New Releases: June 25, 2009

Knowing Christ Today
Dallas Willard
Harper Collins, June 2009
In the tradition of Mere Christianity, author and Renovare staff member Dallas Willard, presents a rational case for the Christian faith in our day. In Knowing Christ Today, he argues that spiritual truths are as a reliable body of knowledge as philosophy or science and form a trustworthy source of wisdom. Each chapter includes discussion questions for group study.



Religion Saves: And Nine Other Misconceptions
Mark Driscoll
Crossway Books, June 2009
After 343,203 online votes on the Mars Hill Church website, nine questions for Pastor Mark Driscoll emerged as the ones most urgently calling for answers. Inspired by 1 Corinthians, in which Paul answers a series of questions posed by the people in the Corinthian church, Pastor Mark Driscoll set out to determine the most controversial questions among visitors to the Mars Hill Church website. In the end, 893 questions were asked and 343,203 votes were cast. The top nine questions are now each answered in a chapter of Religion Saves. After an introductory chapter devoted to the misconception that religion is what saves us, Driscoll tackles nine issues: birth control, humor, predestination, grace, sexual sin, faith and works, dating, the emerging church, and the regulative principle. Because the purpose of this book is to address commonly asked questions, all readers will find relevant, engaging material, written in Driscoll's distinctively edgy, yet theologically sound style.


What Bothers Me Most About Christianity
Ed Gungor
Simon and Schuster, May 2009
A Provocative Discussion on the Messiness of Faith. It may seem odd that an avowed Christ follower would write a whole book on the bothersome aspects of Christianity. But if we're honest, we can't ignore the fact that some things about Christianity are just plain messy. Without fear or hesitation, Ed Gungor joins the discussion generated by the multitude of atheistic books, as he explores the most difficult aspects of the Christian faith, including...

Why doesn't God just show Himself?

Why does a loving God allow evil in His world?

If the Christian faith is so good, why are some Christians so bad?

Why was God so harsh during Old Testament times?

Why is the Christian faith so exclusive?

Maintaining that faith is not intellectual suicide and that mystery is an essential quality of the Christian belief, Gungor speaks with reason, candor, and a touch of humor to thinking people on both sides of the debate.


What's Happening to My Teen?
Mark Gregston
Harvest House Publishers, May 2009
More often than not, teens who behave inappropriately are not rebelling; they’re just responding the best way they know how to life’s challenges. In What’s Happening to My Teen?, youth specialist Mark Gregston contends that all too often parents spend so much time correcting their teen that they forget the teen’s greater need for connection. If parents spent more time trying to understand rather than trying to change behavior, they would see a transformation in their teen’s attitudes and actions. What’s Happening to My Teen? offers wise counsel that will help parents of teens succeed at one of the most difficult tasks they’ve ever encountered. As they draw from Gregston’s expertise, parents will become better equipped to:

• respond constructively to the inevitable conflict
• recognize when their teen’s behavior is rebellion and when it’s not
• avoid words and actions that provoke their teen
• create a safe environment that promotes truth and open communication

For parents concerned about their teen’s behavior, this book provides the scriptural insight and the skills they need to see their family thrive during those challenging teen years.

Life is Beautiful
Press Play
EMI Records, May 2009
Weaving strands of pop, rock, and worship styles, the debut from Press Play bursts with energy, excitement, and devotion to the Lord. Life Is Beautiful features guest spots from Darlene Zschech and Lil iROCC. Audio clips from this product are available to listen to before you purchase - just click on the track title to play the clip.


Take Two
Karen Kingsbury
Zondervan, June 2009
The second book in the Above the Line series finds independent filmmakers Chase Ryan and Keith Ellison at the center of Hollywood wheeling and dealing. The two friends discover that all that glitters is not gold—and that success in Tinsel Town could cost them everything—their relationships as well as their ideals. Filmmakers Chase Ryan and Keith Ellison have completed their first feature film, and Hollywood is buzzing with the news. In the wake of that excitement, the producers acquire rights to a novel that has all the ingredients they want for their next project. At the same time they cross paths with a well-connected player who introduces them to the right people, and suddenly every studio in town wants to talk to Chase and Keith. The producers’ dreams are on the verge of coming true, but Chase’s marriage is strained and Keith’s daughter — Andi Ellison — is making questionable choices in her quest for stardom. The producers are gaining respect and are on the verge of truly changing culture through the power of film — but is the change worth the cost?

