This is where our real hope comes from, God with earnest young men
596442
This book is the encouragement you need if you have grown tired of listening to the Main stream media trash our soldiers, our nation, and our faith in the God of our fathers.  The earnestness of these soldiers as they faced their own fallenness and their fears on the edge of going into battle will touch your heart and remind you that the OWS is not the bunch that is on the mind of and in the heart of God.  The innocent faith of these young men as they lose and rediscover a special pocket Bible, undamaged after being lost in a wind, rain, and hailstorm and believe it is a sign from God that he will protect them -- these tough marines -- is borne out when the most intense battle of the war is over and they recount their stories of they were spared and comforted and encouraged and kept. Though they lost one much beloved gunnery sargent, and many others were tremendously injured, they knew the voice of the One who came to them and said in the midst of battle 'It's going to be all right.  I am with you.'  If you are sick of the assaults on our heritage by the Marxist morons who hate God and the righteous, this book is for you.  Young men like these are the hope of our nation.  Young men like these being drawn into the presence of God in the worst battle in the war, are the reminder to us that God is not done with the United States of America.  The earth will be inherited by the meek, and soldiers carrying big guns and fighting to protect the world from evil can indeed be part of 'the meek.'  If you are sick of being told that Islam is 'the religion of peace' and instead want to be encouraged that the 'Prince of Peace' was walking in the midst of our soldiers as they moved through a hail of RPG's to take one of Saddam's evil castles, then this is the book for you.  And if you need to become acquainted with achaplain  with a tender heart, wisdom, love for his men, this is the book for you.  Chaplain Cash's love for the military and its strength used in the service of righteousness can wipe away the grime and the garbage that the leftists have tried to cover our military with.  This is the antidote.  This is the reminder that the God of Israel and His Messiah are at work in the world, and he does take sides, and his side is to hear the cries of all those who trust in him. And he does fight on their side, and there is a right and a wrong and truth and the lie.  If you are sickened to death with all the moral relativists in this world blaming us and excusing the truly wicked, this close up view of the goodness of our soldiers and their leaders will be a solid comfort to you.  It was to me.  I almost felt like Elijah, that I was the only one left, and I myself am old.  But what God is doing in our young generation of warriors indicates that He, even more so than John Paul Jones, has just begun to fight.  The trust of our soldiers in the Lord in the midst of that terrible battle ended in elation; and each of them had their own personal story of watching impossible things happen.
42006
This book helps to show the link between the Christian faith and the United States of America. We're reminded that all gifts come from God and that "Abundance is the attitude of God." On reflection, we're told, "It is perhaps a fault in all of us that we do not treasure the best parts of our lives as we live through them."
Americans are optimistic by nature and this is based on the way the nation was founded he writes. He goes on to talk about being open to the dreams of the Holy Spirit, to the call of God on one's life. This influence of Christian optimism can be found in the names of the places established by the settlers. He reminds us, "New England Colonials were so in love with God's providence that they gave a small town in Rhode Island the name." The very name is a Christian doctrine, he adds. This is an encouraging book that will brighten your day.
2657186
I plan on recommending this book to many young men. I appreciate the author's real life examples of what is and what could be.
1184457
This is a wonderful book, a great encouragement to those seeking God's leading in their lives.
It is well written and interesting, filled with sincerity and honesty.  The author shares the tracks of his life as he looks back and sees that the Lord was there with him  all along.
2217832
Sadly, one of the things we've lost in many corners of the American church is a sure sense of what we believe and how we are to live. Don't misunderstand me - I'm not saying that evangelicals have no idea what the gospel's all about or what the Bible says about a variety of topics. What I am saying is this: When I was growing up in a conservative Southern Baptist Church, I knew what it meant to be a Christian. Granted, some of the things I was taught to cling to I've since let go of. (For example, I wouldn't insist that an occasional drink is a sin on par with murder or that the U.N. may be secretly plotting the end of the world.) Still, many churches today have gone to the other extreme. Rather than let doctrine and practice become decisive issues, we've sought to become inclusive and tried to act relevant. And while it's good to build bridges and learn to speak the culture's language, I fear that many young evangelicals are growing without any definition of who they are.

