A Fragile Stone

Winner of a Chicago Book Clinic Design Award

A Fragile Stone explores the dynamic life of the apostle Peter, revisiting well-known passages and revealing unexpected insights. Author Michael Card sketches out Peter's life, showing how the impetuous fisherman of the Gospels was transformed into the pivotal leader of the early church. "The ultimate reason for getting to know Peter," Card explains, "is so together we might better know Jesus. For the story of Peter is the story of Jesus. Perhaps, if you and I do our best, the same will be said of us someday."

Peter's life serves as a model for Christian discipleship, offering hope that we likewise can be changed as Jesus calls us to follow him.



In a career that spans 30 years, Michael Card has recorded over 31 albums, authored or co-authored over 24 books, hosted a radio program, and written for a wide range of magazines. An award-winning musician and performing artist, he has penned such favorites as "El Shaddai," "Immanuel" and many other songs. He has branched his ministry beyond music and written numerous books, including A Sacred Sorrow, A Violent Grace, The Parable of Joy and Sleep Sound in Jesus (a children's book). He has also written the Biblical Imagination Series, with a book and accompanying music CD for each of the four gospels. A graduate of Western Kentucky University with a bachelor's and master's degree in biblical studies, Card also serves as mentor to many younger artists and musicians, teaching courses on the creative process and calling the Christian recording industry into deeper discipleship. Card lives in Tennessee with his wife and four children.



Manning is the author of A Glimpse of Jesus (HarperSanFrancisco, 2003).

Foreword by Brennan Manning


Introduction: The Search for Simon
Part 1: The Stone


1. A Meeting on the Seashore - John 1:40-43


2. Jesus the Fisherman - Luke 5:1-11


3. A Glimpse Inside His Household - Luke 4:38-39


4. The Fearless Water Walker - Matthew 14:22-33


5. Who They Both Are - Matthew 16:13-23


6. Loyal Despair - John 6:53-71


7. "Fear Not!" - Mark 9:2-10


8. Back to Fishing - Matthew 17:24-27


9. Confusion at the Final Meal - John 13:6-10


10. Dismay in the Garden - Mark 14:27-42


11. The Despairing Denier - Mark 14:66-72


12. ". . . and Peter" - Mark 16:7


13. A Farewell on the Seashore - John 21:1-23
Part 2: The Bridge


14. The Passionate Preacher - Acts 1--5


15. The Compassionate Healer - Acts 3:1-10; 9:32-42


16. The Fearless Prisoner - Acts 4:1-4; 5:18-20; 12:1-19


17. The Reluctant Reconciler - Acts 10:1-33


18. The Passionate Writer - 1-2 Peter


Epilogue: The Faithful Martyr


Bibliography


About the Author