Most Popular Books by Gregg Lewis

"I spend hours in my study and on my knees preparing sermons, but when I preach them no one listens. What''s wrong? Why aren''t I getting through? Why do I see blank stares, daydream reveries, nodding heads as soon as I open my mouth to preach? I know my messages are biblically sound. I''m sure I''m preaching what God has laid on my heart. But it''s not being received. What''s wrong? What can I do?" Sound familiar? If you''re a preacher, you probably know the feeling. But it doesn''t have to be that way. You can learn to preach in a way that will be readily, even eagerly, received by your congregation. It''s all here: what inductive preaching is, how it works, why it''s effective, who''s used it—including Jesus, Peter, Paul, Augustine, St. Francis, Wesley, Edwards, and Moody, to name only a few. Also included are: * Step-by-step guidelines for constructing an inductive sermon * Two sample inductive sermons * A list of 96 inductive preachers from 20 centuries * A strategy for making traditional sermon structures inductive * A checklist of inductive characteristics. The principles in this book can dramatically increase your sermon effectiveness—turn apathy into involvement, make listeners out of the listless. Inductive preaching is preaching that works!

A Dream So Big is the story of Steve Peifer, a corporate manager who once oversaw 9,000 computer software consultants, who today helps provide daily lunches for over 20,000 Kenyan school children in thirty-five national public schools, and maintains solar-powered computer labs at twenty rural African schools. Steve and his wife, Nancy, were enjoying a successful management career with one of America’s high tech corporate giants during the dot-com boom of the 1990’s when, in 1997, he and his wife Nancy discovered they were pregnant with their third child. Tragically, doctors said a chromosomal condition left their baby “incompatible with life.” The Peifers only spent 8 days with baby Stephen before he died. Seeking to flee the pain, Steve and Nancy began a pilgrimage that thrust them into a third-world setting where daily life was often defined by tragedy—drought, disease, poverty, hunger, and death. They didn’t arrive in the service of any divine calling, but the truth of their surroundings spoke to their troubled hearts. A short-term, 12-month mission assignment as dorm parents for a Kenyan boarding school turned this ordinary man into the most unlikely internationally recognized hero, and his story will inspire you to pursue similar lives of service.

The Insanity of God is the personal and lifelong journey of an ordinary couple from rural Kentucky who thought they were going on just your ordinary missionary pilgrimage, but discovered it would be anything but. After spending over six hard years doing relief work in Somalia, and experiencing life where it looked like God had turned away completely and He was clueless about the tragedies of life, the couple had a crisis of faith and left Africa asking God, "Does the gospel work anywhere when it is really a hard place? It sure didn''t work in Somalia. Nik recalls that, “God had always been so real to me, to Ruth, and to our boys. But was He enough, for the utter weariness of soul I experienced at that time, in that place, under those circumstances?” It is a question that many have asked and one that, if answered, can lead us to a whole new world of faith. How does faith survive, let alone flourish in a place like the Middle East? How can Good truly overcome such evil? How do you maintain hope when all is darkness around you? How can we say “greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world” when it may not be visibly true in that place at that time? How does anyone live an abundant, victorious Christian life in our world’s toughest places? Can Christianity even work outside of Western, dressed-up, ordered nations? If so, how? The Insanity of God tells a story—a remarkable and unique story to be sure, yet at heart a very human story—of the Ripkens’ own spiritual and emotional odyssey. The gripping, narrative account of a personal pilgrimage into some of the toughest places on earth, combined with sobering and insightful stories of the remarkable people of faith Nik and Ruth encountered on their journeys, will serve as a powerful course of revelation, growth, and challenge for anyone who wants to know whether God truly is enough.

This book helps Christian parents cope with children who reject the faith they have been taught and deal with times of pain and stress in relationships. It is written by a mother and her son duo.

