The Treasure Principle is concise and convicting. Alcorn shows that Jesus Christ, not money, is the greatest Treasure in the universe, and points the way toward a Biblical perspective on money and possessions. John Piper describes the book--and its benefits--better than I can:

"Books don't change people; sentences do. That's all we remember. And there are so many sentences in this book super-charged with stunning divine truth that readers who aren't changed would have to be sleep-reading. Mark Twain said the difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug. Well, lightning was striking over and over as I read. Best of all Jesus gets his due. He is the greatest Treasure. Randy Alcorn (again!) gets the greatest things right. And lives that way too." -- John Piper, Senior Pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis

If you are passionate about making your life count for eternity, it is essential that you read "The Treasure Principle." This book will teach you how to eternally invest your financial resources. Contrary to the health, wealth, and prosperity movement, Alcorn will challenge and motivate you from the Bible to use your money for the advancement of God's kingdom. Since we can't take any of our financial resources with us once we die, Alcorn encourages us to "send our money ahead" for the pure joy that comes from giving and also so that we will experience great rewards in eternity.

Because I'm a busy pastor and have much to read, I typically skim books but I couldn't do so with this book. Randy Alcorn is a life-changing writer who pierces my heart with his every word. When Alcorn writes, there are no singles; every sentence is a Home Run! This forces me to be an expectant reader and to discard my highlighter because everything should be highlighted. If you care about your eternal home, spend your money wisely and buy this book!

This book is fantastic. It is concise, motivational, and profound. I read it the first time and thought it was great, and then went back and took notes for a second reading and thought it was even better. This would be a great book to study with a small group or just discussing as a book club with friends.

Alcorn does a great job of using illustrations and stories to motivate believers to think "eternally" about every giving, saving and spending decision. This is the heart of true stewardship.

The main principles of the book are important to memorize and carry them on our hearts:

Principle #1- God owns everything. I am His money manager.
Principle #2- My heart always goes where I put God's money.
Principle #3- Heaven, not Earth, is my home.
Principle #4- I should live for the line (eternity), not the dot(short life on earth).
Principle #5- Giving is the only antidote for materialism.
Principle #6- God prospers me not to raise my standard of living, but to raise my standard of giving.

I highly recommend this great book. The only drawback in my opinion is his focus on tithing and using Malachi 3:8-10 as a verse to support his belief that tithing still applies.

He makes compelling arguments for teaching tithing as a starting point (Christians give on average 2-3 percent of their income), but I believe the "Church" abuses this doctrine in most cases. The bigger message is stewardship. If believers understand that... the tithe is totally inapplicable. I agree with his heart on this issue, but disagree with his belief that the tithe should be taught.

But that is a minor deal in the overall scheme of things. The book is a treasure that I will pass out to friends, family and re-read many times until these principles are lived out in my own life.

Ashley Hodge, CFP
Southlake, TX

Randy Alcorn spells out exactly how the pill works with this booklet. He explains not just "his opinion," but research, including what the manufacturers of the pill themselves will tell you about the pill if you ask the right questions.

I found out this information probably a year or two before I ever read this pamphlet. In that time, I shared it with others, either on or contemplating the use of the pill. The reactions I got to it were often negative. Arguments and justifications for the use of the pill were offered to me, but none really held up.

That's where the value of this pamphlet comes in. Alcorn has heard those justifications, too. He brings them up himself and refutes them. But his style is not an in your face, confrontational approach. Rather, he uses gentle persuasion on a very sensitive subject, coming across not as a judge (he reveals that the pill was once his uninformed method of choice), but as another person who understands the desire for birth control, and the responsibility to go about it correctly.

This is a great booklet to use, both for those unsure of what they think of the pill, and even to persuade someone who is pretty sure it is okay. He doesn't call the birth control user a heartless murderer. He gently persuades them that sometimes the results of hormonal birth control are something other than the user intended.

I highly recommend this booklet to anyone willing to consider the possibilities about birth control, and to anyone considering the use of hormones to avoid pregnancy. If you are going to make that choice, be sure it is an informed one. This is a great way of getting that information.

Another good book by Alcorn as well, with similar methods of persuasion, is Pro-Life Answers to Pro-Choice Arguments. Both are well worth reading. In fact, it was while researching that book that Alcorn opened the pandora's box of hormonal birth control.

