Books published by publisher Zondervan/Youth Specialties

Was Jesus just a good man who lived a long time ago?Or was he something more? Just about everyone you ask has an opinion about Jesus. Some believe he was the Son of God, while others question his existence altogether. Some believe he lived but that he was merely a good man. Today, scientists and other people are stating things that can make it difficult to know what to believe. So how can you know who the real Jesus was (and is)---especially when so many people are working to prove him to be a fake or a fraud? That’s what Lee Strobel wanted to know. As a former journalist---and a former atheist---Lee went on an investigative journey to discover the real Jesus, one that took him across the continent and into the homes of today’s most prominent experts on Christian history. He found all the evidence he needed to believe that Jesus is indeed the Risen Savior. Join Lee’s investigation and discover the truth about Jesus for yourself. After you’ve seen all the evidence, you’ll know for certain who the real Jesus is, and you’ll be able to help others know him as well.

Why I am a missional, evangelical, post/protestant, liberal/conservative, mystical/poetic, biblical, charismatic/contemplative, fundamentalist/Calvinist, Anabaptist/Anglican, Methodist, catholic, green, incarnational, depressed- yet hopeful, emergent, unfinished Christian. A confession and manifesto from a senior leader in the emerging church movement. A Generous Orthodoxycalls for a radical, Christ-centered orthodoxy of faith and practice in a missional, generous spirit. Brian McLaren argues for a post-liberal, post-conservative, post-protestant convergence, which will stimulate lively interest and global conversation among thoughtful Christians from all traditions. In a sweeping exploration of belief, author Brian McLaren takes us across the landscape of faith, envisioning an orthodoxy that aims for Jesus, is driven by love, and is defined by missional intent. A Generous Orthodoxy rediscovers the mysterious and compelling ways that Jesus can be embraced across the entire Christian horizon. Rather than establishing what is and is not 'orthodox,' McLaren walks through the many traditions of faith, bringing to the center a way of life that draws us closer to Christ and to each other. Whether you find yourself inside, outside, or somewhere on the fringe of Christianity, A Generous Orthodoxy draws you toward a way of living that looks beyond the 'us/them' paradigm to the blessed and ancient paradox of 'we.' Also available on abridged audio CD, read by the author.

How teenage girls can combat the world's definition of self-image through a biblical understanding of who they are If there is a teenage girl who feels comfortable with her body and appearance, the authors have yet to meet her. This book helps explain where that dissatisfaction comes from, from media like MTV, magazines, and advertisements. It then gives girls a healthy biblical perspective on physical appearance, concluding that the only real way for girls to experience lasting acceptance of their bodies is to look at how God has created them and how he intends for them to love others and themselves. Through their own vulnerability and personal stories, the authors help girls realize they are not the only ones who feel so poorly about themselves. This revolutionary book is written more like a conversation than a lecture and presents the topics and the biblical passages about self-image in new and fresh ways.

For generations, people all over the world have been touched by the godly insights of Oswald Chambers. Now Everything Counts presents his work in a new and fresh form especially designed to speak to today's generation. Writer Steve Case has distilled and expanded the truth, wisdom, and spiritual insight so that a new generation will be moved by these soul-stirring revelations. The new format builds upon the verses for each day. It excerpts the essence of Chambers' memorable reflections and summarizes them in the section called 'Just Between God and You.' Then it encourages students to process these spiritual truths and apply them in their lives.

Before Jesus left his disciples he said to them, “go and make disciples of all nations.” It wasn’t just a command for those twelve disciples―it’s for everyone who follows Jesus. But what does it mean? In Duplicate This you’ll learn the foundations of discipleship and what it means to make a disciple, and you’ll be equipped to walk with your friends as they learn what it looks like to follow Jesus. You’ll find answers to the spiritual questions that your friends may be asking, like: • How can the Bible be accurate when it’s so old? • Is it true that Jesus was born of a virgin? • How can I avoid sin? • Why can’t I feel God all the time? In addition, you’ll get tips and other tools that will help you be an effective disciple to your friends and help you duplicate your faith in others.

Throughout history there have been passionate people who have used their passion to change the world. Some changed it for the better, while others were passionate about things that had terrible outcomes. But whatever it was, each of these people was willing to make big sacrifices for what they were passionate about. In Lose Your Cool you’ll read the stories of these people and their passions.

Does This Sound Familiar? 'Hey, Gimme a Break!' 'Aw... You Just Don't Understand!' 'Try to see it my way for once!' ... the lines of every teenager through history, right? Not this time! The dirty little secret is that your parents were actually your age once. Believe it or not, they went through a lot of the same junk you're going through now (including with their parents!) ... and another dirty little secret is that some day you'll be trying to make sense of your kids and their lives. Read This Book Or You're Grounded! gives you six chapters with a lot of sound-bites and cool 'boarding-inspired cartoons, plus wisdom and common sense with an attitude. Read This Book Or You're Grounded! includes two chapters on understanding, two on getting along one on special needs and concerns; and a final wrap-up of marching orders to put all this wonderful wisdom into practice. God is here, too: author Wayne Rice lays a spiritual foundation for mutual respect, common understanding, and getting along with parents in all ways. This book can change your life... change the life of your family... and change your relationship with those sometimes-weird parental units who hang around the kitchen, hog the TV, and act like it's their own house.

There never seems to be enough time or money for what we want to do. Sometimes it can be overwhelming trying to manage our schedules―between school, work, sports, friends, and our family. And keeping track of our money―and using it wisely―can be just as challenging. It may not be something you think of very often, but whenever you hit a time or money crunch, a little wisdom could help. Inside the pages of this book, you’ll find biblical principles and practical tips to help you manage your resources better. You’ll even be challenged to try a few “projects” that can show you how wisdom can help you stay on top of your time and your money. As you read Wisdom on Time and Money, you’ll: • discover what the Bible says about these invaluable resources • explore your own motivations behind how you use your time and money • gain practical tools and insight to help you use wisdom in these areas of your life You’ll find that this book will open your eyes to the reasons behind some of the time and money problems in life, and reveal how wisdom can help you use these resources to better your life and the world around you.

A Personal Bible Study on the Book of 1 Peter Everyone wants to win, be happy, and, whenever possible, wear cool clothes in the process. And why not? That's what life and success are all about, right? Think again. The kind of success and wardrobe that author Susie Shellenberger writes about has nothing to do with money or buying power at the mall. It comes from God and from knowing who you are in God's eyes. With this interactive study of 1 Peter, you and your friends get a chance to examine God's ideas about what it means to be happy and successful. With true-to-life stories and practical tips, discover a secret power that's yours for the taking---because Christ has already won it for us. We just need to follow his lead.

If God is loving, why does he allow so much suffering? If God is merciful, how could he torture people in hell? If God made the world, how do you explain evolution? It’s not easy to believe in Christianity when questions like these tug at your heart--unless, of course, there are answers . . . sound answers that don’t just scratch the surface but satisfy you down deep. Lee Strobel knows how important it is to find answers that ring true. With his background as an award-winning legal journalist, asking tough questions has been his business. And while his search for the truth convinced Lee that Jesus is real, it also confronted him with some particularly knotty, gut-level questions about Christianity. Why is there suffering? Doesn’t science disprove miracles? What about hell--and the millions who’ve never heard of Jesus? Is God unjust? They’re the kind of conundrums that can--and have--blocked people’s faith. They don’t have to block yours. Join Lee in a fascinating journey of discovery. You’ll gain powerful insights that will reshape your understanding of the Bible. And you’ll read true stories of people whose experiences demonstrate that faith in Jesus not only makes excellent sense, but a life-changing difference.