Books published by 21st Century Christian, Inc.

Childhood seems to fly by, and we forget much of it in the rush of adult responsibilities. Yet Jesus describes our relationship with God as child-to-father. As writer Britney Hawkins raises her two sons, Boogs and Bean, she catches a glimpse of her spiritual relationship with her heavenly Father. What results is an insightful study of how to be a better child of God. this study makes an easy transition from real family life to finding one's place as a member of God's family. An inspirational, casual read, Child of God 101 is suitable for any young adult Bible class or small group study.

The most difficult challenge every couple faces is the merging of two very different people into the committed relationship of marriage. Discover biblical and practical solutions concerning topics like communication, finances, romance, children, conflict, in-laws, and spiritual intimacy. Includes exercises and questions for use in classes or small groups.

Each lesson focuses on an aspect of love which is "fleshed out" by studying a Bible character who displays it. Each lesson also insists that love must be expressed in more than words. It must be an action as well. That is what it means to love each other - to take action.

When Paul and Silas taught the gospel in Thessalonica, they were accused of having "turned the world upside down" (Acts 17:6, KJV). In reality, sin has turned our world upside down, and only the power of the gospel can turn it right-side up again. As Christians, we are constantly faced with teachings, policies, and behaviors that clearly contradict God's Word; even from within the church. Through spiritual training and discernment, we recognize that God has it right, and the world is subverting the message. David Gibson skillfully stacks the upside-down lies of the world against God's truth for us to examine. His conclusions provide us with the solid ground needed for building a right-side up life in Christ.

Is "Pentecostalism" impacting the church? Yes, and that is why this study is more important today than ever. How do you receive the Holy Spirit? How do you know for certain that you have the Spirit? Does the Spirit indwell above and beyond the World? Learn of the contribution that the Holy Spirit makes to your life as a Christian. All presented in concise and understandable language.

1. Telling the Story 2. A Passion for Evangelism 3. The World We Live In 4. Ordinary Christian Evangelists 5. Opportunities for Evangelism 6. Special Arenas for Evangelism 7. The Role of Your Church 8. Training for Telling Your Story 9. The Use of Mass Media 10. Ready to Serve Do you long to share your faith with the people around you? Do you wonder just what you should say or how you should act? Are you afraid that if you don't "close the sale" and make a convert your witness is a failure? Everyday Evangelism addresses these questions and provides encouragement and practical suggestions on how you can share your faith within your circle of influence. Using scripture and the words of contemporary evangelical leaders to support his ideas, author Randy Becton shares the insights he has gained from years of involvement in mass media evangelism.

Dr. Doran puts more than sixty years of ministry and wisdom into this six lesson series. He leads us back to the New Testament church by way of the Restoration Movement, Its plea, its problems, and its personalities. 1. The New Testament Church 2. The Restoration Movement 3. Difficulties Encountered With The Restoration Plea 4. Barton Warren Stone And Cane Ridge 5. Alexander Campbell And Brush Run 6. The Christian Scholar-Biography Of Hall L. Calhoun

Genesis: the story of God and His relationship with mankind - a book of emotion, history, adventure, and mystery.

The grace versus works controversy has been debated for centuries. Mike O'Neal shows us that works or good deeds are the logical result of taking hold of God's grace through obedient faith. Rather than being the means of our salvation, good deeds are the proof that our salvation is real. Mike O'Neal worked for NASA at the Kennedy Space Center for over 31 years, where he was awarded the agency's Outstanding Leadership Medal and two Exceptional Service Medals. Mike recently completed a special assignment with the Florida Space Research Institute, where he investigated ways to provide spiritual support for astronauts on long-duration missions. He has a B.S. form the University of Central Florida, a M.S. from the Florida Institute of Technology, and a M.A. in Christian Ministry from the Harding University Graduate School of Religion. Mike has written two other books for 21st Century Christian - An Angel's View and Holy God, Holy People. In addition to preaching part-time at the East Orange Church of Christ in Orlando, FL, Mike frequently speaks on topics such as angels, spirituality. and spaceflight. He and his wife Carol have two children.

