Book reviews archive - Re:fresh books & christian resources

Books available from re:fresh books & christian resources. You may reproduce these reviews in your church magazine if you wish but please acknowedge re:fresh books & christian resources and/or include the words "available from re:fresh books & christian resources, 23 The Broadway, Tolworth, Surbiton KT6 7DJ"

The Faith of Barack Obama by Stephen Mansfield
164 pages, hardback, £13.99

Books about Money issues

In the current economic climate there is a need for clear guidance on Money issues. The books listed below (most of which are new) fall into two groups - the first two are for a general readership with no overt Christian content and are specifically intended to help people with money problems. The other two are intended for Christians, designed to give a Biblical understanding of money issues.

The sixty minute debt buster by Katie Clarke with Rob Parsons

Don’t be misled by the title. Unless you are a speed reader this 125-page book will take longer. But it is worth it! Although it is published by Lion Publishing and has the name of a well-known figure in evangelical circles, this book is written for the general public with no Biblical references or Christian allusions. This makes it ideal for counselling Christians and non-Christians alike. Katie Clarke is a lawyer who specialises in debt.

It is written for those who are facing debt, repossession of their home or bankruptcy and seeks to offer a way through. Throughout it is packed with useful advice that will help anybody whether they are in debt, struggling to keep out of debt, or seeking to help others. It gives guidance on assessing your situation, with the all-important income, expenditure and debt forms; It talks about practical ways to save money on “essentials”; it takes a hard look at credit cards, credit cheques, and consolidation loans; and it gives advice on responding to final demands and prioritising who to pay and how much. Each chapter ends with a valuable “sixty second page” summarising the essential points. It includes many useful websites for the computer-user and has a list of agencies able to help with advice and counselling. 125 pages, £6.99.

The Money Secret by Rob Parsons

This is another book written for the general reader. Rob Parsons needs no introduction to many – The founder of Care for the Family, author and speaker who conducts seminars for businesses and church leaders. The Money Secret was first published in 2005. In his own style Rob takes us on a journey with Amy, a young lady on the verge of suicide, as she learns “the money secret”. It takes us through much of the same material as The sixty minute debt buster but in a narrative style that will appeal to the less analytically minded. And, yes, it also includes income/expenditure forms, checklists and useful contacts. 210 pages, £6.99.

The Money Revolution by John Preston

This booklet is written for Christians to help them think Christianly about money. It is based on the premise that how we spend, or save, our money is an expression of our faith. It is written as a workbook and establishes five principles about money, stewardship and accountability, applying these practically to everyday living in the 21^st century. Mortgages, student loans, credit cards, insurance, extended warranties, interest-free payment terms, consolidation loans, savings and pensions are all examined. There are forms for calculating personal finances. And the final chapter looks at Christian giving, including an exhortation for every Christian to make a will.

This is a small (64-page) booklet at a modest price - £3.00. There is even an associated website with downloadable spreadsheets, group study aids, sermon notes and a PowerPoint presentation based on the five main principles. Stuck to the cover is a credit-card sized card, that can be kept in a pocket or wallet, with a reminder of the five principles plus six “pointers to good spending”.

Money - A CWR Life Issues Bible Study by Keith Tondeur

Publication of this latest in the CWR Life Issues Bible Study series was brought forward because of the present economic climate. Written by the founder of the money education charity, Credit Action, it is intended for small group study or personal use. It could also be used by a couple or in a one-to-one study.

Four studies cover:-
     Handling Money God’s way
     Good Stewardship
     A Materialistic World
     Giving, debt and saving

While there are questions for discussion within each section, the approach is more didactic with Bible teaching and application looking at principles rather than specific issues such as those mentioned in the reviews above.

Two modern-day C.S. Lewises?

Two very different books on the current bestsellers lists in Christian bookshops tackle some of the hard questions about the Christian faith from a totally different viewpoint. The Reason for God by Timothy Keller, seeks to argue the case for belief in God in an age of scepticism, tackling head-on some of the common objections to belief. The Shack by William P Young, is a novel that tackles the question “Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain”. It might be argued that Keller’s apologetic is aimed at the ‘thinker’ while Young’s novel will appeal more to the ‘feeler’.

