FREE/BARGAIN - Christian Interest - 2014

[ATDrake]

Free from the author via KDP Select @ Amazon:

Captive at Kangaroo Springs by Robert Elmer, 2nd in his Adventures Down Under of Australia-set YA historical adventure thrillers, originally out from Bethany House in 1997.

Time is running out for the McWaids…

Patrick McWaid and his family have safely reached Echuca, Victoria, where they hope to find his missing father, who was sent to Australia on a prison ship. But there’s a reward out for the capture of escaped prisoner John McWaid. And some of the worried townspeople are forming a search party—with dogs!

When Conrad Burke, Mr. McWaid’s old enemy, shows up, Patrick knows his father is in even greater danger. Hoping to hide from unfriendly eyes, Mrs. McWaid quickly accepts an offer to let the family use a shanty outside town until things quiet down. But they’ve barely settled in before a gang of bushrangers, or outlaws, takes them hostage. Can Patrick find a way to rescue his family?

[GtrsRGr8]

Christian Apologetics: An Anthology of Primary Sources. Editors: Meister, Chad V.; Sweis, Khaldoun A. Rated 4 1/2 stars, but from only 4 reviews at the present moment. Print list price $44.99; Kindle price now $4.99. HarperCollins Publishing/Zondervan, publisher. 560 pages. http://www.amazon.com/Christian-Apol...rimary+Sources.

Book Description
For the first time in over one hundred years, the significant writings of history’s most notable Christian apologists are available in one ebook. The Anthology of Christian Apologetics seeks to represent a broad Christian spectrum, ranging from those as early as Saint Paul and Saint Augustine, Saint Teresa of Avila and Blaise Pascal, to more recent and present day apologists such as C. S. Lewis, Alvin Plantinga, William Lane Craig, Richard Swinburne, and Pope Benedict XVI. Over fifty entries address key issues in the history of Christian apologetics. Introductions provide general overviews and guides to the topical arrangements of these issues. Photographs of the major apologists enliven the work and concise section headings clearly organize the material. Discussion questions, annotated reading lists, a bibliography, and author and subject indexes contribute to the suitability of this anthology as a textbook or supplemental reader. People interested in Christian thought, history, apologetics, philosophy, theology, or religion will find that the scope and depth of this anthology makes it an authoritative reference for key persons, concepts, issues, and approaches in the history of Christian apologetics.

[GtrsRGr8]

This "study Bible" doesn't seem to have as many "helps" as other study Bibles that were recently reduced in price. And, of those helps, the maps (which are very good and extensive in number) may be the same as given in other Zondervan study Bibles. However, this study Bible has a good number of what I consider very helpful items which are probably not found in the others.

The most extensive number of unique helps are topical lists, which Zondervan puts under the heading of "Reading Plans." These are what I think Zondervan alludes to by calling this "The Pathways Bible": they are different "paths" or ways that they provide the user for getting started in studying the Bible. Some of the "paths" are, for example, a list of "Prayers from the Bible," "20 Not-So-Famous Bible Stories," "30 Days of Great [Examples of] Faith," and quite a few more. Even if you have one or more other Zondervan study Bibles, you may feel that the topical lists and the other unique items would make it worth the $2.99 price.

As well as being pathways in personal Bible study, I can see potential for these topical lists to be used by teachers and even preachers, in Bible classes and sermon series, respectively.

Amazon and/or Zondervan have/has provided an extensive preview of this study Bible, at the web address given below. The preview omits all of the NIV text, but includes, it seems, all of the maps and almost all of the topical lists. If you have any interest in this book I hope that you will avail yourself of the opportunity to look at the preview.

NIV Pathways Bible. Zondervan. There is no rating at the present time. Print list price $32.99; Kindle price now $2.99. HarperCollins Publishing/Zondervan, publisher. 1152 pages. http://www.amazon.com/NIV-Pathways-B...pathways+bible.

Book Description
Remember as a kid how fun it was to read a book in which you could choose your own adventure? The paths were endless; every page offered a new discovery. While the Bible is one unchanging story comprised of many smaller stories, it doesn't mean you have to read it the same way every time. Often it's hard to know where to start: which path is best for me? The NIV Pathways Bible offers you multiple ways to enter into God's Word.

Maybe you want to spend 30 days getting to better know Jesus. Or maybe you want to read the more obscure parts of the Bible—the not-so-famous stories. There are 20 of them provided for you. Have you ever thought about reading through the entire Bible in a year? A reading plan for doing so is in this Bible too. And if that seems too intimidating, try the 60-day overview of the Bible. The NIV Pathways Bible has so many options that you'll find fresh new ways to enter into God's Word . . . so that his Word can enter into you.

