Search results for ""spck publishing""

The Church Pocket Book and Diary 2024 is the perfect church diary for anyone looking for a compact sized diary that follows the Common Worship calendar and includes lectionary readings. This 14 month diary has a clear, spacious week to view layout, beginning with Sunday, that offers plenty of room for keeping track of appointments while still being a convenient pocket size that's easy to carry around. It also features one ribbon marker to keep your place throughout the year. Beginning in December 2023 and running to January 2025, it covers the entirety of the approaching Advent season. It also has all of the titles for the Sundays throughout the church calendar and the dates of festivals to correspond with the Common Worship calendar and lectionary and the Book of Common Prayer, making it an essential purchase for clergy and churchgoers wanting a Christian diary. Your important contact details and to-do lists will be at your fingertips as well with this little pocket diary - it includes pages at the back for personal memos, addresses and telephone numbers alongside the complete Common Worship Calendar and Lectionary readings for Advent 2023 - Advent 2024 and includes the BCP scheme. With information on every UK Anglican Diocese and those in the Republic of Ireland plus the names and addresses of all major Christian societies, charities and organisations covering all mainstream denominations, the Church Pocket Book and Diary 2024 is ideal for ministers and congregations needing to stay organised on to go. This edition of the Church Pocket Book and Diary 2024 features a durable hardcover that will last you all year, and a matching ribbon marker.

Read more less

John Mark Comer, the New York Times bestselling author of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry and Live No Lies, shows readers what is holding them back from authentically following Jesus - and reveals the countercultural practices to connect us with a vibrant lifelong faith. "One of the most important books I have read in a decade... If we would all follow in this way, our lives would change and the world would change." Jennie Allen, author of Get Out of Your Head and Find Your People We all have experienced unwanted parts of our spiritual journey: distance from God, gaps in our character, the fear that our lives will be trivial and empty... Jesus is calling us into more. Calling us to be shaped in his likeness. To experience his abundance of life. But how, practically, can we do that? By becoming his apprentice. By practicing the Way. Outlining the timeless process of being with Jesus, becoming like him, and living as he did, bestselling author and pastoral voice John Mark Comer delineates God's vision for the journey of our soul. In this powerful and practical work, he defines his core philosophy of spiritual formation to help us form a "rule of life." Along the way, readers benefit from his rich cultural insight, deep biblical teaching, and honest and hopeful view of the potential of each human soul. You feel like there's more to life than this? You're right. Now come discover just how much life awaits you.

Read more less

‘Erudite, bold and wide-ranging – a book that makes you think about knowledge, wisdom and what the future has in store.’ PETER FRANKOPAN 'A book of remarkable sweep and scope - not just learned, but deeply humane.' TOM HOLLAND The long human odyssey of self-discovery has reached a crucial stage: everything we do affects everyone and everything else - and we know it. The next hundred years will bring more change than we can easily imagine: more opportunities for more people to achieve the fulfilment of a good life, and more risks that could result in catastrophic harm to the entire planet. Viewed geopolitically, the main question is whether the world-views of the world’s most important and influential powers – China and America (the one fundamentally Confucian, the other essentially individualist) – can be made to work together constructively. At the same time, on a deeper level, the even greater question is how the irreversible fact of urbanisation may nurture healthy and mature human individuality, such that the accumulated wisdom of the world’s great cultures becomes mutually transforming and enriching. This bold and wide-ranging book explores those questions, with all the risks and opportunities they hold for generations still to come.

Read more less

'Carefully edited, this beautiful little volume is a rare gem . . . highly recommended for anyone seeking new inspiration in prayer.' The Reader Between 1924 and 1938, Evelyn Underhill compiled two personal prayer books for use when conducting spiritual retreats at Pleshey (the retreat house for the diocese of Chelmsford). The prayers were carefully selected and include quotes from a variety of theologians and writers in Christian spirituality, as well as her own very rich, metaphorical and theologically deep prayers. These collections are now available for the first time.