The Reason for God flows from Keller’s ministry in a Manhattan Church, founded in 1989 to reach out to a generation of sceptics, critics and cynics, and now serving a congregation of more than 5,000. The book is in two halves. The first half tackles some of the big questions that hinder faith in God – Why does God allow suffering … how could a loving God send people to Hell … why isn’t Christianity more inclusive … how can one religion be right and another wrong … why have so many wars been fought in the name of God. The second half of the book (which I found intellectually more satisfying) looks at reasons for faith – the evidence for God, the problem of sin, the true story of the cross, the argument for resurrection and our response. Keller’s approach is apologetic with relatively few Bible references and quotes, and yet it is rooted in Scripture as one would expect from a writer of the reformed school. The extensive section of ‘notes’ at the end is more than just a bibliography, often expanding helpfully on issues raised in the main text.

The Shack is rightly described as a “publishing Phenomenon”. A Christian book, initially rejected by all the major American Publishers, it went on to occupy the Number One Position on the New York Times Paperback Trade Fiction list on June 8 last year and has retained that position ever since (as at Feb 7 2009).

It is a novel about a man whose daughter is abducted; he receives a letter from somebody claiming to be God inviting him to return to the scene of his daughter’s death. Some readers will be uncomfortable with the way in which the book represents God, but the dialogue as the hero, Mack, confronts God conveys the message powerfully. It tackles a variety of issues, but paramount is “how can God allow such suffering?” Young himself knew abuse as a child. The frequent references to a time known as “the Great Sadness” in the hero’s life will strike chords with many readers and the message about forgiveness carries a hard but necessary challenge.

Keller and Young could hardly be more different in their style, and yet both authors evoke elements of C.S. Lewis – Keller in his style of logic and Young in his use of the narrative style. Both books are published in the UK by Hodder.

Five week's worth of fresher-friendly ideas for new students. FRESH provides bite-sized daily inspiration and challenges covering everything from writing essays to writing home, from making friends to making the grade, from debt to dating.

FRESH offers a challenging introduction to maintaining a strong personal Christian faith but keeps its main emphasis on discovering how Christian students can make the most of their faith, relationships and studies. From someone who's been there and done that.

The Irresistible Revolution - Living as an ordinary radical
by Shane Claiborne

Ever wondered what your life would be like if you really did sell all your possessions and give to the poor ... or opened your house to anyone and everyone ... or were not only willing but happy to be taken advantage of?

Now you’re starting to understand Shane Claiborne. He is the founder of The Simple Way, a community in inner city Philadelphia. It’s been running now for 10 years, constantly learning new ways to love the poor around them. They’ve given out food, clothes, newsletters, planted flowers and been arrested.

The Book addresses questions about the church and the world through some incredible stories of The Simple Way. It is both inspiring and challenging.

It’s well worth reading for anyone who is finding contemporary Christianity unexciting, or who just wants to be inspired to love people.
Review by Alistair Wilson

Other recent Titles

God’s Undertaker – Has science buried God? by John Lennox.

John Lennox, Reader in Mathematics at Oxford University, takes a fresh look at the relationship between science and God arguing that science sits more comfortably with theism than atheism. Chapters look at current issues such as reductionism, intelligent design, the origin of life and the genetic code.

Cherishing the Earth by Martin & Margot Hodson

This book looks at modern ecological concerns from a Biblical perspective, seeking to understand God’s concern for his whole creation. It draws on examples of people who have responded to the challenge of sustainable living and encourages Christians to become more involved at local, national and international levels.

The future of justification by John Piper

John Piper addresses the current debate surrounding the atoning work of Jesus, and in particular the views of NT (Tom) Wright. The book is described as “a model of how theological disagreements should be handled” as Piper applies his pastoral concern for the truth of the Gospel.

Real Life Jesus by Mike Cain.

Using John’s Gospel as his platform, Mike Cain challenges the reader to set aside modern caricatures of Jesus and consider the real Jesus in the light of his claims. The book is suitable for people exploring the Christian Faith and New Christians as well as those who have an established faith.

Jack Deere was a self proclaimed Bible Deist. He believed that the only way God speaks today is through the Bible, so the importance of Christianity lies in learning the Bible back to front and applying it to you’re life. After meeting a man who believed in God’s healing power he came to believe that God may still interact in the world as He did in Bible times. This changed his relationship with God. Surprised by the Power of the Spirit tells of his discovery of God’s continuing intervention in our world, Surprised by the Voice of God tells of Deere’s journey into learning how to hear God’s voice today.

This book draws heavily from both the Bible, which Deere knows extremely well, and personal experience. It shows the great variety that God uses to talk to us providing practical advice with biblical and personal examples. He tells stories gained from spending time with the famous American Paul Cain, who many regard as a modern day prophet, and his stories are told brilliantly, fitting perfectly into the points he is making.

He asks all the questions you can think of when it comes to hearing God’s voice such as How does God speak? How do you distinguish His voice from your feelings? and of course how do I hear God for myself and others? It is well worth a read for anyone who is interested in how God speaks today.

review by Alistair Wilson

Answers to Dawkins

Richard Dawkins’ book The God Delusion has proved a best seller in secular bookshops on both sides of the Atlantic. Dawkins is an eminent scientist and Oxford Professor who has won a number of prestigious awards for his work. He is also an atheist, vehemently opposed to all forms of faith.

The God Delusion is his most outspoken book to date. It is so hostile that even some committed atheists are unhappy. He has undermined his credibility in many circles both by the ferocity of his attack on Christianity and by his unscientific method – making numerous unsupported statements and selectively choosing examples that support his argument whilst totally ignoring the counter-arguments.

So why bother? Anti-Christian books come and go. Dawkins will eventually be assigned to the waste bin along with John Allegro’s mushrooms and Erich von Daniken’s space ships. Christianity has withstood much more powerful opposition in its 2,000 year history and has stood the test.

The answer is that while we know Dawkins can never succeed in overturning the Christian Gospel, he could undermine the faith of some who are struggling, or discourage others who are feeling their way to faith. He states 'If this book works as I intend, religious readers who open it will be atheists when they put it down.' In his preface he expresses the belief that most “religious” people have been brought up in their parents’ faith and the book is for those who are questioning their parents’ faith. He wants them to “come out”.

A number of authors have written responses to The God Delusion, some of which are described below and are available in re:fresh books & christian resources.

The Dawkins Delusion by Alister McGrath with Joanna Collicutt McGrath, SPCK, £7.99

“The God Delusion makes me embarrassed to be an atheist, and the McGraths show why” is the endorsement of Michael Ruse, Professor of Philosophy at the Florida State University, on the front cover of the The Dawkins Delusion.

Alister McGrath has trodden the opposite path to Dawkins. A former atheist, he gained his doctorate in molecular biophysics at Oxford and planned to spend his life in scientific research until he switched to theology. Today he is Professor of Historical Theology at Oxford University. He has previously written another book, Dawkins God: Genes, Memes and the Meaning of Life. Joanna is Lecturer in Psychology of Religion at Heythrop College, University of London.

They systematically, yet sympathetically dismantle Dawkins’ arguments about the rationality of faith, the existence of God, science versus religion, the origins of religion, the meme theory (devised by Dawkins in 1976 and widely discounted by modern scientists) and the idea that religion is essentially evil and violent. The book pulls no punches in its criticism of Dawkins’ ideas and yet avoids the type of invective that Dawkins himself uses. But be warned – this is no light read. The McGraths are academics and, while they seek to make the book accessible to the ordinary reader, a thoroughgoing response to Dawkins demands, and gets, considerable philosophical and scientific discussion.

The Dawkins Letters by David Robertson, Christian Focus Publications - £4.99

David Robertson is a Scottish Presbyterian Minister. The Dawkins letters started with an open letter to Richard Dawkins, posted on David Robertson’s own Church Website, which Dawkins then reproduced on his website. This has expanded to the series of open letters in the present 124-page volume.

Robertson writes with warmth, humour, honesty and respect - the response of a man of God to the rantings of a fundamentalist atheist. He openly admits to those areas where he sympathises with the views expressed by Dawkins but is uncompromising in challenging the many weaknesses in Dawkins arguments, not least where Dawkins exhibits the same intolerance and selective judgement as the Christian “fundamentalists” that he so despises. “Your position is a sort of ‘science of the gaps’” quips Robertson in response to Dawkins’ accusation that Christians rely on a ‘God of the gaps.’