Thinking is the beginning point for all our words and actions. This 13-week book is a study of Philippines 4 to encourage us to "think on these things" and become more like Christ in our everyday living. Designed for small group studies, but adaptable to any size class.

How did God call people to do His work in Bible times? Does He still call people today? If so, how? Glenn Pemberton offers expert insight into the biblical "call" narratives - the calls of Abraham, Moses, Samuel, Saul of Tarsus, and more - and challenges his readers to discover and faithfully respond to God's call today.

Ever wish you had taken more time to listen to the wisdom of a godly grandmother or grandfather? Ever wish you could articulate what you've learned about your life with God and pass that on to your children, grandchildren, or even great-grandchildren? Honor the Lord, even in small matters. Dee Bowman has distilled a lifetime of godly wisdom into small, manageable, memorable statements and stories. Life will teach its lessons. The question is Will you learn through wounds, bruises, and brokenness or through the shared wisdom of a Scripture-soaked sage? Dee Bowman was born and raised in Texas. After finishing his education, he entered the entertainment and radio business with his two brothers. He began preaching full time in 1971 and preached for almost 40 years at the Southside Church of Christ in Pasadena, TX. He served as one of the editors of Christianity Magazine for 16 years and as an Adjunct Professor at Florida College for 14 years. He is the author of several books, including Common Sense Preaching. Bowman and his wife, Norma Jean, have two children and three grandchildren.

As we look back at our rich history of a nation founded on Christian faith, we realize that things have drastically changed. The faith that was once the core of our families, our businesses, and our government has now been marginalized and degraded. The decline in faith has opened the door to doubt, despair, and apathy. "...take up the shield of faith..." Larry Swaim skillfully guides us on the path back to genuine faith in God. Each lesson explores an aspect of God's Word that rebuilds our hope, strengthens our faith, and shields us from the devil's attacks.

Do you remember a world where prayers at football games and graduations were not a problem? Do you remember when most boys wanted to grow up, get an education and a job, marry a woman, have children and be a husband and father? Do you remember when most girls wanted to grow up, get an education and a job, but also wanted to marry a man and be a wife and mother? How did everything get so crazy? This study looks back at 160 years of American culture to search for the answer. True solutions lie in the hearts and lives of Christians. However, we must be courageous enough to allow the Sword of the Spirit to reach into our hearts, correct our flaws, and strengthen us to live deliberate, rededicated lives for Christ. We must find the courage to live our faith, use our talents to positively affect our homes, congregations, and communities, and lead searching souls to the truth of the gospel. Teresa Strickler is an active member of the Wasatch church of Christ in Clearfield where she has taught ladies' classes and children's classes. She has also spoken at many ladies' days and family encampments. She has earned her BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) and is currently teaching a Certified Nurse's Aide class in Clinton, Utah. She and her husband have two grown children and four grandchildren.

Make no mistake about it. The church was no "Plan B" effort after the failure of the Law of Moses to save people from their sins. Before the foundations of the earth, God had an exact and detailed plan for His church. God's plan was a mystery to the prophets and patriarchs, but clues and hints and shadows whispered that a better way was coming. With the establishment of the church on the day of Pentecost, the good news of God spread throughout the hollow efforts of the Jews and on to the pagan and corrupt lives of the Gentiles. Through His Son, Jesus, God created a unity and boldness among believing men and women that could draw meaning from the madness and spark sacrificial love in the self-centered. Paul's letter to the Ephesian church tells us that when the church is living out its divine destiny, it is all "to the praise of His glory." 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 Player 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. John is still in demand as a speaker for lectureships, banquets, rallies, and motivational events.

"Why do you believe in God?" Ever heard that one before? Christians are one of the groups most often ridiculed for our beliefs. Those in the world who don't know God and haven't experienced the life-changing salvation through Jesus Christ don't understand our unwavering commitment to the church. Society looks at us amid the fast-paced, coffee-guzzling, smartphone-addicted masses and says we're the crazy ones. We're questioned about our faith routinely. In Young Faith, a compilation of thoughts from more than 30 young people, Bruce Morton invites you to step into the world of the millennial Christian. These smart, Scripture-based, faith-filled responses to the question of why we believe will inspire you in your walk with God and make you want to take steps to reach those in your life who don't know Him yet.