Joel Sonnenberg was only two years old when an 18-wheeler smashed into his family’s car. In the inferno that followed, he was burned on over 85 percent of his body. This is his story as only he can tell it. Experience the world from Joel’s perspective as he takes you on a personal journey with more twists and turns than a Hollywood movie. It’s been a life of both great struggles and of tremendous achievement and honor. Yet Joel asserts, “I am just an ordinary person whom people find extraordinary.” Be prepared to fall in love with a young man named Joel. We have known Joel since he first moved to Montreat, North Carolina, eighteen years ago. What an incredible boy he was; what an incredible man he has become. His testimony will stir your heart and forever change you. Ruth and Billy Graham Joel is a dear friend. His story is truly remarkable. I encourage everyone to read it. It is truly inspiring! Coach Mike Krzyzewski, Head Coach, Duke University Basketball Joel is an American hero. True courage is demonstrated in every page. Bob Dole, Former United States Senator, Kansas The dictionary doesn’t have enough adjectives to describe my love and admiration for Joel Sonnenberg. To spend time with Joel—whether in his book, at a soccer game, or over a soda—is to come away a different person simply because you’ve been with him. Joni Eareckson Tada, Founder and CEO of Joni and Friends Joel Sonnenberg’s story is more than just an uplifting tale of persistence and achievement. Rooted in tragedy, it’s the story of a mother’s love, a boy’s courage, and the resilience of the human spirit. Bryant Gumbel, Television News Journalist His story is one all young people need to hear . . . optimistic, confident, and filled with faith. Dr. Jay Kesler, President Emeritus, Taylor University

The name Harold G. Koenig is well known in the fast-growing field of spirituality and health. Founder and director of the widely respected Duke University Center for the Study of Religion/Spirituality and Health, Dr. Koenig is recognized worldwide for his groundbreaking work in medical science and religious faith. In this book—now available in paperback—he shares his remarkable personal story and shows how personal trials became the catalyst for his pioneering research.

This gripping story of Bible Study Fellowship - how it grew into an organization that''s impacted the lives of millions of people around the world.

From Inner-City Nobody to Brilliant Neurosurgeon When Ben Carson was in school, his classmates called him the class dummy. Many—including Ben himself—doubted that he would ever amount to anything. But his mother never let him quit. She encouraged Ben to do better and reach higher for his dreams, and eventually he discovered a deep love of learning. Today this young boy from the inner-city is one of the world’s greatest pediatric neurosurgeons. Through determination and lot of hard work, Ben overcame his many obstacles and is now dedicated to saving the lives of critically ill children around the world.

Take an up-close and personal look into the lives of some well-known Christians who are successful leaders in their careers. The Today’s Heroes series features everyday people who overcame great adversity to become modern-day heroes. Kids ages eight to twelve will be inspired by the compelling stories of courageous individuals who are making a real difference. In Today’s Heroes: Colin Powell, learn the inspiring story of how an average kid from the Bronx grew up to become the first African-American ever appointed as Secretary of State. In fourth grade Colin Powell was put in the slow class, and in high school he only got Cs, but when he joined the ROTC while in college, his life changed. Through hard work, faith, and perseverance, Colin Powell rose through the ranks to become the first African-American to ever serve as the nation’s top military commander—chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Read the compelling story of a true pioneer and an American hero in Today’s Heroes: Colin Powell.

Take an up-close and personal look into the lives of some well-known Christians who are successful leaders in their careers. The Today''s Heroes series features everyday people who overcame great adversity to become modern-day heroes. Kids ages eight to twelve will be inspired by the compelling stories of courageous individuals who are making a real difference. In Today''s Heroes: Ben Carson, learn the inspiring story of an inner-city kid who went from ''class dummy'' to a world-renowned pediatric neurosurgeon. Many had given up on Ben, including himself, but his mother never did. She encouraged him to do better and reach higher for his dreams. Just when things seemed like they were going well, in a fit of rage, Ben does the unthinkable and nearly kills one his best friends. Read how Ben Carlson was able to accomplish his dream through faith and determination.

