Jesus Manifesto

Jesus Manifesto (Thomas Nelson), by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola, is a reminder that our faith is not about concepts, strategies and techniques but about Jesus. Reggie McNeal says, "This book is destined to be a classic devotional volume that will inspire generations of Jesus-followers."

Spiritual Warfare and Missions

In Spiritual Warfare and Missions (B&H Books), Jerry Rankin and Ed Stetzer argue that Satan's ongoing strategy is to convince Christians that the Great Commission is optional. The authors call on Christians to access the power of Christ and His resurrection to carry the gospel to the nations.

Illustration: Loneliness

David Jeremiah wrote: "When missionary Amy Carmichael went to India, she suffered from acute, prolonged loneliness and homesickness. The other missionaries tried to be kind to her, but they were busy and had their own interests. One day, Amy's condition became almost intolerable, and when her mail arrived, she ran into the house, into her bedroom. Locking the door, she knelt by her bed. There she opened her letters and read them aloud, one by one, to her heavenly Father."

Facing Criticism

In his excellent blog, preaching prof John Koessler recently shared this: "Christ's words serve as fair warning to all who preach that divine authority does not guarantee a smooth path. We would like to think that God given authority also gives us leverage with our hearers. 'Listen to us,' we want to say. 'We speak for God.' But the same Bible that gives us our authority also offers ample proof of the congregation's capacity for discounting that authority."

The Lost Commandment

In The Lost Commandment (Kregel), Dave Greber helps us understand that a key to discipleship is demonstrating Christ's presence in our lives by the way we love one another.