New Releases: June 9, 2009

The Disappearance of God
R. Albert Mohler, Jr.
Multnomah Books, May 2009
Is God changing his mind about sin? What is good or bad about the Emergent movement? Are churches selling out to keep members? Battling to preserve the foundations of Christianity, Dr. Mohler confronts contemporary teachings and "feel-good" ideas. Combining a careful study of Scripture with wit and wisdom, he'll help you defend the faith! 176 pages, hardcover from Multnomah.



Crazy Enough to Care
Alvin C. Bibbs, Sr.
IVP Connect, June 2009
The injustice, pain, and suffering in the world seem overwhelming. Is there anything we can do? Taking you on a journey to the core of the gospel, Bibbs offers practical strategies for reaching out to people we know and those we don't. Join him for 12 sessions and you'll start changing the world by caring for others! 156 pages, softcover from InterVarsity.



Maggie Rose (The Daughters of Jacob Kane vol. 2)
Sharlene MacLaren
Whitaker House, June 2009
In the summer of 1904, Maggie Rose Kane, Jacob's spunky, independent middle daughter accepts God's call to leave her beloved hometown of Sandy Shores, Michigan to work as 'house mother' at New York City's Sheltering Arms Refuge, a home for displaced and orphaned waifs. There she meets the cynical, hard-nosed Luke Madison, a 27-year-old news reporter from the New York World who's been thrust upon the orphanage for a three-month period with an order to research the city's problem of "Street Arabs", the name pinned to these impoverished children. Sparks fly as Maggie and Luke come to terms with their growing attraction. Will Maggie win the struggle to remain attuned to God's direction for her life, staving off her foolish, romantic notions-or does the Lord have a greater purpose than she ever imagined for leading her to New York?

New Release: June 4, 2009

Think Orange
Reggie Joiner
David C. Cook, May 2009
Former family ministry director Reggie Joiner looks at what would happen if the church and families both decided that they could no longer do business as usual, but instead combined their efforts and began to work off the same page for the sake of the kids. Written to support the Orange Conference and Tour, Think Orange shows church leaders how to make radical changes so they can:

• engage parents in an integrated strategy;
• synchronize the home and church around a clear message;
• recruit mentors to become partners with the family;
• provoke parents and kids to fight for their relationship with each other; and
• mobilize the next generation to be the church.

New Releases: May 19, 2009

A Praying Life
Paul Miller
NavPress, May 2009
Miller offers a practical real-life approach to prayer for busy families! His honest down-to-earth advice shows you how to practice praying in the midst of daily routine. You'll learn to pray like a child, live your Father's story, understand unanswered petitions, and more. Includes tips on using tools such as prayer cards and journaling. 272 pages, softcover from NavPress.



Dare to Dream
Paula White
Faithwords, May 2009
Let God change your painful past into a brighter future! Through real-life illustrations, personal stories, and stirring insights, White reveals the keys to healing, hope, and identity. She shows you how to move beyond loss, establish boundaries, take control, embrace transformation---and find victory, one step at a time. Previously published as You're All That! 272 pages, softcover from Faithwords.



The Wholehearted Marriage
Dr. Greg Smalley and Dr. Shawn Stoever
Howard Books, May 2009
Has a busy lifestyle, personal baggage, or loss of a loved one come between you and your spouse? Restore your passionate connection with this encouraging handbook! Offering practical advice born of experience counseling couples, Smalley and Stoever help you overcome the struggles of a loveless marriage to build a happy and fulfilling partnership. 336 pages, softcover from Howard.



A Dream to Call My Own
Tracie Peterson
Bethany House, May 2009
Lacy Gallatin, the youngest of the Gallatin sisters, is a woman with a mission: to find her father's killer. Haunted by the belief that she's failed him, Lacy is also battling a desire to have something more than just revenge, something she can't quite figure out. Enter Dave Shepard, deputy sheriff for the area. Dave has been fervently trying to find the man who killed George Gallatin, but he always feels inadequate when it comes to the beautiful Lacy. When they are together, the tension crackles between them--both when they argue and when they kiss. Lacy finds him frustratingly irresistible but is it truly love?


Lunatic (The Lost Books, v.5)
Ted Dekker
Thomas Nelson, May 2009
New York Times best-selling author Ted Dekker revisits the universe of his half-million selling Circle Series with the continuation of this popular YA series--and brings along a member of "The Circle" as his coauthor. Johnis, Silvie, and Darsal found the Books of History, and now it's time to return home--but five years have passed at home, and nothing is as it was. The Horde has taken over Middle, Thomas and the rest of the Forest Guard are in hiding, and a strange new force is challenging everything they thought they knew. Should the Chosen One continue to follow his heart . . . or is his heart finally leading them astray?


