A Positive Life

As a hemophiliac, Shane Stanford contracted HIV in the 1980s as a 16-year-old -- a time when AIDS was a virtual death sentence. Instead of a tragedy, his life has become a source of hope -- marrying his childhood sweetheart, having three healthy children and becoming a Methodist pastor. In his new book A Positive Life (Zondervan), Shane tells his story in a way that offers hope to all of us to better live positive lives.

How to Multiply Your Church

How to Multiply Your Church (Regal) by Ralph Moore reminds us that existing churches can't grow fast enough to keep up with a growing population. The answer is planting churches, which in turn plant churches; and Moore offers proven strategies for helping churches experience multiplication. This will be a helpful resource for church leaders who want to think strategically.

Atonement

Atonement is a doctrine much-discussed these days, with some writers challenging traditional views on the subject. Weighing in on the debate is the new book Atonement (P&R Publishing), edited by Gabriel N.E. Fluhrer, which includes chapters by pastors and theologians such as J.I. Packer, R.C. Sproul, Sinclair Ferguson, Alistair Begg and many more. It is a valuable collection of insightful articles by some of the most gifted evangelical thinkers of our day.

Illustration: Fathers and Sons

A young boy had just gotten his driving permit. He asked his father, who was a minister, if they could discuss his use of the car. His father said to him, "I'll make a deal with you. You bring your grades up, study your Bible a little and get your hair cut; then we will talk about it."

Illustration: Home, House, Family

A little boy named Danny lived with his family in a trailer. One day, someone asked him, "Don't you wish you had a real home?" Danny's reply was wise beyond his years. He said, "We have a real home. We just don't have a house to put it in."

The Cross of Christ

As you prepare for preaching and teaching during Holy Week and on Easter, here are some excellent books to consult: The Cross of Christ (InterVarsity) by John R.W. Stott. A powerful contemporary discussion of the meaning of the cross.

The Resurrection of the Son of God

As you prepare for preaching and teaching during Holy Week and on Easter, here are some excellent books to consult: The Resurrection of the Son of God (Augsburg Fortress) by N.T. Wright. One of the most important books on this topic printed in many years.

Avoiding Distractions

In a recent issue of his Ministry Toolbox newsletter, Rick Warren observed that, "Jesus says that distractions can keep our fruit from ripening: 'The seed that falls among weeds stands for those who hear the word of God, but the worries and the riches and the pleasures of life crowd in and choke them and their fruit never ripens' (Luke 8:14, Good News). If we want to be fruitful in ministry, then we need to get rid of the weeds in our lives and make room for what's important. Jesus says the weeds that distract us tend to fall into three categories: