Conversant Lifestyle

Take Action Bible

Conversant Lifestyle — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 07:18:36 -0700

Last year ConversantLife is partnered with Thomas Nelson, Inc. and World Vision in a unique and biblical campaign called "God's Word in Action." Through this comprehensive campaign, Thomas Nelson's Bible Group pledged $100,000 to World Vision to help eradicate poverty and preventable deaths among children.

As a follow up to this inspiring campaign, Thomas Nelson has introduced the Take Action Bible as a way to encourage everyday people and families to put their own faith into action by serving Jesus somwhere in the world, whether it's at home or abroad.

"If you had asked me a year ago if I would travel to a third world country to build a home for someone who did not have a home, my answer would have been, 'Not right now.' Ask me that same question today, and my answer would be, 'Absoluely yes.'" Such is the dynamic testimony of Jason and Lisa, who traveled with seven friends to Haiti, where they built two homes in connection with a local church.

Encouraging stories like these can be found in the new Take Action Bible from Thomas Nelson. The Take Action Bible features 15 real life stories and 48 full-color pages showing people who are putting their faith into action. Whether it was putting up a lemonade stand to raise money for missions, or actually relocating to the mission field, here are people who are showing their faith by their works (James 2:18).

There are two versions of the Take Action Bible: one for adults and another for teens. Both feature the New King James Version and text notes, a Concordance, and a Bible reading plan.

Thomas Nelson has provided an excerpt of the Take Action Bible, which you can access by clicking here.

Host Your Own Narnia Night

Conversant Lifestyle — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 09:53:19 -0800

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader opens in theatres worldwide on Friday, December 10th.

Pastors can take their congregations right now on a very special journey by hosting their very own NARNIA NIGHT! All the materials are FREE and located at:

http://www.narniafaith.com/engage/narnia-night/

As part of the worldwide release of The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, 20th Century Fox and Walden Media have created an exclusive event just for churches – Narnia Night. This totally customizable event includes a multi-part documentary on renowned author and theologian C.S. Lewis, a behind-the-scenes look at how the filmmakers used a little Hollywood magic to make the bedroom flood with water, the popular “Undragon Your Life” testimony from Jim Burgen of Denver’s Flatirons Church, and an exclusive, never-before-seen look inside the new film!

All of these elements are available as fully downloadable hi-res files (all the visual materials can be previewed in low-res form). Everything is free so pastors can create their very own Narnia Night to engage their church as well as their community at large!

About the film:

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER returns audiences to the hope and wonder of C.S. Lewis’ beloved world – via the fantastic Narnian ship, the Dawn Treader. For this Christmas motion picture event, Edmund and Lucy Pevensie, along with their cousin Eustace, are swallowed into a painting and transported back to Narnia and the magnificent ship the Dawn Treader.

They join King Caspian and a warrior mouse named Reepicheep for a mission which holds the fate of Narnia itself. The courageous voyagers overcome their own greatest temptations, as they travel to mysterious islands; have fateful confrontations with magical creatures and sinister enemies; and reunite with their friend and protector, the “Great Lion” Aslan.

Together we can change the world

Conversant Lifestyle — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:05:44 -0800

Bestselling author Max Lucado has done many things to put God's Word into action over the years and has inspired many others to do the same. This year, in commemoration of Max's 25th year of inspirational writing, he has made it his personal goal to help World Vision raise up sponsors for 25,000 children, in conjunction with this fall's Make a Difference Tour.

One hundred percent of Max's royalties from Outlive Your Life products will benefit children and families through World Vision and other ministries of faith-based compassion. To follow World Vision's use of the funds, go to www.MaxLucado.com.

God's Word in Action

Conversant Lifestyle — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 11:58:36 -0700

ConversantLife is excited to partner with Thomas Nelson, Inc. and World Vision in a unique and biblical campaign called "God's Word in Action." Through this comprehensive campaign, Thomas Nelson's Bible Group is donating at least $100,000 through March 2012 to World Vision to help eradicate poverty and preventable deaths among children.