Elyon (The Lost Books, v.6)
Ted Dekker
Thomas Nelson, May 2009
Darsal is trying to love the Horde as Elyon asked her to, but she's torn between this new mission and her original one . . . especially now that Johnis and Silvie no longer seem to be on her side. The Chosen Ones are facing their greatest threat--extinction--and only by Elyon's grace will they survive to tell the tale.


Daniel's Diary: How God Saved Me from the Lions
Allia Zobel Nolan
Harvest House Publishers, June 2009
Beloved author Allia Zobel Nolan follows her Noah’s Notebook with this creative retelling of Daniel’s story from the Bible in diary form for kids. Clever art, contemporary language, and kid–friendly humor express Daniel’s adventure of trusting God’s will, praying faithfully, and praising God in all circumstances. “Dear Diary, Guards are waiting outside, so I have to be quick. The plan is to march me over to the lions’ den and throw me in. Ezra and Aaron insisted the king put his seal on the heavy rock—in case I try to get out. As if. Boy, do they have it in for me! I know God will do what He thinks is right. But I AM a teeny bit nervous.—Daniel” Young readers will be captivated by the book of Daniel. Great for individual or Sunday school reading and ideal as a family time selection.


Do You Want a Friend?
Noel Piper
Crossway, May 2009
A sweet story that helps children ages 3–7 recognize that potential friends are all around them, while reinforcing that Jesus is the best friend of all. For any adult who ever wanted to introduce kids to the friendship of Jesus, Noël Piper’s sequel to Most of All, Jesus Loves You! is a wonderful choice. The story begins with a little boy whose family has just moved to a new place. As he sits on his front steps calling out for friends, he is surrounded by a diversity of would-be friends—up and down the street, in windows, around corners; he just can’t see them yet. Before long, though, he finds them and they find him. Then the story broadens: “Do you want a friend too?”—“a friend who… loves you? comforts you when you are sad or sick? helps you know God? makes you happy? forgives you when you do something wrong? will save you from danger?” Pointing to Jesus as the only one who cares for us in all these ways, all the time, this colorfully illustrated book helps three- to seven-year-olds recognize Jesus as the best friend of all.


Let's Explore God's World
Debby Anderson
Crossway, May 2009
This cheerful romp across God’s wide world introduces kids to environmental responsibility in a captivating way and celebrates the five senses he’s given them to explore it. Not only has God given us backyards, beaches, cities, mountains, and rainforests to explore, but he’s given us five senses to enjoy them with! What’s more, he’s assigned each of us an important part in protecting his creation—and this playful picture book helps kids connect it all. Its energetic romp across God’s wide, wonderful planet prompts kids to join in the experience of nature while cheerfully guiding them in the adventure of caring for his world. Author-illustrator Debby Anderson—who doubles as a kindergarten teacher and mom—further draws in kids by suggesting fun, age-appropriate environmental tips and interactive ideas throughout the book. With so much to investigate and celebrate, children ages 3–7 will eagerly return to Let’s Explore God’s World again and again, finding something new each time. Combining an instructional focus on the five senses with a spiritual focus on God’s gift of life, the book encourages kids and caring adults to have a blast exploring—and learning to protect—our earthly home.

New Releases: May 14, 2009

Life is Good
Stellar Kart
Word Entertainment, April 2009
With Life Is Good, Stellar Kart packs the best of their energetic pop-punk sounds on to one infectious "Best of," including three rarities ("Lifeguard," "Centerfield," and "Punk the Halls").




Supernatural Healing
Sid Roth
Destiny Image, May 2009
After over thirty-five years of investigating miracles, I do not have all the answers only God does. But of this I am sure. God is good. God is love. God wants to develop intimacy with you. God wants you to be healed more than you want your healing. God is not confined to formulas. Yeshua (Jesus) healed people in many different ways. I believe that God will use one or more ideas in this book to build your faith for healing and that the healing anointing will splash off the pages as you read these testimonies."" --Sid Roth


The Myth of a Christian Religion
Gregory Boyd
Zondervan, April 2009
The kingdom of God is a beautiful revolution. Marked by the radical life, love, servanthood, and humility of Jesus, it stands in stark contrast to the values and ways of the world. Regrettably, many who profess to follow Christ have bought into the world’s methods, seeking to impose a sort of Christianized ethical kingdom through politics and control. In this illuminating sequel to his bestselling book The Myth of a Christian Nation, Dr. Gregory Boyd points us to a better way—a way of seeing and living that is consistent with the gospel of Jesus and his kingdom. Between the extremes of passivity on the one hand and political holy war on the other lies the radical, revolutionary path of imitating Jesus. In twelve areas ranging from racial and social issues to stewardship of the planet, this book will convince and inspire you to live a Christlike life of revolt and beauty—and it will help you attain a practical lifestyle of kingdom impact.