I must admit that I read this book with vested interests. My wife and I had been using the pill for a while so that I could finish graduate school before we had children (I am getting a Master's in theology as a Southern Baptist preacher). However, the strong empirical and logical arguments from this book changed my mind concerning the effects of all BCPs (birth control pills). I promise you that if you read this book and evaluate the research and examine the cogency of Alcorn's arguments with an objective mindset, you will be convinced of the abortifacent effects of BCPs. As a Christian and strong pro-life advocate, I cannot ignore the valid research which strongly suggests that BCPs are not only contraceptive in nature, but also abortifacent. I encourage to read this book very carefully.

What do Rosa Parks, Mary McLeod Bethune and Shirley Chisholm all have in common? They're three of the ten extraordinary African American freedom fighters in Andrea Davis Pinkney's marvelous collection, Let It Shine. These are strong women who didn't just sit back and accept the status quo, but met challenges head on and took action to change the world and make it a better place. These ten dynamic women were never silent, even when they thought no one was listening, faced discrimination, inequality and racism, triumphed in their battles against oppression and for civil rights and inspired those who followed in their footsteps. Told in easy to read, conversational style, each chapter is rich in both anecdotal and historical detail and accompanied by Stephen Alcorn's beautiful and bold oil painting illustrations. Perfect for youngsters 10 and older, Let It Shine also makes a wonderful read-aloud book the entire family can share and enjoy.

"Let It Shine: The Stories of Ten Black Women Freedom Fighters" is an amazing, entertaining, and educational journey back through time for both children and adults alike. The stories accurately depict the changing face of America for all people. The author, Andrea Davis Pinkney, uses a combination of oral stories and historical facts to re-create the lives of ten African American women "freedom fighters" (a.k.a. civil rights activists.) The descriptive language Pinkney uses keeps the style of the text upbeat and enjoyable. Among the list of women are Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks. However, there is also a presence of many unknown women, such as Shirley Chisholm, an inspirational politician, and Biddy Mason, a one-time slave with never ending generosity. The stories are quite diverse, spanning a history of nearly the entire 20th century. Some of these historical references include the signing of the emancipation proclamation, the peaceful demonstrations of the civil rights movement, and the Democratic Convention of 1968. There is one common, underlying goal of each story- inspiration. From Harriet Tubman's Underground Railroad to Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her seat, there is a sublte undertone that promotes and requires action. These women learned that justice comes from not only speaking, but doing. Their stories and successes encourage people of all ages to get up and fight against inequality. The combination of descriptive oral stories and historical facts, along with the colorful illustrations, keep readers of any age interested in this text.

Verla Kay's pristine "cryptic rhyme" captures the grace of a fallen nation. Told through exuberant Broken Feather's experiences, the Europeans expansion into Nez Perce's relegation to reservations, the prose captures glimpses into a time past. Stephen Alcorn's illustrations are earthy, textural and spiritual all at once. Words, colored images, text and textures all mesh to tell the tale. In Kay's own words, she hopes to "show the experience and some of the joy and pride of the Nez Perce" and a little bit the Native American experience of European expansion. Great reading for beginners to anyone who loves picture books!

My neice and I read this a-page-at-a-time while on vacation. Now I'm buying it for her birthday. We enjoyed a daily chuckle and an occasional laugh out loud as we considered the musings of these insightful children. I have three babies of my own and my niece is a pre-med pediatric student. She and I identified with these letters and we wondered how God might answer. Our favorite: "Dear God; Maybe people in this world wouldn't kill each other so much if they had their own rooms. It works for my brother and me." If you have children under 10 and woder just what is going on in their busy minds, you HAVE to have a copy of this. If you don't have children and enjoy hearing the voice of innocence, you'll like this book too.

This is a book I first saw at our public library and liked it so much I decided I had to have my own copy. It gives the essence of Lincoln in a chronological and very readable form, with enough background information to let one know the reasons for giving the speech or writing the letter. This is a great book for junior high or high school students although written for adults. The woodcut illustrations are tremendous and add a great deal to the feeling of the book

...with nothing to show for it, except a dream of winning the Boston Marathon. Anyone who has struggled with accepting the responsibility of adulthood -- marriage, children, a "real" job -- will appreciate Myle's desire to escape by running everywhere around Cambridge and Boston, with an obsession that borders on madness. I really enjoyed the way this book blended hilarious situations like Myles "sleep-running" through the subways at night with the dangerous and dark ways his obsession jeopardizes his marriage, friendships, even his own physical and mental health. I highly recommend the book!