[GtrsRGr8]

HarperCollins/Zondervan unexpectedly (to me, at least) has marked down a HUGE number of their ebooks. I'm posting the ones that stand out to me. I don't know for how long the markdowns will last.

NIV Faith in Action Study Bible: Living God's Word in a Changing World (New International Version). By Zondervan; Muck, Terry C. Rated 4 1/2 stars from 18 reviews at the present moment. (Print?) list price $26.99; Kindle price now $2.99. 2336 pages. HarperCollins Publisher/Zondervan, publisher. http://www.amazon.com/Faith-Action-S...Changing+World.

Book Description
The Faith in Action Study Bible provides you with a deeply rooted understanding of how Scripture applies to contemporary issues and personal growth. You will discover the relationship between history, culture, and the biblical narrative, and gain insight into the fact that God’s heart for our world that transcends times and customs. Designed in a highly readable passage-by-passage commentary style, the footnotes of this Bible are its centerpiece: “There and Then” notes shed light on the original context and significance of a passage, and “Here and Now” notes help you see the relevance of the passage for your life and the world. Also included are articles by respected Christian authors and “Snapshots” of individuals with a high-impact faith who have embraced Christianity not only as a view of life, but also a way of life. Over 175 charts, graphs, and tables highlight thought-provoking worldwide realities, helping you evaluate your spiritual life and suggesting action/impact steps to help you grow, share, and live your faith. With a 16-page full-color map section, this eBook has been optimized for reading on color screens, but will still function effectively on other devices. NIV ©2011. The New International Version (NIV) translation of the Bible is the world’s most popular modern-English Bible—easy to understand, yet rich with the detail found in the original languages.

[GtrsRGr8]

HarperCollins/Zondervan has marked down a large number of its ebooks again today (although probably not as many as yesterday). I've picked out one ebook to post, one that I thought might be of interest to the largest number of people checking this thread.

Four Views on the Book of Revelation (Counterpoints: Bible and Theology). By Pate, C. Marvin (editor), et al. Rated 4 stars from 26 reviews at the present moment. Print list price $17.99; Kindle price now $2.99. HarperCollins Publishing/Zondervan, publisher. 256 pages. http://www.amazon.com/Four-Views-Boo...nd+Theology%29.

Book Description
Of all the books of the Bible, few are as fascinating or as bewildering as Revelation. Its images grip the imagination: four grim horsemen, the Antichrist, the ten-horned beast, the ultimate battle at Armageddon, and, of course, 666, the “mark of the beast,” variously interpreted to signify everything from Hitler and Krushchev to credit cards and the Internet. Is the book of Revelation a blueprint for the future that needs decoding if we want to understand current events? Is it a book of powerful imagery, with warnings and promises for the church throughout the ages? Or is it essentially an imaginative depiction of historical events in the first century? Four Views on the Book of Revelation explores the four main views in which Revelation is understood: preterist, idealist, classical dispensationalist futurist, and progressive dispensationalist. The interactive Counterpoints forum allows each author not only to present his view, but also to offer brief commentary on other views presented. This evenhanded approach is ideal for comparing and contrasting stances in order to form a personal conclusion about the interpretation and meaning of Revelation. The Counterpoints series provides a forum for comparison and critique of different views on issues important to Christians. Counterpoints books address two categories: Church Life and Bible and Theology.

[GtrsRGr8]

In case you are not familiar with the author's name, Maxwell "is an internationally recognized leadership expert, speaker, coach, and author." His books are consistently highly-rated.

I bought this mobi/Kindle ebook for 99 cents just recently, and was thrilled to get it at that price. Today, it is free.

I've put this in the "Christian Interest" thread, instead of the general "Non-Fiction" thread because of the author's extensive mentions of Bible passages, references to his Christian religion, et al. which may "turn off" some people. However, the principles that he gives (see the chapter headings in the table of contents) can have application to leaders who are in non-Christian religions or even who are non-religious.

Be All You Can Be: A Challenge to Stretch Your God-Given Potential. By John C. Maxwell. "New edition (January 1, 2010). Rated 4 1/2 stars from 27 reviews at the present moment. Print list price $16.99; digital list price $16.99. Kindle price now $0.00. 197 pages. http://www.amazon.com/All-You-Can-Ch...iven+Potential. For those wanting ePub, I noticed that this book is available for free at Christianbook.com (http://www.christianbook.com/challen...B?event=eBooks). It may be free in ePub elsewhere, I simply don't know one way or the other.

Book Description
You have big dreams and major goals for your life. You want to be a leader, fulfilled and fully realized, always able to take what life throws at you and stretch beyond the status quo. But for some reason, you never quite get there. You just aren't living up to your potential, and you don't know why.

