Encounter Archives

Friday, February 13, 2009
		Many Christian simply aren't experiencing the abundant life. A focus on doing our duty and living by reason --when what we know trumps how we feel--can leave us feeling dead. We need to have our passion restored in order to live the life that Jesus came to give us In Feel, Matthew Elliott takes a critical look at what our culture and many churches have taught about controlling and ignoring our emotions.

		Concordia Publishing House presents "Gadget's Garage" VBS program for 2009! Kids meet Gadget, our teen genius. Gadget spends lots of time tinkering in his workshop creating unique inventions out of old items that are found a round the house. In the Skit DVD, children meet Gadget's latest and best creation, a wacky robot named Gizmo. Together Gadget, Gizmo, and all of your student will go on great adventures and encounter the wonders of God's indescribable love in Christ and His eternal Word.

Friday, January 23, 2009
	SonRock Kids Camp: High above the cluttered schedules and ringing cell phones of ordinary life is SonRock Kids Camp - an outdoor adventure camp like no other! As SonRock campers, your students will learn how their lives can be transformed by God's great love for them: How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! (1 John 3:1). Kingdom of the Son: Take a walk on the wild side at Kingdom of the Son VBS! During this spectacular prayer safari kids will journey into the Serengeti - the magnificent grassland region of Tanzania and Kenya. They'll discover exotic animals, create safari crafts, play exciting games, sing upbeat songs and enjoy deligious safari snacks! And while your kids are having safari fun, they'll also learn to talk to God as they exlore the Lord's Prayer, and go on an expedition into the pages of God's Word.

		The Shepherd's Guide is North America's premier Christian business directory. It is a unique publication designed to strengthen, edify and unite the Body of Christ by giving Christians in all areas of business an easy and affordable way to reach Christian consumers. The goal of The Shepherd's Guide is to help bring the Christian community closer together while providing Christians in business a unique way to communicate their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.		Check out the St. Louis Shepherd's Guide on-line here!

Friday, January 9, 2009
	Get ready for Wildwood Forest, an exciting and mysterious place of discovery! Young adventurers will journey through a world filled with secret caves, special hideaways, and surprises around every bend as they discover that God's character and love go beyond their imagination - and can be revealed in exciting, unexpected ways. Wildwood Forest is David C. Cook's VBS program for 2009. Interview with Cyndi Thompson.

	A burning bush...an assault of plagues...Jesus' resurrection. The Bible tells us God performed big stuff--miracles--to make himself known. But he's acting in our everyday lives and all around us, too. Help children understand that. Lead them to see the world differently, with God Sightings! - Group VBS for 2009: Crocodile Dock. Interview with Brooke Lee. Also from Group for VBS 2009: Rom: Paul and the Underground Church. "Rome" immerses learners of all ages in Bible-times culture, helping kids and adults explore what it might have been like to live as the church was just beginning. Families will experience new traditions, taste new foods, try new arts and crafts projects, and discover that God's love is the most powerful gift, saving us from our sins.

Friday, December 12, 2008
		Featured Resource: "Gift of the Christmas Cookie" by Dandi Daley Mackall. Jack Helps his mother bake special Christmas cookies and learns about how people long ago used Christmas cookies to tell others the story of Jesus' birth. This story inspires families to share this important tradition with others.

		Featured Resource: "We Believe in Christmas" by Karen Kingsbury. Find out why we place the star on the Christmas tree. Imagine Christmas guests as travelers of long ago. And let the beautiful song "Silent Night' fill your mind with pictures of the night Jesus was born. Because Christmas is God's gift to us - and if we look around and remember, we'll learn to see the real Christmas.

Friday,November 28, 2008
		Enjoy selected readings from the NIV Study Bible, including a reading of the Christmas story, while listening to some of this year's new Christmas music.	Part 1	Part 2

Friday,November 14, 2008
		In "The Jesus Family Tomb Examined", Rene Lopez presents the most detailed treatment yet of the Talpiot Tomb discovery.

