New titles

The 100 verse Bible by Mark Stibbe

Sub-titled 'The essence of the world's most popular book', this compact 128-page book contains 50 verses from the Old Testament and 50 from the New, selected to draw oput the message of the Bible, with the emphasis on the fatherhood and love of God.  Each verse is quoted in the Authorized (King James) Version (KTV) and the New International Version (NIV) and accompanied by a brief comment by Mark Stibbe drawing out the meaning and significance of the verse and its applicability to us.  It has been suggested that theser verses could be usefully be memorised, or the booklet could be used as a 100-day devotional programme.     £3.99 paperback.

The Lion Guide to the Bible by Peter Walker

Accessible, engaging, authoritative and lavishly illustrated with beautiful illustrations, maps and helpful timelines.  After a helpful introductory section on the nature and composition of the Bible and how to read it, the Guide takes the reader on an illuminating tour through all 66 books, sketching the principal themes, detailing the main characters and highlighting memorable passages or verses. Issues requiring more detailed attention are highlighted in boxes grouped together towards the back in order not to interrupt the narrative flow. There is also a handy fact-finder.   Hardback, 320 pages.  £20.00.
Click HERE to view a typical chapter in PDF format.
  

First Steps out of... First Steps is a new series of short, affordable self-help guides from Lion covering social issues such as problem drinking, depression and eating disorders.  Whilst suitable for family members or those seeking to help people with problems, they are primarily aimed at the sufferers. Each book analyses the issues and gives practical advice for sufferers together with "Mythbusters", a chapter "For the Family" and a list of resources.  Suitable for Christians or non-Christians.  £4.99 each. re:fresh suggestion: Church leaders might consider placing a supply of these in a suitable position with a 'trust the customer' payment box nearby so that members of their congregation can buy copies without other people knowing. First Steps out of Problem Drinking by John McMahon This 95-page book provides useful information to help people determine just where they are at, defining terms like binge drinking, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence, what a 'unit' of alcohol means in practice, and the physical effects of different quantities of alcohol.  It then goes on to provide practical guidance on setting goals, reducing alcohol consumption and avoiding relapses.   The author runs an online resource for those wishing to cut down on their drinking and was once alcohol dependent. First Steps out of Eating Disorders by Dr Kate Middleton & Dr Jane Smith As many as 5% of the population, including some men, suffer from eating disorders.  This sympathetically-written book offers hope to those with eating disorders and to their families.  One of the writers is the director of the charity Anorexia & Bulimia Care and has supported her own daughter through an eating disorder to full recovery.  The authors explain the nature and causes of eating disorders and give guidance on getting back in control.  However, they are careful to stress that the book is an introduction and not a substitute for seeking expert advice.  First Steps out of Depression by Sue Atkinson "Depression will affect one in every four or five people at some point" according to the writer of this book, someone who has herself suffered depression.  This book is full of helpful but challenging material from Chapter One - "Staying in bed vs Grabbing the moment" as it presents the choices sufferers may face such as Doing what others want vs Making our own decisions ... Blaming others vs taking responsibility ... hanging on to resentment vs deciding to let go. First Steps out of Anxiety by Dr Kate Middleton We all suffer anxiety to some degree, it is a vital part of being alive and helps us achieve our goals and avoid disaster but it can also be a problem when, for example, it manifests itself as phobias or panic attacks.  Psychologist Kate Middleton reveals how anxiety works - in our thought patterns and our bodies' chemicals.  Drawing on real-life stories as well as her own experience of overcoming a phobia, she charts a path to recovery. Two more books in this series are scheduled for publication in 2011:-      First Steps out of Gambling      First Steps through Bereavement

Deep Church - A third way beyond emerging and traditional by Jim Belcher 

Jim Belcher, a pastor with experience of church planting in the USA, explores the proposals of emerging church leaders such as Brian McLaren, Tony Jones and Doug Pagitt and also the values of traditional church.  He suggests that there is a path between the two extremes - a missional church committed to both tradition and culture, valuing innovation in worship, arts and community but also creeds and confessions.

Crazy Love by Francis Chan

With a foreword by Chris Tomlin and endorsements from Joni Eareckson Tada and Louie Giglio, this book should appeal to a wide readership.  This is the first book by an American pastor with a passion to see Christians more wholly devoted to God.