Read more less

In this highly anticipated volume, N. T. Wright focuses directly on the historical Jesus: Who was he? What did he say? And what did he mean by it? Wright begins by showing how the questions posed by Albert Schweitzer a century ago remain central today. Then he sketches a profile of Jesus in terms of his prophetic praxis, his subversive stories, the symbols by which he reordered his world, and the answers he gave to the key questions that any world view must address. The examination of Jesus' aims and beliefs, argued on the basis of Jesus' actions and their accompanying riddles, is sure to stimulate heated response. Wright offers a provocative portrait of Jesus as Israel's Messiah who would share and bear the fate of the nation and would embody the long-promised return of Israel's God to Zion.

Read more less

In Creation, Power and Truth, Tom Wright invites readers to consider the crucial ways in which the Christian gospel challenges and subverts the intellectual, moral and political values that pervade contemporary culture. In doing so, he asks searching questions about three defining characteristics of our time: neo-gnosticism, neo-imperialism and postmodernity. Employing a robust Trinitarian framework, Wright looks afresh at key elements of the biblical story while drawing out new and unexpected connections between ancient and modern world-views. The result is a vigorous critique of common cultural assumptions and controlling narratives, past and present, and a compelling read for all who want to hear, speak and live the gospel of Christ in a world of cultural confusion.

Read more less

The guides in this series by Tom Wright can be used on their own or alongside his New Testament for Everyone commentaries. They are designed to help you understand the Bible in fresh ways under the guidance of one of the world's leading New Testament scholars.

Read more less

Using personal anecdote, a witty and lively style, and drawing on his considerable theological knowledge, John Goldingay takes us deep into the unfolding story of the Old Testament.

Read more less

‘The Light Keeper’ is the debut novel by award-winning writer Cole Moreton. It is a story of faith and hope that follows themes of depression, love and loss, and redemption. Rich in prose throughout and written with sensitivity, Cole writes about difficult issues and themes with human warmth. Set in the South Coast of England, amongst the setting of Beachy Head and the South Downs National Park, ‘The Light Keeper’ contains compelling twists that keep the reader invested and guessing until the very end. Moreton explores the intimacy of relationships through husband and wife, Jack and Sarah. Sarah has run away from home to this wild, beautiful place to make a decision that is, for her, truly a matter of life and death. Pursued by Jack, he is desperate to find her on these hills before it is too late as the number of men and women going over the cliff edge has ominously increased of late. But does the secret lie with the Keeper who live alone in the old lighthouse, a few steps from the four-hundred-foot drop in this gorgeous, terrifying place? Cole Moreton’s profound novel has endorsements from many respected authors from Matt Haig to Jane Fallon to Anthony Horrowitz.

Read more less

Father Gabriel Neville has everything going for him as vicar of St Anne’s, Kensington Gardens: intellectual prowess, physical beauty, a happy family life and the prospect of promotion to Archdeacon. But his perfect world is shattered when he receives an anonymous letter that has the power to destroy his career and marriage, by threatening to expose something that no one could possibly know. The only person Gabriel can turn to is David Middleton-Brown, an old friend and a man with a few secrets of his own. Against his better judgement, David comes to London, where his discreet enquiries bring to light a whole host of suspects. There’s the eccentric church organist, Miles Taylor; the gossip Mavis Conwell; the disapproving Dawson family; the Churchwarden, Cyril Fitzjames, who’s in love with Gabriel’s wife Emily; and the charming and talented artist Lucy Kingsley. In his efforts to help Gabriel uncover the blackmailer, David hauls numerous skeletons out of cupboards, and enters into a web of relationships that threaten to shatter his own peace of mind.

Read more less

Dear Jack, I think I’m about to be arrested and charged with murder. Tom Morris, busy cataloguing the library of Plumwood Hall, is in a fix. Three days before, a member of the family had keeled over at afternoon tea after eating a slice of fruit cake laced with poison. And Tom has been fingered by the weasel-like Inspector Hyde as chief suspect. The young scholar turns to the only person who can help: his old Oxford tutor, C. S. (‘Jack’) Lewis. As they investigate, mystery piles on mystery. Why did the victim’s husband disappear twelve months before? Why is a strange tattooed foreigner living in a cottage on the moors? Who is the wild man of the woods? And most puzzling of all: how did a massive dose of cyanide get into just one slice of cake? C. S. Lewis’s second mind-twisting case has all the hallmarks of a classic Country House Mystery.

