Quotes

Don't you just love a good quote? I confess to being absolutely fascinated by them, especially those of a christian nature. Who can match the pithiness of a Puritan preacher? The doctrinal demarcations of the Reformation? The burning earnestness in times of Revival? The crafted words of the Victorians? I wonder, does the C21st church provide much material for quotation? Yes, sound bites to be sure, and jokes aplenty, but how many weighty words which really make one stop and think.

John Blanchard has done a fine service in collecting quotes and they can be found bound together as 'The Complete Gathered Gold'. This is a lovely hardback book with a stylish dustjacket from Evangelical Press and costs £24.99. Actually not too bad in cost per quote terms given there are 16000 of them! But fear not, if this is all too much, a selection of 366 has been made and produced in the form of a spiral bound perpetual desk calendar (ie. it has one quote per day but the day is not stated so it can be used for any year not just 2009). The quote is big and bold and eyecatching. I intend starting mine in the New Year. It has a RRP of £9.99, but this price has proved unpopular, and we will now offer it at £7.99, but only if this blog is mentioned at point of order and while stocks last.

Jeremy

The Birth of Jesus

I have been reading this book to a group of children over the past few weeks (in instalments) and I think it is brilliant! What an accurate and exciting telling of the amazing story of the birth of our Lord and Saviour. When children are hearing so much about the birth of Jesus at schools and nurseries, this book fills in all the gaps and dispels all the myths. It includes the stories of Simeon and Anna, it explains that the wise men didn't go to the stable the night Jesus was born, and that there may not have been just 3 of them. It gives simple spiritual applications throughout. My children have been enthralled by the way it tells the story ... 'Mummy, Herod told a really terrible lie to the wise men, he said he wanted to worship Jesus when really he wanted to kill him' (Matt with a face of horror!). I really think this is the best book on the Birth of Jesus that I have ever read to children.
The Birth of Jesus by B A Ramsbottom, Gospel Standard Publications, £3.95
Lorna

William Mason

"Many complain of bad memories. They cannot remember many things. They cannot retain things long. Here then is the one thing needful. Here is but one short, gospel work for your memory. 'Remember that Jesus Christ was raised up from the dead' 2 Tim 2:8. Exercise your memory upon this. Clothe your memory with this. For this finishing stroke contains the whole of thy Lord's blessed and joyful works, from his birth in the ignoble stable, until his ascension to his kingdom in glory. O clothe your memory constantly with the joy of this, that the eternal Son of the eternal Father became an infant of days, lived to be a man of years, died as an accursed malefactor, bearing our sins, the guilt of our sins, the curse of our sins, all the wrath due to our sins, and all the penalties which our sins deserved, in his own blessed and innocent body on the tree. That he, the true scape-goat, carried all our sins away into the land of forgetfulness. Hence, thus saith your God and Father, 'Your sins and your iniquities, I will remember no more' Jeremiah 31:34. 'Though your sins and your iniquities be sought for, they shall not be found.' Jeremiah 1:20. You cannot; but at times remember your sins. It is fit you should to humble you, and to cause you to remember the love of Jesus, who bore them, suffered for them, and has taken them all away, O then remember that, Jesus was raised again from the dead."

Quoted from 'The Believer's Pocket Companion or The One Thing Needful To Make Poor Sinners Rich & Miserable Sinners Happy' by William Mason (1719-1791).

Available in a small hardback for £7.95 or a paperback for £4.50

I would also recommend Mason's Spiritual Treasury (Morning and Evening Portions), as an excellent way to start and end the day (2 vol set for £16.95).
Lorna

It's a gift!

For those that don't know, our AV block calendar is the only daily tear-off calendar in publication which purely has a Scripture quote from the Authorised (KJV) Version with no other verse or meditation. That may sound a pretty bold statement, but we believe it to be true. In fact if it wasn't we wouldn't produce it! It is really a labour of love (especially when the traditional KJV Bible is becoming less and less popular), but we know from many testimonies that it is spiritually profitable, and has been over many years. So, every year someone amongst our circle of family/friends is asked to choose 365 scripture portions for the calendar and they have often commented on how good it is for them to do this.

The other unique thing about our calendar is that it is doublesided - you don't have to choose which picture you prefer because you will get both! Perfect for indecisive people because you can simply turn the calendar around halfway through the year and you get to enjoy both pictures for 6 months each!

It is also worth mentioning that if you buy the 2009 calendar for yourself or as a gift for anyone, you are really getting value for money. As you tear off each text throughout the year you will come across Loyalty Vouchers and other hidden treasures qualifying you for extra discounts on books from the shop. Search for yourself - it's a gift at only £6.95!

Lorna

Musings

Life has been a little busy lately, hence the lack of blogging. The 'ladies' events (at least 3 men managed to slip through the door too) went well last week. We always enjoy these events; the lighting, fresh coffee, and homebaked goodies lend themselves to a cosy atmosphere with plenty of good chat and fellowship. It was particularly good to see some new faces in the shop and we hope these new friends will come back now that they have taken that first scary step over the threshold and discovered what a friendly bunch we are! In the clear up following these events I have been reorganising things in the shop... the sale boxes have been filled up, some present ideas have been picked out, plus all the new titles that have been published just in time for Christmas are piling in and quickly finding a slot on the shelves. Hopefully, Jeremy and I will get a chance to read through some of these and blog on them.

There's still plenty of Christmas cards left for those of you who send them and also lots of 2009 calendars and diaries to suit all tastes. Don't forget, gift wrapping is free!

Now, which book shall I read first...?

