Reviews

Lucado (minister of preaching, Oak Hills Church, San Antonio; Fearless), one of the most popular and acclaimed preachers and religious writers in America, adds to his long list of works on the Christian faith an innovatively shaped illumination of the Book of Acts, that sequel to the Gospel of Luke. Acts, when it is read at all, is nowadays treated almost as a weak history of the disciples and apostles after the Resurrection and before the foundation of the Roman church, but Lucado sees it as an impetus to Christian action, especially on behalf of the world's poor. VERDICT Lucado's book revives the Social Gospel movement through an engaging re-reading of Acts; it would be a shame if it did not recharge the preachers and believers to whom it is addressed. Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information.

Megaseller Lucado (3:16-The Numbers of Hope) celebrates his 25th year in publishing with a call to Christians to use "our one-of-a-kind lifetimes and once-in-history opportunity" to "alter the course of human suffering." With his typical folksiness, Lucado uses the first 12 chapters of the biblical book of Acts as a springboard, describing how God uses Galilean fishermen-and each of us-to change the world. Familiar biblical stories-Ananias and Sapphira, the Greek-speaking widows, Peter's dream-take on new meaning as Lucado urges Christians to look beyond their usual lives. "None of us can help everyone. But all of us can help someone. And when we help them, we serve Jesus," he writes simply. Lucado provides discussion questions for group or personal use, as well as ideas for action. The book is the lead item of a wide array of related products, including an audiobook, greeting cards, Bible, children and youth material, curriculum, and gift books. Lucado shows fans both longtime and new that he remains, after all these years, a powerful voice in the call to authentic Christianity. (Sept.) Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information.