Read more less

God Has No Favourites is the York Course written for Lent 2022 by Dr Carmody Grey. In this 5 session course Dr Grey explores how each of us is called to discover that God is completely inclusive. He does not apportion his welcome or love according to our prejudices or preferences. God Has No Favourites, because God favours everyone. Every single human being, whatever age, sex, class, race or religion is in God's image. Jesus has identified himself personally with each one of us, God's love and the power of the Holy Spirit is for everyone, no caveats. As with previous Lent York Courses, the standard study book is supported by an in-depth interview, covering all 5 sessions between Dr Carmody Grey and Simon Stanley available on CD, as a Digital Download or as a transcript in either paperback or eBook. This York Course is available in the following formats Course Book (Paperback 9781909107335) Course Book (eBook 9781909107366 both ePub and Mobi files provided) Audio Book of Interview to support God Has No Favourites York Course (CD 9781909107373) Audio Book of Interview (Digital Download) Transcript of interview to support God Has No Favourites York Course (Paperback 9781909107342) Transcript of interview (eBook 9781909107359 both ePub and Mobi files provided) Book Pack (9781909107380 Featuring Paperback Course Book, Audio Book on CD and Paperback Transcript of Interview) SESSION 1: The best picture of God God’s favour is not dependent on anything we are or anything we do. His acceptance is unconditional. If we want to know what God ‘looks like’, we simply need to look at one another. SESSION 2: Neither Jew nor Gentile In Christ, God is telling us the most important thing about himself: he leaves no-one out. Being willing to include everybody is the only rule for those who want to be with Jesus. God is love and, in Christ, humanity is one. SESSION 3: Neither male nor female The most profound human difference is that created by our gendered bodies. But even this important difference is superficial compared to the deepest and truest identity of each one of us; through Christ we see that we are all children of God; all heirs to the kingdom of heaven. SESSION 4: Neither slave nor free Our world is grossly, torturously unequal, and before Christ came, no-one expected or looked for anything different. Jesus scandalized those around him by acting as though every human being mattered. We are to follow him to the margins. SESSION 5: What is a Christian? Jesus did not come to found a religion: he came to give people life. When he wanted his followers to understand his identity and purpose, he didn’t give them a theory or explain an idea, he shared a meal with them.

Read more less

Features chapters on: Aston Villa, Barnsley, Birmingham City, Bolton Wanderers, Everton, Fulham, Liverpool, Manchester City, Queen's Park Rangers, Southampton, Swindon and Town Tottenham Hotspur. How much do you really know about the origin of your club? Would you like to read about it in fascinating detail? Few people are aware that, of the 41 clubs that have played in the FA Premier League since its inception in the 1992-3 season, 12 can trace their origin directly to a church. However, many of these 12 famous football clubs know little about their origins or founders. John Motson, the 'voice of football', writes in the Foreword: ‘This book sets the record straight. Drawing on original materials from a variety of sources, peter Lupson has been able to bring these pioneers to life and to transport us back to the time in which they lived. Their remarkable contribution to our great national game is at last given the recognition it deserves. We have good reason to thank God for them.'

Read more less

Steve had suffered under the brutal regime of his Japanese guards. He and his classmates at Chefoo school in China - for the most part the children of missionaries - had been interned in 1942. Resentment of the Japanese was a way of life. Could he possibly pray for them? Painfully, reluctantly, he found that he could, and his prayers sank deep. At the end of the war the China Inland Mission was seeking young men willing to go to Japan . Steve trained, packed and went. Thus began Steve's lifelong love of Japan. Over the years he would tussle with a culture where courtesy wins over truth; where suicide is an honourable choice; where to be foreign is to be forever alien. Time after time he would encounter miracles of healing, provision, and protection as God looked after him, his wife Evelyn and their growing family. In a resistant culture he would see many come to Christ. This is the story of how a boy's grudging prayers were remarkably answered.

Read more less

Three million girls across the world are at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM) each year. When Ann-Marie Wilson met a girl named Fatima in West Darfur, who had experienced FGM at the age of five and was pregnant by the age of ten, she knew she had to do something. Her life’s work since then has been geared toward speaking out against FGM, as well as supporting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of as many survivors as possible. Built on the experience of more than 3,000 FGM survivors’ stories as well as meetings with heads of state and the Pope, Overcoming tells the compelling story of how Ann-Marie leaned on her Christian faith through her darkest moments to build 28 Too Many. This international organisation offers hope to the millions of girls who, just like Fatima, are at risk of FGM each year.