After chapters that look at the awesomeness of God, human mortality and God's "crazy, relentless, all-powerful love" Chan challenges his readers to take risks for God.  He seeks to inspire us rather than shame us into total commitment, and yet his message does challenge our lukewarm, self-engrossed response to God's love.

Mission-Shaped Evangelism - The Gospel in contemporary culture by Steve Hollinghurst
(pub: Canterbury Press) 

In 2004 the Church of England produced its Mission-shaped Church report.  Steve Hollinghurst takes this as a springboard for his examination of evangelism in a post-Christian culture. Interestingly, he looks back to look forward, examining ways in which the early church reached out to a pagan culture before looking at patterns for mission-shaped evangelism in the 21st century.  The author is a Researcher with the Church Army.

Claiming Abraham - Reading the Bible and the Qur'an side by side by Michael Lodahl (pub: Brazos)

Christians, Jews and Muslims all share certain personalities in common but does that provide a basis for dialogue and oven agreement?  In this fascinating book, Michael Lodahl presents the Biblical and Qur'anic texts about Creation, Adam, Cain & Abel, Noah, Abraham, Jesus and other subjects side-by-by side comparing and commenting on the similarities and differences.

The me I want to be - Becoming God's best version of you by John Ortberg (pub: Zondervan)

In his latest book, the author of If you want to walk on water you've got to get out of the boat reminds his readers that life is not about any particular achievement or experience.  The most important thing is not what you do but who you become.
Your life is God's project.  His vision for you is not just that you are saved by grace, but that you also learn to live by grace, flourishing with the Spirit flowing through you.

Captured by a Better Vision - Living porn-free
by Tim Chester (IVP)

A book for men about winning the fight against porn.  Tim Chester's book is suitable for those for whom pornography is a personal problem or those who want to help others affected.  Following an online survey and extensive research, Tim Chester outlines the extent of the problem in society and in the church.  He focuses on strategies to beat it - supremely to feed our minds on Christ.

Forgiving the Impossible ? - From abuse to freedom and hope by Greta Randle (IVP)

As a child, Greta Randle was subjected to abuse at the hands of her church pastor.  Trapped, she could see no way out.  Her dramatic story of a journey through revulsion, anger, depression and bitterness has an unexpected ending.
Today, Greta Randle is Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Christian Counsellors and plays a key role in helping other victims of abuse.

Let's Stick Together - The relationship book for new parents by Harry Benson (Lion)

40% of British 15 year-olds  no longer live with both parents; one in five children see their parents separate before the end of their first year in school.  The excitement and pressures of parenthood often mean that a couple's relationship is overlooked.
Harry Benson suggests three "good habits" that will help keep love alive and protect a relationship through the pressures of parenting.

 
Learning to Let Go - Making the Transition into Residential Care by Penelope Wilcock (Lion)

"How I wish I'd had this book a couple of years ago!" says Pam Rhodes in the Foreword to this helpful book.  Writing for elderly people and their families, Penelope Wilcock guides her readers through the practical and emotional issues involved in preparing for residential care.  She looks at the difficult questions faced, discusses the marks of a well-run care home and suggests ways in which families and staff can offer the best care and help an elderly person to retain their identity.

Be Still my Soul - Embracing God's purpose and provision in suffering Edited by Nancy Guthrie (IVP)

This is a collection of writings by 25 writers, ancient and modern, on the problem of pain edited by somebody who has known the heartake through the loss of two children.  The book is divided into three sections - God's perspective on suffering, God's purpose in suffering and God's provision in suffering.  Writers include Joni Eareckson Tada, John Calvin, Dietrich Bonhoffer, Philip Yancey, Helen Roseveare, St. Augustine, Corrie ten Boom and John Piper.

Forbidden Faith compiled by Mervyn Thomas (CWR)

This is a compilation of Bible readings and inspiring stories of people who suffer for their faith, presented as an eight-week devotional to challenge readers to pray for persecuted Christians.  The book examines what the Bible teaches about persecution with notes by Jonathan Aitken, Lyndon Bowring, David Coffey and others.  Forbidden Faith is published by CWR in association with Christian Solidarity Worldwide.

The Message of Esther by David Firth (IVP)

The latest addition to thehighly-acclaimed Bible Speaks Today (BST) series of commentaries looks at the enigmatic Old Testament book.  Set entirely outside the Promised Land and never mentioning God or using religious language, Esther nevertheless has much to say to Christians living in a post-Christian age.  David Firth helps us see how God's saving purposes are richer and grander than his people realise and we each have our part to play in the ongoing story of deliverence.