Deluded by Dawkins by Andrew Wilson Kingsway - £5.99

Wilson’s approach is to summarise the main arguments in The God Delusion in tabular form and then classify them as ‘Agree’, ‘Irrelevant’, ‘Unsubstantiated’ and ‘Disagree’. He then concludes that there are four broad areas where he disagrees with Dawkins – Anti-supernaturalism, logic, Scripture and improbability – and devotes a chapter to each. Rather oddly, Wilson points out that Dawkins ignores the issue of the resurrection, and then proceeds to devote a section to answering the arguments against the resurrection that Dawkins has not used! This book is less satisfactory than the other two described above but has some valid points to make.

JUST PUBLISHED

The Living Church by John Stott

“I have a dream of a living church” says John Stott. That dream of an 86 year-old Evangelical Statesman is described in his 50^th book – The Living Church. It is particularly relevant to pastors and preachers but has much distilled wisdom for anybody who is concerned about the relevance of the church in the 21^st century.

Stott describes the characteristics of what he calls the “authentic” or “living” church, applying the principles of the first-century church to a post-modern age. “Much of what we recognize as traditional today was itself once revolutionary and even ‘emerging’” he says.

God’s vision for the church is a learning church, a caring church, a worshipping church and an evangelizing church, he argues from Acts 2:42 and 47. Nothing radically new there, and yet we need to hear it afresh. As Stott expands his thinking, one is challenged to take a fresh look at our mission.

Three fascinating appendices reflect defining principles of this great man of God – Why I am still a member of the church of England looks back to his famous 1966 dispute with Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones and shows why his position has not changed; I have a dream of a living church is a Martin Luther King-style declaration of his vision for the church of Christ; and Reflections of an Octogenarian presents his own convictions and priorities as a man of God.

Cadi lives in a secluded mountain community, where the people still believe in a Sin Eater, who takes on himself the transgressions of the deceased so that they may have peace in the afterlife. Cadi first meets him at her grandmother’s funeral. Sometime later something happens in her family that leaves Cadi with a terrible burden of guilt. She decides to search for the Sin Eater so that he can take it away. In doing so she goes against all traditions and rules of her world. Together with the Sin Eater she discovers that the only way to forgiveness is through Jesus.

This is an adult novel written from the perspective of a 10 year old girl. This enables Francine River to deal with very serious subjects in a subtle way. Cadi does not always understand exactly what is going on, or what has happened, yet for the viewer it is clear.

A thrilling book filled with mysteries and secrets, rewarded with the Gold Medallion Book Award and made into a film by Michael Landon Jr. (son of Michael Landon who plays Mr Ingalls and has written and produced a lot of the episodes of the famous TV series Little House on The Prairie)

12 Disciples by Andy Flannagan & Anne Calver
Young people's stories of crisis and faith

Andy Flannagan tells the discipleship stories of 12 young people in this inspiring and encouraging ‘post-modern pilgrim’s progress’.

Using ‘gritty, unforgettable stories of faith, hope and love’, he highlights the ways in which the young people involved with Youth for Christ are spreading the hope they have in Christ, and sharing the Good News with the different people they encounter from day to day.

The testimonies of these modern-day disciples are told along-side the story of one of the original 12; Simon Peter.

In a time when the stereotype of young people is becoming predominantly, and increasingly, negative, it is particularly encouraging to hear about the positive impact some are having on other people’s lives.

Formed when seven very different people growing up in the same orphanage decide to claim a common surname, the O’Malley family is no ordinary one.

Now, years later, the O’Malleys are a terrifying prospect as far as criminals are concerned. Kate, a hostage negotiator; Marcus, a U.S marshal; Lisa, a forensic pathologist; Jack, a fireman; Rachel, a trauma counsellor; Stephen, a paramedic; and Jen, a paediatrician, work together to solve crimes and make sure that justice prevails and the bad guys get caught!

Each book is written from a different character’s point of view, and the whole series links together to form a compelling story of courage in the face of danger, loyalty, love, lost love, and the sometimes long and painful journey to becoming a Christian.

Titles in the series:-
     Danger in the Shadows (Prequel)
     The Negotiator (Kate’s story)
     The Guardian (Marcus’ story)
     The Truth Seeker (Lisa’s story)
     The Protector (Jack’s story)
     The Healer (Rachel’s story)
     The Rescuer (Stephen’s story)

Dee Henderson is the best-selling author of thirteen novels. Her books have won many awards, including the Christy Award, National Reader’s Choice Award, the RITA Award, and Bookseller’s Best Award.

