Following are sites I really like and invite you to explore:

The Case for Christ
www.the-case-for-christ.com
"The Case for Christ," a book written by former atheist and award-winning journalist Lee Strobel, is a powerful exploration of evidence that backs Jesus Christ's identity as God. Featuring interviews with scholars from medicine, science, archaeology, psychology, philosophy, languages, law and theology, Strobel probes the identity and legitimacy of Jesus by asking questions such as:

• Can the Biographies of Jesus Be Trusted?
• Was Jesus Crazy When He Claimed to be the Son of God?
• Did Jesus - and Jesus Alone - Match the Identity of the Messiah?
• Was Jesus' Death a Sham and Resurrection a Hoax?

"The Case for Christ" compels skeptics and believers to take a serious look at who Jesus is. I also suggest reading an article written by Strobel featuring his transformation from atheist to believer, located at www.gegrapha.org/resources/lee1.htm.

Thru the Bible Radio
www.ttb.org
Of all the sources that have helped me find hope in God, Thru the Bible Radio and its founder, J. Vernon McGee, have been the most influential. McGee's radio bible teaching ministry, "Thru the Bible Radio," started in 1967 and has grown into a five-year program that broadcasts on more than 400 radio stations daily in the United States and Canada and is heard in more than 100 languages around the world.

For me, reading and listening to McGee's straight-ahead delivery has been like someone turning a light on the Bible. He tells it like it is, but his bluntness is always driven by a deep love for God and for people. His sense of humor is like icing on the cake. Though it took a long time for me to get used to him (his accent can be hard to take), I've come to treasure him, his teaching and his voice as good friends. Though McGee is now deceased, the way he helped people to understand God's Word is timeless.

In Touch Ministries
www.intouch.org
Charles Stanley is my favorite living broadcast minister. Your mind rarely wanders when listening to him, because he thinks deep, talks fast and packs a ton of Godly knowledge in each sermon. Stanley's teaching conveys a strong passion for Jesus and compassion for people through a delivery that appeals to the heart and mind. Stanley's ministry site, www.intouch.org, offers extensive information including archives of his TV and radio programs, the latter covering several years.

Joyce Meyer/Life in the Word
www.joycemeyer.org
The more I listen to and read Joyce Meyer's teaching, the more I like her. She deals with the ups and downs of everyday living and shows how Jesus is with those who trust Him every step of the way. She openly shares how God has taught her to deal with challenges. Joyce also has a great sense of humor. Some of her books that I suggest reading include "The Battlefield of the Mind," "Mastering Your Emotions" and "Knowing God Intimately."

Tony Evans/The Urban Alternative
www.tonyevans.org
Dr. Tony Evans always "keeps it real." Pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church in Dallas, Texas and a minister of that church for more than 25 years, Evans is also president of The Urban Alternative, "a national organization that seeks to bring about spiritual renewal in urban America through the church." Tony Evans has a great ability to present God's Word in a very down-to-earth and uplifting way. His radio program is broadcast internationally and he is on several TV stations. His many books include "The Promise," a profile of the Holy Spirit that I have found very helpful, though I took me a while to understand its powerful truths. Others of his I've enjoyed include "Our God is Awesome" and "Who Is this King of Glory," an examination of the characteristics of God.

City of Hope Church
www.cityofhopechurch.com
City of Hope Church is my home church and I invite you to visit us! Located in Chicago, Illinois, City of Hope is led by Senior Pastor Vince Lambert and Associate Pastor LaTonia Lambert. The Lamberts love Jesus and have a real passion for sharing and encouraging others through the power of Scripture and the Holy Spirit. They always welcome others to join in fellowship. In addition to heart-filled Sunday services, they offer a great Bible study on Thursday evenings. We laugh, share, ask questions and learn much. One of my friends couldn't believe me when I told her Bible study can be fun, but it is - I actually feel bad on the few occasions I can't attend, because I know I missed out! Even on days when you're not necessarily "in the mood" to praise God and study His Word, you leave out better than when you went in.

Discipleship Journal Magazine
www.navpress.com/Magazines/DJ/
Though you won't find this magazine at Borders, Discipleship Journal is a cool publication devoted to growing one's closeness to Christ. I first discovered it through a friend of mine. The magazine features many good articles with Scripturally based insights on maturing one's relationship with Jesus, other believers and helping others to mature in their faith. Each issue offers a major spread on a topic, such as fear, joy or heaven; other articles and regular sections also are included. It closes with "Classics," a page showcasing God-themed writings that continue to resonate over time. Discipleship Journal also presents engaging artwork and design that complement its articles.

Left Behind Book Series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins
www.leftbehind.com
Typically I don't read much fiction, and I had never considered Christian fiction before the "Left Behind" books. For some reason I kept seeing the books in various places, liked the cover design and out of curiosity, finally decided to flip through one at the library. After reading the first one I was hooked and had to get my hands on the rest. I'm up to #8, "The Mark," there will be 12 books total and the 11th, "Armageddon," is currently available. The last book, "Glorious Appearing," will be available March 2004; I'm waiting until then to catch up, because the suspense of waiting to read the ending was making me nuts!

Left Behind features a group of characters trapped in global chaos on the brink of the end of the world. Though fictional, the stories are based on real, specific Biblical prophecies that ultimately point to Jesus Christ's coming return to earth as Ruler and Judge of all. More than an exciting read, the "Left Behind" books - which have been national bestsellers on mainstream and Christian book lists and have been translated into 21 languages - have sparked the interest of thousands across the world in biblical prophecy. They have helped many see how the groundwork for Jesus' return is being laid now, through actions such as the unification of Europe and the move toward a one-world religion. They have helped me better appreciate Jesus' gift of salvation for every believer. The books also emphasize how precious every second is that each person has to live and to make a choice for Jesus. What's most exciting is knowing that these books have helped many people find Jesus as God for themselves. There's a non-fiction book available that features stories of those who found faith in Christ by reading the Left Behind books, called "These Will Not Be Left Behind."

Another non-fiction book by LaHaye and Jenkins titled "Are We Living in the End Times?," helps readers examine current events in light of things God revealed thousands of years ago, through His prophets. It's pretty riveting stuff.

Christianbook.com
www.christianbook.com
Books, books and more books! This is an awesome site, offering a rich source of all types of books related to Christ and Christianity. It offers notable discounts on retail prices, substantial even after shipping costs are added. You also can find an extensive variety of videos/DVDs, CDs and accessories here.