Lorna

Ladies Night

Or should that be children's night? Anyway it's for ladies about children's books, hosted by ladies. It's the same November event as last year, but for 2 nights this time. The first is on tonight at 7pm - 10pm, then the next is on Thursday. Lorna is working like a trojan preparing the shop layout for it. As a man I'm strictly banned, so here I am writing about it. The great news for all comers is that a special 3 for 2 offer applies to all children's books - something to brighten up a grey Autumn evening! Even better, this offer is also on for the rest of the month for mail order customers (see website for more details) for as long as stocks last. This may not be too long... Unfortunately the homemade cake doesn't post out too well, so that's the downside for those who can't/don't turn up on the night. Our most represented publisher in the children's section of the shop is Christian Focus Publications. They have been very supportive - thumbs up to them. But we also have much more to offer in the way of sound, carefully chosen material for children and young people. Go to http://www.christianbookshopossett.co.uk/young_people.htm
Jeremy

A Beginner's Guide to...

...Creation.
This book is so new I can't find an image of its attractive cover! It is a slim (84pp including bibliography) introduction to the evidence for Creation. Dr Chris Pegington has worked in the field of genetics and thus has a personal knowledge of the influence of the scientific establishment and their aggressive adherence to evolutionary theory. So this is a handy book from a capable writer. He is notably honest in distinguishing between creationist theory and the actual biblical facts. There is also a refreshing candour in the author's own testimony as to how he became convinced of Creation. He openly acknowledges that it is "through faith we understand" (Hebrews 11:3), rather than 'by understanding we believe'. However the reasonableness of faith can be shown, and in this he succeeds even if some subjects are dealt with in more detail than others. New (to me anyway) facts are brought forward, and the 'in' topic of Intelligent Design is given a chapter to itself.
I was disappointed with a non-scientific statement on the very last page, in which the purpose of Christ's death is extended to include the redemption of the cosmos, ie. not just people. It is not therefore confined to sinners in this view, let alone the elect. But this is undervaluing the precious blood of Christ, not exalting it! It certainly does not square with Christ's own words in John 10:15, "I lay down my life for the sheep." I realise that a brief reference in a book is open to misinterpretation - hence I hope that may be the case here.
'A Beginner's Guide to Creation' is published by Bryntirion Press and costs £4.95.
Jeremy

Elizabeth Prentiss

I'm a newbie when it comes to Elizabeth Prentiss. I've felt a bit left out for years knowing that her best selling title 'Stepping Heavenward' has literally been read by millions and I hadn't so much as seen a copy. Now I have! My first surprise was when I discovered that it is fiction, somehow I had got the impression it was her autobiography. Not so, it is the journal of a fictional character 'Katy'. Katy is an impetuous teenager when the book begins and we follow her teenage tantrums, rebellion and of course the obligatory 'unsuitable' fiance, before her conversion. Her priorities then gradually change as she grows in grace. Her journal is written honestly, we learn of her initial struggles with married life, her innermost spiritual pride, her daily struggles with her hot tongue, her battles with legalism and her gradual submission to the will of the Lord. The human heart has not changed since the 1800's! I think this must account for it's continued popularity. The book is an easy read and thought provoking. I have discovered though that it seems to engender some extreme views - some people love it and recommend it to all their female friends, others really turn their noses up and would rather leave it to get dusty on the shelf. Why? I actually enjoyed it more the more I read it.

Having read 'Stepping Heavenward' I was then keen to know how similar it was to her real life. Sharon James' biography 'Elizabeth Prentiss: More Love to Thee' is a nicely produced hardback which traces her life, drawing heavily on 'The Life and Letters of Elizabeth Prentiss' (compiled by her husband shortly after her death), and many of her other writings. It is an accessible biography clearly laid out with timelines and family trees, although I did get a little bogged down in the detail at times. It is clear that Elizabeth Prentiss did indeed draw on her own life experiences in the writing of 'Stepping Heavenward' and this is evidently what makes it such an authentic read.

I have even gone one step further and have now read a short article by Prentiss' father, Edward Payson, on parenting. I feel 'Prentiss-ed out'. Enough for now.

Lorna

Horizons of Hope

This is not a new book, but certainly not one that should be 'written off' - just like the many people whose stories fill it. This is a book about disability. Subtitled 'Reality in Disability' it tells the stories of various Christians who struggle daily with disability, but throughout the struggle find that it is only by trusting in God's sovereign purposes that they are carried through. Brian Edwards describes his wife's physical battle with rheumatoid arthritis, the ups and down of her spiritual life throughout the years of living with such a debilitating disease and his own difficulties trying to balance life as a busy pastor with life as his wife's carer. His honesty is heart-warming and their spiritual testimony profitable. We also read of the preacher who had his larynx removed, the soldier who survived a firefight only to have his leg amputated, a teenager with cystic fibrosis and others who spent most of their lives in institutions and then struggled with the adjustments of living independently. One chapter, written by a pastor who was privileged to have a group of people with learning disablilities in his congregation should be read by all pastors, elders and church members. He gives sensitive advice on some of the difficulties he encountered but also the many pleasures of pastoring this group of people... 'We certainly receive from them as much as we give, and we have discovered that if they are different from the rest of us, it is not their learning disabilities that sets them apart so much as certain qualities they possess that many of us find very humbling and challenging'. Brian Edwards also adds a very practical chapter on how those of us that are more able-bodied can be sensitive to the needs of the less-able and particularly those that use wheelchairs.
As an ex-Occupational Therapist this is a subject close to my heart and I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone who finds it hard to 'know what to say' when they come face to face with someone with a disability. Always remember, they have feelings like you.
Horizons of Hope, edited by Brian Edwards, published by Day One, £8
Lorna

John Bunyan

I'm about a third of the way through Faith Cook's new biography of John Bunyan 'Fearless Pilgrim' (EP hardback £16.95). So far, so good. It is in her usual interesting and easy style. Perfect Christmas present material. Some might question the need for another book on one of the most studied Christians of all time. But I get the feeling that the present generation has perhaps less knowledge of him - is 'Pilgrim's Progress' still a fave book? What a pity if decreasing familiarity with older English form and style becomes a barrier to that classic book with its original inimitable phrases. But Faith Cook also directs attention to the fact that he wrote so much more than 'Pilgrim's Progress' and 'The Holy War'. In fact his output was prolific. Amazing considering his lack of (formal) education and grim persecution. Thankfully different American publishers have maintained in print virtually the whole range of his works in their individual compositions - Reiner, Grace Abounding Ministries, and Gospel Mission. We featured a couple of books in our mailout this Autumn, but we distribute all the others plus those available from UK publishers. See our John Bunyan special listing. I try to spend as much time as possible cowering behind the covers of 'Fearless Pilgrim' because our new stock management system has just gone live, and the bullets are flying. Some tweaking is necessary already, but if that's all I'll be more than pleased. It's a nervy ride for a Mr Faint-heart!

Jeremy

October Offers

I'm sure there are plenty of people out there who are already thinking about Christmas, and even some really organised people who are actually thinking about Christmas presents. Well, this is for you... We have some great October offers that I think would make perfect presents for your friends and family whether they are Christians or not.

Faith Cook's historical novels are always a good read for young and old alike. Caught in the Web is set in the Tudor period of English history and revolves around the life of Lady Jane Grey. If you buy this and team it with Under the Scaffold, another historical novel based in Haworth at the time of William Grimshaw, you will get a 20% discount off both.

Caught in the Web by Faith Cook, RRP £8.95

Under the Scaffold by Faith Cook, RRP £7.95

BUY BOTH FOR £13.50 (you save £3.40)

War stories are always popular with Grandpas (sorry, am I generalising??!), and our second offer has plenty of them. War and Grace is a collection of stories highlighting God's work in the lives of various people (some high-profile) during the World Wars of the last century. This is a book that is hard to put down and one which has a wide appeal. We have bundled this with the hugely successful Running the Race, a biography of Eric Liddell which has sold in its thousands and was even allowed into China for sale at the Olympic Games. Again a 20% discount applies if these books are bought together.

War and Grace by Don Stephens, RRP £8.95

Running the Race by John Keddie, RRP £8.95

BUY BOTH FOR £14.30 (you save £3.60)

We only plan to run these offers during October, so make sure you don't miss out on the opportunity to get started on your Christmas shopping.

Lorna

From Grief to Glory

'Few things must rival the sorrow of a family that buries a child'. So begins James W Bruce in this book that has grown out of the spiritual journey of his family who suffered the loss of a son after 55 days. This is a family who looked to others who had also lost children for the sympathy of a shared experience. Their journey took them to the writings of many well known men and women of faith from times past, when death in childhood was much more common than now. And so this book is really an anthology of such writings. We read Robert Dabney's letters after the deaths of 2 sons within 2 weeks of each other, Calvin's hymn after he lost his only son born prematurely and Matthew Henry's journal following the deaths of 3 of his 9 children when he was able to say 'I am in deaths often; Lord, teach me how to die daily'. Bunyan, Whitefield, Edwards, Rutherford and many more all suffered the loss of children. Their writings recorded here along with insights by Bruce are very poignant and powerful. I'm sure this 'book of comfort for grieving parents' (as subtitled) will be just that.

Interestingly, a few weeks before 'From Grief to Glory' arrived in stock, I read another newly published book called 'Under the Rainbow'. This is an incredible testimony of a mother who lost 2 severely disabled children at the ages of 10 and 12 years. Her honesty regarding the shock of having not 1 but 2 disabled children, the practicalities of daily family life (which included another healthy child), the reactions of others to her children and how her family dealt with their deaths are very moving. Although at times angry and devastated, she was brought by the Lord to humble acceptance and submission to His will. Emotional, thought-provoking and profitable to read.

Having ourselves suffered the loss of a nephew at just 19 months old, this quote from Lorraine Boettner in the appendix of 'From Grief to Glory' rings so true...

Clearly, accomplishment in life cannot be measured in terms of years alone. It often happens that those that die young have accomplished more than others who live to old age. Even infants, who sometimes have been with their parents only a few days, or even hours, may leave profound influences that change the entire course of the life of the family. And undoubtedly, from the Divine viewpoint, the specific purpose for which they were sent into the world was accomplished. It is our right neither to take life prematurely, nor to insist on its extension beyond the mark that God has set for it.

Lorna

From Grief to Glory, by James W Bruce III, published by Banner of Truth, £6.25

Under the Rainbow, by Catherine Campbell, published by Ambassador, £7.99

How to handle your life...

This is a nice little book just published by Christian Focus Publications. I am always happy to recommend Carine Mackenzie and find her children's books very reverent and biblically accurate. This book has 52 short chapters each using events from daily life to illustrate Bible truths. For example, one chapter describes a mountain walk and a blind man being led by his friend, Carine applies this to our need to trust in our heavenly guide during life's journey. Written for 6-11yr olds with Bible word searches and quizzes this could be adapted and used in many ways; personal daily devotions, family devotions, even short talks for children's groups.

My only hesitation is that as I read this book I sense that Carine is writing for children within the Covenant (as Presbyterians understand it). But this is subtle, Carine does not necessarily assume that the chidren are believers. Perhaps this may mean that some adaptation is required if used within children's groups with non-Christian backgrounds.

Having said that, I am still going to recommend this book as a useful addition to any tweenagers bookshelf as long as it is 'handled with care'.

Lorna

Abraham Kuyper

Inventor of the increasingly used term 'world view', but Abraham Kuyper is not a household name in this country. He is better known in America because of its large Dutch immigration, and their Calvinistic Reformed tradition. But I dare to say that there has never been a figure like Kuyper in the English speaking world - ever. Evangelical Press published a book by historian James McGoldrick called 'God's Renaissance Man', which I read on holiday to learn more about Kuyper himself, after reading his famous 'Stone lectures' on Calvinism. He certainly was immense in his influence in Holland, combining undoubted intellect with vision and energetic organisational skills. He was a theologian, a pastor, but then started his own newspaper to propound his views to the man in the street. He waded into the political mire and managed to maintain Reformed views in being a founding member of the Anti-Revolutionary Party, eventually becoming the Prime Minister of a government sharing power with Roman Catholics. A pragmatist too! He believed that all of life belongs to God. To quote: "No single piece of our mental world is to be hermetically sealed off from the rest, and there is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry: 'Mine!' " I fully agree. It is confessedly so by believers, and true of the natural man also, though in rebellion against it. McGoldrick attempts an accessible biography, and helpfully sets out the historical context in Holland and in international politics. He also assesses Kuyper's theology - his so-called 'sphere sovereignty' and doctrine of common grace. Perhaps this is a rather 'bitty' part in the book, and he very much judges Kuyper against the Standards of the Reformed churches, more so than the Bible itself in my opinion. The reader must judge! I feel Kuyper's danger was in creating a philosophy of Calvinism. It satisfies the mind in creating a logical framework, but comes to grief when going beyond the specifics of biblical revelation. But he was a fighter for liberty in his era - for instance, the recognition by the state of the right of parents to have the opportunity to educate their children in a christian context. And he achieved that. The establishment of the Free University of Amsterdam was his greatest triumph. Sadly, it gradually changed its course a good while after his death, but that cannot be laid to his charge. Admiration with reservations is my approach to Kuyper, but he deserves study - it will challenge you to think about life, the universe and everything so to speak!

Jeremy

Why?

Sorry to lower the tone somewhat after the last post. But can anyone tell me why it costs so much to send books by post to Europe? Considering that it is a near neighbour, rates are so high comparatively to sending books off to Singapore, Australia or the USA. Not only that, but to put the tin lid on it I sent books off to Holland recently and it was actually cheaper to send them airmail than surface mail! How come? Some consumer watchdog ought to have a sniff into all this mess and work out how much we're being conned.

Grumpy, but striving for contentment.

Jeremy

Hope... the best of things

Joni Eareckson Tada is someone I enjoy reading, ok so I may not go along with her theology on everything, but she has a definite insight into suffering. I thought I would share a quote from a little booklet recently published called 'Hope... the best of things', in which she writes about hoping in Christ amidst the trials of life. Here is one of her comments on Luke 9:23 'If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me':

My wheelchair is not my cross to bear. Neither is your cane or walker your cross. Neither is your dead-end job or your irksome in-laws. Your cross to bear is not your migraine headaches, not your sinus infection, not your stiff joints. That is not your cross to bear. My cross is not my wheelchair; it is my attitude. Your cross is your attitude about your dead-end job and your in-laws. It is your attitude about your aches and pains. Any complaints, and grumblings, any disputings or murmurings, any anxieties, any worries, any resentments or anything that hints of a raging torrent of bitterness - these are the things God calls me to die to daily.

Hope... the Best of Things, by Joni Eareckson-Tada, published by Crossway, £2.99

Lorna

Christmas is coming...

Okay, so we're only just past the middle of the year, but I'm afraid I am already up to my ears in Christmas cards and 2009 Calendars. Most of my Christmas cards have now arrived plus we have just taken delivery of next year's AV Block Calendar. I enjoy looking through everything and reminding myself of what I ordered back in January/February, but I don't want to wish time away so they probably won't get anywhere near the shop floor until October. Having said that, I have already had one customer ask to see Christmas Cards, plus we have received our first order for 2009 calendars! It's an up-side-down year in the retail world!

Lorna

Bible Alive Series

To complement the 6 books on the Life of Jesus in the Bible Alive series, Christian Focus Publications have just added 4 books on the life of Moses. Carine Mackenzie has (as always) written a biblically accurate set of books with just enough detail for the intended age group. This series is pitched at around 4-7 yr olds. I would recommend these to anyone who is looking for books for this age group.

Moses the Child, Kept by God

Moses the Shepherd, Chosen by God

Moses the Leader, Used by God

Moses the Traveller, Guided by God

£1.99 each

Lorna

August Highlighted Books

Because of the Olympic Games during this month, I thought that it would be a good time to focus on books with the theme of Christians and sport. This immediately digs up the old bone to chew over again - should Christians be involved in sport? It is closely connected with considerations like use of time, and what constitutes worthy entertainment - if in fact such a thing exists. Is it OK to participate in sport, but not be a spectator? Or are both merely forms of modern idolatry? If you have a talent for a particular sport (or indeed any other natural gift, from playing the piano to lion taming) then should you see it as God-given to use anyway, or only if you can clearly see how it can be employed for his glory? So many questions! So many opinions!!

One book I have featured was blogged on by me when first published. 'Running the Race', a new biography of the Olympic legend Eric Liddell. It is pleasing to learn that a translation of it has been given the permission of the Chinese Government to be distributed in China during the period of the Beijing Games. Well done Evangelical Press!

Perhaps the worst development in sport is professionalism. It drives the win at all costs mentality. It may increase standards, but mostly reduces the concept of sportsmanship and healthy enjoyment. It also brings great pressure along with the crowds of spectators. So I have also featured a book called 'Stress: Sources and Solutions' from a Christian viewpoint by a former Consultant Psychiatrist. I haven't read it in detail, but it obviously deals with a whole range of reasons for stress. Like me trying to shoehorn in this blog to introduce my August choices between decorating the bedrooms at home and testing a new stock and invoicing system at the bookshop. Must dash to get the dust sheets off our bed before sleeping in it!

Jeremy

Audrey Featherstone I presume?

Missionary biographies are always popular and this new one should be no different. The story of Audrey Featherstone, an 'ordinary lady' who was converted from a non-Christian home and went on to spend 25 years in the African Congo teaching and evangelising amongst the Congolese is a fascinating one. Audrey may consider herself 'a nobody' but her story has much to teach us about sacrifice in the work of the Lord and it becomes clear that she was given gifts specifically for this missionary work that may not otherwise have been apparent. I only wish she could have been persuaded to write this book herself. An autobiography is so much more personal than a biography. When I think of the autobiographies of other missionaries in the Congo, Helen Roseveare (Give Me This Mountain, CFP, £6.99) and Margaret Hayes (Missing, Believed Killed, Day One, £8.00) there is more in these of spiritual lessons learnt in the daily trials of missionary life. However, I suspect that Audrey's reticence to tell her own story in itself gives us an insight into her personality and Tim Shenton has done well to gather together the story that he has. He also does well to clearly explain the complex political situation of the time. Well worth reading with some interesting insights into the changes in missionary work over the years.

Audrey Featherstone I presume? by Tim Shenton, published by Evangelical Press, £8.95

Lorna

The Least Likely Holiday Read?

Is this the least likely book to be read on holiday this year? The thought came to mind whilst scanning the biography section looking for holiday reading to promote. Who wants to read about Van Til? The denseness of his own prose style does not somehow recommend him as an interesting subject for being written about. But in a moment of pity for the underdog, I picked it up there and then and started reading...and I found it hard to stop! One man's meat is another man's poison. First, I found it very informative about the context to Van Til's life. I feel I can now appreciate better the layout of the American evangelical/reformed/fundamentalist scene of the 20th century. Second, his approach to apologetics is noteworthy. The Dutch Reformed heritage was strongly influential on him, not unsurprising as he was born in Holland, and he looked back to Kuyper and Bavinck. So he determined to defend reformed truths by an unvarying method, which he judged to be itself wholly reformed - presuppositional apologetics. Thus 'worldview must be set against worldview', no one is neutral in relation to the truth, let alone autonomous in being able to judge what it is. We must confess God's word, not argue it. I think he has been derided for this 'counsel of despair' approach, but it impressed me, and he successfully exposed the errors of Karl Barth with it.
For more formal blurb on the book, which costs £14.95, go to this link to the publisher's website:
http://www.prpbooks.com/inventory.html?target=indiv_title&id=1592
And to think that Lorna has been giving out the impression that I have turned into a mere software developer!
Jeremy

Wet Holidays?

This is getting disgraceful - no new posts for over a week. Sorry. I'd like to say we've been run off our feet, but unfortunately not - at least not with customers. We haven't exactly been putting our feet up either though. Jeremy is working very hard on our new stock control system so that it will be ready for a month of testing during August. This means that his head is currently full of 'queries', 'visual basic' and 'runtime errors' (don't ask, I have learnt not to!) Having said that I have spotted him relaxing with the new biography of Cornelius Van Til, so you may get to hear his opinion on that sometime. Our July Bulletin was emailed this week with some suggestions for holiday reading, you can read this by clicking the link on our homepage. Of course, if you let us have your email address, you could get our monthly bulletin direct to your desktop! One thing we didn't mention on the bulletin was activity books. With holidays looming and the wet weather looking set to stay, it may be worth your while stocking up on some activity books to keep the children busy. The TBS have recently brought out a new range with puzzles, wordsearches and crosswords covering a range of topics. These cost just 65p each. Plus we have sticker books, colouring books, dot-to-dot books and many more - give us a call or check the site for more info.

Lorna

Caleb's Lamb

Christian fiction for children - I have mixed views on it. Often it incorporates a poor storyline with an 'in your face' Christian message that is doctrinally dubious. Caleb's Lamb is different (as is most of the Christian fiction that we stock I hasten to add!) Truly historical fiction, this book centres around a Hebrew shepherd boy at the time of the Israelite slavery in Egypt. It is reverent and biblically accurate in its detailing of the plagues and the role of Moses in leading them out of Egyptian bondage. But the main thrust of the story is Substitution. The death of one for the life of another. And the storyline is so gripping it cannot fail to move and drive home this principle. The applying of this message to New Testament times and the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ is not mentioned and in my opinion is well omitted. It leaves the stage open then to the adult who can discuss and apply as appropriate for each child.

Caleb's Lamb by Helen Santos published by Reformation Heritage Books

Lorna

Living Sacrifice

Helen Roseveare is so honest it is easy to warm to her style. Using illustrations from her life as a medical missionary in Africa, 'Living Sacrifice' is a candid analysis of her failings and the lessons she learnt about her practical Christian walk and specifically the need to sacrifice ALL to the Lord. Her chapter headings show how fully she deals with the subject: With all my heart, With all my soul, With all my mind, With all my strength, and in so doing encourages the reader to analyse their own Christian walk in the same way. Apologising, sacrificing possessions, re-evaluating priorities, submitting to physical weakness are all issues dealt with in a very practical way. To give you a taster, I will leave you with a quote taken from the chapter 'With all my Soul' when Helen was struggling with her 'rights' in terms of the way she did her job...
"If I would learn to love God with all my soul, I would have to learn to give Him my will. That would mean giving Him the right to exercise control over it. I had to learn that I had no rights. All rights are His. How was I ever going to learn to live in the atmosphere of the prayer: 'Not My will, but Thine be done' (Luke 22:42)? My right to be considered, to have my opinion listened to, to give my advice, to make choices and decisions, certainly insofar as these related directly to my own life and the outworking of the vision He had given me, all seemed so essentially right and reasonable. It is against all modern teaching and practice to deny any human being the right to be himself and to express himself. Hence the freedom of speech,and of the press, and many other avenues of self-expression have become precious and almost fundamental to our whole way of life and thinking. Psychologically it is sound. Intellectually it is reasonable. Practically, it may lead to anarchy and strikes and disruption of whole communities, though perhaps one might not say so (even in these days of freedom of speech!).This is considered a small price to pay for a basic freedom. However, spiritually, it is not God's way. He has a perfect plan for each one of us, a plan that fits into His overall purpose for the whole world. My individual liberty is safeguarded within His plan. If I truly believe in Him, I'll trust Him to desire for me that which is for my highest good, and to have planned for it's fulfilment. How hard this comes!"
There is certainly much food for thought throughout the book.
Living Sacrifice - Willing to be Whittled as an Arrow, by Helen Roseveare, £6.99 (first published 1980, reprinted by Christian Focus Publications 2007)
Lorna

Caring for Life continues

We spent our day off yesterday up at the Caring for Life farm in North Leeds. For those not in the know, Caring for Life is a charity that does an amazing work amongst the most deprived people of Leeds. Their motto is 'Sharing the Love of Jesus' and they do this by literally 'Caring for Life', each person that comes under their wing becomes part of the family. They house people, support people in their own homes and give each person an occupation, a reason for living, by involving them in activities on the farm and the many projects involved. I mentioned them in a post last year when the story of their work was published but I mention them again really to recommend a visit to the farm by anyone who is local or holidaying in the area. They have just this weekend launched their new 'Granary Cafe' and Farm Shop as a venture to help support their ministry. We enjoyed a light lunch in the cafe (freshly baked bread, veg,fruit and herbs from the farm gardens) shopped in the Farm Shop and spent an afternoon enjoying the Sensory Garden, the sensory pond and a walk down into the valley where a lot of work has been done on the Care in Creation conservation project. A highlight for the boys was seeing a calf just born to one of the herd of Old English Long Horn Cattle - the first of the season. Along with the Cafe and Shop the new Adult Learning Centre and also a People and Animals Meeting Building have been opened, both of which are to further the activities of the Charity with the people they care for.
This farm is a lovely place to visit and this Charity is well worth supporting.
Lorna

Pocket Puritans

I have to say, I think Banner have hit on a good one here. They have reproduced some puritan writings in bite-size pieces on topical subjects. They are certainly pocket size (13.5cm x 9cm) and perfect for a handbag or pocket - as one customer who was enthusing on 'Anger Management' (Richard Baxter) assured me, hers would always be in her bag to refer to! What Banner have not shouted about is the fact that each booklet also contains a short biographical sketch of the author.

In our musings on these booklets Jeremy and I have been wondering if the need for 'pocket' puritans is a reflection on the reading habits/abilities of people nowadays. Probably when Banner of Truth first brought out their 'Puritan Paperbacks' they were intended as 'bitesize' excerpts to give a reader a flavour of some of the writings of that era. Now there seems to be a need for even smaller bites. However, I believe Banner have accurately identified an area of need and we have had some very positive feedback from customers. Let's hope in their enthusiasm customers will progress to the Puritan Paperbacks and then on to the originals in all their multi-volume glory!

The titles currently available are:

Anger Management - Richard Baxter

Heaven, A World of Love - Jonathan Edwards

Impure Lust - John Flavel

Living Faith - Samuel Ward

£3.25 each

Lorna

June Children's Books Promotion

I don't think there could be a better opportunity to pick up a few books to replenish the young people's section of your church library, or buy presents for youngsters. Our marketing manager has obviously failed to get the message across. Let me make it clear now. On offer at Buy 1 Get 1 Free are the Bibletime and Biblewise series (14 books in each to choose from on a Bible character - in the 3 to 7 age range). And yes you can mix 'n match. Also two sets of boardbooks for under 3 yr olds.

Then some great series of books are being offered at £2 off. This is very good when you consider that their selling price is £4.99 or £5.99. Hence in the roughly 8-12 yr old category, 1/3rd off 'Trailblazers', an extensive range about pioneering men and women of faith - whether scientists, writers, missionaries, preachers - all action-packed biographies. Also, 1/3rd off my old favourite 'Jungle Doctor' books - stories (semi-fictional?) with a compelling African flavour. 'Ivan' is another series down to £2.99 for this month only. Stretching up to 14 yr olds it is fiction based on cold war fact for Russian christians back in the Soviet era. Finally, how could you pass over £2 off the 'History Lives' series? There are 4 books now taking you from Apostolic times to some of the figures in the Great Awakening of the C18th. This really shows history for the great drama it is, told with flair. I reckon this could reach ages from 14 to 41. Pick one up and you will learn more than you'd care to admit.

