It's my hope that as you dip your toe into the Bible's story and viewpoint, you'll find yourself feeling that the Good Book knows more about the world - and about you - than any normal book does.

The book, Max on Life, is really kind of a second chance to answer these questions.

Forgiveness doesn't diminish justice; it just entrusts it to God. He guarantees the right retribution.

Does God care if I'm sad? Look at the tear-streaked face of Jesus as he stands near Lazarus's tomb.

I think we have such a crown jewel in the forgiveness of God, and it changes people's lives.

I do think there is great strength, though, in starting a sermon with a story, then returning to that story at the end. That puts book ends to a sermon. It is a real simple technique that communicates to the audience that there is a sense of closure, that they have a package here, or we began and we closed with this. I think that's just a nice technique.

We need to remember that the first disciples were ordinary men called to an extraordinary mission. Their devotion to Jesus outweighed- by hair- their fears and insecurities. As a result God change them and use them to accomplish some mind-boggling things. Why couldn't God - why wouldn't God do the same in your life?