		Author Tom Davis encourages us to move beyond words and become Christ to those in need. Join Tom as he shares a journey from around the world and our own backyard as people's lives are changed through the power of compassion. Filled with remarkable stories of hope and mercy, Fields of the Fatherless will inspire you to love "the least of these," and discover the joy found in becoming the hands and feet of Christ.

Friday,October 24, 2008
		Written for everyday people, Outflow inspires readers to lead joyful, outward-focused lives, powerfully connected with family and friends...and in those connections, to naturally share God's love. It's a simple, organic strategy - and Biblical. (Interview with co-author Steve Sjogren.)

		The newest installment in Focus on the Family's "Complete Guide To" series, Faith-Based Family Finances contains commonsense, practical tools to help you make good financial decisions year after year. (Interview with co-author Jeremy White.)

Friday,October 10, 2008
		In today's world, the basic building blocks of a Christian world view are often missing in people's lives. To help fill in this missing information, Boa and Turner present a foundational, clear synthesis of the most significant narratives of the Bible along with the implications and applications of these interrelated stories. (Interview with John Alan Turner.)

		Every day, we are called to perform -- at work, at home, in our communities. But is it possible to make every performance outstanding, the kind that leaves people applauding for an encore? Bestselling author and acclaimed speaker Mark Sanborn shows us how to make every performance count.

Friday, September 26, 2008
		Stephen Bloom talks with Marty about money and Christian stewardship, especially in regards to the 700-Billion-Dollar bail-out plan. Stephen Bloom is the author of Believer's Guide to Legal Issues.

		Marty invites Lisa & Jenny to the station to discuss what's going on at the Resource Center! Find out what's going on at The Homeschool Sampler and info. on new and upcoming books.

Friday, September 12, 2008
		Man obstacles can get in the way of having a healthy Christian faith. Some of those obstacles are intellectual, but there are emotional, relational and experiential ones as well. Even theological problems can get in the way when the very nature of faith itself is misunderstood. J.P. Moreland and Klaus Issler team up in this book to clear away the barriers to faith by helping you gain a clear grasp of what faith is, identifying the various obstacles to it and providing guidance for growing in your trust in God through Jesus Christ. Book title: In Search of a Confident Faith.

		David White has been in the entertainment business since the age of 19, starring in television, films and producing his own films. He has received numerous award nominations and critical accolades.

Friday, August 22, 2008
		Paul Copan writes eloquently and respectfully on social and moral themes: when is lying biblically acceptable? Why does a sovereign God demand worship from humanity? How can Christians believe theirs is the only way to heaven? What does God have to say about homosexuality and same-sex marriage? Though each topic is approached with care, Copan does not flinch from a biblical stance and delineates each problem with exemplary thoroughness.

		The life of Lazarus is one of the most recognizable stories found in God's word. The chronicle of an ordinary man who found himself at the center of an astounding miracle. A divine process that fully revelaed Christ's transforming power through a resurrection that preceded His very own. Author Stephen Smith presents a remarkable journey through the life of Lazarus and offers eye-opening insights into the Christian life.

Friday, August 8, 2008
		Ultimate truth. The destiny of souls. The individual heart. Can Krishna and Jesus agree on anything? This is what Subramaniam, a real-life Hindu of the twentieth century, wonders as he enters a fictitious conversation betwen two religious figures who have changed the lives of millions. As Jesus and Krishna respond to each other's view of life and the afterlife, they speak words straight from the texts of Christianity and Hinduism and straight into the soul. New Brith or Rebirth - by Ravi Zacharias (Continues on to segment below.)

		Jody Brolsma of Group publishing talks about the newest Fall Festival kit: Slime Time! A one-night curriculum kit perfect for any community outreach event.

Friday, July 25, 2008
		Compelled by Love will give readers a basic theological grounding and a platform for personal application as they understand what missional living is all about - it is simply the call to love others. Look at the love of God; begin to truly understand what is at the center of the church's foundation, commission, and direction; but most importantly, understand your role within the mission of God as you integrate love into all aspects of your missional calling.

		The Binding of the Blade series by is an original fantasy series based in part on prophecy from the book of Isaiah. Author LB Graham talks to Marty about the series - and the fifth and final installment, just released!

