I WANT TO BELIEVE
by Mel Lawrenz
(Regal Publishers, 232 pages, softcover)

I Want to Believe is definitely written to the “almost persuaded” to come to a personal faith in Jesus Christ. It also appeals to one whose faith is flagging, gently reminding them of the truth they first embraced when they came to faith.
Lawrenz ignites a latent desire that is in us already — the desire to believe in something bigger than ourselves. He approaches this desire with encouragement and humour, putting readers in a pew listening to one of his Sunday morning sermons in Elmbrook Church, where he has pastored for 25 years.
Lawrenz takes an honest dive into topics such as doubt, rebirth, faith and action, and the essence of Christian faith. Concrete, concise descriptions of faith in Christ are contrasted with other faith alternatives.
Chapters are skillful interweavings of narrative, illustration, and Biblical reflection. Throughout the book, readers are assured that doubts are part of believing and that hardships in life do not contradict faith.
This book is not for someone seeking evidence of the existence of God; however, Lawrenz probes the perspectives of several world religions with sensitivity while upholding the authority of the Bible.
I Want To Believe is direct in its approach and an easy read. This book may provide just what you are looking for if you or a loved one are ready to embrace Jesus Christ.

Reviewed by Miriam Leslie
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WHAT CAN BE FOUND IN LOST?
by John Ankerberg and Dillon Burroughs
(Harvest House Publishers, 176 pages, softcover)

Now in its fourth season, the popular TV show LOST captures the attention of millions of viewers each week. The hour-long drama features a fascinating cast of plane-crash survivours who struggle with issues of identity, conflict, relationships, and spirituality.
As they explore and attempt to get rescued, they discover the mystery of the island they’re stranded on and the odd series of events that has brought them all there.
Though the show does not have a Christian foundation or theme, there is much believers can learn about social and cultural perspectives through its episodes. For example, the selfish bent of human nature, the darkness of evil, and the hope for a positive future.
Many of the problems and difficulties of everyday life are captured succinctly in LOST, making it a useful “point of reference” for understanding how different people view issues of a spiritual nature. The authors highlight many spiritual themes that are found in the show, like destiny, miracles, good and evil, redemption, and death. Each chapter includes quotes and scenarios between LOST characters, as well as thought-provoking, personal questions at the end.
Ankerberg and Burroughs offer practical suggestions for Christians who desire to talk effectively to others about the various themes in the show. If you watch the show, you will appreciate the helpful and interesting Christian perspective in this book.

Reviewed by Gail Lund
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WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL ABOUT JESUS?
by John Ankerberg & Dillon Burroughs
(Harvest House Publishers, 239 pages, softcover)

John Ankerberg is a Christian TV host, renowned speaker and writer. Dillon Burroughs is a writer who has co-authored books with Ankerberg before.
Their latest development is an effort to answer basic as well as difficult questions concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is masterful, well developed, carefully detailed, and yet very readable.
The book is designed for anyone with questions about Christ. It covers three main areas: What do we really know about Jesus? Who did Jesus claim to be? And did Jesus really come alive again?
Chapters one to four cover the biographies of Jesus, the media of Jesus, the world of Jesus, and the accounts of Jesus. There are similar chapters for each of the other sections, and they provide a good balance of detail and brevity in a distinct question/answer format.
At the conclusion are four other sections which deal with controversial, contradictory, and difficult topics such as the infamous Discovery Channel feature on The Lost Tomb of Jesus. Also, there’s an excellent discussion guide designed to facilitate a group study, and a chapter which asks, What should I do with Jesus?
I highly recommend this compact, but in no way light-weight book. It is a good place to go for answers to those tough but basic questions about Jesus Christ.

Reviewed by Dr. R. Wayne Hagerman
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GROWING FRIENDSHIPS
by Tracy Klehn
(Bethany House Publishers, 208 pages, softcover)

For women who have inadvertently traded intimate friendships for hectic schedules and career or family-filled lives, in Growing Friendships author Tracy Klehn has created a step toward reclaiming those sources of encouragement.
With women’s already crowded lives, connecting with others can be a challenge. Yet God offers friendships as a lifeline. But like flowers, relationships must be handled with gentle care. Klehn speaks to the felt need of many women and offers excellent advice for ‘growing’ friendships.
Many women at home with young children can feel isolated, while other women find themselves being uprooted from familiar friends and family. Whether you are single, a new mom, or an empty-nester, you can discover how to develop meaningful new friendships as well as nurture current relationships.
Klehn, a mother of two, draws on her own experiences and those of other women. She offers help in learning to adjust as friends grow apart or move, and how to move your life toward the joy-filled journey it was meant to be by filling it with growing friendships. This simple and practical read includes a list of two dozen different ways to demonstrate love and devotion to friends.
Whatever stage of life you find yourself in, Klehn’s encouraging words offer insightful advice and will also help you deepen your friendship with God.

Reviewed by Gail Lund
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