Gang-member-turned-evangelist Nicky Cruz has noticed what he calls a disturbing trend in the church. As he preaches worldwide, he sees an increasing unawareness of the devil and the threat he poses. In his latest book, Cruz exposes the unrelenting attacks of Satan and issues a battle cry. 

In The Devil Has No Mother: Why He’s Worse Than You Think—But God is Greater (9781617951893, $14.99), releasing from Worthy Publishing this month, Cruz writes that he has had “more experience with the evil one than most.” 

Growing up in Puerto Rico, Cruz was victimized by his parents’ occult activity. People began to say about him, “Ese hombre no tiene madre.” Translated, this old Spanish saying is, “This guy has no mother,” and it refers to boys who seem bent on evil and destruction.

In the 1950s, a teenaged Cruz moved to New York City and became warlord of a gang involved in drug use and crime. But, through David Wilkerson’s efforts, Cruz came to Christ and later became an evangelist. His dramatic testimony was told in The Cross and the Switchblade (Chosen/Baker Publishing Group), a book that has sold more than 15 million copies and was made into a film.

Cruz says Satan’s greatest trick is deceiving people into believing he doesn’t exist. 

“The devil is real and active in this world. ... We need a knowledge of his power, as well as of the even greater power for good that is available to us,” he writes. 

But Cruz emphasizes the superior power of God. 

“The overriding message of this book is one of confidence and reassurance,” he writes, reminding readers that “the end of the story has already been written.” 

To order, call Capitol Christian Distribution at 800-877-4443.

Eva Piper shares her personal story after husband Don’s popularity rose with his trip-to-heaven testimony 

One split second was all it took. In 1989, Eva Piper’s life changed forever when her pastor-husband, Don, was pronounced dead at the scene of a car accident. A semi had crossed the center line and hit his car head-on. A pastor who was driving behind Don stopped, laid hands on him and prayed. 

As told in 90 Minutes in Heaven (Revell/Baker Publishing Group), Eva’s husband returned to life 90 minutes later, and he says that in that time, he had gone to heaven. Told with the help of Cecil Murphey, Don’s story stayed on the New York Times best-seller list for nearly four years.

Now Eva has also collaborated with Murphey to explain her experiences at her husband’s side during recovery, including his 34 surgeries and severe depression. Releasing this month from Thomas Nelson, A Walk Through the Dark: How My Husband’s 90 Minutes in Heaven Deepened My Faith for a Lifetime recounts how her journey strengthened her faith and revealed abilities she didn’t realize she had.

For 15 years, Eva had relied on her husband for decision-making. With the accident, however, she had to make all the decisions. One of the most difficult was whether to authorize either the amputation of her husband’s leg or the use of a device to stimulate bone growth.

Since childhood, Eva had feared the dark. She also feared figurative darkness and yet she faced many dark days after the accident. Eva tells how God caused her to grow  as she became more assertive and her prayer life intensified.

Eva’s decision to allow the use of the device on Don’s leg resulted in success. In time, his major injuries healed, although he still deals with pain and some long-term challenges. The book also provides helpful information to caregivers. 

To order, call 800-251-4000 or visit www.thomasnelson.com.

Releases include Michael Card’s Gospel-focused music and rockers We As Human

MATTHEW
Michael Card
InterVarsity Press
9780830838035
June 12

A companion CD to Matthew: The Gospel of Identity (IVP Books) from the “Biblical Imagination Series,” Matthew: The Penultimate Question aims to help the listener engage with the Gospel of Matthew. The CD includes 10 new songs from best-selling artist Michael Card.

Orders: 800-843-7225.

WE AS HUMAN
We As Human
Atlantic/Word Records (Word Distribution)
075678732089
June 25

Recorded in Los Angeles under the direction of producer Howard Benson (Skillet, Three Days Grace, My Chemical Romance), the 10-track, self-titled rock release is the first full-length album from Nashville band We As Human. 

Comprised of lead singer Justin Cordle and members Jake Jones, Justin Forshaw, Adam Osborne and Dave Draggoo, We As Human was discovered by Skillet lead singer John Cooper and signed to Atlantic/Word Records via Hear It Loud, a partnership helmed by Cooper, manager Zach Kelm and attorney Todd Rubenstein. 

The project features special appearances from Cooper and Lacey Sturm of Flyleaf. Highlights include songs “Strike Back” and “We Fall Apart.” 

WE WON’T BE SHAKEN
Building 429
Essential Records (Provident Distribution)
083061097929
June 4

Working again with producers Jason Ingram and Rob Hawkins, pop/rock band Building 429 recorded 10 new songs for We Won’t Be Shaken with messages that aim to encourage listeners to erase fear, stand firm and believe in a God who cannot be shaken.

The album includes a new, live acoustic version of the band’s No. 1 Billboard Christian Song of the Year, “Where I Belong.”

A heart divided: Based on the Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group novel of the same title by best-selling author Beverly Lewis, The Confession tells the story of Katie Lapp (Katie Leclerc, Switched at Birth), who was raised by an Amish family, but starts on a quest to find her birth-mother, Laura Mayfield-Bennett (Sherry Stringfield, ER). Along the way, two men try to help her overcome a devious scheme to steal her rightful inheritance and divide her heart between two worlds. Distributed by Provident Distribution starting June 11, the 88-minute DVD from Provident Films retails for $19.99. 