Traveling Toward Transformation will lead you on a journey toward peace, contentment, and spiritual renewal. As you develop a daily relationship with God, you will be released from the bondage of guilt, frustration, and distrust. Rest in the confidence of God's ability, as you wait for His plans to be carried out. Learn how to be honest with yourself and God, to develop a thankful heart, and to know the peacefulness of surrendering to His will. Live with a higher perspective as you practice the power of positive thinking and move toward the life God has carved out just for you. Although she has taught Bible classes for all ages, Travena Rogan has a special place in her heart for ministering to women and young girls. She is very active in the women's ministry at the West Eastland Church of Christ in Gallatin, TN, where she attends with her husband and son. Travena teaches ladies' Bible classes and the Priscilla Class for teen and young girls; speaks at ladies' events in the Middle Tennessee area; writes, produces, and directs plays for the annual Youth Seminar; and serves as the founder and president of the women's ministry, S.O.S.Works, Inc. Her personal motto is "as you study and learn to love God, you will learn to love yourself. This enables you to give love to those you come in contact with. This the essence of God!"

Dr. Stafford North answers many common questions about the end of time. - What and when are the "last days"? - What does the Bible teach about the end of time? - Do Old Testament prophets predict an earthly reign of Christ? Will it last a thousand years? - Will there be a rapture? - Are there signs which signal the coming of the end of time? - Do Bible prophets foretell of a great war just before the end of the world? - Will one or two antichrists plunge the earth into that final war? Drawing from a lifetime of study, North explores biblical teaching about the last days, Book of Revelation and second-coming of Christ, while addressing many of the popular end times theories and myths. Like a Thief in the Night serves as an excellent companion study to North's book, Unlocking Revelation, and contains teaching outlines for each chapter. Dr. Stafford North is a distinguished professor of Bible at Oklahoma Christian University, where he has taught for more than half a century. He has also been a frequent lectureship speaker, served as a local minister, and has been an elder for more than thirty years at the Memorial Road Church of Christ. Since 1975, Dr. North has become well-known for a popular series on the Book of Revelation, which he has presented hundreds of times throughout the United States and around the world. It is the basis for his book, Unlocking Revelation.

In what direction are we being blown by the winds of change now waiting through the church? - Is the church influencing culture, or is culture influencing the church? - What lies behind current calls for a "new hermeneutic"? - Is there a better way to understand Scripture? With calls for sweeping changes in the way we understand Scripture, this just may be the most important book of the decade. It is must reading for every church leader and Christian concerned with the future of the church at the brink of a new century! F. LaGard Smith is the author of some thirty books, ranging from devotionals to doctrinal discussions to commentaries on current legal and social issues. He is best known as the compiler and narrator of The Daily Bible, the NIV in chronological order. Smith has taught in both graduate and undergraduate university programs for over thirty years.

The psalms were God's worship guide for His Chosen people, Israel. David and many others poured out their hearts in praise, joy, grief, disappointment, fear, and frustration through psalms. The book of Psalms shows us that God can handle whatever thoughts and emotions might be stirring in our hearts. He invites us to share with Him. Discover how these ancient psalms can give voice to your personal faith and help draw you closer to God today. The Voice of Faith includes classroom activities that will encourage teens to participate. The teacher section in the back of the book will help the teacher prepare each lesson. Authors: Andrew Phillips preaches for the Graymere Church of Christ in Columbia, TN. He holds degrees in Bible and Communication from Freed-Hardeman University, as well as a Master of Divinity from Harding School of Theology. Andrew has previously served in education ministry, and he has a passion for teaching Scripture. He and his wife Kathryn have two sons - Luke and Micah. James Hayes was born and raised in Nashville, TN. He is a graduate of Goodpasture Christian School (1995) and Lipscomb University (1999). He has preached for 15 years for congregations in Joelton, TN and Pleasant View, TN. His writing has been published by many brotherhood magazines and journals, including The Gospel Advocate, 21st Century Christian Magazine, and THINK magazine.