Read more less

ECPA award winner 2023 - Best fiction cover Set in the early industrial revolution and the great canal building age, a young Jane Austen takes on the role of detective as she seeks to solve the mysterious events at the Oxford canal terminus. Nearing completion, convicts work on completing the wharf overseen by the charming secretary Mr George, who shows Jane around. A rude convict Gardiner does not make a good impression though. When Gardiner goes missing and canal funds turn up short, an exciting manhunt ensues but Jane begins to expect something suspicious about the secretary and the reasons why Gardiner was in prison. Were Jane's first impressions very wrong about the relative merits of the convict and the secretary? With the ever-present Austen spirit, Jane with notebook in hand, boldly overcomes the obstacles to finding the truth and exposes some intriguing secrets. Inspired by Austen's third novel Pride and Prejudice.

Read more less

WINNER OF THE ACFW AWARD 2020 FOR BEST CONTEMPORY FICTION 3rd PLACE OF ANGEL BOOK AWARD 2020 FOR CONTEMPORARY FICTON The Blackwells are a family with an extraordinary history and astounding traditions, which include attending their own funerals before they die! Their ways are questionable and their stories about deceased relatives are as bold as their red hair, but it is their eclectic wares that keep tourists coming back to their market in the town of Coraloo. Charlie Price, whose world has come crumbling down after a lapse in judgement leaves him unemployed, finds himself flung into the chaotic world of the Blackwells when he relocates to Coraloo with his socialite wife, Velveteen, and shy son, Gideon. Here Charlie attempts to make a living as a 'picker', reselling under-priced items he picks up at the market. Charlie soon finds this new way of life under threat and his quest for simplicity seems to be crumbling. Perhaps it's time for Charlie to have a funeral of his own?

Read more less

As one of the bestselling stories of all time, Lew Wallace's Ben-Hur, has captivated and enthralled millions around the world - both in print and on the big screen. Now Lew's great-great-granddaughter has taken the old-fashioned prose of this classic novel and breathed new life into it for today's audience. Coming to cinemas in August 2016 as Ben-Hur, a major motion picture from MGM and Paramount studios, the story follows Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish nobleman whose childhood friend Messala betrays him. Accused of trying to murder the new Roman governor in Jerusalem, Judah is sentenced to the galley ships and vows to seek revenge against the Romans and Messala. But a chance encounter with a carpenter from Nazareth sets Judah on a different path. Rediscover the intrigue, romance, and tragedy in this thrilling adventure. Also included: the inspiring story-behind-the-story of Lew Wallace - Indiana lawyer, author, and Civil War general.

Read more less

Chosen as handmaid to Eostre, the Saxon goddess, Hild would spend a year serving the goddess before she was wed. Her future was mapped out - until her father was murdered, and King Edwin claimed her as kin. Hild's first love was given a key command in Edwin's forces, and vanished from her life, wed to her elder sister. That same day, the court was baptised, ending the people's fertility religion and Hild's role. Life looked bleak - even more so when the husband to whom she was given was killed, along with her child. Hild resented the compulsory baptism, but became intrigued by the Iona priests, and eventually converted. Aidan, the charismatic figure who taught, and lived, a new kind of love, persuaded Hild to help spread the new faith. In thanks for a significant victory, King Oswy ordered her to found one of his new monasteries at Whitby. She would see the men she trained appointed by the Pope as missionary bishops, carrying the faith across Britain.

Read more less

Publisher’s Weekly bestseller. Soon to be a major motion picture! New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers brilliantly retells the biblical love story of Gomer and Hosea during the California Gold Rush. Angel, living in California’s Gold country, is sold into prostitution as a child and quickly learns that men want only one thing from her and are never to be trusted. It is her burning hatred towards these men that keep her alive and she has no intention of changing her ways until Michael Hosea, a godly man, declares God has called upon him to marry her and love her unconditionally. Angel leaves her difficult life behind and slowly, day by day, her heart starts to warm towards Michael. But with these new feelings of affection come overwhelming feelings of unworthiness and fear. Can Angel overcome these feelings of shame and accept Michael’s love and the love of God who loves her unconditionally? This classic story of God’s unconditional love has captured the hearts of millions worldwide.

