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

Street Pastors by Les Isaac with Rosalind Davies

In April 2003 the first team of Street Pastors ventured out onto the streets of Brixton in the London Borough of Lambeth. Today, only 6½ years on, there are around 150 teams with over 3,000 Street Pastors working in the UK including 27 teams in London boroughs.   Now, the initiative seems poised to go international.

Re:fresh books & Christian resources has an introductory offer of £1 off Les Isaac’s new book, Street Pastors. The book does more than just chronicle the conception, birth and development of Street Pastors. It examines the social issues that challenge the Christian Church in 21st Century Britain.   It discusses the role of what it calls the Urban Trinity – The Police, Local Authorities and the Church – and the challenge to the Church to engage with the community without losing its Spiritual identity and purpose.

Street Pastors describes the painstaking research and negotiations by Les Isaacs and his colleagues at the Ascension Trust prior to the launch of Street Pastors. This included visits to Jamaica, Boston and other trouble spots where Christian initiatives were already in place.   It looks at the response of the Metropolitan Police and other forces, which often shifted from an initial unease to full cooperation. This is summed up in the words of one senior police officer “All my concerns were centred around safety and liability, because we had a duty of care to Street Pastors.   Yet there was another side of me that thought, this is so very different and out of the ordinary, it might just work!”   The need for Street Pastors was given tragic significance three weeks before the official launch when, on 1 January 2003, two girls were fatally injured in the cross-fire of a gun battle between rival gangs in Aston, Birmingham.

Les Isaac’s book provides a valuable insight into the work of Street Pastors, and the lesser-known “School Pastors”, from the throbbing streets of London, Birmingham and Manchester to rural Sussex.   The story of the growth and impact of Street Pastors in such a short time presents a challenge to Church leaders and individual Christians to think whether there are other ways in which God may be calling his people to engage with the needs of the community and bring the love of Christ to the streets, homes, businesses and institutions in our country.

And yes – there is mention of Street Pastors, Kingston!

Making the Connection by J John

Making the Connection is an attractive new booklet exploring how we can know God, re-connect with him and stay connected. With its emphasis on the Bible, prayer and community with other Christians this makes an ideal gift for people still searching for God, and those who have recently committed their lives to him. In 64 pages costing only 99p, (Authentic) J. John has produced a concise, practical and yet comprehensive introduction to a relationship with God.

Highly re:commended by re:fresh!

Our Father by Richard Coekin LOCAL AUTHOR

On the same subject of connecting with God is a new book from IVP, Our Father written by local minister, Richard Coekin. Jesus knew that when we struggle to pray we need a fresh appreciation of God, far more than techniques and challenges,. We need to glimpse his magnificent character and plans. As we see the Father described in Jesus' prayer, we find ourselves lifted in wonder to delight in him. This book is all about enjoying God.

Faith & Doubt by John Ortberg

John Ortberg's latest book looks sympathetically at the whole issue of doubt and uncertainty in the Christian life. He candidly describes grappling with his own doubts and suggests how we can use uncertainty to deepen our faith and intimacy with God.

“Doubt can motivate us to study and learn” he says. “If I leap, if I trust, I do not know for sure what will happen … If I don’t leap, if I don’t trust, if I don’t hope, if I don’t ask, I will never soar. I will never know. I will grow old standing on the side of that cliff”.

Darwin and God by Nick Spencer

This year marks the 200th anniversary of Darwin’s birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his Origin of the Species.

Darwin and God is the first full-length account of Darwin’s religious beliefs to be published in the UK. It presents the moving, compelling and tumultuous story of one of the world’s greatest scientists.

Nick Spencer draws on Darwin’s writings to explore his view of design, purpose, morality, the universe and the human mind. He argues that, although Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection did undermine his Christian convictions, it was the age-old problem of suffering - first in theory, then through the dreadful loss of his favourite child - that caused his faith to break down.

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.

The Shack by William Young
The Shack has rightly been 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 held that position for 11 months. Still at Number 4 position after 18 months.

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.

The Reason for God by Timothy Keller
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.

