New book - Evidence for the Resurrection

Title: Evidence for the Resurrection
Author: Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell
Call number: 137 MCD










When Jesus died on the cross, it seemed that all had been lost. Death had won. But after three days in a rich man's tomb, Jesus appeared…alive! The news was so shocking that His followers refused to believe it until they saw Him with their own eyes and touched His wounds with their own hands. Then Jesus made an amazing claim: In the future, they too would have resurrected bodies like His, bodies that would never deteriorate, age or perish. They would have new life without death or pain in the presence of a loving God forever.  But can we really believe His promise? For that matter, can we really believe that the promise was made by a Man who rose from the dead? In this fascinating look at the claims of the Gospel writers and 2,000 years of believing Christians, bestselling author Josh McDowell and his son Sean examine the compelling evidence and conclude that Jesus Christ conquered death and the gravel in clear, concise and accessible chapters, Josh and Sean present the fact s about the resurrection and what it means for readers today.

New book - Great Day Everyday

Title: Great Day Everyday: Navigating Life's Challenges with Promise and Purpose
Author: Max Lucado
Call number: 201 LUC









The alarm clock rings in a new day and a chance to rejoice in it. After all: "This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it."

But what about those days when the traffic snarls, airports close, and friends forget? Is there any hope for the days riddled with the hang-ups and bang-ups of life?

In Great Day Every Day Max Lucado unpacks Jesus' blueprint for dealing with such days: Saturate your day in Jesus' grace. Entrust your day to His oversight. Accept His direction. It's the only prescription to fill your day with God-given purpose.

When you find the divine promise of each day, you can face whatever it brings. Speed bumps and speeding tickets won’t derail you. Hiccups and hard times don’t have to ruin your day. In fact those days can become great days. Whatever you face, you can have a great day every day.

New DVD - The Visual Bible: Acts

Title: The Visual Bible: Acts
Call number: DVD VIS











The Visible Bible: Acts is a dramatization that uses the actual scriptures, word for word, from the New International Version. Journey with the physician Luke (Dean Jones) as he tells the story of the danger, struggles, and triumph that mark the birth of the Christian church. Share the times of mystery and wonder that follow the resurrection of Jesus. Walk with the risen Lord, and watch as He is taken up into heaven. Experience the transforming power of Pentecost and catch the fire as God uses the passion of Peter (James Brolin) and John (Andre Jacobs) to send the flame of faith throughout Jerusalem and the world.

New DVD - The Visual Bible: Matthew

Title: The Visual Bible: Matthew
Call number: DVD VIS











Experience The Visual Bible's Matthew. This powerful and entertaining film is taken word for word from the text of the New International Version translation. This multi-million dollar production appeals to all ages, and it offers educational, spiritual and entertainment value. "The goal of The Visual Bible is to put the entire Bible on film using only Scripture to tell the story." Filmed on location in Tunisia, Morocco and South Africa, Matthew features a cast of thousands, historically accurate costuming and award-winning directing. The film stars Emmy award-winning actor Richard Kiley as Matthew, and introduces Bruce Marchiano as Jesus.

New Veggie Tales DVD - Minnesota Cuke and the Search For Noah's Umbrella

Title: Minnesota Cuke and the Search For Noah's Umbrella
Call number: DVD[C] VEG










Its a Lesson in Confidence brought to you by Minnesota Cuke, a children's museum curator and part-time detective hired to find the famous Noah's Ark. But his search gets complicated when he learns of Noah's mysterious and powerful umbrella ... and a clever villain who wants it for his own selfish gain! Will Minnesota find the confidence to continue the search, face the villain and protect the umbrella -- or will all hope of finding the Ark be washed away for good?

New Veggie Tales DVD - Pistachio: The Little Boy That Woodn't

Title: Pistachio - The Little Boy That Woodn't
Call number: DVD[C] VEG











Once upon a time, a lonely toymaker named Gelato decided to carve a little boy out of wood. Imagine his surprise when he learned that this little toy boy could walk... and talk... and definitely had a mind of his own!  When Pistachio tries to do things his way he lands in a "whale" of a situation!  Will he decide to listen to the wisdom of a loving father in enough time to save his whole family from becoming fish food?

New book - Soul Survivor

Title: Soul Survivor
Author: Philip Yancey
Call number: 201 YAN










Philip Yancey, one of America's leading Christian thinkers and author of more than a dozen books with sales of more than five million copies, returns for his most profound and soul-searching books yet. Soul Survivor is the story of his own struggle to reclaim his belief, interwoven with inspiring portraits of notable people from all walks of life who have succeeded in the pursuit of an authentic faith.

