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Everyone needs a friend like Jesse. Nashville radio personality, LaVern Vivio (a.k.a. U-Turn LaVern), shares a true account of her lifelong friend, Jesse. From her childhood in Western Kentucky through the many ups and downs of jobs, relationships, and family trials, Vivio weaves a folksy, but true story of an enduring, encouraging, and supportive friendship. As you read this book, you will long for a friend like Jesse in your life. Here's the good news - Vivio shares her secret to finding and developing this kind of life-changing friendship in your own life. Life is tough ... and even tougher without a true friend. Don't miss the opportunity to meet your Jesse. "Jesse is a captivating story of hurt and healing, bitterness and forgiveness, as a tender heart turns calloused and resentful to all but one person - Jesse - a true friend through thick and thin. LaVern opens the curtains of her soul in a courageous way to reveal the story of her heart. I have personally witnessed her walk with through many of the chapters of this story. I love this family, and I love what God has done with LaVern's heart. I think you will love it too, for it will resonate with your own heart in more ways than you may expect." Dr. Jimmy Sites Host of Spiritual Outdoor Adventures TV Author of The Heart for Adventure

What if we radically restored first-century faith and practice in our own time and culture? Smith pleads for a more complete restoration by exploring the areas of youth ministry, elders, the Lord's Supper, gathered worhsip, and the Christian lifestyle.

Chambers provides a defense of our traditional worship format by contrasting it with the style and content of the new wave of contemporary worship assemblies dominated by drama, special singing, and lifting hands. "With amazing clarity; with a grateful grasp of current problems in public worship; with a fairness that is totally Christian, Dan Chambers has produced a work of monumental importance speaking to worship needs of this day." -- Jim Bill McInteer "By focusing the spotlight on biblical, worthy worship, Chambers brings the curtain down on current calls for entertainment-style showtime during our gathered celebration of the divine drama." -- F. LaGard Smith "I do not know of any study that is more needed in the churches today than this study of worship by Dan Chambers. The study is comprehensive, balanced, in touch with contemporary thought, and thoroughly biblical. It is my hope that it will be widely used as a text in Bible study classes as well as by individual students interested in meaningful worship. The book is an engaging and cogent plea for a more biblical approach to worship." -- Harvey Floyd Dan Chambers preaches for the Concord Road congregation in Brentwood, Tennessee. He has also served as an adjunct instructor in Bible at David Lipscomb University in Nashville. He has done graduate work in theology at Grace Theological Seminary and has received advanced degrees in Bible from David Lipscomb University (M.A., M.A.R) and in Business Management from Indiana University - Ft. Wayne (M.B.A.)

This collection of twenty-nine inspirational readings broken into five categories will encourage the hearts of women, as they spend time learning more about God's Word. An excellent gift or resource for your personal quiet time, each reading features a verse, and includes questions for thought and reflection. About the Author Carolyn Baldwin Tucker has been a Christian for fifty-three years. She is a member of the Church of Christ and teaches a Ladies Bible Class. She is the wife of Jesse Tucker, an Elder in the church, and they have been married for forty-one years. The Tuckers have two adult children: their daughter is an attorney and their son is a Gospel Preacher. The Tuckers have two grandsons. Dr. Carolyn Baldwin Tucker has been an educator for forty-one years. She was an elementary school teacher for five years, a school principal for twenty-two years, and a Director of Elementary Schools for three years. She has also served as an Interim Superintendent of Schools, as well as been a consultant for the Tennessee Department of Education. For the past ten years, Dr. Tucker has been a Visiting Professor at Lipscomb University.

What happens when the church finds itself clinging to beliefs and following lifestyles that clash with its surrounding culture? We become "aliens," "strangers," and outcasts in the eyes of the prevailing culture. Peter gives timeless, practical advice to Christians who refuse to cave in to the social pressures to conform to the world's thinking and behavior. John W. Smith carefully examines the texts of First and Second Peter in their original contexts and challenges today's Christian to stand strong in the face of mistreatment and even persecution. Our path from earthly life to heavenly reward is not without its hardships. In every generation, there will be those whose only way home is through the fires of adversity. With God's guidance those fires will not consume us, but will instead refine us for His kingdom. Christians are a people refined by fire. John W. Smith has more than fifty years experience as a preacher, teacher, and lectureship speaker. He has sold more than 1.4 million copies of his books, including My Mother Played the Piano, My Mother's Favorite Song, and the Restoration Church series. His speaking and writing reveal an unusual insight into life and God's Word.

