Encounter Archives

Friday, December 18, 2009
		Dennis Bickers - Healthy Small Church - In his book, The Healthy Small Church, small church pastor Dennis Bickers diagnoses the issues that threaten the life of the smaller church and prescribes practical remedies for treating these issues.Radio/Interviews/091218_A-BickersDennis.mp3	Part 1

			Part 2

Friday, December 4, 2009
		Harry Walls IV - Worship 180 - How can changing the way we worship bring us closer to God? Harry discusses his vision for encountering the Savior, Enriching the Community and Engaging the World. Visit Harry's blog: www.worship180.blogspot.com

		Ace Collins - Stories Behind Christmas Boxed Set - Written by popular music historian and best-selling author Collins, the three books in this boxed set unlock the origins and meanings of best-loved carols, hymns, and songs, as well as familiar yet little understood traditions.

Friday, November 27, 2009
		Mark Mittelberg - Faith Path DVD study: Based on Mark Mittelberg's book Choosing Your Faith, the eight-lesson Faith Path DVD and companion workbook are designed to be used in church groups with a heart to more effectively engage unbelievers in faith conversations.

		Mark Herringshaw - Karma of Jesus: Following the tradition of bold Christian communicators who dare to borrow pop-culture-friendly language to communicate sacred truth, Herringshaw explains the relevance of Christ's life using the idea of karma, which maintains an exacting payback for one's actions.

Friday, Novebmer 13, 2009
		Michael Card - A Better Freedom: In this new book from Intervarsity Press, Michael Card explores the biblical imagery of slavery as a metaphor for Christian discipleship, revealing Christ as the true Lord and Master who sets believers free from the bondage of sin.	Part 1

			Part 2

Friday, October 30, 2009
		Once you've seen God at work, there's no turning back... You're hooked. You're excited. Inspired. Open to the unexpected. You can't wait to see what God will do next. Because--maybe for the first time--you see Him alive and active in your world. But until you see that with your own eyes, it's tough to have a vibrant faith. Dive in on your own, or with a small group. Use God Sightings: The One Year Companion Guide to record your observations. By completing each of the daily readings you’ll move through the entire Bible in one year. Or set your own pace. Interview with Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Group Publishing Joanie Schultz

		The Shepherd's Guide is America's #1 Christian business directory. The Guide has reached over 50 million Christians in more than 100 cities across the country through distributors such as churches, bookstores, and other Christian businesses. To learn more about The Shepherd's Guide, please visit their web-site: www.shepherdsguide.com Interview with Mark Cutshall

Friday, October 16, 2009
		The life of ten-year-old Zac Sparks changes overnight when his mother is killed by lightning. He's sent to live in Five Corners with his Aunties, two cruel old hags who obviously don't like him. It isn't long before Zac knows something really strange is going on. Five Corners is populated with weird characters--a midget butler, a girl who doesn't speak, a blind balloon seller, and a mysterious singer who is heard but not seen. Then there's the Aunties' father, Dada. Zac's first encounter with Dada is so terrifying he faints dead away. Author: Mike Mason

		Every one of us will experience suffering. Many of us are experiencing it now. As we have seen in recent years, evil is real in our world, present and close to each one of us. In such difficult times, suffering and evil beg questions about God--Why would an all-good and all-powerful God create a world full of evil and suffering? And then, how can there be a God if suffering and evil exist? Author: Randy Alcorn

Friday, October 2, 2009
		Patrick Morley - Pastoring Men - "Much has been made about the 'men problem.' You can hear about it on Oprah. You can read about it in "Time," Everyone is concerned about it. Many address the consequences of it, yet very few people are doing anything that will change the root of it." No man fails on purpose, yet our society is wrought with the results. And our well-intentioned solutions often don't deal with the root issue. So what solution does "Pastoring Men" offer? Disciple men. The purpose of "Pastoring Men" is to equip you to effectively reach all of your men. Men are hard to reach. But be assured--if you do, they will change the world.

		David Timms - Sacred Waiting - In a world that waits for nothing, Sacred Waiting helps readers learn to wait on God. David Timms challenges believers to be attentive to God as were the faithful from Noah to David, from Paul to John--and all the saints in between. He demonstrates that their best moments arose from God's timing, not their own. In the process he reveals deep, transforming truths for those who want to go deeper into their relationship with God. Grounded in the stories of Scripture and everyday illustrations, Sacred Waiting explores a vital yet often neglected or misunderstood spiritual discipline.