C.H. Spurgeon the people's preacher
by Peter Morden (CWR)

In C.H. Spurgeon the people’s preacher, Peter Morden presents an enthusiastic and sympathetic portrait of the great Baptist preacher.  He describes not only the man who moved thousands through his spoken and written sermons but also the vulnerability of a man who was sensitive and even subject to bouts of depression; a man who struggled with ill-health, and a man who passed through “a horror of great darkness” after the Surrey Gardens Music Hall disaster in which seven members of his congregation perished.
The  book and an associated film are published by CWR. 
For a more detailed review click HERE 

The Radical Disciple - Wholehearted Christian Living by John Stott (IVP)

So many of us avoid radical discipleship by being selective, choosing rather those areas in which commitment is appealing, and steering well clear of areas where it will be costly.  But because Jesus is Lord, we have no liberty to pick and choose.
John Stott looks at eight characteristics of Christian discipleship, which are commonly neglected yet deserve to be taken seriously.

I’m a Christian aren’t I - Growing in confidence with God by Dan Clark (IVP)

Many people think of themselves as Christians but aren't quite clear what that means. Some feel confused, or disappointed with God. Others have never fully embraced a relationship with Jesus.
Dan Clark helps the reader put together all the pieces of what being a follower of God really means. Challenging us to explore what Jesus' priorities are, readers will discover a richness in their Christian life which may have been lacking.

A Skeptic’s Guide to Faith by Philip Yancey (Zondervan)

For some people religious faith seems to come easily but for others it comes in a swirl of doubts and questions.   Philip Yancey, like many of us, has struggled with his faith.   In this book, previously published as Rumors of another World, he asks the question “Is the physical world around us all there is?” and then proceeds to examine the possibility of two coexistent worlds – the visible and the invisible.

Last things first - Living in the light of the future by Graham Beynon (IVP)

Why think about the future? After all, 'what will happen, will happen', it only leads to controversy and argument, and it's irrelevant to life now.  Graham Beynon shows that the real danger is that we don't think about the future. God in his Word puts last things first - the whole gospel is shaped around what is to come. God has a plan for where he is taking this world, and his people are called to live in the light of that future.

Right Side Up – Life as God meant it to be by Paul Grimmond. (Matthias Media)

In a book originally intended for new Christians, but relevant to people at all stages on the Christian life, an Australian pastor explores what it means to put Jesus first in our lives and let him turn our world upside down – or is it right side up?

Love & War - Finding the marriage you’ve dreamed of by John & Stasi Eldredge (Hodder)

Following John Eldredge’s book for men, Wild at Heart and Stasi & John’s book for women, Captivating, the couple turn to a book on marriage.  Drawing upon their own 25 years of marriage they talk frankly, separately and jointly, about the high’s and lows of marriage.  Provocative chapter titles include “A perfect storm”, “How to have a really good Fight” and “Back to back with swords drawn.”

The Message of Holiness - Restoring God's masterpiece by Derek Tidball (IVP)

The concern for 'holiness' has been central to the evangelical movement since its inception - and the way evangelical Christians have understood it has been far from uniform. In this wide-ranging volume, Derek Tidball expounds key biblical passages by letting them speak for themselves, rather than adopting a systematic perspective. His ultimate objective is to see the lives of God's people increasingly transformed, in conformity with his character.

The Universe Next Door - A basic worldview catalogue by Jim Sire (IVP)

For more than thirty years, The Universe Next Door has set the standard for a clear, readable introduction to worldviews. In this new fifth edition James Sire offers additional student-friendly features to his introductions to theism, deism, naturalism, Marxism, nihilism, existentialism, Eastern monism, New Age philosophy and postmodernism. Included in this expanded format are a new chapter on Islam and informative sidebars throughout.
The Universe Next Door has been translated into over a dozen languages and has been used as a text at over one hundred colleges and universities in courses ranging from apologetics and world religions to history and English literature.

Fearless by Max Lucado
His Latest Book! 
Max Lucado looks at things that make us fear.
Fear of not mattering ... Fear of Worst-case Scenarios ... Fear of violence ... Fear that God is not real ... Fear of global calamity ... and much more