"I became a writer, I now believe, to sort out and reclaim words used and misused by the Christians of my youth," says Philip Yancey, whose explorations of Christian faith have made him a guide for millions of readers. In Soul Survivor, he charts his spiritual pilgrimage through the influence of key individuals: "These are the people who ushered me into the Kingdom. In many ways, they are why I remain a Christian today, and I want to introduce them to other spiritual seekers."

Yancey interweaves his own journey with fascinating stories of those who modeled for him a life-enhancing rather than a life-constricting faith: Dr. Paul Brand, G. K. Chesterton, Annie Dillard, Frederick Buechner, C. Everett Koop, Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Henri Nouwen, John Donne, Mahatma Gandi, Shusaku Endo, Martin Luther King, Jr., Robert COles.

Readers will find these inspiring portraits both nurture and challenge for their own understanding of authentic faith. Yancey fans will devour these new glimpses of how he has held onto faith while acknowledging with utter honesty its inherent difficulties. New Yancey readers will be drawn in by the theme of faith versus religion and drawn along a compelling narrative of signposts on a spiritual journey.

Soul Survivor offers illuminating and critically important insights into true Christianity, which will enrich the lives of veteran believers and cautious seekers alike.

New book - More Than a Carpenter

Title: More Than a Carpenter
Author: Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell
Call number: 137 MCD










The inspirational classic, More than a Carpenter, is now updated for a new generation of seekers with a fresh look, revised material, and a new chapter that addresses questions commonly raised today. Former skeptic Josh McDowell is now joined by his son Sean as they examine the evidence about Jesus. Is he really the Lord he claimed to be? How can we know for sure? More than a Carpenter offers arguments for faith from a skeptic turned believer. Since its original publication in 1977, this modern classic has sold over 15 million copies, been translated into dozens of languages, and introduced countless people to the real Jesus. Now with new content that addresses questions raised by today’s popular atheist writers.

New book - The Lotus and The Cross

Title: The Lotus and The Cross
Author: Ravi Zacharias
Call number: 138 ZAC










Have you ever wondered what Jesus would say to Mohammed? Or Buddha? Or Oscar Wilde? Maybe you have a friend who practices another religion or admires a more contemporary figure. Drop in on a conversation between Jesus and some well-known individuals whose search for the meaning of life took them in many directions -- and influenced millions. Popular scholar Ravi Zacharias sets a captivating scene in this first in the intriguing Conversations with Jesus books. Through dialogue between Christ and Gautama Buddha that reveals Jesus' warm, impassioned concern for all people, God's true nature is explored.

New Veggie Tales DVD - Sweetpea Beauty

Title: Sweetpea Beauty
Call number: DVD[C] VEG











Sweetpea Beauty knows that what's on the inside is what matters most, but insecure Queen Blueberry can't see past her own reflection! Will Sweetpea save the Queen from the lies of the tricky mirror and help her understand she's special just the way God made her? Find out in this fairy "Veggie" tale about the real meaning of true beauty.

Features the song "Beautiful For Me" from Dove Award winning artist Nichole Nordeman.  Also includes the new Silly Song Pants.  Plus, the almost-classic tale of Snoodlerella -- A self-conscious Snoodlerella is the star of the ball after getting an extreme makeover. Her life of glamor is short-lived as the clock strikes midnight and her glasses, braces and insecurities return. Will she be able to see herself as the good King sees her -- unique, beautiful and perfect just the way she is?

New Veggie Tales DVD - Lessons From The Sock Drawer

Title:  Lessons From The Sock Drawer
Call number: DVD[C] VEG











Features a (neatly folded) collection of 15 all-time favorite short features. That's 75 minutes of fun!

Edmund's pet hamster disappears after he accidentally leaves the top off its cage, so he writes to Bob and Larry for advice. Find out how Larry helps poor Edmund with his hamster problem as we learn that "a happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing." Proverbs 17:22

New DVD - Courageous the movie

Title: Courageous
Call number: DVD COU











Four men, one calling: To serve and protect. As law enforcement officers, Adam Mitchell, Nathan Hayes, David Thomson, and Shane Fuller are confident and focused. Yet at the end of the day, they face a challenge that none of them are truly prepared to tackle: fatherhood.

While they consistently give their best on the job, good enough seems to be all they can muster as dads. But they're quickly discovering that their standard is missing the mark.

When tragedy hits home, these men are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their faith, and their fathering. Can a newfound urgency help these dads draw closer to God ... and to their children?