William Wilberforce and the Abolition of the Slave Trade

This year marks the 200^th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade. The crucial Bill abolishing the trade was passed by Parliament on February 23 1807 after twenty years of campaigning by William Wilberforce, an Evangelical Christian and M.P.   A new feature film about the life of William Wilberforce, Amazing Grace, is now showing at cinemas throughout the UK. Great services are due to be held in Westminster Abbey, York Minster, Liverpool and Hull. There will also be a new £2.00 coin and a set of postage stamps to commemorate the abolition of the slave trade.

re:fresh books and christian resources has several books on Wilberforce and related subjects:-

Wilberforce, the definitive biography by John Pollock, was first published in 1977, but has just been re-issued as a Bicentenary Edition with glowing endorsements by Tony Blair, William Hague and John Sentamu.

The biography is 384 page long but another 47 pages of references and notes bear witness to the painstaking research that went into its writing. There is also an extenvie bibliography and an 11 page index. This is essential reading for anybody who really wants to investigate the story of Wiberforce.

William Wilberforce - a Hero of Humanity by Kevin Belmonte, the lead historical consultant for the film Amazing Grace, was first published in 2002. The following year Belmonte won the John Pollock Award for Christian Biography.

The book has been revised and republished. It covers Wilberforce’s life in a logical and readable style dealing not only with his work to abolish the slave trade but many other aspects of his life and work, including his Second Great Object - the “reformation of manners”, his efforts to bring peace in the war between Britain and France, his book A practical view of Christianity and his various other reforms.    352 pages.

Amazing Grace - William Wilberforce and the heroic campaign to end slavery, by Eric Metaxas, has been produced as a companion biography to the Amazing Grace movie. It is an attractively-produced book with 283 pages of text and 48 pages of colour stills from the film.

This is not just another movie tie-in but a serious attempt to portray the man and his work, aptly described by Baroness Cox as "A superb, scholarly, must-read book". It also seeks to draw the link between events of 200 years ago and the shameful fact that 27 million people today are still subject to various forms of slavery including prostitution, human trafficking and enforced immigrant labour.

Just published by Lion is William Wilberforce – a biography by Stephen Tompkins. A very readable 238-page book that traces the life of the great reformer, discussing the influences, events and people in Wilberforce’s life. Tompkins is a journalist and broadcaster with a PhD in Church History.

Amazing Grace in the Life of William Wilberforce is a short, concise (76 page) book by John Piper that focuses on the way in which the great reformer's Christian Faith, as spelt out in his book A Practical View of Christianity, motivated all his actions.   Piper highlights some of the lesser-known aspects of his life such as his burden for the spiritual wellbeing of his fellow-Politicians, his support for the fledgling Christian Missions, his family life, his humour in the face of hardship, opposition and disappointment and his passion for purity of Christian Doctrine. In his foreword, Jonathan Aitken says "William Wilberforce's secret, as revealed in this book, was that he made the journey from self-centeredness, achievement-centeredness and political-centeredness to God-centeredness. And he made it with Christlike joy.

Travel with William Wilberforce by Kevin Belmonte in Day One’s Travel With … series is a lavishly illustrated 128-page pocket book charting the life of Wilberforce against the background of the locations involved so that readers can visit buildings and sites that featured in his life. It contains over 150 photographs, drawings and maps – even a map of the London underground! Kevin Belmonte was the principal historical consultant for Amazing Grace the new feature film about William Wilberforce.

... and a book for children

William Wilberforce the Freedom Fighter by Derick Bingham, in the Christian Focus Trailblazers series, is a life of Wilberforce, suitable for children and younger teens.   It includes one chapter on the life of John Newton. The story is told imaginatively yet factually from the childhood of Wilberforce through to the Abolition of Slavery and the death of Wilberforce. At the end of the book a series of one-page 'Thinking further Topics' poses questions on each chapter, encouraing readers to think about issues from a Biblical perspective.

The Roots of Endurance by John Piper (IVP) is a biography of William Wilberforce and two other great men of God - John Newton and Charles Simeon - who persevered despite opposition and persecution. After an introductory chapter on the Biblical 'roots of endurance' it provides three biographies looking at the men, examining their thinking and how they applied Scriptural principles to their lives.

The section on William Wilberforce is scheduled to be reproduced separately by IVP. This discusses not only Wilberforce's campaigning for the abolition of slavery but also his efforts to address other social and moral issues of his day.

