Free/Bargain Christian Interest, December 2013

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The Christmas Bus by Melody Carlson is free
B&N Amazon

Welcome to Christmas Valley-Christmas Capital of the Pacific Northwest!

It's only two weeks before Christmas, and Edith Ryan is disappointed to learn that none of her children are coming home for the holidays. Her large house, which doubles as The Shepherd's Inn the rest of the year, will feel so empty without them. And it's too late to open the inn for Christmas reservations--surely everyone else has their plans made by now. In a town where Christmas is a way of life all year long, going through the holidays alone is just about enough to bring her to tears.

Suddenly, Edith knows what she has to do-she'll invite strangers to book those rooms usually reserved for family during the week of Christmas. When the guest list shapes up to include a cantankerous old woman and a mysterious young couple with a broken-down hippie bus and a baby on the way, Edith wonders if she made the right choice. Will it blow up in her face? Or could she be entertaining angels unaware?

And in today's anti-bargain, the price of the Archaeological Study Bible has indeed gone up to $33.99 at Kobo. It also looks like the NIV Study Bible will be going up to $33.99 after the current sale, since the "Red Letter Edition" has just gone up to that price.

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In case anyone else is as much of a nerd about this stuff as I am, I realized that Kobo still has the 2008 edition of the NIV Study Bible (with 1984 NIV text) for sale in addition to the 2011 edition. Nobody else is selling it and I don't think Kobo's even supposed to be anymore (they were still selling the TNIV until recently, as well). The 2008 edition isn't on sale and is $19.99, but if you can score a 75% off coupon from the contest, it's only $5.00.

2008 NIV Study Bible
2008 NIV Study Bible Red Letter Edition

I just bought the Red Letter Edition and verified that it's actually the 2008 edition.

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It looks like no new freebies today, but a few books are on sale.

Did Jesus Exist?: The Historical Argument for Jesus of Nazareth by Bart D. Ehrman is $1.99
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For years Bart Ehrman has been routinely bombarded with one question: Did Jesus Exist? As a leading Bible expert, fans and critics alike have sent letters, emails, posted blogs, and questioned Ehrman during interviews wanting his opinion about this nagging question that has become a conspiracy theorist cottage industry the world over. The idea that the character of Jesus was an invention of the early church—and later a tool of control employed by the Roman Catholic Church—is a widely held belief and Ehrman has decided it’s time to put the issue to rest. Yes, the historical Jesus of Nazareth did exist.

Known as a master explainer with deep knowledge of the field, Ehrman methodically demolishes both the scholarly and popular “mythicist” arguments against the existence of Jesus. Marshaling evidence from within the Bible and the wider historical record of the ancient world, Ehrman tackles the key issues that surround the popular mythologies associated with Jesus and the early Christian movement. Throughout Did Jesus Exist? Ehrman establishes the criterion for any genuine historical investigation and provides a robust defense of the methods required to discover the Jesus of history.

Those committed to the “non-existence” theory will need to read this formidable scholar’s counter argument while the more traditionally minded will enthusiastically support Ehrman’s definitive answer to the question. Perfect for the vigorous online debating community, this eBook original will be a must read for anyone interested in Jesus, the Bible, and the birth of Christianity.

The Zondervan Illustrated Bible Dictionary is $4.99
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The Zondervan Illustrated Bible Dictionary provides a visually stimulating journey for anyone interested in learning more about the world of the Bible. Through the articles, sidebars, charts, maps, and full-color images included in this volume, the text of the Old and New Testaments will come alive for you as never before. As a condensation of the Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, the information contained within this reference work is solid and biblically sound. The material is based completely on the NIV and cross-referenced to the King James Version, and it contains over 7,200 entries, 500 four-color photographs, charts, and illustrations, 75 four-color maps, and a Scripture index ... making this wonderful Bible study resource a must-have whether you're a general reader of the Bible, a pastor, or a student.

The Voice Bible is $3.99
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The Voice™ is a faithful dynamic equivalent translation that reads like a story with all the truth and wisdom of God's Word. Through compelling narratives, poetry, and teaching, The Voice invites readers to enter into the whole story of God, enabling them to hear God speaking and to experience His presence in their lives. Through a collaboration of nearly 120 biblical scholars, pastors, writers, musicians, poets, and artists, The Voice recaptures the passion, grit, humor, and beauty that is often lost in the translation process. The result is a retelling of the story of the Bible in a form as fluid as modern literary works yet painstakingly true to the original manuscripts.