At ConversantLife, we're all about content that encourages conversations about faith and culture. So when we heard about a leading Bible publisher teaming with the world's largest relief organization, we immediately wanted to be involved. The way we see it, the Bible contains life's most important content, and helping "the least of these" is at the heart of the gospel message.

The campaign verse for "God's Word in Action" is Psalm 82:3--"Stand up for the poor and the orphan; advocate for the rights of the afflicted and those in need" (The Voice). There are two ways Thomas Nelson and World Vision are encouraging and empowering people to do this.

First, you can take action to literally change a child's life forever through one or more World Vision child sponsorships. Second, you can donate to the Child Health Now Initiative, World Vision's first global campaign focused on a single issue: reducing the preventable deaths of children under five. In the two minutes it will take you to read this text, more than 30 children under the age of five will die. Most of them will succumb to preventable causes, such as diarrhea, pneunomia, childbirth complications and malaria. Twenty-four hours from now the total will exceed 24,000.

We encourage you to get involved at some level with "God's Word in Action." For example, you may want to serve food at a homeless shelter (a great idea during the upcoming holiday season), give a Bible away, or begin planning a short-term mission trip through your church. There is no shortage of what you can do to put God's Word into action.

For more great ideas on how you can be part of changing the world, and to share your stories of your own compassion and giving, please visit www.SeeGod'sWordinAction.com. Become part of this movement to put God's Word into action in various ways.

Now, for some insight as to how the "God's Word in Action" campaign started, take a look at this brief video featuring our good friend Gary Davidson, Senior Vice President and Bible Group Publisher for Thomas Nelson, Inc. He believed strongly that it wasn't enough to just produce and sell the Word. He wanted to literally put God's Word into action by doing what it says. You have to love Gary's passion and heart. He's the real deal, and so is this campaign.

Our hope and prayer is that you will be encouraged and empowered to help others, and we think that your involvement in the "God's Word in Action" campaign is one of the more creative and effective ways you can do just that.

Operation Narnia

Conversant Lifestyle — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 08:25:02 -0700

Operation Christmas Child is partnering with the upcoming film, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, set for release on Dec. 10. Through this partnership, Narnia fans will be encouraged to participate in the world’s largest Christmas project by packing shoe box gifts that will make a difference in the lives of needy children.

In Narnia, it was always winter and never Christmas until Aslan arrived with hope. In the same way, simple shoe box gifts filled with toys, school supplies and hygiene items can bring hope to children around the world by reminding them they are loved and not forgotten.

“We’re very excited to participate in the upcoming release of the movie, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader,” said Franklin Graham, President of Samaritan’s Purse. “We want children around the world to know the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of Jesus Christ—and the joy and hope that this brings.”

In the third installment of the blockbuster series, by renowned Christian author and apologist, C.S. Lewis, Lucy and Edmund Pevensie embark upon an incredible adventure on the Narnian ship, the Dawn Treader, confronting obstacles beyond their imagination. Like the Pevensies, shoe box gifts will make their own incredible journeys to over 100 countries this season. Operation Christmas Child will use whatever means necessary—ships, trucks, buses, trains, airplanes, boats, camels, and even dog sleds—for the gifts to reach the neediest children in the far corners of the earth. For many children, these will be the first gifts they have ever received.

Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, the international relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has hand-delivered shoe box gifts in over 130 countries to more than 77 million children suffering from poverty, disaster, disease, and war.

To learn more about the film and the Christmas project including how to pack an Operation Christmas Child shoe box gift, visit www.samaritanspurse.org or www.operationnarnia.org.

"Letters to God" DVD Giveaway

Conversant Lifestyle — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:45:55 -0700

Together with Grace Hill Media, ConversantLife is giving away three DVD copies of the inspirational and moving family film, Letters to God.

Letters to God is the heartfelt and inspiring story of what happens when one boy's journey touches the lives of his family, friends, and community. Hope is contagious in this uplifting new DVD, arriving on August 10 from Possibility Pictures and Vivendi Entertainment.

