Tried by Fire: The Story of Christianity's First Thousand Years by William J. Bennett

If My Heart Could Talk: A Story of Family, Faith, and Miracles by Dodie Osteen

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/256565 [https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/256565] to listen full audiobooks. Title: If My Heart Could Talk: A Story of Family, Faith, and Miracles Author: Dodie Osteen Narrator: Dodie Osteen Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 6 hours 25 minutes Release date: April 5, 2016 Genres: Christianity Publisher's Summary: Dodie Osteen, mother of Joel Osteen, gives readers a personal account of her extraordinary life and shares what she has learned about love, faith, and family. As the wife of forty-four years to the late Pastor John Osteen, founder of Lakewood Church, Dodie Osteen stood as a wife, mother, and first lady of the church, even when life felt anything but steady. Today, she continues to stand by her son, Pastor Joel Osteen, and the rest of their family as they lead Lakewood. In this revealing memoir, Dodie shares that her path, though glorious, has not always been easy. She shows an intimate look at such life-altering experiences as contracting polio as a child, raising 5 children, battling cancer, and losing her husband, all with the beautiful heart and sense of humor she displays to thousands at Lakewood and nationwide at Night of Hope events. While recounting her journey, Dodie offers readers meaningful life lessons applicable to their own lives.

Tried by Fire: The Story of Christianity's First Thousand Years by William J. Bennett

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/256936 [https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/256936] to listen full audiobooks. Title: Tried by Fire: The Story of Christianity's First Thousand Years Author: William J. Bennett Narrator: Wayne Campbell Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 15 hours 41 minutes Release date: March 22, 2016 Ratings: Ratings of Book: 3 of Total 1 Ratings of Narrator: 3 of Total 1 Genres: Christianity Publisher's Summary: Full of larger-than-life characters, stunning acts of bravery, and heart-rending sacrifice, Tried by Fire narrates the rise and expansion of Christianity from an obscure regional sect to the established faith of the world’s greatest empire with influence extending from India to Ireland, Scandinavia to Ethiopia, and all points in between. William J. Bennett explores the riveting lives of saints and sinners, paupers and kings, merchants and monks who together—and against all odds—changed the world forever. To tell their story, Bennett follows them through the controversies and trials of their time. Challenged by official persecution, heresy, and schism, they held steadfast to the truth of Christ. Strengthened by poets, preachers, and theologians, they advanced in devotion and love. In this moving and accessible narrative, Tried by Fire speaks across centuries to offer insight into the people and events that shaped the faith that continues to shape our lives today.

Love Kindness: Discover the Power of a Forgotten Christian Virtue by Barry H. Corey

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/256939 [https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/256939] to listen full audiobooks. Title: Love Kindness: Discover the Power of a Forgotten Christian Virtue Author: Barry H. Corey Narrator: Wayne Shepherd Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 6 hours 12 minutes Release date: March 15, 2016 Genres: Christianity Publisher's Summary: When did Christians stop being kind? "Rediscover what it means to “do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8, ESV Kindness is not what we have been taught it is. It isn’t a soft virtue, expressed only by sweet grandmothers or nice Boy Scouts. Kindness is neither timid nor frail. Instead, it is brave and daring, willing to be vulnerable with those with whom we disagree. It is the revolutionary way that Jesus himself called us to live. The way of selfless risks. The way of staggering hope. The way of authenticity. Dr. Barry Corey, president of Biola University, believes we tend to devalue the importance of kindness, opting instead for caustic expressions of certainty that push people away. We forget that the essence of what God requires of us is to “love kindness.” In this book, filled with stories from his travels around the globe, Barry shows us the forgotten way of kindness. It is a life that calls us to put ourselves at risk. A life that calls us to hope. A life of a firm center and soft edges. It is the life Christ invites us to follow, no matter what the cost.

Strong and Weak: Embracing a Life of Love, Risk and True Flourishing by Andy Crouch

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/256144 [https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/256144] to listen full audiobooks. Title: Strong and Weak: Embracing a Life of Love, Risk and True Flourishing Author: Andy Crouch Narrator: P.J. Ochlan Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 4 hours 48 minutes Release date: March 12, 2016 Ratings: Ratings of Book: 3.5 of Total 2 Genres: Christianity Publisher's Summary: Flourishing people are strong and weak. Two common temptations lure us away from abundant living? Withdrawing into safety or grasping for power. True flourishing, says Andy Crouch, travels down an unexpected path?being both strong and weak. We see this unlikely mixture in the best leaders? People who use their authority for the benefit of others, while also showing extraordinary willingness to face and embrace suffering. We see it in Jesus, who wielded tremendous power yet also exposed himself to hunger, ridicule, torture and death. Rather than being opposites, strength and weakness are actually meant to be combined in every human life and community. Only when they come together do we find the flourishing for which we were made. With the characteristic insight, memorable stories and hopeful realism he is known for, Andy Crouch shows us how to walk this path so that the image of God can shine through us. Not just for our own good, but for the sake of others. If you want to become the kind of person whose influence leads to healthy communities, someone with the strength to be compassionate and generous, this is the book for you. Regardless of your stage or role in life, whether or not you have a position of leadership, here is a way of love and risk so that we all, even the most vulnerable, can flourish.

Unreasonable Hope: Finding Faith in the God Who Brings Purpose to Your Pain by Chad Veach

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/256446 [https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/256446] to listen full audiobooks. Title: Unreasonable Hope: Finding Faith in the God Who Brings Purpose to Your Pain Author: Chad Veach Narrator: Chad Veach Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 6 hours 4 minutes Release date: March 8, 2016 Genres: Christianity Publisher's Summary: “Where was God when ? How could God allow ? Why?” These are the questions that flood our hearts and minds when the unimaginable happens. When things go horribly wrong and the world seems to be unraveling, how do you believe in God’s goodness? How do you cling to hope? Chad Veach directs readers away from clichéd Sunday school answers that fail to offer real comfort or provide faith-building insights. Instead, he draws from God’s promises in the Bible and from the story of his own daughter’s diagnosis of a devastating and debilitating disease to reveal simple, purposeful steps for dealing with pain. Resting in God’s love, remembering his past faithfulness, and realizing the distinction between having faith and clinging to hope are just some of these steps.  Veach reminds us that because we know who God is, we know there is hope.