Filled with action-packed police drama, COURAGEOUS is the fourth film from Sherwood Pictures, the moviemaking ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. Viewers will once again find themselves laughing, crying, and cheering as they are challenged and inspired by everyday heroes who long to be the kinds of dads that make a lifelong impact on their children.

Protecting the streets is second nature to these men. Raising their children in a God-honoring way? That's courageous.

Movie trailer:

New music CD - I Will Sing by Don Moen

Title: I Will Sing
Call number: CD MOE











I Will Sing was recorded LIVE in the CBN studios in Virginia Beach in an intimate acoustic setting. Its living room feel and audience of 70 local worshipers lend to an honest, familiar feel with which smaller churches and home groups will easily connect. This best-selling album features Don Moen and vocalists Lenny LeBlanc and Rachel Wilson with songs that are perfect for intimate worship settings. Produced by the award-winning Paul Mills, I Will Sing also includes the welcoming vocals of Lenny LeBlanc and skilled guitar of Chris Rodriguez. You'll love the warm sincerity in songs like "Lord You Are Good," I Will Sing" and "Our Father".

Song list:

New children's DVD - What’s in the Bible Volume 3: Wanderin' in the Desert, Leviticus, Numbers & Deuteronomy

Title: What’s in the Bible Volume 3: Wanderin' in the Desert, Leviticus, Numbers & Deuteronomy
Call number: DVD[C] WHA










Buck Denver and friends journey through Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy to finish out the Pentateuch in the 3rd DVD from What’s in the Bible?

Wanderin’ in the Desert contains two 25-minute episodes.
- Part 1: Don’t lie, don’t cheat … don’t trim your beard? The Old Testament is full of rules, and some of them are kind of, well, weird. Learn why God gave all these rules to Israel and which ones still apply to us today!
- Part 2: What is a Pentateuch? Learn about Israel’s 40-year “time-out” as we finish the first five books of the Bible! Plus, discover why we can believe what the Bible says – even though we weren’t there to see it happen!

New children's DVD - What’s in the Bible Volume 2: Let My People Go!, Exodus

Title: What’s in the Bible Volume 2: Let My People Go!, Exodus
Call number: DVD[C] WHA










Join VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer and his new friends on the second installment of their journey through the world’s most amazing book – the Bible!

Includes two 25-minute episodes.
- Part 1: “Who chose the books of the Bible?” Buck Denver and friends learn how the Old Testament and New Testament books were chosen to be in the Bible. They also dive into the second part of Genesis to learn how God used a family to launch His big rescue plan!
- Part 2: “What is salvation?” Learn words like “salvation” and “redemption” as we dive into God’s big rescue plan – how He saved the Israelites from Egypt and how he wants to save us from sin – a tiny word that causes huge trouble.

New children's DVD - What’s in the Bible Volume 1: In The Beginning, Genesis

Title: What’s in the Bible Volume 1: In The Beginning, Genesis
Call number: DVD[C] WHA










The Bible Made Easy!  Buck Denver and his friends take your children through the WHOLE Bible. Perfect viewing for the entire family - laugh and learn together. In his first new project since VeggieTales, Phil Vischer has set out to teach kids (and parents!) the story of the Bible – God’s great rescue plan! We know the stories of Moses, Noah, David, and Jesus, but in this groundbreaking new series, we learn how they all fit together to tell one big, redemptive story. Vischer’s signature wit shines through with his all-new cast of characters, fast-paced flash animation, and catchy tunes. This is one journey through the Bible you won't want to miss!

DVD 1 “In the Beginning” (Genesis) contains two 25-minute episodes.
- Part 1: “What is the Bible?” How is put together? Kids learn alongside Buck Denver, Sunday School Lady, Brother Louie and the crew that the Bible tells the story of God and what He’s done for us.
- Part 2: “Who wrote the Bible?” Next, Buck and friends learn how God inspired people to write the Bible. They also learn how the first part of Genesis sets the stage for the rest of the Bible – and all of history!

Preview of first 5 minutes from YouTube:

New reference material - The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Title: The Maxwell Leadership Bible
Editor: John C. Maxwell
Call number: 104 MAX (Reference)










The people, events, and teachings of the Bible are a treasury of wisdom and guidance for anyone who has been called to be a leader, to develop leaders, or to work with leaders-in church, business, commerce, or anyplace else. The Maxwell Leadership Bible shows us what God's Word has to say to people of all kinds about leaders and leadership. It's a Bible resource that explains book by book what a godly leader is, what leadership means, what empowering others is about, and how God is glorified when we're all involved in His leadership plan for us.