Hiring a minister is one of the most important decisions that church leaders can make. It affects the health, stability, and growth of the local congregation. Nothing is better than a minister and congregation that match one another. Few things are worse than poorly planned hires. Wil Perkins has explored the ups and downs of 25 years of ministry and outlined a 12-step process that will help guide congregations to the right minister and ministers to the right churches. A 12-Step Process for Hiring a Minister (That You Wouldn't Mind Keeping) Wil Perkins has been preaching since 1988. He received his Bachelor's degree in Bible from Freed-Hardeman University, an M.A. in Bible from Lipscomb University, and an M.A. in Education from Abilene Christian University. Wil is married to his soul-mate and they have two children. He is currently living in Illinois where he preaches for the Jacksonville church of Christ.

A battle rages, not only in the world around us but in our hearts as well. Every day we have to make choices - do we follow God's Word, or do we give in to the influence of the world and the power of Satan? How do we live in the world, but not be of the world? How do we balance the desires of our hearts with those of the Father? What's a woman to do? Commit yourself and your life to God, and discover the freedom that can only be found in Christ. Overcome indecision, uncertainty, and the world's influence by making solid choices based on God's Word. Seek and find guidance about topics such as being single, modesty, marriage, love, intimacy, conflict, and communication. Betty Bender has been a Christian for over seventy years and has taught all ages. She and her husband, Duane did mission work for twenty-five years in the Northeast before his death in 1995. Betty has a degree in communications with a concentration in creative writing. She has published three inspirational books and compiled a book honoring her husband, Duane, with memories from each of the children and grandchildren. She has three children, seven grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren. She lives in Columbia, Tennessee and is on the staff at West 7th Church of Christ. She has made a number of mission trips, six overseas, and numerous ones to the Northeastern United States. She also conducts workshops and speaks at ladies inspirational events.

What is your church really teaching and practicing concerning Christian marriage? The truth might surprise you. It certainly serves as a wake up call to church leaders that we MUST be intentional about helping our married folk. Bill Perkins, Preaching Minister, Central Church of Christ Athens, AL Danny's writing is skillful as well as engaging. Read five pages and you'll be hooked. Read the whole book and you'll start looking for ways to change how your church ministers to couples. Dale Jenkins, Evangelist/Pulpit Minister Spring Meadows Church of Christ Spring Hill, TN It's a great book. We have to educate others on this topic and [this] book will be instrumental in doing just that. Jennifer Garcia, Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Association of Marriage and Family Ministries I want to get a copy into the hands of every eldership, elder board, and person I know who has a heart for marriage ministry. What a needed volume! John Conger, PhD, CFLE Family and Consumer Sciences Lipscomb University Dr. Camp offers as assessment process whereby churches are able to explore the local church's thought, feelings, and theology of marriage. Dr. Camp is helping us build a bridge between church and theology of marriage. Nathan Pickard, Preaching Minister Newmarket Church of Christ Ontario, Canada Dr. Daniel Camp and his wife Lisa have three children; two daughters and a son. After earning a B.A. degree from Lipscomb University, he served as a youth and family minister in Portland, TN. He is currently serving as the Family Life Minister at the Smyrna Church of Christ in Smyrna, TN. In addition to a B.A., Dr. Camp earned a Master of Arts in Religion and a Master of Divinity degree from Lipscomb University and completed a Doctor of Ministry degree at Abilene Christian University, focusing on the theology and ecclesiology of marriage. He is the co-director and co-founder of Remembering Our First Love Marriage Ministries, and The Marriage Blog (www.rememberingourfirstlove.blogspot.com) which is his weekly post for helping couples have a better marriage. Dr. Camp has a passion for helping churches reclaim Christ-centered marriage as a powerful witness of the goodness of God in our world.

