All 4 young people have heard the good news of Christ  and have refused it
599524
What a riveting novel for young people (teens and late elementary).  It is the story of four teens  Judd, the runaway who has hopped on a plane for London; Vicki, the rebel, whose entire family has become changed and become Christians but she refuses; Lionel, the liar, who has told his family he is a Christian when he is not; and Ryan, the skeptic, whose parents both die in crashes or events after the disappearance of so many people.  All 4 young people have heard the good news of Christ  and have refused it.  Now, their world has changed.  What will happen to them?  Do they realize they all have a connection of sorts?  Most of the book deals with who they are and what happened to them when they realized their families were missing, leading up for the next book in the series.
875776
Wow. Having a choice to say no to God and his righteousness is really something that God will honor. There is a heavy price to pay if we reject him. Nonetheless, God will honor this choice. We serve an awesome God that is amazing. He is willing to let us reject and say no to him. The consequences are huge in making this choice, but he will allow us to do it. God will not take anyone to heaven kicking and screaming if they do not want to go!!!!
1571628
None.  This is a horrible and blasphemous depiction of religious, the Catholic Church and God's representatives.
3064412
The greatest joy for christian parents is  knowing their children have a strong faith in Jesus. We know that such a faith will sustain them through difficult times, frustrations, and disappointments. Perhaps the greatest fear of christian parents is that even though you take your kids to church their entire lives, send them to youth events, pray for them, and give them every opportunity, in the end, they may have only been relying on your faith, not their own.

A challenge for the church is helping youth transition from their parents faith to their own. It is this challenge that Ryan and Josh Shook address in their book Firsthand. Having four teenagers, this book directly relates to the hope I have for my children.

As young adults move away from the influence of their parents they must find their own path and their faith must become their own. A second hand faith will only let them down. Sadly, for many parents the hope of a first hand faith will go unfulfilled. Too many parents stand by helplessly as they watch their children walk away from a faith that means so much to them.

Ryan and Josh know what it is like to grow up with a second hand faith. Being the children of pastors is never easy. Ryan and Josh grew up living a seemingly christian life, but never made faith their own. As they moved into the world they discovered that second hand faith is not enough. Ryan and Josh share their journey as pastor's kids with a second hand faith that left them empty, to a firsthand faith that sustains, encourages, and transforms them for God's glory.

They share their journey hoping that their story might encourage others who are struggling because they are living a secondhand faith. The book is well written and is easy to read. It addresses issues those growing up in the church may experience. They encourage their readers to reflect and not settle for their parent's faith, but embrace Jesus for themselves.
1271198
When I consider sharing the gospel with children, I usually think about the message of the cross: we are all sinners, fallen from grace.  Through the blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, we have been offered the free gift of grace and forgiveness, and the opportunity to become part of God's kingdom - that great cloud of witnesses.

I have also approached the gospel through the message of the grace of God: salvation is a free gift, offered to those whom God has called.  Through the cross, we have the opportunity to be adopted into the family of Christ.

I often write about God's kingdom: membership in His family comes with both privileges and responsibilities.  We can become sons and daughters of Christ through the blood shed on the cross, and the grace of God that allowed it.  We must disciple others and share God's love for them.  We belong to a community.

Presenting all three aspects (God's cross, God's grace, God's kingdom) at once - in writing, for children - can be a daunting task.  Those are big concepts, even for adults.  They are all important, all part of the gospel - the Good News of Jesus Christ.  Sometimes, though, we have a tendency to emphasize one aspect of the gospel over another.

In What is the Gospel? (Christian Focus Publications), Mandy Groce explains that God's cross, His grace, and the Kingdom of God are all a part of the Good News.  Each one is a piece of the gospel puzzle, if you will.

This is not a book that explains any of the three aspects of the gospel in detail.  Rather, it is the story of a child seeking the definition of the `gospel'.  What does that word mean?  Why is it so mysterious?

Through interviewing different family members, the curious boy uncovers three important aspects of the Bible.  Each aspect is briefly explained, until the boy's father puts the message of the gospel together.  The importance of God's cross, God's grace and God's kingdom and their relationship to each other is explained.