Friday, September 18, 2009
		We work hard at being happy. We pursue financial peace, provide for our families, and prepare for the unexpected. And when our circumstances are good, life is good. But what happens when the economy is uncertain? When a loved one is ill? When challenges are beyond our control? Then life is not so good... Sometimes there is no explanation for something "except God." Learn to live a life where you recognize God Himself as the all-fulfilling dynamic behind your unshakeable contentment, your profound significance and your abiding success. Shift your view from outside-in to inside-out! Author: Don Cousins	Part 1

			Part 2

Friday, September 4, 2009
		Ministry professional Allan Taylor writes to all church leaders about the crucial role that Sunday School must play in producing healthy Christians who in turn produce healthy churches. He emphasizes the value of the Sunday School model to the total church ministry for its superior ability to nurture relationships and more personally stir passion for the Great Commission across every age group.

		Feel caught between the traditional church and the emerging church? Discover a third way: deep church. In Deep Church, Jim Belcher brings the best insights of all sides to forge a third way between emerging and traditional. In a fair and evenhanded way, Belcher explores the proposals of such emerging church leaders as Tony Jones, Brian McLaren and Doug Pagitt. He offers measured appreciation and affirmation as well as balanced critique. Moving beyond reaction, Belcher provides constructive models from his own church planting experience and paints a picture of what this alternate, deep church looks like--a missional church committed to both tradition and culture, valuing innovation in worship, arts and community but also creeds and confessions. Author: Jim Belcher

Friday, August 28, 2009
		A Visual Guide to Bible Events reveals the fascinating connections between Bible events and Bible locations from Genesis to Revelation. This beautiful, full-color book includes more than 500 photographs and maps to bring the ancient world to life. The engaging writing style makes this resource perfect for anyone--student, scholar, pastor, or layperson--who wants to understand Bible events in a deeper way. Author: Jim Martin	Part 1

			Part 2

Friday, August 14, 2009
		Where do you think we are as a country? Would you say that we are following the Lord or that we are far from God? Every day our country moves closer and closer to pushing God out. Prayer has been removed from our school systems, the Ten Commandments have been taken off of our courthouses, and there are lawsuits against the Bible. David Lange has been a Pastor and Church Planter since 1994. In the last few years he has spent time studying the Old Testament Cycle and figuring out how America has gotten to where we are. This book is challenging, thought provoking, and needed for this generation.	Part 1

			Part 2

Friday, July 31, 2009
		Dr. David Hansen and Marty discuss LRM's upcoming renewal experience... in The Holy Land! Join them in April, 2010 for an experience that will change your faith walk forever! Click here to find out more about the Holy Land seminar in April 2010.

		In fifty-six short narratives, GodStories explores the beautiful, triumphant, often heartbreaking and always glorious stories that make up the gospel of God—GodStories. Just as we have one God in three persons, and one church made up of many people, so in Scripture we have one gospel made up of many stories. Inside readers will rediscover the glorious mission of God, freedom from sin, and how the promises of God never fail. Author: Andrew Wilson

Friday, July 17, 2009
		American society separates those who have from those in need, this creates a challenge for every Christian who learns that Justice Matters. In this book we examine God's statements about a Christian's responsibility to care for the poor. We also provide guidance on how to carry out that responsibility in our complex modern society. Author: Randy Brown

		During a particularly painful time in her life, Sarah Zacharias Davis learned how delightful–and wounding–women can be in friendship. She saw how some friendships end badly, others die slow deaths, and how a chance acquaintance can become that enduring friend you need.

Friday, July 3, 2009
		Tass Saada was a PLO sniper and Arafat's chauffeur, a Muslim immersed in anti-Israeli activity. As a young man he came to America, where he started a family, changed his faith, and began reconciliation with Jews. Later on he returned to Qatar to face his family and former boss, Arafat, with stories from his new life in Christ. The encounters are astounding. You'll embrace Saada's engaging story. You'll be enthralled by his conversion and the biblical teaching regarding Arabs and Ishmael. You'll be encouraged by his changed life and the story of hope in reconciliation through Jesus. Don't miss this enlightening true story by Tass Saada, written with Dean Merrill. Author: Taas Abu Saada	Part 1

			Part 2

Friday, June 26, 2009
		The perfect woman – excellent wife, cherished mother, impeccable housekeeper, and thriving entrepreneur – all rolled into one. The Proverbs 31 woman looms large for Christian women today. Getting it all together. Keeping everything under control. Running a tight ship. But despite our best efforts it seems there are always loose cannons rolling around the deck. With humor and relevance, Kathi Macias shares her journey and struggle with Proverbs 31, ultimately discovered that there is natural progression of growing in grace.