An intimate, moving and often funny story, the film follows thepath of a young child with a terminal illness who through his battle becomes a warrior for hope and a champion to everyone around him. Surrounded by a loving family and community, the young boy takes comfort in prayers written as letters to God. These letters find their way to a conflicted postman who is at a crossroads in his life, searching for meaning.

Inspired by a true story, Letters to God received the highest Dove Approval Rating and an endorsement from the Parent Television council. ConversantLife will give away three DVDs, with bonus features including Behind the Scenes, by drawing draw three names randomly. You are invited to submit your name by sending an email to: info@conversantlife.com. Please put "Letters to God DVD" in the subject line of your email. All entries must be received by Friday, August 13, to be eligible for the drawing.

The book is not dead nor does it sleep

Conversant Lifestyle — Tue, 11 May 2010 11:11:32 -0700

Anybody who says the book is dead hasn't been keeping up with current events. Truth is, more books are being published now than ever before. Way more.

More than a million book titles were published in 2009--a quarter of those by "traditional" publishers and the rest by self-publishers and micro-niche publishers--including five titles by ConversantLife writers published by Conversant Media Group and Harvest House:

Apologetics for a New Generation by Sean McDowell: Helping you effectively share the answers to life's big questions with a new generation.
I Can't See God Because I'm in the Way by Stan Jantz and Bruce Bickel: Showing that a fresh view of God is more accessible than you think.
The Last TV Evangelist by Phil Cooke: Knowing why the next generation couldn't care less about religious media, and why it matters.
The God Question by J.P. Moreland: An invitation to honestly explore an entirely new way of living--the way of Jesus.
The Forecast by Caroline Ferdinandsen: A counterfeit memoir the lets the author lie the entire time and still tell you the absolute truth.

Earlier this year Conversant Media Group and Harvest House Publishers released Why the Bible Matters, the latest from Mike Erre. And just this week, Simon & Schuster released Flirting With Faith by Joan Ball, one of our original bloggers. Joan's journey from atheism to a robust Christian faith makes for superb reading.

Later this summer, our own Brett McCracken's new book, Hipster Christianity will be released by Baker Books. Look for this one to stir up all kinds of conversations about the nature of culture and how it influences faith.

And then there are the books written by some of our newest ConversantLife writers. We are delighted to feature:

Imaginary Jesus by Matt Mikalatos: One person's quest to find the real Jesus, destroy all imposters who stand in the way, and finally get an answer to the question that's haunted him for years.
Not God's Type by Holly Ordway: A bold testimony to the ongoing power of the Gospel to humble and transform even self-assured, accomplished, and secular-minded young professionals.
Humanitarian Jesus by Christian Buckley and Ryan Dobson: Showing ow the curent emphasis on social investment can miss the holistic picture of Jesus' life and ministry.
Crave by Chris Tomlinson: A collection of short, real-life stories showing that life with God can be a surprising, challenging, and richly satisfying journey.
Faithbook of Jesus by Renee Johnson: Offering timeless insights as you grow daily in your walk with God, addressing your needs, challenges, and fears through relevant and inspiring daily devotionals.
Why Trust Jesus? by Dave Sterrett: Helps us answer current questions the culture is asking, such as Why Should I Trust Jesus when So Many Other Spiritual Paths Exist?

The great news about all of these books is that they aren't static. As a reader, you have the opportunity to interact with the author here on ConversantLife.com, view video interviews and download free chapters that give you a better idea of what the book is about. No longer do you have to rely on a review or the book's back cover copy. You can hear from the author directly. In fact, we'll close this little update with a video from Joan Ball, talking about her brand new book, Flirting With Faith.

Christian Music Artists Unite to Raise Money for Haiti Relief Efforts

Conversant Lifestyle — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:55:24 -0800

More than a dozen award-winning artists are combining their musical talents to help make sure desperately needed relief supplies continue flowing into Haiti, where the struggle for survival continues for hundreds of thousands of earthquake victims.

Healing 4 Haiti is a collection of 15 songs from Christian music’s leading artists and worship leaders and includes the anthem “Come Together Now (Music City Unites For Haiti),” penned by Michael W. Smith, Cindy Morgan and David Mullen. The song list also includes tracks from Israel Houghton, DecembeRadio, Kari Jobe, The Afters, Hawk Nelson and many more plus an exclusive version of Jared Anderson’s new song, “Carry Me.”