Articles about the 21 Laws of Leadership in Scripture show us how these Laws are seen in the lives of Bible people. There are also articles about how the 21 Qualities of a Leader are shown in Scripture-in the cases of both those who got it right and those who got it wrong-and how people learned from their failures and became better leaders through God's redemptive process of education by experience.

Executive Editor John C. Maxwell has assembled biblical teaching to equip and encourage leaders and those who serve with them, to meet 21st-century challenges by using the time-tested and irrefutable principles of leadership that God has shown us in the Bible.

New DVD: Every Man A Son, Speaker: Dr Josh McDowell

Title: Every Man A Son (Speaker: Dr Josh McDowell)
Call number: DVD MCD










Come join Dr Josh McDowell, a respected authority on manhood issues, as he explores how we can positively learn from our experiences as sons, relate more meaningfully with our fathers, impact our current generation and leave a lasting legacy in our next generations.

New children's DVD - Torchlighters Heroes of the Faith: The John Bunyan Story

Title: Torchlighters Heroes of the Faith: The John Bunyan Story
Call number: DVD[C] TOR










John Bunyan is a hard-working family man. As a tinker, he goes from town to town, mending pots and pans for all who will pay. He’s put aside the pranks of youth and his rough days as a soldier and is trying hard to live a good clean life. No cursing, no fighting and no stealing! But despite all his efforts, John can’t free himself from a heavy burden of guilt. Fear of eternal damnation haunts him day and night. Finally, a chance meeting helps John to understand that he must hand his sin over to the One who can carry the load. Once he’s free of the burden of guilt, John is like a new man. Nothing can stop him from sharing the good news of salvation with others. Before long, this uneducated tinker is preaching to crowds that are hungry for solid spiritual food.

There’s just one problem. Preaching outside of the official church is illegal in England in 1660. When the authorities learn of the tinker-preacher and the large crowds coming to hear him, they draw up the necessary papers and send their officers to do the dirty work. If Bunyan preaches even one sentence, he will be arrested and thrown into prison. With his wife, his children and his congregation watching, John Bunyan steps to the pulpit. With a glance toward the waiting officers and their arrest warrant, Bunyan takes a deep breath and begins his sermon. He would rather follow his calling and suffer the consequences than cower in fear as a free man.

Once in prison, John’s ministry continues in a new way. The man with little education and much personal grief uncovers a distinct talent for writing. After completing several non-fiction books, John begins the most important work of his life. The Pilgrim’s Progress follows the struggle of a Christian pilgrim to stay true to his beliefs, avoid temptations, and remain on the narrow path to reach heaven. Published in 1678, this book’s description of Christianity as a journey containing both highs and lows has impacted countless millions of people. After the Bible, it has been the most circulated Christian work of all time. John Bunyan’s life was filled with challenges and victories. No matter what his circumstances, this torchlighter followed God to the fullest. Like the main character in his book, Bunyan used all his gifts and resources to press on through thick and thin. His message still rings true today.

New children's DVD - Torchlighters Heroes of the Faith: The Jim Elliot Story

Title: Torchlighters Heroes of the Faith: The Jim Elliot Story
Call number: DVD[C] TOR










Geared for children ages 8-12, this stunning, half-hour, action-packed program uses top quality animation to bring to life the story of missionary martyr Jim Elliot.

The year was 1956. From the steamy jungles of Ecuador, news spread around the world that five young American men were mercilessly killed by members of the Auca tribe (now known as the Waodani) - a people those young men had gone to serve and befriend. That seemingly senseless tragedy a half century ago has become an inspirational marvel as that same tribe is now friends with the families of those they killed! This is the story of one of those brave torchlighters - Jim Elliot.

Jim Elliot spent his youth preparing to share the Gospel with those who'd never heard it. But nothing could have prepared him for the dangers and challenges he'd face in the jungles of Ecuador. The remote Auca tribe was suspicious and antagonistic toward even the most friendly of gestures from outsiders. Would Jim and his fellow missionaries ever be able to break down the hostile barriers and carry a torch of faith to this savage people determined to attack all outsiders?

In this inaugural Torchlighters episode we follow Jim's adventures from his college years to his work in the jungles, showing young people his faith in action as he answers God's call to do the seemingly impossible.

Christianity Today: December 2011 issue now in the library

Christianity Today December 2011 issue












This month's issue includes articles on:

• Why we need Jesus: Reason and morality cannot show us a good and gracious God. Gor that, we need the Incarnation
• My perfect child
• Ohio's global church
• Bible ups and downs
• Scholar Craig Keener verifies modern miracles
• Carolyn Arends 'nails' humility

Christianity Today: November 2011 issue now in the library

Christianity Today November 2011 issue












This month's issue includes articles on:

• City Lights: These Christians no longer just want Portland fixed - they want it to flourish. Introducing CT's series on cities.
• False intimacy with God
• Sexy abstinence
• Archaeology's rebel
• David Neff: Our African faith
• Malaysian Bishop Hwa Yung: Expand American Missions!

