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| | Features | ISBN13: 9780849921247Condition: NewNotes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
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| | Description | Some of the most powerful stories from the Bible will come alive for today's readers through these inspiring selections from the writings of Max Lucado. Max provides a compelling look at the most high-impact moments in the biblical narrative, drawn from his previous 20+ years of writing. At the end of each chapter will be study guide questions so the reader can go deeper into this scripture. Extraordinary stories are told about the following characters: Mary, Peter, Matthew, Joseph, Nicodemus, Woman at the Well, David, Esther, Job, The Samaritan Woman, John, Rich Young Man. And more | |
| | Product Details | | Author: | Max Lucado | | Hardcover: | 240 pages | | Publisher: | Thomas Nelson | | Publication Date: | October 07, 2008 | | ISBN: | 0849921244 | | Package Length: | 9.3 inches | | Package Width: | 6.1 inches | | Package Height: | 1.0 inches | | Package Weight: | 1.0 pounds | | Average Customer Rating: |  based on 88 reviews |
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 Book review: Cast of Characters by Max Lucado Sep 08, 2010
How do you bring Bible characters to life for today's readers? Many authors take us back in time and show the folk in Bible days, but Max Lucado uses an innovative approach. He blasts them into modern society--then tells their stories with modern twists. For example, Matthew, the first-century tax collector, becomes the guy who's never invited to the neighborhood cookouts or high-school reunions.
"Cast of Characters" is gleaned from Max Lucado's best-sellers. The Bible folk are chosen from the Old and the New Testament, and include lesser known people like Mephibosheth and heroes such as Paul. It was exciting to see myself in the book--if these peoples' lives counted, then mine, with all its shortcomings, also counts in the hands of a loving God.
Max Lucado's conversational style is a pleasure to read. The chapters are short and stand alone. They start with a Bible reading and then retell the character's story set in modern society and laced with anecdotes from Max Lucado's life. Questions for discussion and reflection end each one.
I found this book ideal for a quick read during a coffee break as well as a great tool for my devotional time. It also lends itself for use in a Bible Study group.
I enjoyed "Cast of Characters" and highly recommend it.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 <[...]> : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
 Common People in the Hands of An Uncommon God Aug 29, 2010
If you find yourself struggling to identify with Bible characters in terms of life today, you will no doubt enjoy "Cast of Characters". In this book Max Lucado takes a look at some of the more prominent characters in the Bible, putting modern day faces on them while using colorful imagery to bring each scene to life in a very believable way.
The subtitle for this book is "Common People in the Hands of An Uncommon God", and while there are many great theological truths presented, they are shared in a way that anyone can relate to. Throughout there is the constant reminder that each of us plays a unique role, and God delights to do great things in the lives of everyday people like you and me.
Understanding the ways of God and how we can successfully navigate living in relationship with Him and others is made clearer in this book. Through the stories, Lucado provides wonderful explanations of how we can expect the themes of grace, hope, forgiveness, wisdom, humility, faith, restoration, purpose, and dignity to be lived out in the modern world.
You'll no doubt benefit from the practical insights into God's word as well as the questions for reflection and discussion at the end of each chapter. Cast of Characters could easily be used for a small Bible study group or individual enrichment.
As you learn about these characters and view them in a new light you might just see yourself or your family in some of these examples. The Bible was written to make us wise regarding our salvation, but it is always personal in its application. The people in the Bible were just like us and if you've been feeling a disconnect in regard to how the Bible relates to you in today's world, I highly recommend you read Cast of Characters.
By way of disclosure: I received a free review copy "Cast of Characters" by Max Lucado in exchange for writing a review--good, bad, or otherwise.
 Common People do the Extraordinary in God's Hands Aug 28, 2010
Max Lucado is a masterful Bible study author. Each chapter includes a scripture passage, an explanation of a Biblical principle we learn from that person's life, and a series of questions for reflection and discussion. If you are seeking a text for a Bible study, this is perfect: someone can jump into any chapter and still participate fully. Lucado does a masterful job demonstrating that the same God who transformed people's lives hundreds of years ago is still seeking the opportunity to change our lives today.