ESV Daily Reading Bible: Through the Bible in 365 Days, based on the popular M'Cheyne Bible Reading Plan is $3.99
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It's not on sale at Crossway's site, but it's DRM-free (epub and mobi).
Publisher site ($14.99)

As a reminder, the ESV is free in just about any format you want, so only buy this one if you specifically want the Bible split into daily readings.

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New freebies:

War in Heaven: God's Epic Battle with Evil by Derek Prince
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A cosmic view of God's plan-from start to finish!

The Bible says that when God laid the foundations of the earth, the angels were watching. In time, one of those angels would be the main player in a rebellion to wrest God of His magnificent creation.

Thus began a battle of epic proportions that leaves today's believer with many questions.

-Why did God allow evil in the first place?
-If evil was defeated at the cross, why does it continue to exist?
-Does spiritual warfare really make a difference?
-How are we to await the end of the age?

In a fascinating, compelling exploration of Scripture, Bible teacher Derek Prince addresses these and many other questions. Focusing on events before the creation of Adam, he also describes Jesus' stunning victory over Satan.

But it is not over yet. Now is the time for God's people to make war on the enemy! Take up your spiritual weapons and follow the King of glory. Peace and assurance await you.

My Journey to Heaven: What I Saw and How It Changed My Life by Marvin J. Besteman with Lorilee Craker
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An unforgettable trip to the gates of heaven and back

As Marv Besteman lay in a hospital bed, visions of celestial beauty were the last thing on his mind. He had just had surgery to remove a rare pancreatic tumor. Alone after visiting hours ended, Marv tossed and turned, wanting more than anything else to simply sleep and escape the excruciating pain and misery for a while.

He was about to have an experience he never could have imagined--and could never forget.

In My Journey to Heaven, Marv Besteman shares the true story of his experience of heaven with astounding detail. You'll meet the angels who accompanied him to the gate, overhear his conversation with St. Peter, and feel the joy as he recognizes friends and family members who touched his life.

If you are grieving the loss of a loved one, or even if you just wonder about what happens after we die, you'll find peace, comfort, and encouragement in Marv's story.

The free David C. Cook books today are a couple of "extended previews" rather than full books. I hope this isn't the start of a trend.

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David C Cook added Speaking of Jesus by Carl Medearis
Publisher page

Some of us fear moments when we need to defend our theology. Some of us seek them out. But we are seldom ready the way Jesus seemed to be ready. So how do we draw others to God in the midst of these ordinary conversations the way Jesus did?

In Speaking of Jesus, Carl Medearis draws on his experience of international reconciliation between Muslims and Christians to remind us of the heart of the matter: Jesus. Here he gives us tools, stories, and the foundation we need to move beyond “us” and “them” and simply talk about the One who changes it all.

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Revealing Jesus: A 365-Day Devotional by Darlene Zschech is free at B&N and Amazon.

Powerful Encounters With the Heart of Our Savior For Every Day

Do you long for more of God's presence? Do you ache to see Him at work in your life? Do you desire His peace and rest? Renowned worship leader Darlene Zschech invites you to gather with her around the Word of God. Born out of her own yearnings that she poured onto the pages of journals, these meditations and Scriptures reveal Jesus and speak of His finished work--how He tenderly cares for you and wants you to know Him.

Honest, raw, and beautifully written, these devotions will inspire your journey and encourage you in every season. Come, sit at the feet of our Lord, be strengthened in your weakness, embrace His love for you, and breathe in His peace.

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New freebies:

Leadership: True Adventures of Risk and Faith (Ebook Shorts) by Peb Jackson & James Lund
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High-Octane Adventure That Will Deepen Your Faith

Through true stories of daring leadership and adventure, this book challenges you to discover if you are living out God's game plan for your life. From the depths of the sea to the top of Mount Everest and everywhere in between, this high-adrenaline ride will thrill you even as it challenges you to discover who you are, where you stand in your faith, and whether God is calling you to experience greater risks and deeper meaning.

Near to the Heart of God: Meditations on 366 Best-Loved Hymns by Robert J. Morgan
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Grow closer to God through the hymns you love to sing

The great hymns of the faith are not only meaningful songs we love to sing--they teach us about God and ourselves. They are miniature Bible studies that lead us effortlessly toward worship, testimony, exhortation, prayer, and praise. They clear our minds, soothe our nerves, verbalize our worship, summarize our faith, and sing our great Redeemer's praise.

