New Releases: November 5, 2008

The Purpose of Christmas
Rick Warren
Howard Books, November 2008

If you stop to think about it, it is astounding that the simple birth of a peasant baby more than two thousand years ago can cause traffic jams every December. The night Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, a small group of poor shepherds were quietly tending their flocks of sheep in a nearby field, looking up at the stars. Nothing seemed any different from a thousand other nights. But what was about to happen would transform not only their lives but billions of other lives as well. The world would never be the same again. Regardless of your religious background, you need to know how the 3 purposes of Christmas solve your 3 greatest needs.


The Purpose of Christmas (DVD)
Rick Warren
Zondervan, November 2008

Pastor Rick Warren leads you through a video-based study on the true purpose of Christmas. Teaching from the Gospel of Luke in three sessions, he helps you see not one but three purposes of Christmas announced by the angel at the birth of Jesus. Discover why Christmas is God's idea and why Jesus is the greatest gift. Your life will never be the same.



We Believe in Christmas
Karen Kingsbury
Zondervan, October 2008

On Christmas we give and get presents, we sing songs, and we decorate our homes. but what is is really about? Is our happy holiday a Holy Day? Find out why we place the star on the Christmas tree. Imagine Christmas guests as travelers of long ago. Let the beautiful song "Silent Night" fill your mind with pictures of the night Jesus was born. Christmas is God's gift to us. If we look around and remember, we'll learn to see the real Christmas.



The Blue Parakeet
Scot McKnight
Zondervan, November 2008

Until Scot McKnight wrote this book, today's Christian had little choice. Either side with out-of-touch fundamentalists or unrealistic liberals...which left millions in the middle disenfranchised, unsure how to read the Bible in a postmodern world. In this bold reexamination of reading the Bible the author proclaims a new "Third Way," one that walks confidently between two extremes. If you've ever wondered why you can't just be a Bible-believing Christian without all the baggage that goes with being on the theological left of the right, The Blue Parakeet is for you.



My Grandchild, There's No One Like You
Dr. Kevin Leman & Kevin Leman II
Revell, September 2008

There's nothing quite like a trip to the Grandbears' house! Whether you're making cookies, fishing, jumping of the bed, or eating dessert first, time at Grandma's and Grandpaw's is always exciting. So forget the schedules and lists and everyday stuff-it's time for fun!


TransforMissional Coaching
Steve Ogne & Tim Roehl
B & H Publishing Group, September 2008

In a time of profound and rapid change, church leaders are presented with a new paradigm that empowers them to stay culturally sensitive and on task. What do we mean when we use the word transformissional? Coaching as we see it, enables transformation, which in turn leads to missional ministry. Great coaches come alongside leaders so that leaders can be transformed into the image of Christ and join Him on His redemptive mission. Entering and experiencing the Great Commandment goes together with expressing and engaging the Great Commission. You can't have one without the other.