Isaiah by the Day

This book gives me a headache - on what shelf should I put it? It calls itself a 'devotional commentary', but it would be difficult to comfortably put it in either (or fit it in as a matter of fact because of its size.  At 22 x 17cm it is a big 'un). For the moment I have settled for devotional.  It is certainly not a verse by verse commentary, and would not be useful to consult in this way.  But at the end of each of the 71 sections Motyer has divided the book up into (for convenience sake), there is a paragraph of reflection.  This is usually excellent.  Well composed and concise but full of matter for mediation, application and prayer.  It has not been a drag to use this book for daily readings. They are fairly long, but fascinating, although not perhaps for everyone.  It depends on whether you are willing to accept the author's own translation of the prophecy of Isaiah.  Do you want to read it in an unfamiliar rendering, or would you prefer to simply follow what you know? The advantage of proceeding with the former is that Motyer, with his skill as an Old Testament scholar, adds many snippets of translational notes and historical references.  He has also translated and set out the text in a form so as to reflect its literary style, and give a feel for the original language.  Motyer's passion is to enrich people's experience of Isaiah, and in this he succeeds well. This is a nicely produced hardback edition and would make a suitable gift for anyone who would like to be considered as a student of the Bible.
Jeremy
Isaiah by the Day, by Alec Motyer, published by Christian Focus Publications, £14.99

Rare John Calvin Commentary

A first sight of the oldest book we have ever had! The first English translation of Calvin's commentary on 1 John & Jude. It is undated but the British Library officially say c. 1580. It also has a letter written by Calvin from Geneva printed with it at the back. A bibliophile's delight! I love it, but mustn't get too attached, as it may soon be wanted.
Jeremy

Last Week of January Promotion

You may be forgiven for not knowing we even had a January promo. I confess with shame that it is nowhere to be seen on our website! A clue to the reason for this omission is at the top of the home page. Lorna has put out a message that the winds of change are blowing and she is in the midst of the tornado, ie. our new website is less than a month from completion (subject to the Lord's will, as we have always proved on projects past). Anyway too much time is needed on this to allow for full updating of the existing site - hence the missing January promotion. Of course if you have already given permission you will have received the promotion by email in the January bulletin. Something to consider if you haven't already signed up - just drop an email with 'subscribe' in the subject line and Bob's your uncle.
On to the promotion itself. We are trying to encourage reading from the section we describe as Biblical Studies. This covers commentaries and sermons, as well as Bible guides and reference books. In other words, serious stuff from past and present, for which a blanket 15% discount applies.
Then, within this section, books from some accessible commentary series are available at 25% discount. These are Day One's 'Opening Up' and 'Exploring the Bible' series, which are aimed at giving brief overviews and introductions to Bible books. Also Banner of Truth's 'Let's Study' series which are more in depth and focus on the New Testament books. Some excellent material here and now just one week to come and get it. Sorry I forgot to tell you earlier.
Jeremy

Don Fortner

Don Fortner, Pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Danville, Kentucky is due to preach at Egglesburn Baptist Church in Teesdale on Wednesday night (18/04/07), God willing. Anyone interested? Contact Peter Meney, Tel. 01833 650797 or email peter@go-newfocus.co.uk for details.

Don has written a number of books, all of which we stock. One Biblical Studies Series is called 'Discovering Christ in...' and he covers the books of Genesis, Ruth, Song of Solomon and Revelation.

I know that Lorna enjoyed the one on Ruth and used it as daily reading material.

As far as I am concerned, however, Don's greatest service to the Christian public was in instigating the project of republishing Dr Robert Hawker's commentary on the whole Bible (a 9 vol set). This is known as the 'Poor Man's Commentary', mainly because it was first issued in small portions to suit the pocket of the average worker in the early 1800s. But I like to think that it also refers to the fact that Hawker consistently points out the fullness of the love of Christ to the feelingly poor and needy sinner. We were glad to lend a hand in the republication work in 2005 by providing an original copy for scanning. We are one of the few stockists of this valuable commentary on this side of the Atlantic.

Jeremy