The Christian Authors Group discussion

Hello,

Anyone want to review my latest book, Blessed Are the Free in Spirit : A Journal in Complicated Times?

I’m a Christian author and I write Christian non-fiction. A blogger, a History teacher until a few years ago, a columnist for an Italian online magazine, I live in the Venice area (Italy).

Blessed Are the Free in Spirit is a kind of diary of a journey through our time—politics, culture, lifestyles, worldviews, etc.—and back home again, where “home” stands for a deep sentiment of belonging to our own free and indomitable spirit, which is much stronger than the spirit of our times, however powerful and attractive it may be. In both the above-mentioned books I have selected some of the articles posted on my blog over the years, those most suitable for this traditional mode of communication.

Ours are times of intellectual chaos and moral relativism, if not nihilism, and everything seems on the verge of falling apart, as the events of the recent past in the U.S. and elsewhere have abundantly shown. The whole story of Covid-19 fits perfectly into this context, to the point of becoming, at least in my mind, an effective metaphor of the Zeitgeist, which is interwoven with individual and collective pursuits, aspirations, and ambitions that are so very often ill-conceived, short-sighted, and based on false premises. Yet, such an upside-down world is nevertheless our one and only world—and it is well worth fighting for, in spite of everything. In a small way and to some extent, my books are my contribution to the fight.

All the best,
Rob (Samuel Robert Piccoli)

In a world where few Christian leaders walk in integrity and go the full distance in ministry, it is imperative to discover why so many fail while others succeed going on to complete the race.

Eddie Fernandes continues to lead as a senior pastor for over three decades despite enormous challenges and opposition. He defends that all believers should blossom into leaders as they grow and develop spiritually. Sadly, a significant number of believers implode at a vital stage of spiritual development that he identifies as “conflict”.

To confirm a theory for his Doctoral research, comparing our spiritual development to the trajectory of a river from source to destination, Eddie embarked on a journey covering half a dozen countries. He interviewed or surveyed 386 leaders from different churches and organizations, including Christian leaders in the business world. His conclusions proved his theory right: leaders don’t finish well because they haven’t learned how to cope with, or press beyond, the stage he identifies as “conflict”.

Many never received the training, tools or much-needed help to keep going when they were blindsided by forces intent on disqualifying them as leaders and destroying their noble efforts to serve their Lord. This book provides an understanding of the seven spiritual developmental stages to help transformational leaders start and finish well: chaos, confusion, community, conformity, conflict, crossroads and Christ-likeness. In the final stage Eddie unpacks characteristics every Christian leader should strive to embrace. Readers will be surprised, refreshed and challenged by his insights and his own faith journey. He is a leader that has survived, and by God’s grace continues to thrive, despite many seasons of conflict, both from within and from without the Church.

From Chaos to Christ-Likeness

Rich Catholic, Poor Catholic; The Road to Grace is a book that encourages Catholics to take a new and closer look at God, asking the reader to consider making up his or her own mind about God. Is He real, or not, and equally important do you have an active one-on-one personal relationship with Him? Are you looking for His help and advice on a daily, or even moment-by-moment basis? Do you think of Him as you do a close, personal friend? Or is He more like a distant acquaintance that you may see, or meet infrequently?

The Poor Catholic: The Road to Grace

As we all move deeper into the year 2021 and beyond, we are finding that there seems to be fewer and fewer good answers to many of our life questions and fears. The Covid virus is still very much a threat to us as our families, jobs and businesses all struggle with the real effects of these threats.

Many of us, especially we older folks, grew up at a time when faith in God was more of a key component in our daily lives. We went to church regularly and even a significant number of us received our formal education in Judeo-Christian based schools. But as we became older, our lives have become more complicated and confusing. “God Loves U-Turns” is a call to all people to consider returning to the things we learned about: Christianity, and specifically the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Looking at the current problems in our world and personal lives would suggest that we have not been successful in finding good answers to our fears and concerns. It also suggests that we have been heading in the wrong direction for a very long time and a course correction is badly needed. Life is short and for many of us, it is becoming even shorter.

Could it be that the answers we seek will come from a spiritual source? Is that what we have been missing? Is it time to go back and revisit the wisdom we found in our Christian education? In other words, is it time to make a U-Turn and head back to where we knew we were safe while in God’s presence and teachings? God does indeed love U-turns, and He is waiting eagerly for our return. Time is running out. This book will help you understand what is involved in returning home to God and most importantly, why it is the most serious decision you will ever make.

God Loves U-Turns: Our Last Chance To Make It Right

Addicted to Health: Going with God to Break Free from a Health-Obsessed Culture

I'm a recently published author in the Columbus, Ohio area. I ran a crowdfunding campaign and got picked up by Atmosphere Press in Austin, TX!

The health industry is exploding, yet there isn’t one solution the world can offer for our health needs. It is so easy to look to the “experts” to give us answers about what’s right, but with so much misinformation it can be overwhelming.

Think about it – we are constantly looking for the quick fix or the next best thing when it comes to finding a solution for our health problems or goals. God never intended for us to become so obsessed with our health that we’re afraid to make a misstep, to take a day off, or to enjoy the journey.

This book aims to help you (people) identify the noise of the world and the lies that have held you back from experiencing true freedom in your health – the biggest lie being that you have to live a life of performance and restriction in order to achieve results. While health regimens, specialists, diet and fitness plans have a role to play, it can be easy to idolize them and allow them to define who we are. It contains steps to identify and overcome any lies about health that may be blocking you/people from experiencing joy and freedom in your/their relationship with God, yourself, and your food, fitness, and health choices.

Just Released - Walking With Jesus.

Walking With Jesus - Filled with wonderful stories, testimonies, teachings, scriptural truths, Kingdom principles and life changing applications that will bless you and strengthen your walk with the Lord for the journey ahead.

Walking With Jesus is written by various gifted Christian authors that love to share the life-changing love, hope and goodness of God with others.  

May you be richly blessed, encouraged and find a greater measure of faith and trust as you read this book. May God's favor be upon each of you. May His love shine brightly and may He lead and guide you on life's path and your journey ahead.

Walking With Jesus