In Near to the Heart of God, bestselling author Robert J. Morgan has gathered 366 hymns, including favorites such as "Amazing Grace" and "Rock of Ages," as well as classic, lesser-known gems such as "In the Garden" and "Teach Me to Pray." Each devotional contains an opening story about the hymn or its writer, the lyrics to the hymn, and a closing Scripture. An index of hymn titles and first lines is included so you can find your favorites easily.

Perfect for any music lover, Near to the Heart of God is a unique yearlong journey into the songbook of praise that has defined our worship for centuries.

A Place Called Bliss (Saskatchewan Saga Book #1) by Ruth Glover
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One's blood stirs at the pounding thunder of buffalo hooves; the other's thrills to the sound of tinkling crystal and rustling taffeta.

Mary Morrison: Simple, devoted, and true, Mary dreams of leaving servitude in Scotland for equal footing in a land of freedom. She and her husband, Angus, set their hopes on a place called Bliss, a frontier town in the wilds of Saskatchewan.

Sophia Galloway: Born to nobility and married to affluence, Sophia wants for nothing, save an heir for the Galloway name. When she becomes pregnant, all her hopes and dreams rest on her baby's future. Sophia and her husband, Hugh, both restless for a new challenge, embark on a journey to Canada where they are sure to be scions of Toronto society.

To both the Morrisons and the Galloways, Canada beckons with the promise of opportunity. Once there, Mary and Sophia go their separate ways, one to conquer elite society and one to conquer the unrelenting wilds of the bush country. Yet they share an unknown secret, a commonality so compelling it will bind them together the rest of their lives.

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More freebies:

An Irish Christmas by Melody Carlson
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For Colleen, life is spinning out of control. She just lost her husband, and her relationship with her young adult son Jamie is crumbling. Should she confess to him the secret that has been haunting her for twenty years? Jamie has a few secrets of his own. When he announces his plans to join the military, Colleen decides it's time for the two of them to take a trip together--to Ireland. The truth they discover there could fulfill both their dreams in a way neither ever thought possible.

Welcome to Last Chance (A Place to Call Home Book #1) by Cathleen Armstrong
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She's learned you can't count on anyone--but she didn't count on landing in Last Chance.

The red warning light on her car dashboard may have driven Lainie Davis to seek help in the tiny town of Last Chance, New Mexico, but as she meets the people who make this one-horse town their home, it's her heart that is flashing bright red warning lights. These people are entirely too nice, too accommodating, and too interested in her personal life--especially since she's on the run and hoping to slip away unnoticed.

Yet in spite of herself, Lainie is increasingly drawn into the small-town dramas and to a handsome local guy with a secret of his own. Could Lainie actually make a life in this little town? Or will the past catch up to her even here in the middle of nowhere?

Arena by Karen Hancock
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A journey she did not choose will test her courage and change her life forever

When Callie Hayes agreed to participate in a routine psychology research experiment, she had no clue she'd find herself plunged into a terrifying world where a battle rages between good and evil. With limited resources and only a few cryptic words to guide her, she must unravel the mysteries shrouding her only route of escape or risk succumbing to the deadly deception of the Arena.

Jesus In The Present Tense by Warren Wiersbe
Publisher page

In Jesus in the Present Tense, Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe explores the “I AM” statements of God—from His burning bush conversation with Moses, to His powerful reassurances to the Israelites, to Jesus’s startling claim to be the Light of the World.

Many Christians find themselves mired in past regrets or future fears, but the name of God itself reminds readers that God wants them to live in the present. The more readers understand and apply God’s I AM statements from the Old and New Testaments, the more they will realize God’s peace and joy. Then they will be free to live, serve, and know God more richly in the present tense—which is just where He wants them to be.

O Little Town by Don Reid
Publisher page

Christmas, 1958: Elvis is on the radio, Ike is in the White House, the Lord is in his holy temple, but there is no peace in Mt. Jefferson.

In a small town where everybody seems to know everybody, there are still a few secrets. Three families find they are connected in ways they never suspected: an angry teen, a dying man, a lonely wife, a daughter in trouble. Just ordinary people, muddling their way through ordinary challenges. Illness. Marriage. Bad decisions. Friendship. Faith. Forgiveness.

Spanning three generations, O Little Town is a tender tale of love, redemption, and a lonely gravesite where roses mysteriously appear every Christmas. It will touch your heart.

