Although Bluetree has been together for about five years, their song "God of This City" is likely to be more familiar than the band itself. But with their new CD release on March 3, people have the chance to hear more from this worship band. Aaron Boyd (lead vocals/guitar), Andy McCann (bass), Pete Kernoghan (deejay) and Johnny Hobson (drums), all hailing from Belfast, Ireland, feel that they are called to lead worship, "to be creating songs and music that help people," Boyd says.

But what kind of a name is Bluetree? Boyd explains that when the group was deciding on a name, they were thinking about how Christians are to be salt and light, they are called to be different. "The simple concept of having a blue tree in a forest would stand out. A blue tree would be different; a blue tree would not be the run of the mill green tree, brown bark. ... And if you've seen a blue tree, you'd look at it, it would be a bit different than the rest and you would take a bit more notice of that tree." read more

11:44AM EST 2/26/2009

Pisces Productions

When I was a teenager, I wanted to be an actress. But I decided that I couldn't be one because I didn't want to have to take roles that compromised my Christian values. But after watching the new documentary Hollywood on Fire, I realized that I could have gone to Hollywood without compromising my faith. There are many Christians who have done just that, and this film features interviews with a variety of people who have worked in front of and behind the cameras while maintaining their faith and integrity.

It can be said that as movies go, there goes society. I saw how this could be true when I learned the history of Hollywood. It originally began as a Christian community, and churches were the first theaters. But eventually the church lost, or gave up, its involvement and influence. Ted Baher, who shares an impressive amount of history throughout the film, says when the church was involved the films didn't include immoral and violent content, and the crime rate was lower; but when the church retreated, the films were filled with violent and sexual content, and the crime rate increased. I understood more than ever how important it is for Christians to be involved in every aspect of storytelling, whether on the big screen or on television. read more

3:55PM EST 2/25/2009

By James W. Goll, Chosen, softcover, 272 pages, $14.99.

This book starts with a bang, detailing a 2006 vision of an angel appearing before James Goll, clothed in a glowing robe and gold sash emblazoned with the words: "Israel Awakening." And, it never lets up, delivering a combination of history lesson, prophetic revelation and a stirring call to action. Many are likely to feel embarrassed reading the author's recap of the Church's shameful history, which ultimately helped fuel Adolph Hitler's murderous elimination of six million Jews. Echoing the cries of "never again!" heard in Israel, Goll urges Christians to let this be their watchword in standing against the anti-Semitism that is rising again across the world. The Coming Israel Awakening is also excellent resource material, including an overview of Israel's history, a recap of revivals and Holy Spirit movements, and a list of referral ministries. It will also inspire readers with such details as Christianity being the world's leading faith (twice the growth rate of Islam), the mushrooming of Christianity in Africa and the explosion of conversions since Israel's rebirth in 1948. Click here to purchase this book. read more

By Twila Paris, Koch Records.

Music veteran Twila Paris is back with an album that until recently was only available at LifeWay Christian Stores. Paris, whose career has spanned three decades and produced dozens of hit singles, offers a solid collection of gentle pop that's in keeping with her past work. Though far from edgy or innovative, this clean-sounding album is quite good at points, particularly with "You Lead Me," which has a jazz piano motif that reminds one of Ginny Owens, and "Alleluia," a pretty ballad that channels Amy Grant. It's probably the best song here, though "We Know Love" and "You Are a Great God" are good and occasionally offer just the right touch. The biggest criticism here is that this album can at times seem cloying, or at least too mild-mannered. But much of this quiet music is tailor-made for a Christian women's conference-especially the snappy, "Live to Praise You"-and that's undoubtedly the target audience for this pleasant collection of biblically based songs. Click here to purchase this CD. read more

By Jeremy Riddle, Varietal Records.

Jeremy Riddle's latest CD opens with "Christ Is Risen," a song celebrating the resurrection and challenging believers to go tell the world. "Bless His Name," an album standout, is a clarion call to believers: "Come, let us sing for joy / And let us shout aloud to our King / Come, let us worship God / Lifting holy hands / Bless His name" The heartfelt ballad "As Above, So Below" examines what we struggle with on earth then pleads directly to the Father in Heaven to come and to let His kingdom come. "Among the Poor" was inspired by the revelation that worship is more about ministering to others. "To Be Like You" carries a lighthearted melody but with a cry to be changed to "reflect the God I know." "Prayer for the Church" is a timely and much-needed song for the church today: "We're praying no more compromises / No more moral crisis / Tonight may she move and act as You / No more small divisions / No more lack of wisdom / Tonight may she move and act as You." Believers individually and collectively with their churches should sing this prayer. Riddle's melodies and thoughtful lyrics will ushers listeners into the presence of God, but they will also gain fresh understanding and insight as they worship. Click here to preorder this CD. read more

To help and encourage his congregation, Brian Zahnd, founder and senior pastor of Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri, developed a sermon series based on the story of David at Ziklag in 1 Samuel 30. When David and his men returned to Ziklag, they found that the Amalekites had invaded the city, burned their homes, ransacked their possessions, and kidnapped their wives, sons and daughters. This was surely the worst day of their lives. But David did 10 things when faced with this horrible reality. In his new book, What to Do on the Worst Day of Your Life, Zahnd discusses David's 10 responses and how we can follow his example. Here is an excerpt from the book, Step No. 3: "Encourage Yourself in God."

David could sink into the black hole of depression and give up and quit. Or he could ?ght back. But before David could ?ght, he would have to get his strength and courage back. As David looked around him, he saw nothing but discouraged and down­cast men. David had no one to encourage him, so he had only one recourse: He "encouraged himself in the Lord his God" (1 Sam. 30:6, KJV). read more

4:02PM EST 2/19/2009

Christian recording artist, author, conference speaker and now actress Rebecca St. James has only a few more scenes to film to wrap Sarah's Choice. In her film debut St. James plays the lead character, Sarah--who doesn't exactly have the same life values St. James has. Sarah is a career-minded, single woman who gets pregnant and is faced with a life-changing choice. St. James, a long-time advocate of abstinence, said this movie appealed to her because it allowed her to share the pro-life message. "We live in a very real world where scores of young women every day are being impacted by the heart-wrenching issues and life-changing choices that my character is suddenly forced to come face to face with. I feel it's an important film with a godly message that I am praying will profoundly touch lives" she said. This film is scheduled to release this fall. For more information on Rebecca St. James, visit www.rsjames.com. read more