This book is wonderful for several reasons. The big,bright pictures hold my childrens interest,they are 2& 1/2 and 1 years old. The text is short enough on each page to let me read it all before they turn the page. The story explaines all the "things" kids see with the christmas season, and tells them that these "things" are ways to celebrate the real reason for christmas,the birth of Christ!

This is an intriguing story about a curious pet lizard who escapes his cage on Christmas Eve and ventures up the Christmas tree. He is greeted by an array of ornaments who proceed to tell him their definition of Christmas. Holiday parties, family and friends, Santa and presents are a few of the explanations he receives but when he reaches the top he is greeted by the angel who shares with him the real meaning of christmas. This story is both funny and heartwarming as it unifies all of the different christmas themes into one. My children (4 & 7 ) loved it!

I found spiritual insight in this slim volume by Fr. Raymond E Brown, S.S. "A COMING CHRIST in ADVENT" is a collection of essays on the gospel narratives preparing for the birth of Jesus. As such, it is a commentary of the first chapters of Matthew and Luke. The subjects include the genealogy of the CHRIST, Jesus, as presented in Matthew, the three Annunciations as well as the Benedictus. The subject is given the characteristic thoroughness Fr Brown applies to his larger works. Two themes which I found intriguing are first, that the Lucan Infacy Narratives contain figures from the Hebrew Scriptures (Zechariah and Elizabeth) and Gospel figures (John, the Baptist) encountering each other in order to bridge the two periods of GOD's salvific action. The second theme which was presented in a new light for me is the role of Mary as a disciple of the CHRIST. Fr Brown writes, "In all of this Luke has anticipated a christological terminology that is appropriate to Jesus' ministry and beyond." Jesus defines 'family' in terms of accepting his gospel about the LORD (Mark 3:35; Luke 8:21). Mary's answer in the Annunciation is "Let it be done to me according to your word." Again, from Fr Brown, "The evangelist is descrbing not only one who is consenting to be the physical mother of Jesus but also and very importantly one who meets Jesus' criterion for his family of disciples -- indeed the first one." If you are interested in understanding the Gospel message in the Infancy Narratives, this book will be interesting to you.

Raymond E. Brown is best known for his large The Birth of the Messiah and the two volumes on the death of Christ. Those are readable texts aimed at a more scholarly crowd. A Coming of Christ in Advent is one of a group of slim volumes that collect his essays for magazines. In these essays he shows the same skill for scholarly work and equal skill at making it meaningful to today's Christian - not as Biblical study but as meaningful to one's life.

My favorite section in this particular volume is the study of the genealogy in Matthew's Gospel - the points regarding the women mentioned as all being "outsiders" was one of several provocative points. I'm sure other readers would pick out different highlights depending upon the conditions under which they read the book - there are many possible highlights to chose between.

Judson Edwards is one of the most thought provoking and inspiring religious thinkers of our time. With insightful research and clever prose, Mr. Edwards carefully shows the reader how to obtain the joy that can only come from God. A must-read for anyone who needs a spiritual and emotional boost!

It is about the joy that is supposed to be the birthright of every Christian. If your spiritual life is dragging, give this book a try.

I wish I could make this a must-read book for everyone because of its depth and readability. Edwards focuses on eight biblical examples, shows the divine intrusion, and reminds us that God seeks us at our weakest moments. Written in clear, easily understood language, Edwards uses biblical examples of God's interruptions in the lives of saints from Abraham to Moses to Jesus. As we understand divine action in their lives, Edwards enables us to see these intrusions in our lives. "The God of the Bible does not draw intrepid souls upward to the Olympian heights. Nor can God be found by concentrating our powers and plumbing the depths within. God does something far more unsettling: he breaks into this world, even when he is unexpected and unwelcome" (p.17).

The Divine Intruder is a treasure, rich with insight and truth. The author effectively captures the inner struggles of the biblical characters in each chapter and relates those struggles to their modern equivalents. The writing is careful, precise, and lovely, each word chosen to convey just the right nuance.

I appreciate the sense of wonder and worship that permeates the book. As I read it, I was reminded of the times that God broke into my life in the past--at His initiative, in His way--and I was encouraged with the hope and faith that He will continue to "intrude" on me in this way for the rest of my life.