Abolition by Richard S Reddie, discusses the struggle to abolish slavery in the British Colonies, identifying the role of the Africans themselves in working alongside their European counterparts to achieve emancipation. The book disscusses the growth of Britain's military power in the 16th century, the way in which the slave trade helped transform Britain into a leading industrial nation and the efforts first to abolish the slave trade in 1807 and then slavery itself in the 1830s.

Published by Lion, Abolition is a fitting companion to Tompkins' biography of Wilberforce (see above).

Coming Soon:-
William Wilberforce - the life of the great anti-slave campaigner by William Hague is due to be published on June 4, price £25.00 hardback. Copies may be ordered from re:fresh books.

Dead or Alive? The truth and relevance of Jesus' Resurrection
by Daniel Clark with a foreword by Rico Tice. Published by IVP

Starting from the premise that the Christian faith stands or falls on the basis of whether Jesus rose from the dead, Daniel Clark explores the evidence for the resurrection, its relevance and implications for today. Along the way he looks at questions like "Why hasn't God done something about all the suffering?" "What happens when we die?" and "Which religion, if any, is true?" He also debunks some of the key claims of The Da Vinci Code.

The book is ideal for those who are not Christians but want to explore the central tenets of our faith, or for Christians looking for answers to some of the questions raised by the resurrection story. The book is interspersed with tinted panels giving the "Real Lives" testimonies of a variety of people who have come to faith. It is written in a lively style, with touches of humour, and includes line drawings and bold extracts from the text to help drive home the message.

For Young Women Only - by Shaunti Feldhahn and Lisa A. Rice

Written by the same author as For Women Only, For Young Women Only attempts to answer the question, ‘Why are guys so weird?’. Using a national scientific survey, and personal interviews, this book gives the low down on what’s going on inside men's heads. It explores issues like body language, inner and outer beauty, and what the phrase ‘guys are visual’ actually means. Men of different ages and backgrounds attempt to explain why they value respect more than love, and how ‘Mr. Tough Guy’ may actually have a tender heart.

This book is full of statistics, and guys’ answers to probing questions. Surprising, and at times, shocking; it is your chance to find out what he’s thinking; about himself, and also about you!

A must read for girls aged 15 to 20!

The Manga Bible - Siku and Akin
Raw’ edition - ISBN:9780340910436
‘Extreme’ edition (includes TNIV text) - ISBN: 9780340910443

Manga, for the uninitiated, is a highly distinctive style of animation that started in Japan and has since spread worldwide in its popularity. Younger readers will need no introduction, as Manga television series such as Yu-Gi-Oh are wildly popular. Adult films like Spirited Away garner large audiences, and Manga comics proliferate in high-street bookshops.

The Manga Bible is the first of its kind. Written and illustrated by Nigerian brothers Siku and Akin, it covers selected stories from the New Testament (even taking in Revelation). The artwork is breathtaking and cutting edge. Jesus, rather than being portrayed as sweet and harmless is a powerful figure, mysterious and dangerous. The language spoken by the disciples is contemporary and the Acts of the Apostles becomes an adrenalin-pumping adventure. Each story comes with verse references. Look out for the unique way the authors cover Armaggeddon.

It would be easy just to box this as a book for youth. It definitely taps into youth culture like nothing else before it. Its scope, however, is much wider. This is God’s message as you’ve never seen it, full of his love, sacrifice, danger and exhilaration. It will assault your senses and, most importantly, show you the Jesus of the Bible. This comes in two Editions: the comic itself and also the comic plus the entire TNIV text of the New Testament.

Review by Paul Baker

The Way Of The Wild Heart - John Eldredge ISBN: 0785288686

“This is a book about how a boy - and a man - becomes a man.” So reads the tagline to John Eldredge’s follow-up to his now classic Wild At Heart. His aim is not to provide a manual to manhood (there are plenty of those). Instead this is a roadmap and, like all roadmaps, it is a guide, a heads-up to give you the lay of the land while leaving you free to choose how to cover the terrain before you.

This is essential reading for a generation of men frequently bereft of father figures. Manhood, says Eldredge, is not something that comes overnight. There are distinct stages one must go through, all of which are important and essential, and largely ignored by today’s instant culture. This is a book with two goals – to guide men into the way of real manhood, and to show fathers how to do the same for their sons. And most importantly, it counters the myth many men buy into that this is something we must do alone. We have the greatest father figure of all, our heavenly Father. And there is no greater rite of passage or adventure than that on which the untameable Holy Spirit will take us, if we allow him.