Relationships: A Mess Worth Making by Timothy S. Lane and Paul David Tripp
Publisher page

While skillfully identifying the deeper issues that keep relationships less than they are designed to be, Tim Lane and Paul Tripp show readers how to experience the other side of relationships as well. They convincingly testify of the power of God's presence to bring believers to the place where:

• Conflicts actually get resolved
• Tough conversations turn out positive
• Forgiveness is granted and real love is expressed and shared
• Casual relationships mature into deep friendships
• Weaknesses are overlooked and strengths are applauded
• People are honest without being mean

A book about relationships, written within the context of their own friendship, Tim and Paul's new offering is straightforward about the relational disappointments that we all suffer. But they are also optimistic about the power of grace to redeem and restore our relationships. Rather than presenting new or sophisticated techniques to make relationships flourish, the authors instead focus on the basic character qualities that can only be formed in the heart by the gospel.

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The Rose of Winslow Street by Elizabeth Camden is free.
B&N Amazon

In the small town of Colden, Massachusetts, Libby Sawyer leads a quiet, predictable life. Yet beneath the surface, she is haunted by a secret.

Newly arrived on American shores, Michael Dobrescu is far from predictable, and his arrival in Colden is anything but quiet. Michael's shocking claim to be the rightful owner of Libby's father's house immediately alienates him from the appalled citizens of Colden.

Despite her own outrage, Libby is unwittingly fascinated by this enigmatic man who seems equally intrigued by her. As the court's decision about the house looms and the layers of mystery surrounding Michael's past are unveiled, Libby's loyalties are tested in ways she never imagined.

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New freebies:

Indescribable by Louie Giglio and Matt Redman
Publisher page

Putting this powerful message into print for the first time, visionary pastor Louie Giglio and songwriter Matt Redman team up to write a heart-stirring book about the mysteries of God’s creation. Indescribable takes readers on a journey through the vastness of outer space and into the depths of the soul.

Modern science allows viewers to see farther into space than ever before, and every step draws them closer to the God who breathed each star into existence. In Indescribable, the authors intertwine devotional insights with remarkable scientific facts that awaken both mind and spirit. As Giglio and Redman write, God turns wonderers into worshipers.

Above all, Indescribable is a call to worship—an invitation to know and be known by the God of all creation and to become more passionate worshipers of Jesus Christ.

Deeper: Living in the Reality of God's Love by Debbie Alsdorf
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It's time to get honest with God and live like his love for you is real--because it is! Deeper shows you how to live four core truths from Psalm 139: God knows me, he protects me, he made me, and he values me. Though you may "know" these truths in your head, this book guides you to make them a reality in your heart. If you're ready to stop striving for perfection and start living for real, it's time to go Deeper.

Majestic and Wild: True Stories of Faith and Adventure in the Great Outdoors by Murray Pura
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Church can be a great place to learn spiritual lessons, but sometimes you just have to get up and get outside to experience the grandeur of God. In Majestic and Wild, pastor, writer, and avid outdoorsman Murray Pura weaves his real-life adventures with spiritual inspiration and life lessons, capturing the majestic and wild creation that God has set before us all. From animal encounters to wildfires to raging rapids to Daniel Boone hunts and buffalo stampedes, the stories range from dramatic and suspenseful to light-hearted and whimsical. Each story is woven with spiritual lessons not easily learned from sitting in a pew.

Picture Perfect (Weddings by Design Book #1): A Novel by Janice Thompson
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She's trying to focus on her future. How can one man make everything feel so . . . fuzzy?

Hannah McDermott has a successful photography studio. She'll soon be featured in Texas Bride magazine. And she has a celebrity client whose Galveston ceremony will be her ticket to the top spot on wedding coordinator Bella Neeley's list of recommended photographers. But it could all come crashing down around her because of one man: archrival and photographer extraordinaire Drew Kincaid.

As the competition between Hannah and Drew heats up, Hannah is surprised to find that it's not the only thing getting more intense. She can't get the handsome man out of her thoughts--or even out of her line of sight--and the job of her dreams is turning into a nightmare. Will everything she's worked for slip out of her hands? And can she see past her pride to find a picture-perfect love?

Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer
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A cowboy who wants to be a preacher. An outlaw's daughter who wants to change his mind.

On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can't believe it when he's forced off the train by an outlaw and presented to the man's daughter as the preacher she requested for her birthday. He's determined to escape--which would be much easier if he could stop thinking about Joanna Robbins and her unexpected request.