Read more less

'I really feel for Neil Fisher-just finding his feet as a new curate, but whenever he trips up, it's in full public glare!... I love a book that moves you to tears one minute, then has you laughing out loud the next. This book is it!' Aled Jones Neil Fisher's first trip to Dunbridge was not a success. Having inadvertently locked himself in St Stephen's Church for hours (and succumbing to the communion wine and wafers for dinner) it seemed miraculous they gave him the curate's job! On arrival in the small town of Dunbridge it quickly becomes clear that life is not going to be tranquil for the eligible new bachelor, as four formidable women are determined to make their presence felt. There is his mother, Iris, still questioning his choice of career; his rector, the no-nonsense Margaret, who is not one for taking prisoners; Claire, his new neighbour, whom he's already managed to offend. And then there is Wendy, the beautiful leading light of the church music group, who has her own plans for Neil. It can only end in trouble.

Read more less

Join the Cheeky Pandas - CJ, Lulu, Benji, Rory, and Milo - for a fun time on a bouncy castle at their treehouse studio. They all want to bounce on the bouncy castle. CJ promises the others a chance to bounce, but first she wants another turn. CJ imagines herself as queen of the castle, but can she be faithful like the best queens, kings, and rulers? How do Lulu, Benji, Rory, and Milo end up in the bushes? Will CJ keep her promise and look out for the other Cheeky Pandas? Based on the free online animation, Cheeky Pandas® The Bouncy Castle encourages children to think about faithfulness and how this can be shown to others. Find out more about Cheeky Pandas® at https://cheekypandas.com/

Read more less

True Treasures is a charming and inspiring picture book to share with children to spark and deepen their spirituality and faith. A group of children ask Brother John – a kindly man with a twinkle in his eye, a smile on his face, and joy in his heart – profound life questions and receive his simple, yet wise replies based on the spirit of Biblical Wisdom. This simple and beautifully written question-and-response narrative by Emmy award-winning producer and director George Taweel (best known for producing McGee and Me!) are accompanied with stunning atmospheric illustrations. Perfect for keeping children entertained and curious!

Read more less

A perfect activity for older children aged 7-9 to engage them with Bible stories from the Old Testament. Key events from the Old Testament are recreated through 14 pages of colourful comic strips. These comic strips are then provided as colouring activity pages for readers to illustrate in their own way. The Bible stories include Abraham and Isaac, Jacob, Ruth and King David. A fun and appealing way to encourage children to become familiar and remember these Old Testament stories. This activity books also provides an opportunity to discuss the stories. Also available in this Colouring Bible Comics series is Colouring Jesus about his life and sayings.

Read more less

A chapter book retelling the story of Jonah who felt down about his situation and tried to hide away. But God cares and never gave up on Jonah. God was always there to talk to and help him. A reassuring story to help older children reflect and talk to people they trust about Jonah's emotions and support available to them when they feel sad, including help from God. The 'God cares' series provides a Biblical approach to discussing emotions and behaviour with children to nurture an attitude of wellness. Children at different ages approach things differently in their stages of emotional development, so this series works at two different levels: illustrated Readers aimed at 5-7 year olds and Chapter books aimed at 8+ years. Please note that children progress at different reading abilities and stages of emotional development so the age ranges are only a guide for parents and carers. The Bible stories are retold reflecting on the emotions and encourages children to discuss and relate this within their situations. Sections at the back provide a reflective space for children and practical advice for parents and carers. Debbie Duncan, author of The Art of Daily Resilience and Brave, is a nurse and a teacher, and mother of four children. She has considerable insight into what constitutes resilience and bravery: the ability to cope, to stay on course, to bounce back. In her books she considers what is required for physical, mental, and spiritual durability, interweaving biblical teaching, prayers, with personal anecdote and sound advice. This she now applies specifically to support parents and carers raising children.