Now America's leadership expert, John Maxwell, gives you the tools you need to Be All You Can Be. In this powerful book filled with easy-to-grasp truths you can put to work right away, you'll discover the principles of success that can really help you succeed. Maxwell will guide you through four key steps:

Know: Discover the principles for fulfilling your God-given potential.
Show: Learn how to model the principles so others can see them at work.
Go: Roll up your sleeves, get out into the world, and live what you've learned.
Grow: Experience living at your full potential, continually assessing your progress.
As a result, you'll gain considerable hope for the future, which in turn will give you power to overcome in the present. Successful living and leading starts now: Accept the challenge to Be All You Can Be.

[Difflugia]

Truth Stained Lies by Terri Blackstock is free from Zondervan.
Christianbook Google B&N Amazon

Can three sisters---a blogger, a cab driver, and a stay-at-home mom---with only a little courage and no experience, moonlight as private investigators to save their brother from a murder rap? Find out in Truth-Stained Lies---the first book in New York Times bestselling author Terri Blackstock's new Moonlighter Series...

If anyone gets epubs from Barnes & Noble and hasn't been following this thread, just be aware that B&N seems to be in the process of updating their DRM system and some people are having problems importing B&N books into Calibre. You may want to consider one of the alternate epub links.

[ATDrake]

Originally Posted by Difflugia

Truth Stained Lies by Terri Blackstock is free from Zondervan.
Christianbook Google B&N Amazon

And @ iTunes (US only), where it's the featured Free Book of the Week.

[ATDrake]

Originally Posted by Difflugia

Truth Stained Lies by Terri Blackstock is free from Zondervan.
Christianbook Google B&N Amazon

Originally Posted by ATDrake

And @ iTunes (US only), where it's the featured Free Book of the Week.

This has now dropped to free for Canadians @ iTunes & Google Play, and can also be added to your library @ BookShout (online reading & in-app download).

[GtrsRGr8]

A Hint: After you purchase the book, you can download all of the charts and maps in the book, free. This would be of special interest to teachers. Go to http://nelsonfree.com/mapandchart (the URL given in the book's introduction is incomplete and won't get you where you need to go); you will need to give an email address and the ISBN of the title that you purchased.

Nelson's Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts, 3rd Edition. Thomas Nelson. Rated 4 1/2 stars from 110 reviews at the present moment. Print list price $19.99; Kindle price now $3.99. Nelson/HarperCollins, publisher. 480 pages. http://www.amazon.com/Nelsons-Comple...2C+3rd+Edition I noticed that Christianbook has the ebook (in ePub) for $3.99, also, I suspect that some of the other "usual suspects" have the ebook marked down, too.

Book Description
This updated edition of Thomas Nelson’s popular Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts has everything you need to visualize the events, places, and people in the Old and New Testaments.

Perfect for small-group leaders, Bible school teachers, or if you’re simply curious about biblical times, Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts provides a visual overview of the Bible in its entirety. Valuable resources include new, full-color, high-resolution maps and charts along with downloadable PDFs for presentations and classes; tables, charts, and diagrams that organize Bible information for ease of learning and memorization; historical articles providing insight into Bible times; and introductions to each book of the Bible.

[Difflugia]

The NIV Archaeological Study Bible: An Illustrated Walk Through Biblical History and Culture is on sale for $9.99 from $33.99.
B&N Kobo Amazon

The NIV edition of The MacArthur Study Bible is also $9.99, down from $33.99.
B&N Kobo Amazon

The Archaeological Study Bible isn't couponable at Kobo US, but The MacArthur Study Bible (even the NIV edition) is.

[GtrsRGr8]

SBTS (Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) Press is offering several free ebooks.

To get each book, you will need to give some personal information (full name and email address) and complete a very short questionnaire. You have to fill the very same form out each time that you want to download a book, but filling one out is not too onerous. In some cases, you will have to provide a few other pieces of information (it might only happen if you check that you are a prospective student, I'm not sure).

I've selected four of the ebooks, that stood out to me, to post here. Although SBTS Press is operated by a seminary, these books can be understood by the average "layman."

The first ebook is available free in multiple formats. The three following are available free only in pdf (a link directs you to Amazon.com if you want to buy one in the Kindle/mobi format).

My posting of these books does not necessarily mean that I endorse any doctrinal positions taken in them.

God and the Gay Christian? A Response to Matthew Vines. By R. Albert Mohler Jr. (editor).
Available in Kindle, iBooks, Nook, generic e-reader, pdf: http://www.sbts.edu/enjoy-your-free-e-book/ (this is a direct link, I think that you won't need to fill out anything).