It happens to all of us if we live long enough. We grow older, with all the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual challenges that implies. But that's really good news. It means we're living longer, healthier lives and that we have the opportunity to continue learning and growing and contributing for a long time. Victory Lap is about all that. It's also about exercise, good diet, sleep. About our need for each other, to be involved with life and to prepare for death and the legacy we leave behind. It's about treasuring life, feeling gratitude to God and the people around us, adjusting to retirement and filling that extra time well. It's about being honest and real, with ourselves and other people. Endorsements: "Recovery from a harrowing health crisis caused accomplished author Billie Silvey to use her considerable writing and research skills to develop a model for living life's last chapter. The resulting The Victory Lap: Growing Old with God is a candid, questioning, spiritual, informative and outstanding resource for individuals and Bible study groups." --Lindy Adams, Senior Associate Editor, retired, The Christian Chronicle "Silvey's book offers practical and scriptural insights about aging, fortified by her skill as a writer and researcher. But the heart of the book is Silvey's transparency with her experiences; her willingness to take us on her journey into aging provides reasons to hope and trust in what God is doing in our own lives." --Ron Cox, Blanche E. Seaver Professor of Religion; President, Seaver Faculty Association, Pepperdine University "Faith and love flow through this book to make it both moving and wise. Silvey knows from experience how difficult aging is for purpose-driven people who have worked hard to fill their days with good deeds and accomplishments. Readers will be grateful for her courage and candor to face up to what it's really like to grow old with God." --Marilyn McCord Adams, Professor Emerita of Philosophy, UCLA, formerly Regis Professor of Divinity at Oxford About the Author Billie Silvey has spent a lifetime in Christian ministry as a writer, teacher, and urban ministry leader. She is the author of God Has a Plan for You (Ephesians), God Has a Kingdom for You (Matthew), Time Management for Christian Women (with Helen Young), God Has a Savior for You (Hebrews), God Has a Mission for You (2 Corinthians). She and her husband, Frank, live in Los Angeles.

The decision to obey the gospel is one of the most important ones you'll ever make, but it's only the beginning of your journey of faith. At baptism, you become a Christian - then comes a lifetime of living Christian. Your thoughts, actions, and attitudes will need to be brought in line with the One you now follow - Jesus Christ. He's not asking you to be a martyr; He wants to put your life on display so the world can see a living Christian. Elizabeth Tinius teaches middle school in Rhome, TX and holds an MA in curriculum and instruction. She has been actively involved in mission efforts, ladies' ministries, and teaching Bible School classes. She and her husband are raising four children and attend Argyle Church of Christ in Argyle, TX.

Gender Roles in the Church - A matter of what women may do? or What God has called MEN to do? Smith argues that the principle of male spiritual leadership has far more implications for the church, the family, and society at large than we may have previously appreciated. F. LaGard Smith is the author of some thirty books, ranging from devotionals to doctrinal discussions to commentaries on current legal and social issues. He is best known as the compiler and narrator of The Daily Bible, the NIV in chronological order. Smith has taught in both graduate and undergraduate university programs for over thirty years.

In these inspiring parables drawn from his daily walks through the magnificent Cotswolds of England, bestselling author LaGard Smith shares life and faith-renewing insights. With an attractive padded hardcover, Meeting God in Quiet Places (more than 70,000 copies sold) beautifully presents a devotional journey to encourage readers to: make room for solitude and reflection in their lives feed their soul by spending time in nature and appreciating creation discover the riches of a daily walk with God These personal meditations refresh the soul, bringing renewed perspective to the values, priorities, and qualities of life people cherish, including faith, family, prayer, gratitude, generosity, humility, and joy. F. LaGard Smith is the author of more than 25 books. He is the arranger and narrator of The Daily Bible and its companion volume, The Daily Bible Devotional. Smith does much of his writing in the quiet Cotswold countryside of England. In the States, Smith has spent a lifetime teaching both law and religion at Christian universities. Glenda Rae is a popular English artist recognized especially for her watercolors of the English countryside. Characterized by unique coloring and attention to detail, Glenda's work is also shown in many of the finer galleries throughout the Cotswolds and has found worldwide appeal.