Healing 4 Haiti will be released by Integrity Music at iTunes on Tuesday, March 2 with a retail release slated for March 16. A minimum of $5.00 per copy of the album sold will be donated to Haiti earthquake relief. The donations will be used to provide clean water, shelter, medical care and other critical aid from Samaritan's Purse. It will also support the work of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's Rapid Response Team, which had chaplains on the ground within 24 hours of the earthquake providing emotional and spiritual comfort to survivors. Additionally, proceeds from “Come Together Now (Music City Unites for Haiti)” will go to the Haiti relief efforts of Samaritan’s Purse and the American Red Cross.

“Every artist and every individual who can use their talent and ability to shed light on those in need, when it’s all added together, it makes a huge difference,” says Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association/Samaritan’s Purse. “My prayer is that God will use Healing 4 Haiti to touch the hearts of this nation to give generously to the suffering people of Haiti.”

Danny McGuffey, Chief Marketing Officer, Integrity Music, adds: “We are humbled to be chosen by Franklin Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association/ Samaritan’s Purse to participate in this amazing fund-raising project. The artists and labels involved have really stepped up to make this a very special album and have given cheerfully to this great cause (2 Corinthians 9:7).”

Several of the artists have traveled to Haiti and visited the work of Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Additional information for Healing 4 Haiti is available at www.healing4haiti.org.

About The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association:

BGEA is a nonprofit organization that reaches millions of people each year through Billy Graham television broadcasts, Franklin Graham Festivals, Will Graham Celebrations, "My Hope" World Television Project, Dare to Be a Daniel youth ministry, The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, Decision magazine, "Hour of Decision" and "Decision Minute" radio programs, and the Internet.

About Samaritan’s Purse:

Samaritan's Purse is a nonprofit organization that provides immediate, no-red-tape response to the physical and spiritual needs of individuals in crisis situations - especially in locations where few others are working. Samaritan's Purse has worked in more than 100 countries to provide aid to victims of war, disease, disaster, poverty, famine and persecution.

About Integrity Music:

Integrity Music is a division of Integrity Media, a privately-owned media/communications company that produces, publishes and distributes Christian music and related materials that are sold throughout the United States and in over 160 other countries. Integrity Media is committed to providing Christ-centered products and resources to individuals, families and the Church worldwide.

"Touched by an Angel" DVD Giveaway

Conversant Lifestyle — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:21:15 -0800

Every once in a while, we have the opportunity to give away some free stuff, and this is one of those times. Thanks to our friends at Grace Hill Media, we have a few DVDs of the groundbreaking television program, Touched by an Angel. This top-rated show, starring Roma Downey and Della Reese as angels who brought messages from God to ordinary people, was the first prime-time show to successfully and skillfully integrate themes of faith into everyday life in a prime-time television show. Basically, it was a program that made God look good!

Now there is a new special edition DVD series called "Touched by an Angel: Inspiration Collection" Each of these "Faith and Love" editions feature four thematic episodes specially selected by executive producer Martha Williamson. These special DVDs will be available January 26 at your local Christian store, or they can be ordered online.

We'd like to give a couple of these DVDs away to someone in the ConversantLife audience. To qualify, all you have to do is write a sentence or two in the comment section below and tell us what you remember about "Touched by an Angel" when it was running on television. Or, if you don't remember, tell us what you think of angels operating in the world today. Maybe you have a personal story to share.

We will choose two of our favorite rememberances and/or stories and send you a free DVD copy of one of these new special editions.

Zach Hunter, abolitionist and activist

Conversant Lifestyle — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:24:50 -0800

Zach Hunter is a teenage abolitionist and activist, spending much of his time working to end modern-day slavery around the world and fighting other problems in the world. When he was 12, he started a campaign called Loose Change to Loosen Chains to raise awareness and money to free people from slavery. The author of Be the Change, Zach speaks to hundreds of thousands of people each year, inspiring them to find their passion and make a change in the world.