A Guide to Expository Ministry. By Dan Dumas.
Available in pdf: http://www.sbts.edu/a-guide-to-expository-ministry/.

A Guide to Adoption and Orphan Care. By Russell D. Moore.
Availabel in pdf: http://www.sbts.edu/a-guide-to-adoption-orphan-care/.

A Guide to Biblical Manhood. By Randy Stinson; Dan Dumas.
Available in pdf: http://www.sbts.edu/a-guide-to-biblical-manhood/

[GtrsRGr8]

Unfortunately, Zondervan/HarperCollins, the publisher of this book, is an "agency" publisher so it is not discountable at Kobo.

The Essential Bible Companion to the Psalms: Key Insights for Reading God's Word (Essential Bible Companion Series). By Brian Webster; David R. Beach. Rated 4 stars from 40 reviews at the present moment. Print list price $17.99 (paperback); digital list price $6.99?; Kindle price now $2.99. Zondervan/HarperCollins, 192 pages.
http://www.amazon.com/Essential-Bibl...nion+Series%29.

Book Description
The Essential Bible Companion to the Psalms provides fundamental information regarding the meaning, background, context, and application of the Psalms. In addition to practical application, numerous charts are included that provide information about the various types of psalms (messianic, prophetic, etc.) along with a quick reference list of psalms that lend themselves to being used for worship or personal meditation or as a basis for praying the Scriptures. Through the use of full-color visual images, the message and world of the Psalms are brought to life in a way never before presented, making this book not only an excellent resource for understanding the Psalms, but a wonderful gift as well. The Essential Bible Companion to the Psalms is a must-have for students of the Bible, pastors, and anyone who desires to possess a unique reference guide to these ancient works of poetry and worship.

[Difflugia]

Rediscovering the Church Fathers: Who They Were and How They Shaped the Church by Michael A. G. Haykin and published by Crossway is on sale for $.99.
B&N Amazon

While the church today looks quite different than it did two thousand years ago, Christians share the same faith with the church fathers. Although separated by time and culture, we have much to learn from their lives and teaching. This book is an organized and convenient introduction to how to read the church fathers from AD 100 to 500. Michael Haykin surveys the lives and teachings of seven of the Fathers, looking at their role in such issues as baptism, martyrdom, and the relationship between church and state. Ignatius, Cyprian, Basil of Caesarea, and Ambrose and others were foundational in the growth and purity of early Christianity, and their impact continues to shape the church today. Evangelical readers interested in the historical roots of Christianity will find this to be a helpful introductory volume.

[GtrsRGr8]

I just ran across this freebie. I don't know for sure how long it's been marked down to $0.00, I hope that it stays that for a while.

The author, John Warwick Montgomery, is a prominent "apologist" of historic Christianity. Many consider him "to be the foremost living apologist for biblical Christianity" (taken from the opening of the book). He is a prolific writer.

Though half a century old now, this book is still a good one. And the subject is relevant, as there has been a resurgence in interest in "the historical Jesus" in the last few years because of the Jesus Seminar (or perhaps a resurgence in interest led to the Jesus Seminar?) and other things. If you have any interest in the topic of the historical Jesus, you will want to grab this book while it's free.

History, Law and Christianity: A Vigorous, Convincing Presentation of the Evidence for a Historical Jesus. By John Warwick Montgomery. Rated 5 stars, but from only 6 reviews at the present moment. Digital list price $9.99; Kindle price now $0.00. New Reformation Press, publisher. 131 pages. http://www.amazon.com/History-Law-Ch...storical+Jesus. The book may be free from other vendors, I did not check other vendors.

Book Description
A stirring defense of the faith by one of Christianity's ablest defenders. Dr. John Montgomery, scholar, theologian and apologist for the faith, developed this book from a seminar he presented at the University of British Columbia.

Readable and convincing, the book is divided into four sections:
Section One deals with four basic errors usually committed by those who attack the historicity of the New Testament.
Section Two defends the accuracy of the New Testament documents, using tests which are commonly applied to any ancient document.
Section Three, entitled "God Closes In," is a powerful defense of the truly divine and truly human nature of Christ.
Section Four clearly shows that if Jesus were not the Son of God, the only other alternatives are either liar or lunatic.

The book includes the transcript of a panel discussion in which Dr. Montgomery convincingly argues from the above four points to demonstrate their application for the reader. Here is excellent material for class discussion or individual study, particularly suited to helping young people combat humanistic concepts of the Bible and Christianity.

This edition also contains Dr. Montgomery's essay "Christianity Juridically Defended."