Broken Angel
Sigmund Brouwer
Waterbrook Press, May 2009
Carved from the United States after years of government turmoil, the oppressive church-run nation of Appalachia eliminates anybody who's "flawed." Abandoned by her father, 15-year-old Caitlyn's mutated body has made her an on-the-run outcast---and the target of bounty hunters. Can she escape to learn the secrets of her past---and the destiny she must fulfill? 256 pages, softcover from Waterbrook.



Championship Fathering
Carey Casey
Focus on the Family, April 2009
As CEO of the National Center for Fathering, Carey Casey uses his experience and stories—and his engaging, personable tone—to inspire champions-to-be in fathering. Championship Fathering will help fathers raise healthy, well-adjusted, confident kids—mentally, physically, and spiritually. It will help fathers use the principles of championship fathering: Loving, Coaching and Modeling. Men will appreciate Carey Casey’s experiences in sports. He is currently chaplain for the Kansas City Chiefs, and the book includes insider accounts from his days working with the Dallas Cowboys (under Coach Tom Landry) and the summer Olympics. The book also includes a foreword by Tony Dungy. A 3-minute daily radio feature hosted by Carey Casey, Today’s Father, is heard on over 600 stations nationwide.


When Kids Hurt
Chap Clark & Steve Rabey
Baker Books, April 2009
Chap Clark's groundbreaking Hurt: Inside the World of Today's Teenagers revealed the hard truth about contemporary adolescence: societal changes and systemic abandonment have left teenagers struggling to navigate the ever lengthening and ever more difficult transition to adulthood without caring adults. When Kids Hurt offers these challenging insights to youth workers and parents in a more accessible form, with greater focus on how adults should respond. Practical sidebars and application sections, contributed by other youth experts, provide additional insights into youth culture and how adults can better guide adolescents into adulthood. This book will be an important resource for youth workers, parents, counselors, and others who work with youth.



How Noah Knew What To Do
Karen Moore
Thomas Nelson, April 2009
Children are often afraid to try something new. This story will show them how they can trust God to help them do what they need to do-just like He did Noah. How Noah Knew What to Do shows how, even though Noah wasn't a veterinarian or even a ship builder, he listened to God and trusted Him to help him build the ark and fill it with animals. Karen Ann Moore's delightful rhyming text along with Pete Kersten's whimsical illustrations make this a fun way for children to learn they can rely on God in every situation, even when they're doing something they've never done before. Kids will see that obeying God can mean saying "yes" even when the obstacles seem hard to overcome. A gel-pack water-waves novelty that's built into the front cover makes for lots of giggles.



The Berenstain Bears Love Their Neighbors
Jan & Mike Berenstain
Zonderkidz, May 2009
The Little Lights Berenstain Bear series helps children learn how God wants them to live every day. Most of the Berenstain Bears’ neighbors are like the Bear family—they keep their homes neat and clean. Except for the Bogg Brothers who live in a run-down shack. In The Berenstain Bears Love Their Neighbors children learn that being a good neighbor takes more than keeping a nice home.




The Berenstain Bears Play a Good Game
Jan & Mike Berenstain
Zonderkidz, May 2009
The Little Lights Berenstain Bear series helps children learn how God wants them to live every day. Coach Papa Bear wants his team to play fair. But the other coach just wants to win. The Berenstain Bears Play Fair shows that players and coaches should act in a way that pleases God.



There's a Princess in Me! (Gigi, God's Little Princess)
Sheila Walsh
Thomas Nelson, February 2009
Every little girl wants to feel like a princess. What a great feeling it is when they discover they are daughters of the King of kings. Gigi knows there is a princess in her! She may not always look like a princess, act like a princess, or feel like a princess, but she knows that God always loves her and she's a princess in His eyes. This padded hardcover picture book with its die-cut window and mylar mirror allows young girls to truly see themselves as God's little princesses.