For months, Joanna had prayed for a minister. A man to breathe life back into the abandoned church at the heart of her community. A man to assist her in fulfilling a promise to her dying mother. But just when it seems her prayers have been answered, it turns out the parson is there against his will and has dreams of his own calling him elsewhere. Is there any way she can convince Crockett he ended up right where he was supposed to be?

This Day We Fight!: Breaking the Bondage of a Passive Spirit by Francis Frangipane
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Author Francis Frangipane tells us that the call of God is a call to war. An enemy lurks at our gates, and one of his first lines of attack is often a spirit of heaviness, which causes Christians to become passive. As a result, they do not pray with authority against the enemy, rendering themselves defenseless in the unfolding battle.

Touching Heaven: Real Stories of Children, Life, and Eternity by Leanne Hadley
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Children have always been close to the heart of God. And sometimes, even in the most heartbreaking circumstances, they show us how close God is every day.

Children's minister and former children's hospital chaplain Leanne Hadley has been ministering to hurting children for years. In Touching Heaven, she recounts the poignant stories and simple faith of the remarkable children she has been privileged to serve. With humor and tenderness, she offers their inspiring testimonies of encounters with God, Jesus, and angels, showing us that God is present in our lives--even as earthly life is ending.

If you've lost a child or another loved one, or if you are supporting a dying person along their journey, you will find in these stories comfort, inspiration, and hope of everlasting life.

Widow of Larkspur Inn, The (The Gresham Chronicles Book #1) by Lawana Blackwell
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When Life Seemed Its Worst, Gresham Awaited

Julia Hollis' opulent life in Victorian London crashes to pieces when her husband passes away. Worse, she is told by his bankers that he gambled away their fortune. Now, the family's hope rests on The Larkspur, an old abandoned coaching inn in the quaint village of Gresham.

Driven by dread and her desire to provide for her children, Julia decides to turn the dilapidated inn into a lodging house. But can she--who was accustomed to servants attending to every need--do what needs to be done and cope when boarders begin arriving? And then an eligible new vicar moves into town...

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God Told Me: Who to Marry, Where to Work, Which Car to Buy...And I'm Pretty Sure I'm Not Crazy by Jim Samra is free
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How to listen for God's direction--in every aspect of life

Does an infinite and all-powerful God really care about the ordinary aspects of our lives? Pastor Jim Samra answers with an enthusiastic "Yes!" From the trivial to the life-changing, God cares about it all because it concerns his creatures, his creation, and his kingdom.

In this unique book, Samra unpacks biblical passages and shares fascinating true stories about God's specific guidance. He explains how to distinguish God's guiding voice from all others and provides practical advice for learning to listen.

If you have ever wanted to ask God for direction about where to live, who to marry, or how best to endure a difficult trial, God Told Me is the place to start.

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Thomas Nelson is now owned by HarperCollins, so they and Zondervan have started marketing together. A downside to this, though, is that Thomas Nelson books are no longer DRM-free at ChristianBook.

Anyway, they're having a year-end sale. I noticed some of these earlier and mentioned them (mostly Bibles, since that's what suits my fancy), but was just emailed a publisher page that links to lists of sale items at various ebook sellers. Kobo isn't one of them, but the books that I checked were the same prices at Kobo US and eligible for coupons.

Publisher link

According to the promo page, the sale ends January 3.

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Woman's Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year, A: A Life-Changing Journey Into the Heart of God by Diane Stortz is free.
B&N Amazon

You CAN Read the Bible in a Year

When Diane Stortz was invited to join a study to read the whole Bible in a year, she went for it. It changed her life, even though she'd been a Christian a long time. Now, more than ten years later, she still reads through the Bible every year with a group of friends.

"I didn't start to really know God until I made knowing him my goal as I read the Bible. Getting to know God changed me. It changed how I think and what I do. It changes me still."

God put the Bible together for you. Reading it through in a year helps create a rich experience and a focused understanding of what God wants to reveal about himself. And with week-by-week reading plans, easy-to-use reference material, and stories of encouragement from women like you, A Woman's Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year is the perfect companion for this life-changing practice.

Gather your Bible and some good friends to join you in your journey, or go for it on your own. Either way, God will change you.

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http://www.amazon.com/Zealot-Books-N.../dp/B00EYJ079C

Title: "Zealot Books - The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth: The Crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth as Depicted in Art" is FREE on 12/28/2013 and 12/29/2013

Synopsis:
"There are two historical facts in which almost all modern scholars agree upon that prove the existence of Jesus of Nazareth: his baptism and his crucifixion.

This volume will include his crucifixion as depicted in art, by great artists who interpreted and illustrated the life and death of Christ.