Jeremy

Crisp back at Brinkworth

It was a fascinating and ultimately encouraging afternoon. Puritan preacher Tobias Crisp's words were once again heard in his parish church at Brinkworth. Dr David Samuel gave an unusually balanced lecture on Crisp and his theology to an unusually mixed audience. It can be obtained from the Protestant Reformation Society of which Dr Samuel is President. There were vicars aplenty, rubbing shoulders with Strict Baptists and Calvinistic Independents. Even a lineal descendent of Crisp was present...and a good time was had by all. The books we provided (see list in the previous post) were readily snapped up. It's good to think that although Crisp has been often dismissed, his clear spiritual understanding of free grace - God always looks upon his people as accepted in Christ, yet this is no open door to ungodliness to them - hasn't been destroyed.
Jeremy

Tobias Crisp Lecture

Dr D N Samuel is to give a lecture on Tobias Crisp DD under the auspices of the Protestant Reformation Society on Saturday 14th June at 2.30pm (tomorrow!) at Brinkworth Parish Church in Wiltshire. It is appropriately titled 'Christ Alone Exalted' because that was the great theme evident in the sermons which have been preserved in his Works. For any who don't know, Crisp (1600-1642) was a Puritan, under whose gospel ministry the Church building was filled to capacity and beyond. On the back of his pulpit seat he had a motto text carved which he would have seen every time he went up into it 'Woe be unto me if I preach not the gospel'. This took place in a quiet, remote (especially in those days) village, far from more famous people/places.

I hope to get down to the event, and will be very interested to see how Dr Samuel handles his subject. The Society have accepted my suggestion of having Crisp's sermons available for any attendees who are interested in further reading. My experience is that they express the worth of Christ and yet the freeness of his salvation. Crisp is good at meticulously removing all perceived obstacles that a sinner feels must surely stand in the way of his acceptance with God.

Books in print by Crisp which we stock are:-

Christ Alone Exalted - a 4 volume paperback edition by Gospel Mission. This is a scanned version of the original Works. £22.95

Christ Alone Exalted - a 1 volume paperback edition by Diggory Press. This has been re-typeset. £24.95

Christ Alone Exalted Series - an edition in 8 booklets by CBO Publications (that's us!). Re-typeset, containing between 3 and 5 sermons each, to comprise the first 33 sermons in his Works. £2.50 each. Bargain.

Christ's Pre-eminence - slim booklet size edition by Zoar Publications (my Dad was part of that 2 man team!). Re-typeset as an edited version of material from 2 of the sermons on Colossians 1:18. £1 each - can you believe it! I might as well give them away.

Brinkworth is on the B4042 near Malmesbury, easily accessible from the M4. A tea is to be served in the village hall afterwards.

Jeremy

Father's Day and Fathers

Virtually everyone I meet in and out of the book trade is convinced that christians are reading less and less. I think so too, but also that the drop off is more true of men than women. Why is this I wonder? Answers on a Comment please. Ministers and theological students are still buying books, but how many books does the man in the pew get through in a year? Father's day could be your excuse for buying a man a good book and monitoring his progress with it.

I took a book newly in about fathers and sons on holiday to review. Perhaps I was actually spending too much time doing some of the very things the book advocates to get on and finish it! Anyhow, my initial overview resulted in me shooting it down in flames. I felt (and still do) that it was deeply flawed. However, dipping further and further has made me appreciative of some of the content, so that it has been given a reprieve. The book is called 'Stand Fast in the Way of Truth' by Douglas Bond. It's all very culturally American - the muscular title sets the tone, the many case studies are full of it, the points for discussion and resolves etc, at the end of chapters are typical of it. But you can get over that if you try hard. The problem is betrayed from the foreword onwards. There is a clear although unstated assumption that sons are also in a covenant relationship with God if their fathers are believers. This should not be a surprise as the author is a ruling elder at a Presbyterian Church as well as a teacher at a Christian School. Now, if you can sign up to this view, OK. Otherwise you will find yourself like me, constantly interpreting the book to fit your own view of those who constitute God's children. This is in fact not altogether without profit, but nevertheless tiring. Rather like me swimming against a cross current on my holiday in the sun. Sure, the book contains much good advice on 'Men's issues'. It encourages the (for me!) challenging notion that fathers should be good role models for their sons. It is at its best towards the back in the sections promoting intelligent reading of the Bible, and correct theological reflection as a 'manly' activity. But one always returns to the point: who is this book for? It simply won't work in the context of a christian father who has a son who is not born again.

Jeremy

We're Back!

Back at our desks today, we're working hard on our June promotion. This month we're focusing on youth workers. That includes Sunday school teachers, those who run children's clubs or holiday bible clubs, and yes, it even includes parents! Our special offers include Buy One Get One Free on various children's book series which would be perfect for Sunday School prizes or just bedtime reading (that's for the children not the parents!). We're also highlighting books aimed more specifically at the youth worker themselves such as 'The Devotional Life of a Sunday School Teacher' (J R Miller, £4.95), or 'Counsel for Christian Workers' (C H Spurgeon, £4.99). Plus we have stocked up on a variety of resources for running clubs, Sunday schools or family devotions, with curriculum samples to give away.
The usual baking is going on in the background so that those who make it to our late night openings (Monday 16th and Thursday 19th) can relax with cake and a cuppa. Otherwise, just give us a call and we will be happy to advise over the phone.
Lorna
(The holiday was great by the way - you can't beat a British beach when the weather's good - book reviews from holiday reading are on their way...)