One of the finest qualities of this book is Lucado's treatment of Biblical characters. Some people are tempted to represent these characters as perfect people, but they were people just like us, with a mixture of wonderful qualities and flaws. Despite their imperfections, God used them to accomplish great things for His Kingdom, just as He plans to use believers today. For example, Moses spent years hiding in the desert after murdering someone until God called him to lead His people into the Promised Land. Peter turned his back on Jesus when he was being led to His death, yet he was used to spread the gospel to many nations. Lastly, Paul was a vociferous enemy of Christianity who became an evangelist after a close encounter with God on a road in Damascus.
Contents:
Joseph - Joseph's Prayer; Matthew - Friends of Flops; Woman Who Washed Jesus' Feet - The 7:47 Principle; Mephibosheth - The Privilege of Paupers; Samaritan Woman - Two Tombstones; Mary, Martha, and Lazarus - Your Place in God's Band; Abigail - Barbaric Behavior; Paralyzed Man - Bright Lights on Dark Nights; John - I Can Turn Your Tradegy into Triumph; Paul - Hidden Heroes; Two Criminals - I Will Let You Choose; Moses - The Voice from the Mop Bucket; Joseph - When Crickets Make You Cranky; David - Facing Your Giants; Esther - Touching the King's Heart; Job - Where Man Covers His Mouth; Nicodemus - The Most Famous Conversion in the Bible; Jairus - The Sparkle from Eternity; Rich Young Ruler - The Affluent Poor; Sarah, Peter, and Paul - The Kingdom of the Absurd; Lazarus - The Final Witness; Peter - The Gospel of the Second Chance; Conclusion - Cast of Characters; Notes; Sources
"...when they gave up, God stepped in..." Aug 26, 2010
2 Corinthians 12:9 My power shows up best in weak people.
Common Sense....Common Courtesy....Common Good
These are phrases that I have heard all my life. What does it mean to be common?
One of Webster's definitions is "occurring or appearing frequently; familiar."
I think that is fair because I believe we can see something of ourselves in the characters of Lucado's book, Cast of Characters.
Some of his characters are famous, like Matthew and Paul and Moses. Some of his characters are less known, like Abigail and Mephibosheth. However, famous or not, we can relate to the 'common folk' of the Bible and that gives me hope that our lives count in the eyes of a loving God.
I love how Max Lucado takes a biblical principle and makes it simple yet profound! Through this book, I see 1 Cor. 13 in a new light; you know, 'the love chapter.' He says, "Many people tell us to love. Only God gives us the power to do so." We cannot live out a love that 'is not proud' or 'does not boast' unless we have surrendered our heart to the God who calls us to love like that!
My favorite chapter is on Job, though. I've read the book of the Bible, I've heard the sermons preached, I've sat in Bible study and thought I had picked Job's life apart...until now. "Before he heard God, Job couldn't speak enough. After he heard God, he couldn't speak at all." Oh, the power of Almighty God!
If you have ever wondered if you would be able to be one of God's chosen in life...for a mission trip, a Sunday school teacher, or maybe even just to speak into someone else's life, then I would encourage you to read this book!
Near the end of the book, Mr. Lucado writes about the common bond between Sarah, Peter and Paul and how Uncommon God changed their minds about Him. I love one particular sentence used in this chapter and feel it sums up the point he is trying to make. "...when they gave up, God stepped in, and the result was a roller-coaster ride straight into the kingdom."
I want to be ready to give up and truly give it all to God and let Him make my very common life uncommon for His glory!
Light reading for increased persepective Aug 25, 2010
I received this title as a part of the blogger review network. I was excited about receiving a Lucado book but this one is a surprise.
This book is a much lighter read than his typical publications. The sentence structure is short and a bit simplified. However, I believe he was trying to make it this way for a reason. This book is about Characters. The cast of characters directly from the pages of scripture. He painted a picture of a real person, with real thoughts and struggles.
I enjoyed the book immensely. The easy reading allowed me to dive right in, even with the kids playing beside me. The characters were captivating, bringing them all that more to life. The simplistic way he writes allows you to become engaged by the story, (even when interrupted often) and the amazing transformation of having the Lord in their lives. Selected, transformed yet still uniquely human.
This is not a book on religious theology. If you are looking for Biblical reiteration, look elsewhere. However, if you want to immerse yourself in what it might have been like to live and struggle with life as a chosen child of the Lord, you won't be disappointed.
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