ConversantLife: We were very excited to hear about the release of your latest book. What is ‘Lose Your Cool’ all about?

ZH: It’s my attempt to help readers discover a life of passion. I’m hoping the stories, discussion and questions will inspire people to unearth something they can invest themselves in. I think it’s really easy for my generation to be interested in a lot of things. We’re bombarded with information and super plugged in. But, breaking through the noise and becoming passionate is harder – it requires a step of action

ConversantLife: Your book interviews various characters such as Switchfoot’s Jon Foreman, and tells the stories of characters such as famous missionary Amy Carmichael, or Don Quixote . What is one goal that you hope readers might find through these stories and interviews in your book?

ZH: I think we all learn better through stories. Jesus was a master story-teller. When you can help people see themselves in the lives of others – to read a story and say “yeah, I feel just like that” or “I can really relate” -- you can help them see the reality of their hopes and dreams. I tell people I have made friends with a lot of dead people. Kinda weird, I know. But, I have learned so much by reading and hearing the stories of others – especially those who have gone before us. And, then, of course, there are many people still living who have inspired me. People like Jon who have taught me a lot about walking a life of faith and hope in the midst of great suffering around the world.

ConversantLife: What prompted you to write this book? Was there a specific problem that you saw within your generation, or a problem area that you wanted to address?

ZH: It’s the whole “plugged in but not connected” idea. I read on Facebook pages the massive list of interests and spend a lot of time with teens around the world who feel like the problems in the world are overwhelming. Or, they spend their time just feeling bad, angry or sad about the injustice they see. Feelings never really helped solve problems – but God can use them to motivate us to ACT. I really want my generation to understand that they shouldn’t wait for someone else to address the problems – or someday when they have more time, more money, more influence but that YOU are the someone and TODAY is the day to bring hope, change and help.

ConversantLife: At the end of each chapter of the book you have 5 – 10 thoughtful questions that your readers can think on and answer. Do you think your book is best read in groups, with friends sharing their answer and starting conversations? Or were you aiming to just get thoughts started in an individual?

ZH: I’ve heard of whole youth groups who are doing the book together – and just small groups of friends who are meeting over coffee to talk about the ideas. But, I also know some people who are stepping through the book alone. At the end of the book I make suggestions about seeking out other people who can help you unpack what you discover about yourself through the questions in the book. Honestly, I’m always just amazed when I hear anyone has read one of my books. It’s an honor.

ConversantLife: What was the biggest thing you learned about passion, compassion, interest, and success through talking to all of the people highlighted in the book?

ZH: I had a great conversation with Melody Green (the widow of Keith Green) that was probably one of my favorites. I learned a lot from her about Keith’s passion for people. And, my conversations with Jon, Wes and Amena were also really inspiring to me. But, I think overall, what I came away with was a longing to live a life that’s fully alive and to know that we can use our intellect, our artistic talents, our business sense – anything – to bring about hope and help to others.

ConversantLife: You have been described in your ongoing work as “working to mobilize a new generation of activist,” can you tell us a little bit about what this looks like, and what your vision for this generation is?

ZH: I would love for my generation to be written about in the history books as one that gave up ourselves in service to others – and that this would be sustainable. A generation that launched a new peace, love and justice movement with God – motivated by a love for Him and a love for others.

ConversantLife: Zach, thanks for stopping by and letting us chat with you. We loved what you had to say in Lose Your Cool, and think it would be an inspirational book for anyone to pick up. What can we expect from you next?

ZH: It’s great to talk with your readers. Thanks for giving me the opportunity. I’ve got lots swirling in my head at the moment – I’m meeting with publishers about a possible fiction series I’m really excited about. I’ve also got a concept for a book on keeping imagination and wonder alive – that’s an idea that ‘s really close to my heart and something I really hope I get to do. I’ve also just participated in an audio devotional for a new film “To Save A Life.” It’s called Devo2Go and I think they’re making the first week available free to people. Very cool project and a film I think has the potential to impact my generation in a pretty big way.