On Holiday

Flaming June is just around the corner, and we've decided to get a head start on the holiday front. Yes, a good old fashioned family holiday, self catering in North Wales. Low on carbon emissions, although the air has been filled for some time now with 'when are we going to Wales?' Books are by no means off the agenda. No holiday would be complete without its special reading choices. Lorna and I have got a rucksack full between us - some new and potentially bloggable, some old but with great promise. Also, one for family reading with the boys. This is another in the Christian Focus 'Adventure' series - 'Himalayan Adventures'. I just hope it doesn't turn out as cold as the climate there, although it would be great to have Snowdonian mountains as spectacular!
Just one point. Don't be put off and not place your orders in the next week, just because we're not at the Bookshop. We have measures in place to deal with things.
Look out for details of another themed promotion to be released on our return, God willing.
Keep England warm for us!
Jeremy

New Books, New Looks

We've had a new book in called 'The Law of Kindness' by Mary Beeke. It looks to be a good practical read on a subject I'm sure we all feel to fail on at times. On that subject, we've had some kind and willing volunteers helping us out at the shop this week, otherwise known as my parents. They usually like to be busy when they come and stay, Mum prefers the child-care side of things, and Dad likes to get busy with a drill and other such tools. He has used them to good effect in our 'children's corner' which we have re-designed to make better use of space. So we now have an improved display of our ever-expanding range of children's books, plus a small area designed to keep children occupied while their parents browse (Ikea came in handy for this). I haven't taken a pic of the new look yet, but this should give you an idea...

Our boys have tested it and it works a treat!

Lorna

N.B. we are planning offers on children's books during the month of June ... 'Buy one, get one free' sound tempting? Keep an eye on our events diary so you don't miss out.

Read it all in a year

After Jeremy mentioning the 'Bible Titbits' to be found in the Daily Light, I can't resist plugging the One Year Bible. This is what I am using for my daily devotions this year. I like having my daily reading set out for me (laziness or just bleery-eyed ness?) and the thought that I will actually get through the whole Bible in a year. Admittedly it is a bit of a whistle stop tour, each day has a long Old Testament portion, a shorter New Testament portion then a Psalm and part of a Proverb. The old brain can find the switch between Old Testament and New Testament a bit tricky at that time of the morning, but the portions can be read whenever it suits and in whatever combination. Various reading plans are helpfully suggested in the publishers note.

We have the compact edition in stock for £7.99 (hardback or paperback). Well worth the price, especially when you can get it for £7.19 if you buy during May.

Lorna

Light at the end of the Tunnel?

Our Bible promotion month is not going great guns up to press. Not surprising I suppose in view of the stampede away from the AV on every hand. However, we seem to be doing well with orders for Daily Light. Interesting considering that this is no more than scripture portions from the AV placed thematically morning and evening for each day of the year. Perhaps people like Bible tit-bits rather than going for the full package. At least it's something though, and the TBS have certainly made a nice job of bringing Daily Light back into production. They are very well priced as all things TBS are. You can get a paperback with an attractive full colour photo cover. Then there's a browny gold coloured hardback. Finally, top of the range, a choice of black or burgundy leather, and that's still only £14.95! All have presentation pages - an ideal gift.

Jeremy

Teenager found!

At last I have found a teenager who is willing to be my reading guinea pig. I am referring to my WANTED - teenagers willing to read books! post back in April. Here's what this 13yr old has to say about 'Conflicts with others':
I really enjoyed this book. I have a great relationship with my parents, but this book has shown me to express my emotions to them. My parents are great and they also listen, which is special. My favourite bit was when they explained how we need to weep more and not bottle it all up before you explode. I personally struggle with that. Thankyou for giving me the job of reviewing this book it has really blessed me. It has helped me on in the walk of the Lord.
So it seems this series is enjoyed by the age group that it is written for despite my scepticism.
Lorna

Recycling Issues: Packaging

If you have bought by mail order from us recently, look hard at the address label. We now state at the bottom that to reduce our contribution to the rubbish going to landfill sites, the package your book comes in may have been reused by us. This is no new thing for us as regards boxes and their attendant packaging - we have never bought them, they have always been recycled from what publishers send us. However, we have done a wholesale review of the waste we generate from the shop, and modified a few things. Hence instead of always using new bubble wrap or jiffy bags, we will recycle ones to hand if they are useable. The appearance may not be as it was, but we feel the issue of image projection is secondary to that of being environmentally responsible. Of course we will continue to wrap and pack the books well, the last thing I want is for anyone to feel that their order has been sent shoddily.
If you want the ultimate in recycling from our bookshop order a copy of 'Planetwise' by Dave Bookless. The cover as well as the paper in this book has been made from recycled material. I have mentioned the book in a previous post. It is challenging and worth a read. I can't agree with him on his interpretation of John 3:16 or on the use he makes of the concept of redemption - but see if you agree with me or him by buying it!
One final matter. Don't you think that Local Councils ought to be funded to provide recycling bins for small businesses? At the moment they charge for the privilege. Hardly encouraging. Please write to them about it - or email if possible to save paper.
Jeremy

Bibles, Bibles, Bibles

Don't miss our May Bible Promotion - you can't if you come in the shop!

Lorna