Read more less

Three favourite stories each with a BIG pop-up illustration, and soft, charming artwork. The full-colour pages are delightful to look at, and the story is retold concisely for young children. The stories are: In the Beginning, No Room at the Inn, and Boatloads of fish!

Read more less

The story of God's people in the Bible is set in a particular place and at a particular time. It is linked to the land: "The land you are crossing [the Jordan] to occupy is a land of hills and valleys, watered by rain from the sky, a land that the Lord your God looks after." (Deuteronomy 11:11-12). "The Bible is full of journeys. Abraham took an epic journey from his father's home in Ur to the land of Canaan. The Hebrews journeyed from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land. The kingdom of Israel expanded under King David. Later the Jews were taken into exile in distant Babylon and Persia. Jesus journeyed around Galilee and Judea, while Paul took an epic series of missionary journeys throughout the Mediterranean world. It is very helpful to have maps to show where these places were, and where the journeys led. This atlas provides a clear set of annotated maps offering an accessible background to the Bible story." Tim Dowley, A companion to the Candle Bible Handbook, with newly commissioned maps.

Read more less

An easy-to-read history of our Bible through the ages introduces the story behind the writing of the Bible itself. Packed with fascinating facts and detailed illustrations exploring the origins of the books of the Bible, translations and early printings. A companion title to Candle Bible Handbook. Contents: Books of the Bible, Where did the bible come from, Who wrote the Bible, How the Bible was written down, How Writing began, What Language was the Bible written in, Why was the Bible Written on Scrolls, Scrolls in Jars, How the Bible survived, Copying Monks, Translating the Bible, Precious Books, Into Ordinary Words, Printing Speeds things up, A Flood of translations, to the New World and Beyond.

Read more less

A beautiful and elegant companion to the popular Candle Day by Day Bible, this comprehensive collection of prayers is divided into sections that encompass many different occasions and situations so you should always have a prayer to fit the events of the day. An introduction explains the importance of prayer, and also answers questions for inquiring minds. Each page is edged with a colourful border to match the Bible.

Read more less

Three favourite stories each with a BIG pop-up illustration, and soft, charming artwork. The full-colour pages are delightful to look at, and the story is retold concisely for young children. The stories are: Noah and his Amazing Ark, Moses and the Great Escape, Jesus the King.

Read more less

Bob Hartman's bumper collection of Bible stories is drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. There are stories for individual and group performances, stories for the major Christian festivals, stories for a variety of age groups. Each story is followed by discussion questions to encourage the audience to delve deeper into each tale. Incorporating Bob's three books - Telling the Bible, Telling the Gospel and Anyone Can Tell a Bible Story - this extensive resource includes extensive notes on story-telling, essential for any performer. Discover why Bob is in such demand in this entertaining and insightful collection.

Read more less

Fresh From the Word: The Bible for a Change will inspire your reading of the Bible in a changing world. Bringing together top theologians and biblical scholars, creative writers from around the world, cutting-edge church leaders, activists for peace and justice and a range of others, Fresh From the Word offers 366 sets of notes, prayers and suggestions for action on biblical themes. This fresh approach to Bible reading is aimed at new readers of the Bible from across the church, as well as anyone seeking a faithful, creative and challenging conversation with the Bible every day of the year.

Read more less

Game Changers aims to inspire, equip and transform the lives of its readers, enabling them to go out and change the world in the name of Jesus. Game Changers was the main theme book for Spring Harvest 2016. The book uses the example of Moses as a core topic, and covers five areas: Encountering God, Engaging your community, Ensemble (pulling together), Equipping the people of God, and Empowering the next generation.

Read more less

Michele Guinness was brought up to observe all the traditions and ritual of her Jewish culture. But in her teens she found something lacking. When she encountered a Christian it raised questions in her own mind, and she turned to the Bible for answers. In this lively account she tells how she came face to face with the Messiah and had to make sense of being both Jewish and Christian. In due course she would marry Peter Guinness, of the brewing family - who would become a minister in the Church of England. This highly diverting autobiography, studded with vivid anecdotes, describes her spiritual journey from one faith to another and the social and cultural pitfalls involved.