You will feel the tension build as Jesus walks the road to Jerusalem for the final time. The Road to the Upper Room will grab your attention and pull you into the dramatic events that ultimately led to the crucifixion of Jesus. Dennis Doughty skillfully weaves all four Gospel accounts into a powerful, seamless narrative. He carefully interprets the biblical accounts without embellishing or fictionalizing the truth. The short, readable chapters are supported by rich historical insights that were carefully researched and folded into the narrative. Matthew Cleveland's simple, clean illustrations complement Doughty's writing and frame the narrative in the reader's mind. You'll come away from this study with a renewed appreciation of Christ's sacrifice. This book is destined to become a classic. Dennis Doughty preaches for the Tunica Church of Christ in the Mississippi delta. In addition to preaching he has also served as the Director of the Georgia School for the Deaf, established his own freelance interpreting service for the deaf, founded the Golf Academy of Memphis, and was Head Photographer for Holland Studios in Memphis. He has written a weekly column for the past six years called "Inscriptions;" which is widely distributed and read. His previous book published by 21st Century Christian, Heaven, A Christian's Journey into Eternity has been well-received and is now in its second printing. He is married to the former Kathy Wilemon of Fulton, Mississippi and has two daughters and one grandson. Matthew Cleveland is an illustrator and art teacher in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. He has a B.A. in Art Education from Concordia University and a M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction Integrating the Arts from Lesley University. Matthew has coached high school soccer over 10 years. He is married to, Sarah, the love of his life, and is the father of four beautiful daughters.

Flowers bloom. Plants grow. Leaves change color. Snow falls. Just as the seasons change bringing periods of both sunshine and storms, so do our Christian lives. Often overwhelmed by problems, we search for solutions and ways to weather the storms. By turning to God's Word, we can find the only completely reliable answers for life's challenges. Explore the seasons of Summer Sunshine Autumn Winds Winter Storms Spring Rainbows In this collection of vignettes, scriptures, discussion questions, and personal application, find solutions to small problems or relief from huge burdens, learn to better serve others who are struggling, or do some preventative maintenance in your own spiritual life. Debbie Schmid is the author of four books, including Spiritual Seasons and Spritual Spring Cleaning, as well as numerous articles and devotionals for various publications. She is the editor of her ministry newsletter, Encouragement. Debbie has often spoken at various events, including ladies retreats, church seminars, Christian grade school faculty meetings, and M. O. P. S. gatherings, and has been a featured guest on KFLT Christian radio station. She also spends time leading Bible studies, mentoring new babes in Christ, and nurturing hurting individuals. A resident of Tucson, Arizona, Debbie's greatest joys in life include her married daughter and son-in-law, and her new grandchild.

This book is not what you expect. It's about children, but it's not for children. It's not about how to educate children. It's not directed at parents. It's not the sad story of hurting children. It is a book for the church. It is a call for the church to take up its God-given role and serve children. "We need this book. I have been convicted by this powerful, Biblical challenge to hear the cry of the children and to love and serve them as Jesus did. Dr. Shank's appeal is urgent to church leaders but also to every Christian. He is writing to all of us who care deeply about children. It is a book that will inspire you to action." - Helen M. Young, Pepperdine University "Children Mean the World to God brings an awareness and urgency back to something that I believe is the heart of God. While the book challenges behavior change, it gives suggestions as to how to care for children. If you are needing a shot in the arm (and heart), this book will bring you back to the heart of ministry. I would hope that you pass it on to your leadership and make a difference in our churches from the top down." - Dudly Chancey, Professor of Youth Ministry, Oklahoma Christian University "This book deserves major attention! Harold Shank shares not only his heart and soul but also God's heart for the souls of children. The theology is powerful but it is the practicality that moved me. This book is thoroughly researched and emotionally touching. With Harold, concern for children is no passing fancy, it is do or die - and it should be the same with all of God's children - old or young." - Paul Faulkner, Marriage Enrichment Seminars "Harold Shank has mixed in Ishmael, Eddy, Jonah, and April into confrontive concoction that guarantees we will never be the same. He admits his own failures to notice and care in such a way that we can look at our failures with him. We believe anew that we can change the world by changing a child." - Nick Boone, Lipscomb University Harold Shank's interest in children includes his role as President of Ohio Valley University, a school in Vienna, West Virginia, associated with Churches of Christ, along with serving as the national spokesperson for Christian Child and Family Services Association, a nationwide network of agencies ministering to vulnerable children and their families. Harold blogs about children and ministry on his website: www.haroldshank.com. For 21 years he taught young people at two Christian universities. With a Ph.D. in Old Testament, Shank is also the author of seven books. During his career he preached for 30 years and helped plant a dozen congregations. Harold and his wife, Sally, have two adult sons, Daniel and Nathan.