I enthusiastically recommend this book. James Edwards has made a wonderful little contribution to the world!

THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER CANNOT BE EMPHASIZED ENOUGH. REVEREND BOUNDS BELIEVED IN A REGULAR PRAYER TIME & THE NEED FOR LENGTHY CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD. HE MENTIONED THAT WE SHOULD SPEND MUCH TIME PRAYING FOR OUR CHURCH LEADERS, REVIVAL, SALVATION OF OTHERS, & FOR WORLD LEADERS TO MENTION A FEW. HE BELIEVED PRAYER MOVED THE VERY HAND OF GOD INTO ACTION & ALTERED THE COURSE OF EVENTS/HISTORY. FAITH IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF PRAYER. THE MORE THAT WE PRAY THE GREATER OUR RELIANCE ON GOD GROWS & THE GREATER OUR FAITH.
INSTANCES OF ANSWERED PRAYER ARE DOCCUMENTED IN THIS BOOK.
REVEREEND BOUNDS WAS A GREAT PRAYER WARRIOR & MINISTER.
THE BOOK WAS VERY UPLIFTING & INSPIRING TO ME. IT IS ALSO A GREAT GIFT ITEM.

I have always prayed a lot. I have studied the subject in the scriptures. But as I opened and read the pages of "E.M. Bounds on Prayer", I felt as if I hardly knew prayer and therefore my Father God. I had so limited God in my prayer life. Edward Bounds shows from the scriptures the importance of prayer, the power of prayer and God's desire for prayer. Prayer is how we talk to God. Mr. Bounds shows examples from the Bible how God responds to real, passionate, persistent prayer. The words of Christ were, "Men ought to pray and not to faint". E.M. Bounds echo's the words of our Lord and Savior and shows the hearts desire of a Father wanting to bless his children. His children though must talk to the Father. That is prayer. If you read this book and believe the scriptures quoted within it's pages, you will pray more and your prayers will get answers. God promises it!

Written as a concise survey, Dr. Pauley's book was neither meant to be a systematic theology nor a doctrinal handbook. The book surveys a wide variety of Biblical concepts, including for each a relevant Biblical citation, brief surmise of its essential meaning, challenging application statement, and prayerful response statement.

The book includes a survey of the following Biblical concepts as they apply to Christian living: (1) Truth; (2) The Bible; (3) God; (4) Jesus Christ; (5) The Holy Spirit; (6) Angels; (7) Satan and Demons; (8) Mankind; (9) Sin; (10) Salvation; (11) Discipleship; (12) Stewardship; (13) Relationships; (14) The Church; (15) The Great Commission; (16) Prayer; (17) Worship; (18) And, Last Things.

Insightful as a daily reader, handy reference guide, or stimulant for small group discussions!

Concise but sound doctrinal resource with excellent scriptural references. Breaks up each of the 18 major subjects (i.e., Jesus, salvation, sin) into five short two-page sections making it excellent for the small group forum (we are using it in our men's group). Would also be great for personal reference. Each two-page section contains supporting scripture, a short one-paragraph explanation by the author, an application and a prayer response. Highly recommended!!!

Foley walks you through the history of Christian liturgy in several different ages, from the beginnings of Christian worship, to the height of Gothic Christianity, to the practices of today. Beginning each era with a dramatization/story from the perspective of the worshiper, Foley makes clear the point of Christian liturgy - to personally engage the worshiper in the liturgy. Each era also includes a discussion or art, architecture and music. While the book is scholarly in nature, it is certainly not only for academics and can be approached by all.

This book covers the history of the liturgy and Christianity from the first century to the present day. Although this is a large time span, Foley breaks down each chapter into several concentrations. Some examples include architecture, music, vessels, and books used in worship. Each catergory is then broken down into sub-catergories that focus on specific objects, clothing, structures, and other aspects specific to the liturgies. Through the format of this book, it is easy for one (especially one who is not at all familiar with the history of the liturgy or Catholic Church) to follow it through the centruries. This is a good starting point for those that want to learn about the geographical setting, the major religious figures, and the evolution of the liturgy. For others, this book will allow one to look more deeply at the role and evolution of specific liturgical practices through the descriptive details and numerous pictures--including maps, architectural layouts, and music from each century. This is a great book for all!