Blimp-sized answers: In the latest from Phil Vischer’s “What’s in the Bible?” series, Clive & Ian’s Wonder-Blimp of Knowledge 2, takes off for the skies to answer seven “big questions about God.” Questions like “Why should I pray?” and “Does God tell the truth?” are answered in a way that’s fun and easy for the whole family to understand. To be released June 18 by Jellyfish Labs and distributed by Capitol Christian Distribution, the 60-minute video retails for $12.99. 

A voice for truth: The dramatic story of St. Augustine, who rejected fame and fortune in fourth-century Rome and Milan to become one of the greatest theologians of the church, is chronicled in The Augustine Story. The latest 30-minute animated biography in “The Torchlighters: Heroes of the Faith” line is distributed by Vision Video. The series is aimed at children aged 8-12. Retailing for $14.99, the DVD, released this month, comes with a four-lesson leader’s guide, reproducible study materials, English and Spanish tracks, and subtitles.

Dramatic but relatable story ‘The Book of Esther’ emphasizes ‘courage, faith and obedience’

A new film based on the Old Testament book of Esther offers “a delightful retelling” of the biblical story, emphasizing the values of courage, faith and obedience, according to the movie’s director.

Good battles evil in The Book of Esther, which tells the timeless story of biblical heroism. David A.R. White, who directed The Book of Esther (857533003318, $19.99, June 4), which is distributed by Pure Flix Entertainment, said Esther is “one of the most beloved female characters in the Bible,” and the film is “done as a palace intrigue with drama and suspense.”

“Recently, we have seen a resurgence of interest in biblical characters and how the things they dealt with then, still resonate with us today,” he told Christian Retailing. “We wanted to make sure the film stayed true to biblical history, but was also relatable to our audience.”

When Esther (Jen Lilley) becomes King Xerxes’ queen, her cousin, Mordecai (Robert Miano) and the despicable Haman (Thaoo Penghlis) engage in a dangerous game of intrigue for control of the young Persian King Xerxes (Joel Smallbone).

Haman plans to exterminate the Jews, including Mordecai and Esther. It is up to Esther to win the affection of Xerxes, unmask Haman’s treachery and save the Jewish people.

“We have a film that centers on a woman who is faced with major decisions that could have long-lasting ramifications and has to consider what her culture would have her do against what she believes God is leading her to do,” White said. “Her choice required her to stand firm in her beliefs and to walk in obedience, despite the risks. We see a wide range of emotions in each character.”

The film’s cast includes Lilley (General Hospital) and Smallbone, lead singer of For King and Country and brother of singer Rebecca St. James. Miano has appeared in many mainstream films, including Donnie Brasco. 

“Audiences can trust the theme and integrity of this project,” White said. “I believe this updated story of Esther will attract not only new audiences and a younger generation, but those who are familiar with the story and find Esther to be one of the most intriguing and inspiring women of the Bible.”

The 90-minute film, approved by The Dove Foundation, is not rated. 

To order The Book of Esther, go to www.pureflix.com or call 480-991-2258, or order through Send The Light Distribution at 800-289-2772, New Day Christian Distributors at 800-251-3633 and Anchor Distributors at 800-444-4484.

Two-time GRAMMY-nominated rock band Skillet saw its 2009 blockbuster album, Awake, recently certified Platinum. The group hopes to have that kind of success with its new project Rise (Atlantic Records/Word Records/Word Distribution), releasing June 25.

Skillet—composed of John Cooper, bass/lead vocals; Korey Cooper, keyboard/guitar/vocals; Jen Ledger, drummer/vocals; and Seth Morrison, guitar—recorded the new album in Los Angeles, where the band teamed up again with producer Howard Benson (My Chemical Romance, All American Rejects).

Frontman John Cooper offered his thoughts on the band and new album:

This album has a coming-of-age theme relating to the typical American kid. Were you surprised by how it developed?

I knew that there were a lot of themes running through the songs; however, being that I wrote 72 songs for the album, I was not sure which ones would get picked. Afterwards, it was, in fact, surprising to see how all the songs came together with such intertwined stories, yet [they] have such diverse topics. It is quite improbable that this could happen outside of God’s plan and timing!

How was the cover art chosen?

After we started talking about the story for the record and the themes therein, my wife, Korey, and I along with our drummer, Jen Ledger, began talking about possible artwork options. Jen liked the idea of trying her hand at drawing it, and upon first look, we loved it. Korey and I had an initial reaction that this artwork was perfect for the story. It was mysterious, emotional, and it had a certain sadness to it that mesmerized me.

You worked with Howard Benson again on Rise. Was your experience similar to working with him on Awake?