Randy Alcorn has written his BEST novel ever!!! I have read all of his novels and "Safely Home" has climbed to the top of my list and is neck to neck with "Deadline" also by Alcorn and in my top ten list of best Christian Fiction books. I too was initially skeptical by the title of the book "Safely Home" and also was distracted by the Chinese Characters written on the cover of the book. PLEASE DO NOT let that stop you from reading this LIFE CHANGING novel!!!!

The story centers around two old college friends who were once roomates and bestfriends. Ben is an American living in the US and is now a promonient, wealthy business man and a divorced father of two. Li-Chen is Chinese, who after studying in the US, moved back to China and has been living there as a locksmith's assistant with his wife & son in a one-room cottage. The two men are reunited during Ben's business trip to China. Ben, who originally introduced Li-Chen to the Lord, has grown cold in his faith and his life focus has shifted to wealth and material things. Li-Chen has grown tremendously as a Christian in China where Christianity is illegal and punishable by the law. When the two friends reunite after many years, the Lord works miraculously in both men's lives and they are changed by their experiences and the work of the Lord in their lives forever.

This book will make you angry and will also bring you to tears...but most importantly- this book will really make you examine your own personal relationship with God and what true "SERVICE TO THE LORD" is really about.

If we are not living each day in light of Christ's return, we need to step back and re-examine our lives. The characters in Alcorn's novel will stay imprinted in your heart and mind forever. This is truly a deep and life-changing novel! Run, don't walk and get a copy of this book and read it! When you finish, pass it on to someone else who is not saved or who needs a "kickstart" in their walk with God. Hopefully, this book will encourage all of us to live our lives in light of eternity, with the goal of making it "Safely Home."

An insightful look into Christian persecution in China (and in the US, if you can call it persecution). The book presents a look into the life of the Chinese house church Christians and wraps it in a fictional, but very believable, story. As an Asian-American, I appreciated how well Randy Alcorn immersed the reader into the Chinese culture. The use of pinyin for key phrases throughout the book really made me believe I was there listening to them speak (though I believe "Zhen jin bu ba huo lian" should be "Zhen jin bu PA huo lian"). There's a lot of interesting information throughout the book about Chinese history and culture, language appreciation, persecution, and governmental corruption. It also takes on addressing several issues such as human rights, civil disobedience, God allowing suffering, and what is heaven like. While reading the book, it was apparent a lot of research and prayer went into it.

The book has personally challenged me to live a life of picking up the cross daily and to pray for those around me and the persecuted Christians throughout the world.

If you want to learn more about China and be challenged in your Christian walk, I'd highly recommend Safely Home.

Warning, do not read this book if you do not want to be challenged by God. It is a life changing book that will make you
think twice about your personal faith. This book has given me an insight of the persecuted Chinese christians and has given me a heart for them. Alcorn's bring the characters of Li Quan and Ben Fielding to life. Li Quan reminds me of the apostle Paul. Now, when I read Paul's letters to the churches in the bible they take a new meaning. You will find yourself crying with their trails. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a revival in your personal walk. Believe me, you will never take God's word for granted after reading this book.

Randy Alcorn has written a masterpiece. I cannot say enough about how much this insightful book has influenced my understanding of how Christians ought to think about and handle their material resources. This book addresses so many Biblical principles with such clarity of thought and focus that it's difficult to pick out the best highlights. I began dog-earing pages for future reference (something I almost NEVER do), and I ended up turning down the corner of nearly every other page! Alcorn is as insightful as Burkett, as practical as Blue, and as clear as Hendricks or Swindoll. Since everyone will answer to God in eternity, I believe this book ought to be required reading for every Christian. Alcorn is especially adept at examining the concept of "materialism" -- exactly what it is and what it means. Without a doubt in my mind, the finest book ever on this much-neglected subject. In addition, Alcorn's book had a major influence on co-author Jim Burgess and me when we recently wrote "The Debt-Free Church" for Moody Press. Thanks, Randy, and I pray that "Money. Possessions, and Eternity" is soon back in print

Randy Alcorn's book is the best on the subject of money that I've come across for Christians who want to cultivate a heart that will lead to good stewardship of worldly possessions in this life. His biblical scholarship is top rate and his arguments are very timely and superbly articulated. I am amazed by the wisdom and discernment shown in this book and plan to read it over and over. I can't recommend this book more enthusiastically.