What is the Gospel? appears to be written with the expectation that children have already heard the message of the cross.  Mrs. Groce makes no attempt to explain the story of Jesus, of the fall, or of God's plan for salvation outlined in the Bible.  Rather, the father in the story explains that God's cross was necessary due to our sin that must be paid for.  The `cross' is a symbol of everything Jesus did for us.  Yet, it is up to parents to explain what it is that Jesus did.

What is the Gospel? is an interesting little book (just 16 pages).  It could be a good springboard to deeper conversation between parent and child, or it could help clarify the discipleship work already occuring at home.

There is a letter from Pastor Jared Kennedy of Sojourn Community Church in Louisville, Kentucky at the end of the book explaining the importance of all three aspects of the gospel.  He maintains that all three must be equally emphasized to maintain the integrity of the Good News.

What is the Gospel? is intended for children under the age of 6.  Each page contains a paragraph or two of writing, with cute watercolor and ink drawings by Tessa Janes.

I want to thank Christian Focus Publications for providing me with a copy of What is the Gospel?  in return for my honest opinion.

~ Danika Cooley
1238576
Most Christians do not wish to go beyond anything that changes their beliefs, it's sad because the church does not encourage it's members investigate beyond the milk of the Word.
725074
John is writing to a generation who have been mislead into believing that they can pray a prayer to "accept" Christ and then live a life of their own choosing without visible life change. This book is not for the faint of heart or those who only give lip service to being a so-called Christian. This is for those who desire to be fanatical followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.
959082
It amazes me that anyone can Teach Like Jesus but does not follow the 4th Commandment. The Sabbath is and always was on Saturday not sunday. A man changed it, (Constantine) so he could get more money into the coffers. It is all in history AND the Catholics say so themselves ! And...His name was and is not Jesus. It is Yeshua. I would imagine that if Josh was called Tom of Harry or whatever constantly he might just stop talking to that person. And no I did not read the book nor will I.
4464824
I recommend "The Jesus Storybook Bible" or "The Big Picture Story Bible".
This "bible" basically says "be good and God will save you.  Don't be bad."  So so so depressing if you want your child to understand the real meaning and message of Jesus.  The message of this book is something I pray my child will never believe.  Such a disappointment and so sad that this is being taught to small children.
2045475
This is timely message for all young people who want to be mentored and build there lives on the foundation of God's truth. The fact that Trip strongly testifies that there is no compromise or fear for those who have been redeemed by the King (Jesus) I am more than energized and really on the movement to be bold to share the good news. Trip reminds me of the parable of the sower, ground and seed that God is the ultimate sower, so I have to be like Jesus who was eager to sow among the Thorns, stones, pathway and good soil. As a sower i can not determine which one is the good ground but my work is to sow wherever the Father has sent be to the next person sitting next to me in a plane or they guy on the other team or my family. The language is also very down to earth and the illustrations are very engaging.
4795806
Reading the book, Already Gone, is like getting punched in the gut by Mike Tyson. Nauseating! Generations of children have been dwelt a severe blow by the enemy of their souls. And parents, pastors, and churches alike have sat back and watched children as they've been pummeled by the world and the temptations of Satan. Authors, Ken Hamm of Answers in Genesis and Britt Beemer of America's Research Group surveyed 1,000 young adults (20-29) who grew up in conservatively sound bible believing churches, who have left the church. The survey findings are not only shocking, but they also run contrary to popular belief on why children are leaving the church.

The survey found those children who are more actively involved in church actually leave the church at higher rates than those who just attended Sunday morning service. In the chapter labeled Sunday School Syndrome the authors make this startling claim: "Sunday School is actually more likely to be detrimental to the spiritual and moral health of our children." (38). Contrary to popular belief, it would seem from the research children who are more active in church seem to leave the church at higher rates. Why is this? The authors proceed to offer their thesis on why this is happening, coming to the conclusion that major "renovation" needs to take place in the Sunday school/children-youth program structure.