Friday, July 18, 2008
		Breaking the Discipleship Code, written by David Putman, opens the door to greater understanding of what it means to personally be a missional follower of Jesus in relation to every aspect of our changing world. Balancing cultural relevance with biblical faithfulness, the book invites ordinary believers, whether on Wall Street or in a Waffle House, next door or across the ocean, to begin having an extraordinary spiritual impact in their unique context.

		In need of car repairs? Looking for a reliable electrician? Piano Tuner? Dentist? Find the service you need and have the added benefit of supporting a Christian business or ministry. - Check out The Shepherd's Guide - on-line or in print! Check out the web-site here. You'll also be able to find out how you can advertise your business with the Shepherd's Guide!

Friday, July 4, 2008
		Randy Singer is a teaching pastor on the weekend, an attorney during the week, and a writer in between. His newest thriller, By Reason of Insanity: After a series of kidnappings and murders in Virginia Beach, newspaper reporter Catherine O'Rourke experiences disturbing dreams that detail each crime. In an effort to aid the investigation, she shares them with her confidential source--a detective working on the case. Catherine's intimate knowledge of the crimes immediately makes her a prime suspect....

		Bill Meyers & Angela Hunt share with Marty about the upcoming Young Writers Conference. The conference will be held July 25th - 26th in Columbia, MO. Visit the website for more information!

Friday, June 13, 2008
		Stephen Bloom's book, Believer's Guide to Legal Issues is about the raging battle between a system of Christian legal ethics that restores relationship, values integrity, and promotes peace, and an out of control secular legal system that destroys relationships, idolizes greed, and celebrates revenge. At the heart of this book is a comforting companion and helpful counselor for the Christian who is interacting in some way with the law, perhaps feeling bewildered or overwhelmed and, more than likely, increasingly uneasy with how all this legal stuff fits in with his or her Christian morals and beliefs.	Part 1 Part 2

Wednesday, June 11, 2008
		William J. Murray is chairman of the Religious Freedom Coalition in Washington, DC. - In his book The Pledge, Murray introduces the Biblical concept of family, education, and the church in relation to government. He then traces the history of early-American settlers and their overall reliance upon God in every phase of life. Next he outlines today's secular progression in American society and alleges that war is being waged against religious freedom, as well as for freedom itself.	Part 1 Part 2

Wednesday, May 28, 2008
		Steve Monsama Author of Healing for a Broken World. With American evangelicals having more political influence today than ever before, this book is especially important. The opening chapters establish the foundational biblical principles that are relevant to our lives as Christian citizens no matter the topc. Author Steve Monsma next highlights crucial global issues in which believers are called to live out their faith. Forgoing ready-made answers, Monsma encourages a reflective, thoroughly biblical response via a lively writing style. His book will equip all believers to make godly, humanitarian choices rather than purely political ones.	Part 1 Part 2

Friday, May 23, 2008
		Claire Cloninger - Making I Do Last a Lifetime - Sacred words become daily actions. This insightful exploration of the traditional wedding vows reveals practical ways to live out your wedding promises. Claire shares some of her thoughts and perspectives based on 46 years of marriage!

		Mark Gungor - Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage - A beloved pastor and motivational speaker uses his unique blend of humor and truth to empower couples with the tools they need to forge a more perfect union.

Friday, May 9, 2008
		Dr. Michael McClymond talks with Marty about the history of Global Day of Prayer - an event that brings Christians together from all over the world to pray to God the Father in the name of His Son Jesus for personal repentance, healing and transformation of their communities. - check out their web-site at: www.praystl.org.	Part 1 Part 2

Friday, April 25, 2008
		Worried that your children might suffer from low self-esteem, fall in with a bad crowd or try drugs, alcohol or sex? Jeannie Taylor teaches parents to avoid major problems by building godly character into children in this comprehensive guide. She'll show you how you can teach your children how to interact with a society without falling prey to it, to command respect and avoid bullying, making them feel cherished and confident and more.

		Marty & Tommy talk about LRM's Spiritual Growth and Community Impact Survey - a dynamic tool that will measure the spiritual growth of your congregation and the leaders in your church. For more information visit the SGCIS web page or call the resource center at 800.747.0815 and ask how you can get a sample packet.

