Many people will be wearin’ the green this week – sporting shamrocks, downing a tankard of green beer, and saying important things like “Erin go bragh!” as they greet one another at their favorite watering-hole. All to honor St. Patrick – or, rather, St. Patrick’s name as an excuse for a little pre-spring goofiness. The saint himself would be shocked – but not surprised. Many people seem to know St. Patrick – but not very well. Perhaps this week you could help them out:

“Patrick Redux – Again,” by T. M. Moore

“How the West Was Christianized,” by Charles Colson

“Service of the Scribes,” by Charles Colson

Order the book, St. Patrick, by Jonathan Rogers, from our online store.

A conversation starter: “It seems like everybody knows something about St. Patrick. But what most people don’t know is that St. Patrick was not Irish! That’s right, he was a missionary from Britain to Ireland, but he was used in amazing ways on behalf of the Irish people.”

After a year of warm-ups and struttin’ around, Washington’s politicians are in the starting blocks, and the mark is at “set.” Health care reform seems ready to blast down the track – or, down our throats? Christians really need to be ready to talk about this issue, but not as an isolated issue. For the movement for health care reform begs the larger issue of the role of government in American life. Here are some resources to guide

“Bitter Medicine,” by Charles Colson

“Who Pays? The Cost of Health Care,” by Charles Colson

“The Political Illusion,” by Charles Colson

Order the book, God and Government, by Charles Colson, from our online store.

A conversation starter: “It looks like health care reform will be coming at us soon. Are we really sure that this is government’s responsibility? When does the responsibility of citizens end and government begin?”

Folks in Northern Virginia and elsewhere are looking forward to spring. We’ve had enough of winter, thank you very much! Christians in every age have found spring a time of renewal, revival, and celebrating the resurrection life of Christ. This might be a good time to spring on the table in some of your conversations, and see if you can’t spark a discussion about more spiritual matters. Here are some resources that can guide your thinking:

“Beware of the Easter Bunny,” by Charles Colson

“William Cowper and Creation,” by Dr. David Naugle

Order the book, Think About These Things, by Ric Ergenbright and John Piper from our online store.

A conversation starter: “I’m so glad that spring will be back soon. I always look forward to this season of renewal and revival. How does the change of seasons affect you?”

“Culture and Compromise,” by Charles Colson

“Satan’s Designs: The Corrosive Power of Sin,” by T. M. Moore

Order the book, Signature Sins, by Michael Mangis, from our online store.

A conversation starter: “Just like Toyota, a lot of people get in trouble when they don’t check moral compromise at its root. How do you deal with the little compromises and transgressions that find a way into your life?”

The war in Afghanistan – and the War on Terror generally – is not likely to be over any time soon. Already, many Americans are wearying of the effort. Shouldn’t we have defeated the enemy by now? Are we sure this is a proper war? Is this a best use of the resources of a free people? The resources that follow can equip you to talk about this important subject from the perspective of a Christian worldview.

“The Back Page: Just War in Iraq” by Charles Colson

“A Just War: When Is Military Action Morally Justified?” by Dinesh D’Souza

Or order the book, Just War as Christian Discipleship, by Daniel M. Bell, Jr.

A conversation starter: “I thank God daily for the men and women who are fighting to protect our freedoms. I wonder if there’s more we could do to support the just war effort against terrorism?”

Many Americans are beginning to express concern about the rising national debt. We are a society awash in all kinds of debt. Can this be a good thing? How can we make sure that we aren’t getting over-extended as individuals and a people? How should Christians think about this question of debt?

“Uncle Sam is Broke,” by Charles Colson

“Picking America’s Pockets,” by Charles Colson

Order the book, The Family Budget Workbook, by Larry Burkett.

A conversation starter: “Man, the government just keeps spending and printing money. Wish I could do that! There’s got to be a better way to think about debt. What do you think?”