Prayer – does it make any difference? by Philip Yancey £9.99

“I’m an authority on the struggles in prayer” - These were the humble and honest words of Philip Yancey at the launch of his latest book, Prayer – does it make a difference.

Philip Yancey, a former journalist, says “I choose to write about subjects I don’t know the answer to.” His books are the result of time spent researching these subjects: “my readers can’t afford to spend ten months in the library reading books on prayer” he says.

Prayer – does it make any difference? is not another self-help guide to prayer, nor a book aimed to guilt-trip us about our lack of prayer or failure in prayer. It is a journey into prayer with one of the most popular inspirational writers of our age. The author devotes chapters to the question “Does prayer change God?”, the “Ask, seek, knock” conundrum, the problem of unanswered prayer and the issue of prayer for healing. Don't just expect answers - but expect to have your perspective changed.

Bill Hybels’ new book Just Walk Across the Room, takes its title from an incident at a cocktail party when a man detached himself from his cosy group and walked across the room to talk to a lone stranger. That really says it all!

The book is about personal witness. Hybels, one of the authors of Becoming a Contagious Christian, advocates building up a relationship of trust over a period of time, following a “3D” approach – first develop friendships by engaging in the lives of other people, then discover their stories, and finally discern the next steps.

He places an emphasis on stories – other people’s stories, your own story, stories about Jesus and the stories Jesus told. The book itself is rich in illustrations. At times Hybels is engagingly honest about his own weaknesses.
                                    Reviewed by David Williams in 'Christian Marketplace'

Faith & Freedom – The Christian Challenge for the World
by Jimmy Carter Hardback £12.99

George W Bush and former president, Jimmy Carter, both profess a strong Christian faith but their philosophies are radically different.   Carter, a Nobel Peace Prize Winner, advocates diplomacy to resolve international conflict; Bush took America and its allies into Afghanistan and Iraq.

Carter wrote Faith & Freedom for an American audience but it is published in the UK by Duckworth.   It explores religious, social and political issues such as Christian fundamentalism, homosexuality, abortion, the death penalty, sexual equality, human rights, environmental issues and the poverty gap. Current American foreign policy in North Korea, Cuba, Syria, Iraq, Iran and Israel are scrutinized.

Faith & Freedom is an indictment of modern American politics. Carter attacks the influence of “Christian fundamentalists” on the political agenda and, incidentally, on Southern Baptist policy.   Whether one accepts this premise or not, Faith and Freedom makes compelling reading for anybody concerned about justice, compassion and peace in our troubled world and challenges our own prejudices and responses.

50 Small Group Worship Ideas by Stuart Townend with Morgan Lewis - £8.99

50 Small Group Worship Ideas dispels the myth that worship is restricted to singing and provides a multi-faceted approach to worship in small groups. The 50 ‘ideas’ are, in fact, 50 different subjects – the Fatherhood of God, the faithfulness of God, Jesus the Light of the World, grace, forgiveness etc. For each, the book provides an introduction to the subject, an ‘activity’ to help the group think about the subject, an element of thanksgiving prompted by the activity, key scriptures on the subject, a list of four or five songs, prayer, pithy sayings and an application.

The authors helpfully suggest that the book should be used as a "springboard." It is not intended that users follow through each of these elements slavishly and it is suggested that they may even abandon a session if it is not working for their group. The ‘activity’ is usually something fairly simple like drawing up a list; the key scriptures are reproduced in full; and the songs are all from Songs of Fellowship.

This book could prove a life-saver, especially for the busy small group leader who suddenly finds that he or she must lead a time of worship at short notice. It could also be a useful resource for preachers and worship leaders.

Click HERE for more Small Group resources

The Journey - How To Live By Faith In An Uncertain World by Billy Graham - £9.99

In this culminating work of a lifetime, the remarkable Billy Graham invites you to join him in discovering God’s plan for this exciting journey called LIFE. Billy points out that wherever you are in your journey God is with you and not only did he carve out a path for you but he also wants to join you on it.

Billy talks about where it all begins, strength for the journey, challenges along the way and how to stay on course. Whatever has happened in your life, whether good or bad, cannot be altered but with God’s help you can change the future – and that’s what this book is all about.