Edward Farley has written a superb book on what it is to be human. While drawing on the riches of the Christian theological tradition, he remedies some of the tradition's deficiencies--especially with regard to the tragic aspect of life. Farley is particulary insightful with regard to how human beings are made in the image of God and yet are temptable and fallible. Farley is to theology as Tolstoy is to fiction: both manage somehow to be unblinking observers of human wrong who yet see and report not with malice but compassion.

This work by Edward Farley, a theologian at Vanderbilt University, is a refreshing and comprehensive theory of good and evil and how they transform the human condition. Its strength-- academic scholarship-- might be considered a weakness by some readers, but I can testify that it is well worth your time. I have read and reread it.

Let me give an example of his method: in the chapter dealing with agential evil (evil by individuals) he describes the human condition as tragically structured (as all living beings are), and how human beings respond to that situation through the dynamics of evil (idolatry) until they are finally transformed by the divine ground of all existence (God). Thus, the work is divided into two parts: Part I is philosophical, Part II is essentially theological. The context he describes is the context in which God has become meaningful to me.

After reading it and studying it, you are convinced many of his conclusions are common-sense things you always believed. But it takes a great work of scholarship to found those conclusions and articulate their complexity. And finally, as with all great books, you feel a debt of gratitude to the author. Thank you!

The "Handbook of Church Discipline" by Jay Adams is a must for all pastors and lay workers alike. This book will give you clear, detailed information on a greatly overlooked area in our churches today, and yet it is concise enough to refer to at a glance whenever you need to. If you have ever had a disagreement, miscommunication, or unreconciled relationship with someone and wondered what to do, this book will direct you to the Scriptural answers laid out by Jesus Himself. Focusing on Matthew 18:15-17, Dr. Adams tackles an area where, sadly, few dare to tread. He details the process of both informal and formal discipline to give you a working knowledge of this subject to apply in your relationships with family, friends, your church, and unbelievers as well. If you wish to have a dynamic church for our Lord, and personal relationships with others that will reflect your love for God, I challenge you to read this book, search the Scriptures, and apply our Lord's teachings. May your life and ministry be blessed as mine has!

The "Handbook of Church Discipline" by Jay Adams is a must for all pastors and lay workers alike. This book will give you clear, detailed information on a greatly overlooked area in our churches today, and yet it is concise enough to refer to at a glance whenever you need to. If you have ever had a disagreement, miscommunication, or unreconciled relationship with someone and wondered what to do, this book will direct you to the Scriptural answers laid out by Jesus Himself. Focusing on Matthew 18:15-17, Dr. Adams tackles an area where, sadly, few dare to tread. He details the process of both informal and formal discipline to give you a working knowledge of this subject to apply in your relationships with family, friends, your church, and unbelievers as well. If you wish to have a dynamic church for our Lord, and personal relationships with others that will reflect your love for God, I challenge you to read this book, search the Scriptures, and apply our Lord's teachings. May your life and ministry be blessed as mine has!

I like country, just don't spend much time actively in it. This treatment of the subject is thorough and easy to follow in its points. Written from a solid Christian perspective, the authors make the consistent point that country has as its roots a Christian, gospel orientation.

While such orientation does not predominate, it is there and has always been there. Now, contemporary country fights the battle with other venues of the pop culture. Amazing the story of Alan Jackson at the CMC awards. Right on Alan. I knew this man was a winner!

One learns much about the real world from country music. Nothing is hidden in the lyrics of this music, it tells it like it is. People can relate to it. It's not all the hype of pop. Until, Garth et al started letting it seep in.

Suggest also Mark Zwonitzer's excellent book on the Carter Family where he shows how the Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis types cut their musical teeth on Country Gospel, then lost it to the commercialism.

What we sell our souls for! This book exposes that while admirably detailing how traditional country supports classic Christian values. Well done and great read!

While I'm not a real fan of country music myself, I did find this book to be a great read. Country music may be the last vestige of popular American culture that still has Christian underpinings but it has also begun to drift as it is swallowed up by the "no-brow" culture of marketing. The authors do seem to have some trouble with facts (Bristol is in Virginia and Tennessee not Kentucky and the relationship between Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart) but other than a few minor points the thesis still holds up.