		This daughter of a rock star has it all—until murder crashes her world. During a concert, sixteen-year-old Shaley O’Connor stumbles upon the body of a friend backstage. Where is God at a time like this? Can she find out who the killer is before he strikes again? The exciting and suspenseful Rayne Tour series features sixteen-year-old Shaley O’Connor, on tour with her mother’s popular band. Shaley lives in a whirlwind of backstage secrets, hotels, and limos. With beauty and fame of her own, Shaley wants for nothing … except the one thing she can’t have. Authors: Brandilyn & Amberly Collins

Friday, June 12, 2009
		As the need for relevant young adult ministry programs increases, the best example of a successful one in action today is Kairos, a weekly worship gathering of more than one thousand young single and married people in Nashville. In Real Time tells the story of how this ministry unfolded, and its overriding message is one that churches everywhere can take to heart and apply. Author: Mike Glenn

		University professionals Danny Lovett and Dillon Burroughs have written a book for students challenging them to take seriously the idea that knowing Christ is indeed a radical relationship that changes everything about life. They examine the differences between the conformers and transformers of this world and share life principles from young people in the Bible (Joseph, Esther, David, Daniel, etc.) whose extreme exploits (bold, daring feats) stood for truth against the cultural norms of their day.

Friday, May 22, 2009
		Truth is dead. God never lived. Life is filled with pain. Death is the end of life. These beliefs formed Alicia Britt Chole's worldview as a young woman. "I sincerely believed that there was no God," she says. "As a young Atheist, I simply considered myself a realist who preferred unanswered questions over fairy tales." Then one day, without warning, Alicia's Atheistic worldvew was shattered. Author: Alicia Chole

		A Family Guide to the Bible takes readers on a fun and exciting tour through all sixty-six books of the Bible and offers parents, grandparents, and teachers a better understanding of the Scriptures so they can help the children in their lives know what is in the Bible, where to find it, and how it all fits together. As Christians become more familiar with God’s Word, they will gain greater confidence as they share what they believe with their family and friends, help answer questions concerning the Bible, and encourage others to grow deeper in their walks of faith. Author: Christin Ditchfield

Friday, May 8, 2009
		A.W. Tozer's spiritual legacy continues today as his writings challenge readers to a deeper relationship and worship of God in reverence and adoration. To understand this continued and far-reaching ministry it is important to know who he was, including his relationship with God. Here is Tozer's life story, from boyhood and his conversion at the age of seventeen, to his years of pastoring and writing more than 40 books, at least two regarded as Christian classics that continue to appear on best-seller lists today. Author: James Snyder

		Keep the peace... by order of the Emperor, Tiberius Caesar More than fourteen hundred miles from the seat of government, under-manned and under-financed, a veteran Roman officer is assigned to maintain order and keep the peace in Judea. Roman Centurion Gaius Julius Comminus struggles to fulfill his duty against a madman who haunts the roads of Zion bent on the murder and plunder of Roman citizens. Complicating, possibly even compromising the investigation, is the political intrigue of the times and secret mutterings of rebellion spawned by the ministry of a young rabbi from Nazareth. Is he the Messiah, a son of David, prophesied to restore Israel? Peace, it seems, is not going to come easy. Author: Bill Edmunds

Friday, April 24, 2009
		Host a women's ministry retreat that will leave women feeling completely nourished in their friendships with God and others. At Sweet Life Cafe' women stay engaged and feel a sense of belonging as they encounter a buffet of refreshing group experiences and personal alone time with God. Executive Editor: Amy Nappa

		Thirteen-year-old Jazmin, her ex-Special Ops uncle Charlie, and former FBI agent Lisa are reunited in the second of the Voice of God series to stop an assassin driven to murder members of a megachurch led by Lisa's brother. This assassin has drawn in a coven of teens toying with satanic practices to support his efforts. The naive youth engage in ceremonies that appear to usher in the death of each of his victims. When their rituals open a portal into the spiritual realm, a terrifying and mysterious entity crosses over to our world. Author: Bill Myers

Friday, April 10, 2009
		Too often, we make God too small, too manageable. But careful examination of God's attributes reveals a God full of mystery, eternity, righteousness, and mercy. Now in paper, A Great and Terrible Love delivers unexpected glimpses into fifteen classic attributes of God, exposing cheap substitutes and delivering a fresh vision of God. Author: Mark Galli

		Franchising McChurch takes an honest look at the rise of consumer-minded ministries. Authors Thomas White and John Yeats tackle a spiritual shift that is raising provocative issues such as: The blurry line between entertainment and evangelism; A marketing approach to ministry; The warped yardstick for measuring church success; Feel-good messages that avoid tough truths. Authors: John Yeats & Thomas White

Friday, March 27, 2009
		Timothy R. Botts is widely known for his expressive calligraphy that graces calendars, greeting cards, and gift items. His other books include Doorposts, Windsongs, Messiah (all Gold Medallion winners) and Proverbs.

		Marty Guise & Tommy Ragsdale discuss LRM Renewal and Leadership events .

Friday, March 13, 2009
		LRM's very own Lisa Vogt and Jenny Long talk with Marty about happenings in the LRM Resource Center and The Homeschool Sampler.	Part 1	Part 2

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.

		Archives
		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

		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.

		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.