New features, especially designed for the college student, include maps, images, and study questions. A companion web site includes special resources for both teachers and students including: PowerPoint presentations, chapter by chapter test banks, study questions, suggestions for further reading, and web site links.

Both immediate and timeless, Abraham tells the powerful story of one man's search for the shared ancestor of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Traveling through war zones, braving violence at religious sites, and seeking out faith leaders, Bruce Feiler uncovers the defining yet divisive role that Abraham plays for half the world's believers. Provocative and uplifting, Abraham offers a thoughtful and inspiring vision of unity that redefines what we think about our neighbors, our future, and ourselves.

• Explores the historical role the Bible has played in subsequent empires, and its enduring influence in the contemporary world, resulting in a balanced overview of the historical forces that shaped the canon
• Explores topics including: the formation of the Pentateuch, the development of the earliest Old Testament stories, the historical study of the Gospel traditions surrounding Jesus; the influence of Roman rule in the provinces where Paul spent much of his ministry; and the interpretation of the Biblical texts and their use by different faith communities
• Incorporates numerous student-friendly features throughout, including study questions, review sections, bibliographies, timelines, and illustrations and photos

David, unlike any Bible character before him, had the charisma to inspire a great nation. Yet in other ways he was a most ordinary man-often gripped by destructive passion, rocked by personal tragedy, and motivated by political gain. Yet, he is the one character the Bible describes as a "man after God's own heart." In this first volume of the "Great Lives" series Charles Swindoll shows how David proved his love for God many times over in an extraordinary life that left an enduring legacy of faith.

Elijah the Tishbite. He stepped out of nowhere to become a significant prophet of God. The rugged, gaunt prophet from the obscure town of Tishbeh became God's powerful instrument of confrontation.

Alone, Elijah faced off with over four hundred prophets of the false god Baal�and won. Yet, on another occasion, he became so terrified of a woman that he ran for his life. He was a man who God sent His ravens to fee. A man who God loved so much that He prepared a special chariot and horses of fire to transport him from earth to heaven. He was Elijah-the man in a whirlwind, the humble hero.

"Like a meteor, he flashed across the inky blackness of Israel's spiritual night."

-J. Oswald Sanders

Like Elijah, we're all subject to times of bravery and times of fear. One day we're able to face life with a smile; the next, we feel crushed by its oppressive weight. We vacillate from courageous to cowardly, from hopeful to hopeless. Like Elijah, we are ordinary people with seemingly overwhelming problems. And the answer is in God alone as the name "Elijah" indicates: It means, "The Lord is my God."

He lived courageously with his peers and walked humbly with his God.

Where are great leaders like Elijah today? Uncompromisingly strong, yet self-controlled. Disciplined, yet forgiving. Audaciously courageous, yet kind. Heroic in the heat of battle, yet humble in the aftermath.

We see a few such men and women, but the list is tragically short. Rarely does someone model these invaluable traits more obviously than God's mighty prophet Elijah, whose calling was anything but calm and free from conflict. Nevertheless, as you are about to discover in this book. Elijah exemplified true heroism and genuine humility amid the relentless pressure of battle.

Elijah: A Man of Heroism and Humility is the fifth volume in the best-selling Great Lives from God's Word series by Charles Swindoll. The series also includes such powerful biographies as Joseph, David, Esther, and Moses.

Exploring the depths of Elijah's fascinating life as a prophet of God, Swindoll does not gloss over his human weaknesses; rather, he presents an honest picture of this ordinary man who God transformed into His personal spokesman to confront idolatry and evil in the ancient world. You will find that it's a life worth emulating.

In a world that has lost its way, due in part to the lack of balanced, godly leadership, we are more than ever in need of a few Elijah-like men and women who are not afraid to live courageously among their peers as they walk humbly with their God.

"May this book establish deep within you a desire to stand strong for what is right as you bow low before Him who is worthy of your trust and obedience."-Charles Swindoll

In Great Lives: Esther, Dr. Swindoll delves into the real-life story of Queen Esther showing how the qualities that empowered her godly life are available for every Christian.

Everyone loves a transformation story. Rags to riches. Plain to beautiful. Weak to strong. Esther's story is that, but it is much more. It is the account of God working mightily in one life and how godly attributes like courage, dignity, wisdom, and strength can thwart evil and replace terror with joy. Chuck Swindoll celebrates the story of Esther and reveals how every Christian can live a transformation story.

The Old Testament is filled with characters whose lives have great lessons to teach us. In this newest edition in the best-selling Great Lives Series, Charles Swindoll gives us portraits of 12 such figures. Within these stories you will find lessons of leadership, trials and tribulations. You will hear of those who experienced God's anointing and also those who felt His displeasure but most of all you will find stories of His infinite patience with those He created. Charles Swindoll, in his trademark warm and insightful style, illuminates the lives of such characters as: Cain, Esau, Daniel, Elisha, Jonah, Saul, Abigail, and Jabez. You will enjoy reading the Old Testament like you never have before.

Additional Titles in the Great Lives Series Include:

• Great Lives: David (0-8499-1382-9) $22.99
• Great Lives: Elijah (0-8499-1386-1) $22.99
• Great Lives: Esther (0-8499-1383-7) $22.99
• Great Lives: Joseph (0-8499-1342-x) $22.99
• Great Lives: Moses (0-8499-1385-3) $22.99
• Great Lives: Paul (0-8499-1749-2) $22.99
• Great Lives: Job (0-8499-1389-6) $22.99