Tested Faith describes the many obstacles and jubilation experienced by Rita in her journey from Nigeria to United States. In a gripping display of humor and grace, Rita takes us into her childhood in Nigeria, her journey to God’s own country and trials and triumphs. Rita’s faith has been under fire too many times to count and has built in her a strong resilience that can only come from God. She also examines the similarities as well as cultural clashes that have influenced her life in many different ways. Each one of us has something to contribute to life. Regardless of how much we have been beaten down, we can still help others. It is very fulfilling for me to realize that the tragedies in my life have empowered me to make a difference in my life and other people’s lives. We all have a purpose in this life. One’s purpose is unique to that individual alone. Our blessings are equally unique and are ours to grab. I cannot grab your blessings no matter how hard I try; neither can you grab mine. If I live this life without knowing what my purpose is, my purpose will vanquish at the end of my life and cannot be inherited by another person. My purpose is not for my good alone; rather, it is for humanity and to the glory of God. God never takes us anywhere that his grace does not abound for our guidance and protection. This we learn from biblical principles typified in the Bible’s many narratives. Yet in difficult times, we sometimes—perhaps often—ask ourselves: “Will God ever lead us to a place where he cannot protect us? Is anything difficult for God? Should we expect a life without temptation?” These questions undergird my story even if not always explicitly stated in the narrative that has given me great insight and joyous recollection.

In Test of Faith Lauren Pond, Winner of the Honickman First Book Prize in Photography, documents a Signs Following preacher and his family in rural West Virginia, offering a deeply nuanced, personal look at serpent handling that invites a greater understanding of a religious practice that has long faced derision and criticism.

John W. Loftus is the author of Why I Became an Atheist and the editor of The Christian Delusion: Why Faith Fails and The End of Christianity. He also cowrote the book God or Godless (with Dr. Randal Rauser). In addition, he maintains a blog at http://debunkingchristianity.blogspot.com. Book jacket.

When all seems lost, where can you find hope? Katherine and Jay Wolf married right after college and sought adventure far from home in Los Angeles, CA. As they pursued their dreams--she as a model and he as a lawyer--they planted their lives in the city and their church community. Their son, James, came along unexpectedly in the fall of 2007, and just six months later, everything changed in a moment for this young family. On April 21, 2008, as James slept in the other room, Katherine collapsed, suffering a massive brain stem stroke without warning. Miraculously, Jay came home in time and called for help. Katherine was immediately rushed into brain surgery, though her chance of survival was slim. As the sun rose the next morning, the surgeon proclaimed that Katherine had survived the removal of part of her brain, though her future recovery was uncertain. Yet in that moment, there was a spark of hope. Through forty days on life support in the ICU and nearly two years in full-time brain rehab, that small spark of hope was fanned into flame. Hope Heals documents Katherine and Jay's journey as they struggled to regain Katherine's quality of life and as she relearned to talk, eat, and walk. As Katherine returned home with a severely disabled body but a completely renewed purpose, she and Jay committed to celebrating this gift of a second chance by embracing life fully, even though that life looked very different than they could have ever imagined. As you uncover Katherine and Jay's remarkable story, you'll be encouraged to: Find lasting hope in the midst of struggle Embrace the unexpected Welcome God's miracles into your everyday life In the midst of continuing hardships, both in body and mind, Katherine and Jay found what we all long to find: a hope that heals the most broken place--our souls. Let Hope Heals be your guide along the way. Praise for Hope Heals: "As I read this book, tears streamed from my eyes even as joy flooded my heart. Jay and Katherine are a raw yet refreshing testimony to the unshakable trustworthiness of God amidst the unimaginable trials of life. This book reminds all of us where hope can be found in a world where none of us know what the next day holds." --David Platt, author of the New York Times bestseller Radical and president of the International Mission Board "Hope Heals is a beautiful, true story that illustrates the love and protection God has for us even in the darkest times of our lives. Katherine and Jay's dedication to each other and the Lord through their most devastating season is inspiring. This book will help your heart believe that He sees, He knows, He cares, and He is still working miracles today!" --Lysa TerKeurst, New York Times bestselling author and president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

The Christian response to the problem of pain and suffering began with the cross of Christ. Our answer is inseparable from Jesus' own encounter and his ultimate triumph. With this in mind, well-known author, psychologist and priest Fr Benedict Groeschel draws on his years of personal experiences in dealing with people's problems, tragedies and "darkness" to offer help and guidance to any Christian troubled or burdened by life.His considered, practical suggestions, prayers and thoughts aim to provide comfort and support, helping Christians to keep going and even to grow with the help of God's grace - especially when this help seems so remote.

Exemption from a faith test is not an option, and at some point in our lives, we will have to take one. What if the test is trials experienced from bad relationships, adversities caused by health issues, or hardships as a result of financial challenges. Do you trust God enough to turn them completely over to Him first? When his three-year-old son Kendall was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, Eddie Johnson faced his biggest faith test. Friends asked him, "How can you have that much faith in such a challenging situation?" Not knowing how to answer this question, Eddie went in search of the foundation of his faith. In Passing the Test of Faith, Eddie shares compelling personal stories and three fundamental steps for overcoming the storms of life. These steps along with the activation of faith will help readers move their mountains positioning them to pass their faith test so that God can get the glory and they can receive the rewards He has promised through faith. As readers journey through this book of life experiences, they will be inspired and motivated to build a closer relationship with God, strengthen their trust and love for Him knowing that God can help them through their greatest challenges.

Demonstrates twelve different methods for reading the Bible that will not only help you understand its words more fully but will also nudge you toward applying those words to your life more faithfully. "The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to make us like the Son of God." —Rick Warren. You were created to become like Christ. This is one of the five God-ordained purposes for your life that Warren describes in his bestselling book The Purpose Driven Life. And this is why studying the Bible is so important. The Bible's truths have the power to shape you, transform you, align you with the character and ways of Jesus Christ as you encounter him in the gospels and throughout all of Scripture. Rick Warren's Bible Study Methods is an easy-to-understand guide through twelve effective reading methods that allow Scripture to do just that. Simple step-by-step instructions guide you through the how-tos of the following methods: Devotional Chapter Summary Character Quality Thematic Biographical Topical Word Study Book Background Book Survey Chapter Analysis Book Synthesis Verse Analysis The organization of this book allows you to explore each method or jump around to find the ones best suited to your reading and learning style as well as your spiritual growth. Thousands of individuals, small groups, churches, and seminary classes have used this practical manual to unlock the wonderful truths of Scripture. You can too. Written by America's pastor, Rick Warren, Rick Warren's Bible Study Methods will help you develop a customized approach to studying, understanding, and applying the Bible.