Don't Call It a Comeback is the group effort of many young pastors and authors, and is an attempt to pass along the essentials of evangelical faith to the generation coming of age today. I really believe this book is valuable. In fact, it would be one of the first books I'd pass on to a new Christian. The first section of the book contains two chapters - the first, a look forward, and the second, a look back. Kevin DeYoung, the book's editor, writes passing on the faith to the next generation. I was actually pleasantly surprised to see such a great, but simply articulated, analysis of youth ministry. I've struggled for a long time with much of the material being passed on to youth workers by mainstream evangelical publishers. To me, a lot of the stuff seems to miss the forest for the trees. But DeYoung's analysis is spot-on. Kids need to be amazed by God, taught the truth of Scripture in a no-holds-barred manner, and shown what the Christian life looks like in practice by adults who love them. The second chapter from Collin Hansen (of Young, Restless, Reformed fame) takes a look back at the roots of evangelicalism. This chapter helps put our weird bunch into historical perspective, and serves as a good counter-punch against those who only want to point out where evangelicalism has gotten it wrong in recent years.

The rest of the book unfolds with a section on what we believe as evangelicals and a section on how we are to live. As with the chapters in the first section, each chapter in the remainder of the book is taken on by a different author. While I appreciated the effort to bring some variety into the book, this was actually a challenge. Some of the chapters are simply better written than others, so some were more enjoyable to read. One highlight was DeYoung and Eric Redmond's chapter on homosexuality. Rather than stepping back from the issue as many young evangelicals might want to (let's face it - talking about the subject puts us on the defensive and makes us uncomfortable), the authors tackle this tough subject head on, providing a brief but fairly thorough analysis of the biblical passages that usually come into play in any discussion of same-sex behavior. Not only is this important for young evangelicals to read, but I would venture that many seasoned pastors could benefit from DeYoung and Redmond's defense of orthodoxy in this area. As the authors point out, the issue of homosexuality is important, not just because there are many people struggling with same-sex attraction, but because how we handle the issue says a lot about how we will show grace to homosexuals and how we will understand the Bible's authority.

Overall, the book is highly recommended!
3178674
Having read Gabe Lyons' first book, Unchristian, I was very excited to hear the culmination of his research contained in this book.  I myself have met many people who are disenfranchised by Christians they have met, or more likely, by Christians they have heard about in the media, but as Lyons points out, there is great hope in a new generation of Christians.

This book is written in a very conversational style, making it easy to read and digest the great wealth of information he offers.  It is very encouraging to read about a group of people of all ages and from places all over the world who see the mission of Jesus Christ as a major priority.  Lyons calls this group the "restorers."  The second half of the book describes in great detail and with hope the attitudes and actions of this group.

I would highly recommend this book, not only as a text to read for encouragement, but also as a challenge to live out the Christian life with service and sacrifice, showing others the way to Christ.
4083145
A powerful reminder that our hope is in God and we can trust Him to remain true to his Promises.
1739522
This book brings the reader to the reality of a real and loving God and His plan for our salvation.
4519341
I enjoy prayer books, and this one exceeded expectation.  Harold Bussell has a way of bringing raw, real world, emphasis in prayer while always pointing the reader to the source of life, understanding, and salvation.  His prayers offer a place of being honest with God about the struggles of life that we all feel.  The prayers move the reader to an authentic acknowledgment of God's greatness and our inability to grasp His infinite nature, and at the same time an understanding of His intimate care and compassion for those he loves.  These prayers will lead you to places you may not have anticipated going, and at the same time offer hope, as they point the reader to where we find peace, joy, contentment, and appropriate worship.
2886427
I just love these three young men.  They obviously love God, and their voices blend so beautifully.  This is a great CD for any time of the year.  Put it on, sit back, and let the music transport you to heaven.  Too bad we have to come back.
387996
Just as the man, the presentation is understated and matter-of-fact. Uncle Buddy relates stories from his childhood and his days on the mission field that leave you in laughter and tears. In each circumstance, he points to God's provision and care. A refreshing testimony of God's faithfulness over a lifetime of service. Well worth the price, it's a book I'll be glad to pass on to my children as an inspiration and a reminder of why we are here.
4538331
Boy did these guys touch the golden calf!  We should not be afraid to look at what we were told as youth; and reflect.  There is much clarity brought on by the simple gospel. These Essary Brothers pioneer the way for other brother and sisters to see the other side of the Good News. The Good side of the Good News....a whole new perspective...the perspective of the Love of God and the audacity to Believe it!  Good work gentlemen! PZuniga
2599206
This is a wonderful book for young men and for moms who believe in their sons- for dads and all who stand up for justice!  Nathan Gauer has captured the living philosophy of finding justice inside yourself and becoming its fountain.  It is a coming of age story reminiscent of Hesse in its journey and in the way it touches your heart- but it is more.  It is a book firmly anchored in the murk of today's society and shows the journey of how the lotus flower grows in such a place as this.  Take the journey this book shares!  It is very encouraging!
2330302
( review via epicbookquest.com )