Read more less

The apostle Paul wasn’t a superhero. He just had God on the inside. In these letters to the churches which he planted, he tells us the secrets of his fruitful ministry. He shows us that the Gospel means that we can have God on the inside too. He doesn’t tell us to admire his fruitfulness. He tells us how we can become like him. God inspired the Bible for a reason. He wants you read it and let it change your life. If you are willing to take this challenge seriously, then you will love Phil Moore’s devotional commentaries. Their bite-sized chapters are punchy and relevant, yet crammed with fascinating scholarship. Welcome to a new way of reading the Bible. Welcome to the Straight to the Heart series.

Read more less

Here are 40 simple but penetrating reflections on the task of walking daily in the light of Christ. They are accompanied by a range of beautiful illustrations. Darkness cannot remain in the presence of light. Yet it is not as simple as the flicking on of a switch. It requires action on our part. For in the shadowy corners of our daily lives, where pain, loneliness, and disappointment linger, we need to choose to leave the darkness behind and follow the light. That light is to be found in the One who declares Himself to be the Light of the World. In forty short devotional readings Catherine encourages us to make living in the Light a daily practice by accessing the power available to us in Jesus. As we do so we will see the darkness flee before our eyes.

Read more less

Pam Rhodes is a passionate advocate for our heritage of splendid hymns. Hymns, she explains, help us respond to God: they are "prayers in our pockets". With her warm personal touch she describes how these hymns came to be written, and considers the perceptions they contain. This book is a treasury of fascinating detail, but it is also a source of devotion: as you consider each hymn and the story behind it you will be drawn into worship. Each reflection concludes with a short prayer.

Read more less

Melissa Ohden is fourteen when she learns that she is the survivor of a botched abortion. This discovery sends her life spiraling downward. In this intimate memoir, Melissa details her search for her biological parents and her own journey from anger and shame to faith and forgiveness. It takes a decade-long search for Melissa to locate her birth father. When she writes to extend forgiveness to him, she learns that he has died without answering her burning questions. Melissa then becomes a mother herself in the very hospital where she was aborted. This experience transforms her attitude toward women who have had abortions, as does the miscarriage of her only son and the birth of a second daughter with complex health issues. But could anything prepare her for the day she finally meets her birth mother and hears her side of their story? This intensely personal story of love and redemption illumines the powerful bond between mother and child that can overcome all odds.

Read more less

What do we do with a God who calls Himself "jealous," who allows suffering in the world, and who promises in His Word to judge everyone on earth? How does that reconcile with the image of God popular in evangelical churches - loving, forgiving, and shepherding us? More importantly, how does a person going through hard times learn to embrace a God who can allow such difficult circumstances? Longtime pastor and director of Open Doors Kurt Bruner explores who God is, how He works in our lives, and how we can see Him at work.

Read more less

Ian Parkinson shares his experience of partnering with God to transform two very different local churches. He weaves stories from his own congregations, and draws on his experience of ministering in an inherited traditional but declining church, revealing what he has done to turn them around. The transformation of such churches is critical: there are relational links to build on within communities; there are resources in place; and most importantly, God desires to renew his people in their sense of identity, vision, calling and anointing, even when they lose their way. In order for this to happen, there need to be leaders who are enthused and equipped to share in God's vision to be agents of change in the church for the sake of the world. This is transformational leadership. Such leadership comes about when we are gripped by a compelling vision of how God intends His Church to be, and a passion to see it move it forwards. Ian Parkinson begins with a brief overview of the true calling and identity of the Church, before examining the catalytic role of leaders in establishing practices and habits which enable the congregation to see vision become reality.

Read more less

The most basic questions everyone faces in life is Why am I here? What is my purpose? Gerard Kelly presents the stories that make up the overall story of God in the world. And here we find our purpose for each of our individual Christian lives. Our purpose is as distinctive as our fingerprint and we will connect with it when we connect with our identity and origin in God. God remembers how he made us and is committed to the fruitfulness and fulfilment of our potential. We discover the importance of finding our place of service and usefulness, knowing that our lives have meaning in the purposes of God.