I am submitting this book for addition to The Baker Family Foundation family wealth position statement to guide future generations on material decision making directed to honor God for both family comsumption and Foundation use. Long sought for text for one believing to be God driven to accumulate wealth. Not for the temporally poor nor ungodly rich. A breathtaking relief of common sense from comprehensive scripture texts and commentary about money, possessions & eternity.

Wow, was I ever surprised as all heck when this novel ended up being one of the greatest I've ever read. Not having too much background on Roman history, my preliminary thought was that I would be turned off after reading the first fifty pages. However, that thought was soon contradicted, and I found myself staying up an extra half hour every night just to see the following events.

I, Claudius is, without a doubt, a masterpiece in historical fiction. Much like Lonesome Dove, it made me more open-minded towards different types of literature. It has its own intellecutal wit, superfluous yet absorbing description, and a great storyline. Graves does a superb job at expressing the bad people surrounding Claudius (Livia, Tiberius, Caligula) and the good (Postumus, Augustus, Germanicus). I'm sure this wasn't an easy novel for Graves to write and it's an example of extreme determination and research.

Those reasons can be accountable for it being considered one of the greatest American novels of all time. However, there are certain aspects about it that some overlook. Take the character of Claudius. Though the customs and culture of Ancient Rome are far different than that of late 90's America, the position of Claudius is not. He is an outcast. People look towards him with disgust and make fun of his disabilities. He is barely given any chances and does not exactly have the greatest family life. Yet in the end, he does prevail as Emperor, even though he does not want to be. Let a teenager with tolerance and time read this novel, and most likely they will see how Claudius can relate to many others nowadays. Claudius, I believe, is one of the most dignified and respectable characters in literature. In spite of the harsh criticism, he remains resolute and loyal.

I guess that's it. So I end with saying that this novel is a sure pleaser. HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. I still have yet to read CLAUDIUS THE GOD.

There isn't a single negative comment that can be raised against Robert Graves' magnum opus, the "I, Claudius" series. The work is sublime, transcendent, spectacularly well-written...and always engaging. Every page is dripping with humor and intrigue, kings and pretenders, savages and aesthetes. This is the quintessential work by an amazing classicist, scholar and man.

"I, Claudius" recounts Imperial Rome (from Augustus to Nero) from the perspective of a stuttering, half-lamed, studied dim-wit, the Emperor Claudius. Using Suetonius and Tacitus as his main sources, Graves constructs a marvelous narrative of the precocious and turbulent time that was Rome's imperial birth, childhood and adolescence. Certainly, Octavian (later Augustus) was the father of Imperial Rome, but it is with plots and debauches of subsequent rulers that Graves' story really comes alive.

At the close of the first book, we're presented with the death of the completely deranged, self-styled god, Caligula, and the rise to power, as long prophesied, of Tiberius Claudius Drusus Nero Germanicus (Claudius), the "fool" of the ancient Claudian family, the stammerer...and, at long last, the Emperor of Rome!

Reading Tacitus and Suetonius, it's easy to see why Graves would be inspired to fictionalize such a history. The pages...these so-called histories read like tabloid sensations, military annals and superstitious prayer books all rolled into one. Graves does a marvelous job of capturing the essence of one of the most famous periods in Western history.

Livy, Tacitus, Suetonius, Pollio: eat your heart out. Graves wins the day!

The book was given to me by my sister, who's just secured her M.A. in art history. She raved about the book and I honestly was not interested in reading it. However, this season's Hollywood release of GLADIATOR motivated me into understanding the machinations of Roman Imperial life. I read the book in three sittings! Absolutely amazing; the clevely written anecdotes thunder through today's "not-so-advanced" society.

The three mediums of film (GLADIATOR), TV and printed text collide into an zeitgeist epiphany: after reading this masterfully crafted tome, we may analyze the recent pop culture phenomenon, CBS' SURVIVOR, as "more of the same" in human nature. Humans adore intrigue, scheming and interpersonal conflict.

Robert Graves' sequel, CLAUDIUS THE GOD, will likely be devoured with equal literary relish.

This book would also serve as a colourful source for students of history, politics, psychology and anthropology.