Another startling find is most children are "departing" the faith at a much earlier age than most parents and churches realize. The preconceived notion by most is the church is losing their children during their time in college. But the survey results paint a much different picture than our preconceived notions. Of the 60% of children (after 18) who will leave the faith either permanently or for a season of their lives, only 10% of those left their faith during their time in college. An astounding 40% had their first doubts in Middle school and 44% in High school. We are loosing our children much earlier than we thought.

The authors do a wonderful job connecting the dots of the survey results. When the dots are connected, an interesting picture is formed. We are generally losing our children because most of them have serious doubts about the authority of scripture. When a child begins to question the infallibility and sufficiency of the Word, they begin to question and ultimately leave behind their faith. As Ken Hamm put it, "Our foundation is the Word of God. We need to defend the Word of God as one of our top priorities as Christians. If we are to give a strategic and effective response to the wave of souls who are leaving the church, these issues must be addressed." (107)

My generation was surveyed and highlighted in this book. And being part of this generation who is witnessing first hand many leaving the church as unprecedented rates, I implore parents and pastors alike to read this book. Already Gone not only gives us reliable data to chew on, but also tons of biblical resources to help parents and churches train their children up on the foundation of God's Word. This too, is a must read for every youth worker and children's church volunteer. I'll leave you with this thought: One day, every one of our children are going to stand before Christ and give an account for their lives, without us by their side. Prepare them for that day, I beg you.''

I thank New Leaf Publishing Group for providing me a review copy of the book, and I heartily recommend Already Gone.

Bryan Schrank
Ministry Director
Raising Godly Children Ministries
[...]
976276
Many in Christianity will not like this... It takes all the facade off of faith and brings followers of Jesus back to their real mission.
4125420
No one, who is led by the Spirit of God, should read this book. Those who want to be led by the intellect and will of men should read this book. In the first chapter the author speaks contrary to God's word and, by doing so, tries to heap up followers after himself, or should I say, the Antichrist Palpacy. Here's what he says, "Was it God's intention from the beginning that Jesus should go to the Cross? I think the answer to that question must be No." This is an out right lie, because Christ's death is prophecied from the beginning in Genesis 3:15. He was the lamb slain from the beginning of the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8). In John 12:27 Christ makes it clear that it was for the purpose of dying on the cross that he came to the very moment. John the Baptist called Jesus the Lamb of God that takes the sin of the world before there was any enmity between Christ and the people of the day, making it clear Christ's purpose. And lastly, Mary & Joseph were commanded to call his name Jesus because he would save his people from their sins. So, for any of my Catholic brothers and sisters the Lord says, "Come out of her so that you do not share in her judgments." The gospel is that Christ came to deliver us from our sins because no work that we could do, no amount of obedience or works could ever save us. It is only through the blood shed by Christ the spotless lamb that we could ever be saved. We are children of God, not of men whom we call fathers in the Catholic Church, which Christ condemns, and God calls us to rely upon him alone. We see this example in the garden of Eden: Adam and Eve reject God's will and choose for themselves. God in his love does what only he can do and sheds the blood of the lamb to cover Adam and Eve's sin. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV
1695730
As a Christian it is encouraging to read about our brothers and sisters that keep the faith till the very end, they fought with the word of God and love.
It changes your perspective how easy we have it in the USA where there is no persecution to the degree there is in their stories.
1429177
The message for this hour is "Christ" and "Christ" and "Christ"...not principles or ten steps or formulas or methods to blessings. The authors have done a fantastic job of presenting this message.
3570605
Cheesy and propaganda for the church.  I especially didn't like the insinuation that you should disown any family members who do not believe as you do and that you can only be happy if you believe in god.  This is closed minded and in my opinion what causes a lot of problems in our society.  Because those who believe in God are not always good people and there are many who do not believe in God who are.
40974
It is a real pity that old anti-Semitism never dies - at least not among Catholic Christians. Nevertheless, it is important for the new generation of Jewish boys and girls to learn where the enemies are so that they can take the necessary measure and have them all gently eliminated so that they can embrace Jesus, the Jewish rabbi, ASAP.