Why are people drawn to alternative religions that deviate from the norm of Christian beliefs? Why do they stay? What compels them to cling to a false dogma, even in the face of evidence that their beliefs are in error? Why do they engage in scriptural gymnastics in defense of beliefs that have no grounding in Christian theology? Why do they tolerate abusiveness from charismatic leaders and cede personal freedom? Why are they willing to defend these leaders and their institutions to the bitter end? After a lifetime of spiritual incarceration, Jim Turner began studying the cult mentality in order to better understand his actions. He researched religious cults and their practices and traced their teachings throughout history as they found their way into the "New Religions." His studies have convinced him that there is indeed "nothing new under the sun." New Religions offer amended ideas that identified past cults. Modern cults have extracted beliefs from past groups and added a spin that presents them as original and, of course, inspired. Psychological manipulation plays a significant role in the development and continuation of modern cults, but Jim Turner has presented a convincing argument that the psychological condition and willingness of cultists to surrender their freedom to cult leaders and their irrational tendencies to elevate a revered leader to a semi-divine level are equally responsible for the advancement of cults. Follow the author through the early stages of cult indoctrination, the personal abuses he experienced at the hands of the cult, his personal choices as he rose through the ranks of the cult and his eventual enlightenment to the deceptiveness of the cult led by Herbert W. Armstrong. Walk with him out of the darkness of cultic deception into the glorious light of the Grace of God through Jesus Christ.

The new crime thriller by the author of The Fear of Falling: “A gritty and unflinching journey through 90’s Glasgow . . . Dark, delicious, and authentic.” —Marrisse Whittaker, author of Buried Dreams As DI Luc Kidston investigates the grisly murder of a prominent, openly gay prosecutor, he discovers that a friend of the victim died just a few weeks earlier—but botched police work resulted in a suicide ruling. When the case becomes a double murder inquiry, Kidston believes he may be tracking a serial killer. Now amid rising tensions within his team, Kidston’s family is targeted by a shady nightclub manager who blames the detective for interfering with his business. But Kidston’s attempts to lure a murderer out of the shadows, while also racing to free a loved one from captivity, will plunge him into darkness in a suspenseful and terrifying climax . . . Can Kidston crack the case and make it out in one piece?

Life has a way of breaking us into pieces. It can chip away at the soul with each loss, failure, and disappointment. And with every chipped away piece, it can leave us sinking deeper and deeper into a pit of discouragement and despair. Grace in a Shattered Place offers comfort to the weary and discouraged soul as it opens the door to a new perspective on shattered dreams, shattered hopes, and even shattered faith. From the very beginning, Stephanie breaks down the wall of spiritual clichs and comes directly for the readers heart. Through her words, she takes the reader by the hand, looks them in the eyes, and makes a pact to just be real. From the place of real, Stephanie empathizes with the readers brokenness while she gently ushers the reader back to a place of hope by suggesting that grace isnt only found in the getting up, but in the looking up.

When Edwin reveals his true colors, Colonel Grenidor realizes he has run out of options. The Fae prince Niall offers Grenidor a way out, but defection forces Grenidor to face the repercussions of his actions. Feichin's redemption has rocked the Fae, who struggle to understand El and their own place in creation. Lord Owen, still not recovered, turns to Dr. Bartok for answers. When new information sheds light on Edwin's terrifying plan, both the Fae and humans must decide what obedience and love really mean in a broken world. This is the third book in a four-book series.

If you don’t have joy, you won’t have the strength to overcome. This book will help you better understand how even in the midst of crisis and chaos, God wants to use joy as a weapon to tear down the attacks of the enemy and give you the spiritual bandwidth to overcome. Joy in the War is a unique book about finding joy in the midst of devastating events, including those happening in America and around the world. The Lord desires that His children know He is a covenant God. When we choose to align with His purposes, even the conflict and warfare surrounding us cannot stop His joy from manifesting and releasing a strength and purpose that empowers us to triumph. We can learn not to fear war or impending doom as we realize that overcoming joy can be our portion even in times of hardship. These lessons from Daniel and Amber Pierce—part of the legacy family of Chuck Pierce—have been walked out over the past decade as they have lived in the Land of Israel: a place where war is a constant threat and lessons for America and the church can be gleaned.

Feeling alone and afraid, six-year-old Darlene hides under the porch, crying. When her sister finds her, Darlene is unable to explain the fear she faces at nighttime. Later, as a wife and a mother, she processes the impact of the sexual abuse while struggling with depression. Through this deep emotional pain, she recognizes that Christ has already won the victory over Satan. But can she forgive her father? And can she find peace as she sets out to learn the truth about her biological mother?

This elegant daily ziparound devotional features a beautifully designed interior with inspiring devotions, encouraging Scriptures, thought-provoking questions, and space for journaling. Stop and ponder, delight in God’s love for you, and express your praise, petitions, ideas, emotions, struggles, desires, and dreams in the space provided.

Take a deep breath of hope, and prepare to set sail for deeper waters in this remarkable exploration of God 's truly amazing gift of grace! Rebecca St. James, Grammy-winning Christian recording artist Grace is amazing! Get ready to explore the depths of God's acceptance. Get ready to have your heart changed. Get ready for grace! This book is for those who: Don't understand what grace is all about. Know they don t deserve God's grace. Think they deserve God's grace. Reject grace and keep trying harder. Want God's grace but don t feel worthy. Believe grace is for someone else. Received grace but backslid. Live each day in God's grace. Want to understand the freedoms and challenges of grace.

The Christian believer routinely experiences periods in their life referred to as a dark night of the soul. In such times a person feels as if God has left him or her alone and God has distanced himself from the individual in this period of liminality. It is considered to be a time of trial and testing which only afterwards is viewed as a period of growth and maturing in Christ. In this book Daniel McGregor explores the Biblical foundation for this concept, as well as providing a historical survey of Christian theologians and authors who examine these themes and experiences. This volume will provide an ideal introduction to the subject for the serious layperson or a suitable reading for an introductory class in religious studies.

"Their son, Jason, a young man who initially had so much promise, is now serving a life sentence for murder in a maximum-security prison. All their appeals have be exhausted at both the state and federal levels--humanly speaking, they have run out of options. But there's more to the story. Despite their grim situation, Carol and her husband live a life full of grace. Kent reveals how life's problems are a fruitful time to discover the very best divine surprises, including peace, compassion, freedom, and adventure"--Page 2 of cover