End of the Spear by Steve Saint - (Hardback) £8.99

Fifty years ago this year the savage massacre of five missionaries in the Jungles of Equador made news headlines all over the world. Their deaths at the hands of the Waodani Indians, better known at that time as ‘Aucas’ (savage killers), inspired hundreds of Christians to commit their lives to mission in the following decades. Meanwhile, within months, the sister of one of the missionaries went to live amongst the Waodani and teach them about ‘God’s carvings’ and how to ‘walk His trail’.

In 1994 Rachel Saint died and Steve Saint, son of pilot Nate Saint, returned to Equador for his aunt’s funeral. While there he learnt for the first time the background to the massacre, from one of his father’s killers. The Waodani asked him to return to Equador and help them deal with the challenges presented by modern “civilisation”. This is the story of how Steve Saint returned with his family to live in primitive conditions to help the Waodani develop basic health care and even to fly, whilst retaining their independence and much of their traditional lifestyle. But the experienced also changed Steve Saint and the direction of his life.

This book has also been made into a movie.

This is the first major biography of Henri Nouwen. In the telling of his life story, it gives a depth of insight into Nouwen as a person - an attractive and complex human being, a passionate and gifted priest and communicator, yet one who was also very aware of his own weaknesses and struggles. He was able to take what he had learnt of the spiritual life and share it with his hearers and readers in a way that was both down to earth and inspirational.
Michael Ford is a journalist and broadcaster. This is his first book.

Georges Sada was one of Saddam’s top military generals and advisors. A committed Christian in a brutal regime, and a truth-teller to an evil dictator who beheaded those who gave him ill news, this is the story of how God used him to save countless lives and influence a monster for the good. As an eyewitness to history Georges reveals Saddam’s plans to destroy

Israel

and dominate the entire Arab world. He tells of the situation in Iraq today and all the positive strides forward that the popular media refuse to report. And, most controversially, he reveals the truth for the first time about the elusive weapons of mass destruction. Personal and alarming, truthful and compelling, this is the courageous story of an agent of God in the heart of darkness.

Short biographies of 13 Christian men and women who played a part in one or both of the World Wars. Some were Christians at the time, some became Christians during the war and some afterwards. They include Mitsuo Fuchida, the Japanese pilot who led the attack on Pearl Harbour, Charles Fraser-Smith, the inventor who inspired Ian Flemming’s Bond character ‘Q’ and Lt-Gen Sir William Dobbie who was instructed to ‘Defend Malta at all costs.’ Each biography includes information on sources of further information and there are notes and an index at the end. Don Stephens is the father of Heather Stephens, Schools’ Christian worker in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames.

In 1994, Lesley lost her Rwandan husband in the Rwandan genocide. In this book she describes with great honesty her return to Rwanda ten years later to search for the truth of what had happened to her husband, and what she eventually discovered. She shares her fears and memories, as well as the traumatic truth that emerged…..and alongside this is the story of her journey of faith and forgiveness.

An inspirational book.

In his book Desiring God John Piper gave us the liberating truth that joy in Christ is fundamental to the Christian faith. However the reality is that many don’t experience that joy or desire. If it is true that being happy in God is what our creator commands, many will cry WHAT ABOUT ME!?

When I Don’t Desire God is John Piper’s response to that. As the subtitle suggests, true Christ-centred joy - indeed faith - is not something we experience without effort but something for which we must fight. He shows how we must use prayer and a knowledge of God’s word to “fight for joy like a justified sinner.” These are not cosy truths. His aim is “not to soften cushions but sustain sacrifice.” This is a book for all those defeated Christians, both to encourage and give hope, and also to exalt them to stand up and fight the good fight of the faith.

The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe

Re:fresh books, is stocking a wide range of Narnia-related books for all ages, including various Editions of The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe, other books in the Chronicles of Narnia Series, The Complete Chronicles of Narnia, Narnia activity books and other books by CS Lewis. Click Here to go directly to a summary of books and tracts.

A Family Guide to The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe by Christin Ditchfield - £5.99

A chapter-by-chapter look at The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, highlighting Biblical parallels and principles with questions for reflection or discussion and scripture references. The book also includes an introduction to CS Lewis – his life, faith and the inspiration for the Chronicles of Narnia – suggested activities, crafts and projects inspired by The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, a list of important characters and a map of Narnia.

For other Narnia-related books click here.

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