Ben Carson used to be the class dummy. Today he is one of the world’s most brilliant surgeons.Gifted Hands Kids Edition tells the extraordinary true story of an angry, young boy from the inner city who, through faith and determination, grew up to become one of the world’s leading pediatric neurosurgeons. When Ben was in school, his peers called him the class dummy. But his mother encouraged him to succeed, and Ben discovered a deep love of learning. Ben found that anything is possible with trust and determination.

The former coach of the Dallas Cowboys offers a personal look at his philosophy and faith, his management strategies, and his leadership standards, as well as a glimpse of the sports personalities he knows.

Disciplined Life, Determined Athlete, Devoted Christian Kids will be inspired by the compelling story of David “The Admiral” Robinson, who went from the Navy to the NBA, becoming MVP center for the San Antonio Spurs. When David Robinson became MVP center for the San Antonio Spurs, he seemed to have it all—fame, success, wealth, and a wonderful family—but he didn’t feel complete until he found his faith. This is the true story of one man’s disciplined life, how he excelled in academics and sports, and who isn’t afraid to share his utter devotion to God.

Deloris Jordan knows a thing or two about being a mom. She is the mother of five high-achieving children -- Ronald, Deloris, Larry, Michael, and Roslyn -- a sought-after national speaker on the family, and the volunteer president of the Michael Jordan Foundation. Her galvanizing message on encouraging responsibility and a passion for excellence has inspired parents across the country. Being the mother of basketball''s greatest player has given Deloris Jordan a platform, but it''s her experience bringing up an accomplished family in a challenging environment, along with her deep commitment to church and community, that gave her the expertise she passes on in this invaluable handbook for parents of children of all ages. Using warm anecdotes and never-before-told family stories, Jordan paints a realistic and uplifting portrait of the potential power of parents. She explores the universal goals that parents set for their children -- self-discipline, responsibility, perseverance, moral values, and the desire to achieve -- and explains the practical tools and strategies theJordan family uses to realize those goals. And through personal examples and wise, plainspoken insight, Deloris Jordan challenges, guides, and encourages parents who long to do everything they can to help their children learn, grow, prosper, and succeed.

Boys and girls will meet an exciting role model in Michelle Akers, who credits her rise to sports stardom to her relationship with Jesus Christ. of full-color photos.

A biography of the All-Star pitcher including his career in baseball, his battle with cancer, and his faith in God.

Drawing on the personal experience of two concerned Christian fathers who currently coach youth athletic teams, this book provides practical advice for parents, coaches, and sponsors about how they can help to make sports activities positive events.

"Thirteen stories of how God works through a Promise Keeper"--Page 4 of cover.

In a poignant account reminiscent of The Autobiography of Helen Keller and Christy Brown''s My Left Foot, Carolyn Martin recalls how she slowly proved to herself and those around her that she had both intelligence and human worth, despite a severe physical handicap.

Shireen Perry was married less than two years when her husband Mark lost his battle with AIDS. An inspiring story of love and compassion that breaks down walls of fear while stressing the importance of the church''s role in ministering to AIDS patients and their families. (Saltshaker/InterVarsit y Press)

More than just another tribute to the resiliency of the human spirit, the inspiring story of football coach Charlie Wedemeyer, diagnosed with Lou Gehrig''s disease over 15 years ago, also offers powerful examples of commitment and love in a time when so many "difficult" marriages end in divorce. Subject of an Emmy-winning PBS documentary One More Season and a CBS-TV movie Quiet Victory. Photographs.

The exciting life of one committed man whose simple little idea ("Let''s play ball!") God is using to make a huge impact on thousands of disenfranchised children, their families, their community, their city and their world.

A world-renowned neurosurgeon explores the relationship between risk and faith, sharing the daily risks he takes in hundreds of complex surgeries on the brain and spinal cord and how those risks are an essential part of living as God designed. 75,000 first printing. $30,000 ad/promo.