :: Religion & Inspirational :: CHRISTIAN LIVING & PRACTICAL LIFE & GENERAL :: Theology :: Spiritu :: The Ragamuffin Gospel

Lies Women Believe- And the Truth that Sets Them Free

4 stars (The Real Truth) - I think this is a good book for those people who are willing to take a deep look at themselves. I didn't agree with everything in the book, but many of the points that were made were eye openers. It might help, as well, for the less scholarly reader to have the workbook because a list of relevant scriptures aren't as readily available in the book. 3 stars (Almost great) - When I saw a book called "lies women believe" I thought my prayers had been answered! This book would have been ideal if they had left it at that but they had to go and spoil it with the nonsense about the truth that sets them free. A shame. 4 stars (Potentially Life Changing Book) - I had been a longtime listener to Nancy Leigh DeMoss's radio series (Revive our Hearts) on WAVA in the DC area and I finally picked up this book after hearing her talk about it for a long time. I loved the simple language and her forthrightness in going right to the heart of many of the 'lies' we believe today. And this book really hit home for me. I had known for some time that as Christians we are called to follow a different path than those who would live exclusively in the world and follow worldly ways. But no one before had ever specifically come out and said "When you buy into the American consumerist mentality that more things will make you happy, that is Satan speaking! That is a lie -- that you can find fulfillment in things! Only God's grace is sufficient for you! Christ alone can make you happy and to some degree, you will always feel unfulfilled until that day that you come home to His heavenly kingdom. Only there will you feel completely fulfilled." I absolutely LOVED the literary device that she used throughout the book. She starts each chapter with a letter from Eve to her friends, talking about the difficulties she has encountered since being thrown out of the garden of eden -- the difficulties with the children, the difficulties with her husband, her feelings of ...
Moody Publishers :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Christianity - Christian Life - Women's Issues :: Christianity - Christian Life - General :: Elisabeth Elliot :: Nanc :: Lies Women Believe- And the Truth that Sets Them Free

Captivating- A Guided Journal - Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman-s Soul

3 stars (Not quite captivating...) - I love the book by the Eldredges entitled CAPTIVATING, but I was a little disappointed in the companion journal. A lot of space is taken up by quoting paragraphs from the book and the questions are sometimes redundant. I also found that it takes a little too long to complete a chapter of the journal. I'm anxious to get back to the book and maybe hold off on the journal for a later time. ...
Nelson Impact :: Religion & Bible & Study & General :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Christianity - Christian Life - Women's Issues :: Bible - Study - General :: St :: Captivating- A Guided Journal - Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman-s Soul

Captivating - Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman-s Soul

4 stars (Understanding and Healing a Woman's Soul.) - If your a man and just can't seem to figure out woman, then this book is not necessarily for you. I would encourage you to read John Eldredge's, the co-authors other book, "Wild at Heart". It touches on everything in this book, and will also help you understand yourself better as a man, which in turn will help you come to a better understanding of what makes woman tick. If you are a male that is into counseling woman then I would recommend this book to you. From my interaction with woman over the years, I can see this book bringing healing to many a woman's life, as long as they give the book a chance and are honest with themselves. I do see some anger in some of the other reviews, but I really think these reviewers are just missing the point. As a man I do find the type of woman that the author tries to lead all woman to become, to be the only ones that I truly find Captivating. And no matter what some people would say, as a woman you are entitled to be Captivating. So buy the book and enjoy becoming all that you can be. 5 stars (Every man and women on earth should read this and Wild @) - Hello!! Jesus came and died for our sins. We have been released from the curse of sin and death, this includes the curse issued in the Garden. I believe that this book should be read in conjunction with Wild at Heart for we can not understand our roles as men and women unless we understand each other. John has taken on an incredible task - to understand a woman's heart. He did the only thing that he could do, he asked his wife to help. They have taken modern culture and showed us the desires reflected in unsaved and saved humanity. Then they showed us how to meet those desires - to pursue a romantic relationship with God. In order to give ourselves permission for this romance, they had to first show us that God needs us - no one else on earth can fulfill the purpose that God created us for. Then they showed us th...
Nelson Books :: Religion & Christian Life :: Spirituality - General :: Religious life :: Religion - Prayer & Spirituality :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Christ :: Captivating - Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman-s Soul