Friday, April 11, 2008
		John MacArthur - A Tale of Two Sons - The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) has been preached from nearly every pulpit in the world and is known by many who read and cherish the Bible. The story is so powerful because it presents, in clear and inspiring terms, our struggle with sin, the need for humble repentance, and the Father's inexhaustible mercy and love. Unfortunately, many Christians would say that they have nothing new to learn from this gem of Scripture. But in The Tale of Two Sons, John MacArthur restores the brilliance of this passage, giving engrossing historical background and unveiling a surprise ending readers have never heard before.	Part 1

			Part 2

Friday, March 28, 2008
		Mark Mittelberg - Choosing Your Faith - In a world of spiritual options, people constantly tell us what to believe. Yet, while we hear these pleas, we’re already functioning with existing beliefs--even if they are beliefs by default. So how do we choose what to believe--especially in the area of faith? Do we need to choose? In Choosing Your Faith, Mark Mittelberg encourages us, as Socrates does, not to lead an unexamined life. He invites us to examine why we believe what we believe. This examination will resonate with Christians and seekers alike.	Part 1

			Part 2

Friday, March 14, 2008
		Frank Viola - Pagan Christianity - Have you ever wondered why we Christians do what we do for church every Sunday morning? Why do we "dress up" for church? Why does the pastor preach a sermon each week? Why do we have pews, steeples, choirs, and seminaries? This volume reveals the startling truth: most of what Christians do in present-day churches is not rooted in the New Testament, but in pagan culture and rituals developed long after the death of the apostles. Coauthors Frank Viola and George Barna support their thesis with compelling historical evidence in the first-ever book to document the full story of modern Christian church practices.	Part 1

			Part 2

Friday, February 22, 2008
		Kerry Shook - What if you only had one month to live? What would you do to make the rest of your life really matter? With eye-opening insights and soul-inspiring truths, One Month to Live will challenge you to embrace the life God has entrusted to you and you alone, and to live it out moment by moment with wholehearted authenticity, honesty and integrity.

		In Role of a Lifetime, women's author Lucinda Secrest McDowell helps readers better understand their unique part and important purpose in the greater story of God's kingdom. Indeed, each life is cast into an ongoing adventure, but too often we play it safe, assuming ourselves to be minor characters.

Friday, February 8, 2008
		Dan Allendar - Breaking the Idols of our Heart - In our thirst for significance we, like the Teacher, give our lives - our time, talents, strength, heart - to anything we think will give us worth and purpose: Power, Relationships, Money, Pleasure, Work. But worshiping these idols has a high cost - and still doesn't bring the fulfillment we long for. Based on the book of Ecclesiastes.

		Sally Lloyd Jones - Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name - The Scriptures are not merely a collection of stories designed to teach moral lessons. As Jesus explained to the men walking the road to Emmaus on Resurrection Sunday, the whole Bible is about Jesus. Lloyd-Jones manages to show again and again the presence of Christ in all the Old Testament Scriptures, and the presence of the Old Testament Scriptures in the life of Christ. Written for children ages 4-7

		Archives
		Steve Sjogren, author of Conspiracy of Kindness. - Be inspired by the practical strategy & real-life stories of servant evangelism. Learn how washing windows, cleaning toilets, putting coins in laundry machines & giving out soda has impacted communities with the life-changing love of God.

		Marty talks to John MacArthur about his book Truth War.

		Jim Henderson, director of Off the Map and author of Evangelism Without Additives.

		President of Church Growth Network, Gary McIntosh, talks about his new book Beyond the First Visit.

		Randy Alcorn talks about 50 Days of Heaven - a more compact, easier to read version of his book Heaven.

		Erick Rees is pastor of ministry and S.H.A.P.E. discovery at Saddleback church. He talks today about his new book S.H.A.P.E. -- An inspiring and deeply insightful book that will guide you through a series of challenges that will help you uncover your God-given blend of Spiritual Gifts.

		David Delk, president of Man in the Mirror Ministries, talks with Marty about Men's ministry and the new book: No Man Left Behind.

		Ed Stetzer talks to Marty about Planting Missional Churches.