Nappa (A Mind Like His
and A Heart Like His) uses a commonplace seven-letter word—courage—to pack considerable punch on the subject of what is fundamentally necessary to live passionately for Christ. Nappa challenges Christians to pray, think and worship with hearts of courage. Rather than resort to overused solutions, Nappa's counsel fairly shouts with a rare freshness. He says that Christians whose faith has lost its passion should be courageous enough to admit guilty secrets and failings to others, then be accountable for their actions. Finally, they should make prayer the backbone of their existence by relying on the Holy Spirit's strength rather than fickle human stamina. Nappa's personal narratives frequently reveal his own struggles toward a consistent selfless heart while underscoring each Christian's desperate need for rejuvenation at the cross of Christ. This six-part text also discusses the personal cost of following Christ, how to put passion for Christ to work within the nitty-gritty of life, the paradoxical beauty of transformed weakness and failure, and the strength needed to continually press forward with heavenly vision and a resilient trust in God's faithful provision. Closing out this fine handbook is a chapter-by-chapter discussion and study guide written by Michael S. Warden, whose insightful questions complement the principles covered by Nappa. Readers will appreciate Nappa's tender heart, and his work will inspire both the wayward and the zealous to a more courageous, fearless Christian journey. (Mar.)