Hope is dead. That is the message that Trent Cooper hopes will take the younger generations by storm- while simultaneously launching him into a corporate career of power and wealth. Working for a media company, he hopes to use the seeming despair of the millennials to drive the latest fad by taking away any sense of hope they may have, and making a mockery of religion. Soon the phrase is seen everywhere- from advertisements, to trendies on street corners holding `hope is dead' signs. A new culture of despondency has been born, and it seems there is no way to stop the evil that is rising. . .

But God has a plan. One by one, He is calling to the hearts of those who will listen, drawing people in from all walks of life, asking them to step out in faith to do what they know is right. The choice lays before them- ignore the call, or choose to follow His lead no matter the cost- something they call `the turning'. As one step slowly leads to the next, this diverse group of people are finally brought together for the ultimate revelation of God's plan to fight against the darkness, and remind the world of the ultimate hope that is through Jesus Christ.

Wow! What a story- this book gave me chills. Bunn is a fantastic author, masterfully weaving a host of colorful characters into a thought-provoking story that will both challenge and inspire you. The premise of this book is only a slightly amplified version of reality, and all it takes is a fleeting glance at today's youth to discover that we are surrounded by a culture of death and despair. Skulls, zombies, witchcraft, and an open mockery of Christian morals are now the social norm, and God is calling all believers to take a stand and to shine the light of Jesus Christ into the darkness -now. The question is, will we take the turning and obey?

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book through River North Fiction, a division of Moody Publishers, in exchange for an honest review.
2083085
Like John Loftus, Dan Barker, Seth Andrews, and Charles Templeton, Mark Roncace has the courage to honestly face the entire bible rather than just those morsels pre-approved by pastors for public consumption. Though learned enough to perform acrobatic apologetics, these authors bravely read the bible as is and reflected on what it suggests to be true of God. Unlike John Loftus, Dan Barker, Seth Andrews, and Charles Templeton, Mark Roncace did not subsequently abandon his Christian faith. Like Abraham, Moses, and Jeremiah before him, Dr. Roncaces love for God requires him to hold God accountable in the hope that this relationship of both love and challenge will further the process of development for both the lover of God and God. It is an interesting take, told with humor, and worth the read. Highly recommended.
4820019
This is amazing truth feels our heart with hope and grace. The Lord Jesus is truly our hope of glory
1006851
In his latest release, Twelve Unlikely Heroes, John MacArthur examines the lives of some great figures from Scripture. He highlights the ways God chooses to act for his glory by taking ordinary, flawed human beings and using them in magnificent ways to accomplish His purposes.

The message is a moving one. It is very possible (even common) that one may look to characters such as these and focus too heavily on them so as to make an idol of men. The other common problem is that we despair in looking at the accomplishments of which they've been a part and determine that there is no hope for us to be used by God. In looking at the lives of OT and NT characters alike, MacArthur looks to find the God-honoring middle ground. He leads the reader in a careful and honest look at these men and women, noting their flaws and imperfections as well as their faithfulness. And above all of this, he points out the way God positioned them and used them for His glory. JMac brings to bear his considerable gifts as an expositor of the Word as he mines the depths of key passages, revealing beautiful elements that are right there to be read, but are often overlooked.

In a time where we tend to make heroes of any celebrity, athlete or cool cat around and press until "hero" has next to no meaning, it is refreshing to see what God identifies as a hero.