Books by Dan Nelson

A Burning and Shining Light is a comprehensive, modern-day biography of George Whitefield, the Great Awakening Evangelist. Chronological in nature, its emphasis is on his travel, preaching, and influence on two continents. Nelsons intent is to expand the reader's understanding of Whitefield's ministry to its influence today, by bringing the reader into Whitefield's era. The reader will observe the events of his life, participating in Whitefields passion for ministry, as well as his joys and sorrows. An evaluation of Whitefield's influence is given in the last two chapters. The book is laden with references from other biographies and books about Whitefield. The biography regards the time in which he lived, comparing it to todays time, by evaluating his inward motivations and influences that made him one of the greatest preachers in the History of Christianity.Readers who are interested in early history of the American colonies and the history of one of the greatest dramatic preachers of all time will appreciate this look into what made evangelism what it is today. Its appeal to pastors, students, and leaders who need a magnificent model of perseverance and overcoming obstacles.Students of evangelism will be intrigued by the origin of effective mass evangelism methods. Theologians and believers interested in the struggle between Calvinism and Arminianism will profit from the history of this doctrinal controversy with Wesley.The passive observer who knows nothing about Whitefield can be enlightened to an almost unbelievable legacy of Whitefield's impact on people in a day with so many limitations on travel, communication, and expansion. The impact is a legacy of one who rose out from small beginnings to leave a tremendous example for others to follow.

We need to know how we have gotten to this place in the history of Christianity, as Baptists. What sacrifices have been made by Baptists that have shaped our distinct identity today. It is my concern that many of these cherished teachings may be forgotten, in a rush to not turn off people by teaching doctrines for whom many have fought and even died. I believe it will cost us bigtime, if we lose our identity and forget from where we have come. I am not for preservation, however; as much as I am for fresh truth that will invigorate and give new life to churches, where there is staleness and where churches have plateaued or are dying. When we know our beliefs and proclaim them boldly, God can use these truths to bring revival to churches in a way we have not seen possible before. We will see revival become reality, if we will study and proclaim the truths that have made us great. The real objective of this work is to help those who have taken Baptist beliefs so lightly and loosely. In doing so, I want them to know we not only have a biblical faith, but that we are very clear on why that faith is biblical. The next generation of pastors, church leaders, and churches will be faced with serious doctrinal questions and challenges. Since we live in a pragmatic culture, the pressure is on us to use whatever works in church. We need to be all things to all people that we might save some (I Corinthians 9:22); but also we need to stand for something, so we affirm not only do we believe truth, but are transformed by it. We should be moved by our convictions and want future generations to see these truths have made us what we are.

Game On All the Time: Growing up in the Home of a Legendary Football Coach describes how football is king in South Mississippi where the author grew up. L.R. Nelson was an exemplary father and the football coach in the country community of Agricola, Mississippi. His oldest son Dan seeks to convey the excitement and humor of hanging out in the locker room as a kid while watching his Father coach and influence many who went on to greater accomplishments either on or off the sports field.Game On All the Time features homespun stories about characters in the small farming community, coupled with football rivalries and games. These are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and help you identify with some character or story.The emotionally charged environment of high school football is seen as an integral part of community cohesiveness in the South. His fathers powerful influence and the character building values learned from him are essential parts of the book.Although the book chronicles his fathers life and coaching career in a concise manner, the heart of the book is found in the humorous stories, and characters described in the chapter: Master Motivator and Interesting Stories. In these stories you find highlights of his fathers coaching career, plus other infamous individuals and stories from the place where Nelson grew up.Game On All the Time shows how a father can fuel a competitive spirit in his sons while at the same time instill values through his involvement in their lives. You are bound to like Game on All the Time and want to share it with a friend. It will appeal to all sports fans as well as parents desiring to have a positive impact in their childrens lives. Anyone wanting to be uplifted and enjoy a good laugh will also enjoy this book that lets you experience hometown Americana.