We hope our book series which serves to introduce artists who painted the life and times of Jesus will be of value to readers.

This book is not intended to be a work of in-depth academic analysis, nor is it to decide which paintings are best or the most beautiful. Instead, it serves as a small collection of artistic and religious masterpieces to stimulate discussion rather than provide the final word on their role and effects on religion and society.

Our 'Quick-Read Book Series' of historical figures are published to provide condensed information for the reader to quickly have a full understanding of the material and easily become familiar with it. Our book series may also be used as valuable study aids."

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Free:

Instant Family Devotions: 52 Bible Discussions for Anytime, Anywhere Use by Mike Nappa and Jill Wuellner
B&N Amazon

Your zero-preparation, bore-no-more guide to growing spiritually as a family

You want your kids to grow closer to God, and you are an important part of that spiritual journey. But between work, school, laundry, sports, and all the other busyness of life, who has time for family devotions?

The answer is everyone!

Instant Family Devotions takes the guesswork out of family devotional time with this practical, imaginative resource. Inside you'll find a year's worth of engaging, transforming, and easy-to-lead Bible discussion guides for your family. Combining biblical depth with entertaining and educationally sound teaching techniques, this book will both challenge and inspire your family toward lasting spiritual growth.

All 52 studies require zero pre-session preparation and can be used in a variety of settings and times--around the dinner table, during family night activities, or just before bedtime. Each devotion includes an icebreaker, Bible exploration, a discussion starter, and life application tips.

Take your family devotional time to the next level--starting today!

Today's the Day! by Jim Stovall
Publisher page

By picking up this book, you have already taken a first step toward succeeding in life. But will you take the next step. and the next? Will today be the day you finally resolve to do something positive with your life-no matter what difficulties you face?

The world is made up of all kinds of people in all sorts of circumstances. But ultimately, everyone falls into one of two categories: winners or losers those who succeed. and those who fail. Nobody sets out to fail. But often we don't really know what success means, or how to achieve it personally.

Now there's help. In this inspiring and uplifting book, Jim Stovall shares easy-to-read, easy-to-put-to-work nuggets of wisdom that he has learned personally by overcoming his own blindness and becoming one of America's most accomplished entrepreneurs. Each persuasive chapter gives you a practical, positive, powerful insight that can help you successfully negotiate every situation in your life.

Running Scared by Edward T. Welch
Publisher page

Edward T. Welch reveals God's plan for encouraging those in the grips of fear. One of the haunting dilemmas of the human condition is that fear is "an inescapable feature of earthly life." Every person who has lived on this earth has encountered fear. Tragically, for this reason our race for the good life finds us all too often "running scared."

In his new release, Running Scared, Edward T. Welch investigates the roots of fear in the human soul and the ramifications of living in the grips of anxiety, worry, and dread. Welch encourages readers to discover for themselves that the Bible is full of beautiful words of comfort for fearful people (and that every single person is afraid of something). Within the framework of thirty topical meditations, Welch offers sound biblical theology and moment-by-moment, thoughtful encouragement for life-saving rescue in the midst of the heart and mind battlefield of rampant panic-stricken responses.

This comprehensive primer on the topic of fear, worry, and the rest of God will have readers retreating to scripture for invariable constancy, stalwart care, and robust comfort, instead of as Welch terms it, "hitting the default switch" by responding with characteristic human independence, control, and self-protectiveness. Running Scared affirms that, through Scripture, God speaks directly to our fears:

On money and possessions
On people and their judgments
On death, pain, and punishment

Welch's lively text provides convincing evidences that humanity's struggle against active and dormant fears are countless. The good news is that God provides both the remedy and the cure for this malady in the person of Jesus Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit, and through powerful, life-altering promises in Scripture. Far more than merely another psychology "self-help" guide, Running Scared serves as a biblical roadmap to a life of serenity and security.

Christianish by Mark Steele
Publisher page

It may feel like authentic faith. It may even look like the real deal. Yet it's often easy to settle for the souvenir t-shirt—the appearance of a transformed heart—instead of taking the actual trip through true life-change. We find ourselves settling for a personal faith that's been polluted by culture, and diluted by other people's take on spirituality.

Christianish tells the story of one man's journey to move from the in-between to a life that's centered on Christ. To move forward, author Mark Steele goes back to the beginning, to examine Christ's life and words. Through stories and insights that are sometimes profound, often hilarious, and always honest, Mark delivers a compelling look at what our faith is all about.