The decision to be baptized into Christ represents the beginning of our walk with Jesus. As a part of the family of God, we are then responsible for setting a path for spiritual growth and maturity. Steven Cordle charts a course for all who would discover a closer walk with Jesus. God has graciously provided examples of those who have grown and matured in their faith. There are habits and characteristics that must be learned and incorporated into our daily lives. There are also those behaviors that hinder our growth which must be weeded from our lives if we are to develop into the likeness of Christ. Spiritual growth requires an intentional effort on our part. No one can "coast" to heaven. We must choose to have a closer walk with Jesus. STEVE CORDLE was born in Montgomery, Alabama and raised in Alaska. He became a Christian in 1985 after studying the Bible with a college roommate. He received his BA in Criminal Justice from the University of Alaska in Fairbanks in 1987 and graduated from the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Denver, Colorado in 1994. Steve has served churches in four states and Canada.

Drawing from the biblical picture of the church as the bride of Christ, F. LaGard Smith presents baptism as the believer's wedding ceremony with Christ. The result is a sublime view of baptism far surpassing traditional notions of dutiful obedience and magic-like ideas of baptismal regeneration. Through the wedding analogy, baptism is elevated to a personal proclamation of love and loyalty through which true spiritual conversion is given meaning and vitality. Baptism: The Believer's Wedding Ceremony is the most compelling book on the subject of baptism in recent years. More important, its sobering message about the crying need for personal faith and commitment provides the key for re-establishing a vibrant church in our time.

Revelation is a closed and unapproachable part of Holy Scripture for many people. It is written in strange symbols and has been abused by many interpreters. The Lamb and His Enemies is an attempt to get serious Bible students into the pages of this beautiful book. Revelation need not be avoided. It is, as the first chapter of this volume insists, a book to be understood. Rubel Shelly has studied and taught the Apocalypse for years. This book is the result of that experience with Revelation and has been written at the urging of those who have been helped by his approach to the capstone of the Word of God. Dr. Rubel Shelly is an author, minister, and the former president of Rochester College. He served as Senior Minister for the Woodmont Hills church of Christ in Nashville, Tennessee from 1978 until 2005. He was named the president of Rochester College in May 2009 and currently serves as a co-minister for the Bristol Road Church of Christ in Flint, Michigan. Rubel has also authored many books, including Book-by-Book Study of the Bible.

Prayer has the power to transform your life. Biblical prayer is not an afterthought or an add-on; it's a lifestyle. Prayer is more than a "tip of the hat" to God before a meal. It is more than a verbal punctuation to end a worship service. Our prayer life matters. It is the lifeblood of our relationship with God. Richard Thompson has studied prayer and practiced prayer - the who, what, when, where, why, and how of prayer. He has carefully researched the biblical patterns and models that teach us about our prayer life today. This book will guide you toward a stronger prayer life and serve as an extensive resource on the topic of prayer when you're done. Invest in your prayer life and God will answer from "the secret place of thunder." A Study Guide for personal or group study is included. Richard Thompson has been active in churches of Christ all of his life. He previously served as an elder in North Carolina and currently serves as an elder at Tusculum church of Christ in Nashville, TN. He is also Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Pharmacy Practice at Lipscomb University. Richard and his wife, Lauren, have been married for thirty-one years. They have three grown children and a granddaughter.

Heart's Bouquet is an insightful collection of thirteen lessons designed to help Christian women mature into all that Christ has planned for them to be. The spiritual beauty of a woman must be cultivated like a garden. Beautiful women, like beautiful flowers, require hard work, preparation, patience, pruning, and the love of a skilled gardener. Christian women must be rooted in God's Word to achieve their ultimate spiritual beauty. Some are planted in more difficult environments than others, but, with God's help and nourishment, all can blossom into their full beauty. These lessons are classic, timeless studies prepared by one who has already gone home to be with the Lord. She touched many lives for good during her years on earth, and she continues to teach by her godly example and the written works she has left behind. Allow her to help cultivate your heart's garden into the beautiful legacy that you were designed by God to produce.

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