In some ways, it was similar in that I knew how Howard likes to work. He is involved during songwriting and pre-production times. Howard is good with songs and helping pick songs that catch his ear. I know that if Howard is being moved by something that I have written, I would be smart to pay attention to that. Next, Howard does not really get overly involved during the guitar tracking and tends to leave that to the band. I quite like that approach because I enjoy trying new things, whether it be guitar parts, sounds, rearranging the songs, etc. It’s nice to not have someone constantly looking over your shoulder and trying to make you fit into a box. Howard lets us do our thing in the studio, then he pays strict attention to vocals. He records all of his own vocals and is extremely picky about the takes he chooses!

“Not Gonna Die” has some interesting choral input. How would you describe the sound on this album?

This entire record is extremely cinematic, musical and even theatrical at times. It seemed like we should try some new elements to help bring the story across and have some fun at the same time. It suddenly crossed my mind that having a chamber choir singing opera with leading into a song as theatrical as “Not Gonna Die” would be the last thing anyone would ever expect. I knew it would either be really awesome or really terrible! I guess the jury is still out on which it turned out to be because no one has heard it yet! But we loved it.

Why did you choose “Sick of It” as the first single?

I knew that “Sick Of It” was the first single ever since the day we started recording the guitars for it. It is just a really fun song to listen to. It’s extremely aggressive, but it also has a groove dance beat to it. Also, the lyrics are surprisingly uplifting and positive for such an angry-sounding song. I think that dichotomy makes people want to hear it over and over because it makes them feel good. And when you break it all down, that’s what makes a great song to me.

You asked fans to submit photos of what they are sick of. What was the response?

We got thousands of responses. It was overwhelming how many people are hurting and want to be heard.

Christian retailers will be intrigued by the song “Salvation,” in which a child quotes from Isaiah 53. Tell us about it and the song “My Religion.”

“Salvation” is the climax of the story. This is the point in the story in which our “hero” is faced with the fact the he will never live up to his own expectations. He realizes that he will be let down at times by those he loves. He realizes that he can never be a “good” enough person to find the peace and acceptance that he desperately is searching for. At this crossroad, he chooses to ask God to save him from himself. He experiences the love of God, and his life is changed forever. Side note, the child reading the scripture from Isaiah is my daughter, Alex!

 “My Religion” is a song that is breaking down the walls of false Christianity. It talks of stained glass and steeples and priests, etc. Not that those things are evil by any means! But we know that God has called us to be the church, which is the body of Christ. We can enter into His presence at all times because it is God who lives inside our hearts. This song says, “You are my priest, you are my truth, you are my religion, my religion is you.” We also sing a stanza of “Amazing Grace” in this song, which I think is a cool way to get the sentiment across.

Your social media following is pretty incredible. How did you build it to many millions?

Skillet is intentional on spending time getting to know our fans. We signed autographs for years, sometimes hours at a time to let them know how we appreciated them. We also give them tons of access to the band online via podcast, interviews, live photos, etc. We have always appreciated their support and try to be “real” with them rather than treat them like fans, while we are “super-important rock stars.” We are not afraid to act goofy and tell corny jokes, laugh at ourselves when we fall accidentally on stage, etc. It lets people know that we are with and for them.

You’re popular in the mainstream as well as Christian markets. Will that change the band in any way, do you think?

Skillet has always been confident of who we are, whether we are playing a Christian music festival, touring with TobyMac or Winter Jam, or whether we are opening for a mainstream band on a tour that is sponsored by a brand of beer. We have always encouraged Christians to live their faith in an uncompromising way. We have always encouraged Christians to love people and show Christ’s love for the world by our eagerness to accept them rather than be judgmental. On the flip side, we have always been consistent to share our faith on and off stage at mainstream performances as well. There have seen hundreds of emails, tweets, letters, phone calls to my manager from youth ministers and parents who came to watch Skillet perform in front of a mainstream act, mainly to prove what they thought they already knew—which was that ‘Skillet is a sell-out Christian band who never talks about Jesus,’ and they do not want their kids listening to our music. But they came to the show and something happened they did not expect: Skillet shared Jesus from stage in front a beer-drinking crowd! We have never backed down from our faith, and have consistently been vocal about Jesus on and off the stage. I dare say that Skillet is one of, if not the single most outspoken crossover Christian band when it comes to speaking about Jesus on stage. It’s who we are and I don’t ever plan on that changing.

How can Christian retail stores best sell Skillet albums?

The biggest roadblock for Skillet selling records at Christian retail has always been that parents or youth workers or even other Christian kids have heard that Skillet is a “mainstream” band. They wonder if Skillet members are actually serious about our faith. And frankly, I don’t blame them! I grew up listening to Christian bands, and I know what it’s like to love a band and support them for years, only to see them “go mainstream” and then try and act like they were never a Christian band to start with. Subsequently, those bands may have never shared their faith, and even sometimes have denied their belief in God after they became successful in the mainstream. What I hope to see happen is for the fans who have seen us play, and have been affected by our music and message, to spread the word of Skillet’s consistent loyalty to Christ and Christian music with those who are skeptical about our faith. Explain that even though our lyrics are sometimes ambiguous, or “open to interpretation,” it does not mean that we are not sharing the message. We view our songs like I view Jesus’ parables. They are little bits of truth being scattered on the ground. Hopefully, the Holy Spirit will water those seeds, and some will take root.