Did you think to pray? by R.T. Kendall
The latest book from R T Kendall based on 20 years of his own experience of prayer. Arranged in five parts, chapters cover subjects such as:-What prayer does for God, others, and us; the Bible, Holy Spirit and prayer; praying without a sense of God; How to pray, Advanced lessons in prayer, praise, fasting, faith and feeling, praying in the spirit, the mystery of prayer – answered and unanswered. Written with pastoral sensitivity and honesty about his own struggles, this book offers down to earth, practical ideas on deepening our prayer life.
“Before you left your room this morning, did you think to pray?”

What kind of God by Michael Ots
Responses to 10 common accusations against God. Michael Ots is a young man passionate about sharing his faith through university missions and this book has grown out of some of his lunchtime discussions with non-Christians. “How can God be good when he authorises war, allows suffering, represses our sexuality, punishes his own Son, lets a hypocritical church represent him and excludes people on the basis of their beliefs, condemning them to hell? His final chapter turns the question round to the reader or seeker “Awesome, loving and amazingly gracious, what kind of person would reject a God so good? This book can be dipped into and includes helpful suggestions for further reading on each topic. Suitable for giving to students or seekers and having available at courses where Christianity is being explored.

Working it out by Ian Coffey
God, you and the work you do. Can mending a gatepost bring glory to God? Does ironing help you grow as a disciple? With lively Bible teaching and real-life stories, Ian Coffey shows how work was part of God’s good plan. Whatever your work, God is interested in it, can transform it, and use it – for his glory. Each chapter ends with three or four questions to help you apply what you read.

Love one Another - by Gerald L. Sittser
This book examines the “one another” statements from the New Testament. Drawing on his own pastoral experience of the best and worst of church life, Gerals Sitser shows us what the love Jesus commanded actually requires of us. As you glance through the book, memorable quotes catch your attention. Here are a few. “However costly forgiveness is, it does not compare with the cost of unforgiveness.” “Jesus envisioned a community of disciples who would dare to move downward instead of upward.” “Bearing burdens is a mandate given to the whole Christian community, not just professional people-helpers..” There are chapters on welcoming, forbearing, forgiving, confessing, serving, encouraging, bearing each others’ burdens, being subject to one another, stirring up one another and admonishing each other. The discussion guide at the end that would make this a suitable book for personal or group study – or even a series of sermons to the whole church.

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.

Understanding Barack Obama

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

Barack Obama, like his predecessor in the White House, professes a Christian faith resulting from a real conversion experience but his brand of faith-based politics is radically different.

Obama has stated categorically that he has “a personal relationship with Jesus Christ”. He affirms his belief in “the redemptive death and resurrection of Jesus Christ” and says that his faith gives him “a path to be cleaned of sin and have eternal life.” However, his views on civil unions for homosexuals raise a number of issue. Meanwhile his voting record on abortion issues seems to conflict with his professed ambivalence on the subject.

Stephen Mansfield takes a balanced look at Obama. Written during the run-up to the Presidential election, The Faith of Barack Obama, explores the influences on Obama, including his atheistic mother, his Muslim stepfather and the controversial preacher Jeremiah Wright through whom he came to faith. It discusses Obama’s pathway to the Presidential nomination against the background of his faith and his multi-racial parentage, and it contrasts Obama’s Christianity with that of George W Bush, John McCain and Hillary Clinton.

Barack Obama is seen as “helping to give voice to a religious left, just now reclaiming its voice in American culture …a new generation who are deeply religious, philosophically postmodern, and passionately oriented to social justice.”

The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama
375 pages paperback, £8.99

If you want it in Barack Obama's own words, his bestselling book The Audacity of Hope includes a chapter on faith. The title is borrowed from a sermon by Obama's friend and pastor Jeremiah Wright.

First published in the United States in 2006, The Audacity of Hope spells out Obama's vision for a new, less partisan, face to political and civic life in America. He reviews recent political history in the USA, looks at common values that might unite, discusses the Constitution and examines the forces that influence political and civic life - money, the media, special-interest groups and the legislative process. He then goes on to look specifically at issues of faith, race, foreign policy and family life.

The political and religious scene in America is different from our own and yet what happens there has a powerful impact on what happens worldwide. Barack Obama seems destined to be a major influence on both sides of the Atlantic for years to come.
Christians are called to pray for those in authority. These books can help us understand the new world order and so pray more intelligently for World Leaders.

Re:fresh books & christian resources

Contact Details:

Reviews