Read more less

Debbie Duncan knows all too much about the need for resilience. She and her husband Malcolm, and her children, have all had to deal with prolonged ill health, as well as episodes of acute health crisis. Two family members have died. As a pastor's wife and a working mum she copes with emergencies large and small on a daily basis. So what makes you strong when you have no strength? Drawing on her personal experience as a nurse and a teacher, Debbie has considerable insight into what constitutes resilience: the ability to cope, to stay on course, to bounce back. In this helpful new book she considers what is required for physical, mental and spiritual durability, interweaving biblical teaching, prayers, with personal anecdote, and sound advice.

Read more less

Our world, and indeed our church, seem to be built around a 'couples culture'. From popular music to supermarket offers to 'family' events, being single can mean being the odd one out. Kate Wharton considers the challenges facing singles, addressing the issues of being complete without an 'other half', staying pure, being single again after divorce or bereavement, and dealing with pressures from both church and society. Kate reminds us that Jesus comes to bring 'life to the full', whatever our marital status. 'When we are sold out for God,' she says, 'then life will be the very best that it can be - whether married or single, with children or without - because we will be on our way to becoming who we were created to be.' Kate shows us how we can be single and whole.

Read more less

Slavery remains rampant worldwide. At least 27 million men, women, and children are enslaved today, ranging from prostitutes in London to indentured workers in Burma. This book tells some of their stories. 'The statistics of modern day slavery are shocking,' writes Baroness Cox. 'Behind each statistic is a human being - a man, woman, or child; and behind each human being is a family and a community which have been devastated or destroyed. As real-life experiences often speak louder than words, we introduce some of the hundreds of former slaves we have met personally.' The picture is changing rapidly: there are grounds for optimism, but also fresh concern. This popularly written but carefully researched volume has been fully updated for this new edition. It includes chapters on the causes of slavery, on the history of the practice, on different forms of contemporary slavery and truly shocking case studies from Sudan, Burma, Uganda, Indonesia, and the UK. Dr Lydia Tanner contributes a new chapter on human trafficking, and Mal Egner provides a chapter on the conditions endured by the Dalits of India. Former slave and South Sudanese Olympic athlete, Guor Marial, writes the foreword.

Read more less

In 1999 Simon Guillebaud went to Burundi, probably the most dangerous country on earth, where he pulled an evangelistic team together to reach the youths of the streets. Several colleagues died. God honoured their efforts. Hundreds found faith. Miracles became almost a daily occurrence. Although Simon had not expected to survive, God had other plans. A lady called Lizzie was willing to share his tough life: they now have three children. To empower local people, Simon determined to construct the best conference centre in Burundi. The centre was built without incurring debts or paying bribes. It is now open and already profitable. Simon comments: 'The book combines prayer letters, diary entries and reflections from ten years in a war zone. It covers witchcraft, miracles, evangelism, Islam, orphans, street kids, aids, business for mission, and stories of triumphant faith in the midst of hideous suffering.'

Read more less

A highly qualified British judge examines the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Assessing secular evidence, historical sources, and the testimony of those involved Graeme Smith carefully and critically analyses the various resurrection accounts, their inconsistences and their value as evidence. This succinct but powerful document places less weight on the Gospel accounts and considers other evidence first; sources from outside the gospels, such as Josephus, Tacitus and Pliny; logical alternatives to the resurrection; and the opinions of experts in the fields of history, literary history, palaeography and law. Could this most improbable story be true? If so, what are the implications?

Read more less

"Teach us to pray," Jesus‘ disciples asked him. Discover through this beautiful explanation the wonder of the powerful words that Jesus taught. A prayer that cherishes a close relationship with God as the very best Father, who guides us to live in the very best way with one another. This clear and lyrical explanation by storyteller Bob Hartman have been accompanied by the bright and appealing illustrations by Rafaella Ligi, making this a book that will be treasured and reread. Perfect for sharing and reflecting with children aged 5+ years, and an ideal gift for baptism and first communion.

Read more less

This is a book that comes alongside the reader as a travel guide and walks through the journey via a step-by-step approach. Walking the Single Parent Journey offers the reader a chance for self-discovery, of coming to terms with the pains and effects of the past in order to boldly face the challenges that lie ahead. The book discusses the everyday struggles and issues that single parents face, whilst offering advice and tips on managing and dealing with them successfully. The author encourages the reader to create systems and put strategies in place to help make life easier, drawing on her own experiences.

Read more less