New children's DVD - Torchlighters Heroes of the Faith: The William Tyndale Story

Title: Torchlighters Heroes of the Faith: The William Tyndale Story
Call number: DVD[C] TOR










The year is 1536. William Tyndale is a hunted fugitive. King Henry VIII has ordered his bounty hunters to stop at nothing to track down and arrest this “dangerous man.” His crime? Murder? Theft? Espionage? No. Nothing of the sort. William’s “crime” is translating the Scriptures into English for the common people.

The church and government authorities have made it illegal to read, write or even speak the sacred Scriptures in English. The most important book ever written is unavailable to those who desperately need it. Convinced that God’s Word is for all people, William defies the authorities and begins the difficult and dangerous work of translating the Old and New Testaments. This episode of The Torchlighters follows William’s adventures as he works in secret, moving from town to town as a fugitive to avoid capture. Friends and allies help him along, but enemies may be lurking around any corner. Will he be able to complete his task before being found and arrested?

Children will be challenged by William’s devotion to bring God’s word to every man, even at the risk of his own life.

New DVD: Facing The Giants

Title: Facing The Giants
Call number: DVD FAC











From the award-winning producers of FLYWHEEL comes a new, action-packed, family-friendly drama about a high school football coach who draws up a new game plan for his team … and himself.

In his six years of coaching, Grant Taylor has never had a winning season. Even the hope of a new season is squelched when the best player on his Shiloh Eagles decides to transfer schools. After losing their first three games of the season, the coach discovers a group of fathers are plotting to have him fired. Combined with pressures at home, Coach Taylor has lost hope in his battle against fear and failure.

However, an unexpected challenge helps him find a purpose bigger than just victories. Daring to trust God to do the impossible, Coach Taylor and the Eagles discover how faith plays out on the field … and off.

With God, all things are possible …

New Veggie Tales DVD - Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Samson's Hairbrush

Title: Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Samson's Hairbrush
Call number: DVD[C] VEG










Minnesota Cuke dons his fedora to help us out with a lesson in dealing with bullies! Does the Lost Hairbrush of Sampson, the strongest man who ever lived, have secret powers? Professor Rattan thinks it does, and he wants to find it to take control of Niagra Falls! Trek across the Globe from Moose Lake to Malta in this exciting adventure. See how Minnesota Cuke discovers the true source of Sampson's strength!

New book - Rick Warren and the Purpose that Drives Him

Title: Rick Warren and the Purpose that Drives Him: An Insider Look at the Phenomenal Bestseller
Author: Richard Abanes
Call number: 267.3 ABA








Millions of Christians and non–Christians have purchased The Purpose–Driven Life, inspired or intrigued by Rick Warren’s teachings and his way of “doing church.”

Now, bestselling author Richard Abanes—a former staff member at Warren’s church—takes a balanced, positive look at the controversy over the “purpose–driven” concepts, offering

• a concise history of Warren’s work and an inside view of the man himself
• a user–friendly point/counterpoint section addressing criticisms and concerns—and correcting misperceptions
• an exclusive interview with Warren that asks the questions people want answers to

Christians will find help understanding the issues. The general reader will come away informed about—even inspired by—the story of a man and what his God is doing through him.

New book - In His Steps by Charles Sheldon

Title: In His Steps
Author: Charles M. Sheldon
Call number: 201 SHE










The penetrating and provocative question "What would Jesus do?" in all of life's complex situations, is the central theme of this book. It is the soul-stirring novel of men and women torn between their faith and the demands, compulsions, and temptations of life. Dr. Henry Maxwell, respected pastor of the First Church of Raymond, struggled with the idea that Christian discipleship demanded more than mental assent. He vowed to preface every attitude and action of his own life with the question: What would Jesus do in this situation if He were me? Electrifying his congregation with the same challenge, people responded with agreement to try it for one year. This book is the moving, dramatic story of a handful of Americans--a newspaper editor, a college president, a railroad executive, a pastor, a singer, a writer, a wealthy philanthropist--who pledge to walk in "the steps of Jesus." At each turning point in their daily lives, they must ask: "What would Jesus do?" For decades, readers have been gripped by this narrative and have been challenged by its implications for their own lives. In His Steps is a convincing testimony to the worth and influence of Christian witness in all of life. A Christian classic every Christian should read!