Trusting Through the Tears

Keren Baker and her family have experienced many trials of different kinds: bereavement, chronic illness, mental health issues and financial difficulty, to mention a few. Trusting Through the Tears was written to show how God's grace has shone through the trials of their lives. This is not just their story though, and in fact it doesn't give much detail on their particular trials, but it does have much to say on the care and compassion of the Lord they trust.  The practical elements of coping with the difficulties of day to day life is woven in amongst the spiritual necessities of handling trials. Indeed we are exhorted to focus on the spiritual when all around us is falling apart, but we are also given practical ways of doing this from Keren's own experiences.
We read about the need to be honest in our weakness and how this weakness will show forth the glory of God better than any show of 'false' strength we have in ourselves.  We also learn about how to combat loneliness, with very real examples of how loneliness can be a problem even in a crowd.  The practicalities of prayer when struggling mentally or emotionally is not glossed over and we are shown the necessity of recognising the sovereignty of God and submission to the mystery that may surround our circumstances. Peace is considered: what this really means and feels like in a seemingly chaotic situation. The definitions of comfort and true joy in all these things is another topic, plus a recognition that a sense of brokenness can actually in truth, mean a fuller wholeness.
The chapter that really resonated with me highlighted the beauty of spiritual depths found in those who have suffered and the spiritual fellowship that can be found there.  It was a reminder to look for those depths in ourselves and others, and not to be satisfied with the shallowness of so much of our routine conversation. The ugliness of suffering causes the beauty of grace to shine ever brighter and will bring a richness to relationships that would not otherwise be there.
I hesitate to write this, but this is a very 'British' book (there is a subtle difference between British and American authors, which is not to say that one is better than the other 😉). In a practical and realistic way, it has a lot to teach us about trials and how we grow through them. I have found it helpfully thought-provoking and would recommend it to those who are suffering or those who are supporting the suffering (which should be all of us!).
Trusting Through the Tears by Keren Baker published by Evangelical Press.

Girolamo Savonarola

It is good to see something in print on this lesser known pre-Reformation figure. Girolamo Savonarola (1452-1498) was rooted in the Medieval monkish traditions, but he thundered out his denunciations of a corrupt Church and Pope from his pulpit in Florence. He blazed a trail which men like Martin Luther in the next generation would follow and develop. Indeed Luther pays tribute to him:

'Although some theological mud still adhered to the feet of that holy man, [he] nevertheless maintained justification by faith alone without works, and he was burned by the Pope.'

Sadly this was indeed his end, the result of criticising moral corruption too strongly and publicly. He presented a scriptural challenge to the Renaissance humanists and their proud culture in a city where artists of legendary fame were legion. He also grieved over the Church of Rome, evacuated of the gospel of Christ, consumed by worldliness and guilty of tyranny over the consciences of the people. Savonarola spoke boldly, not in Latin, but in the Italian that they could understand. Moreover he extended his reach by a farsighted adoption of the emerging technique of the printing press. Remarkably, he was the most widely published author of the fifteenth century, with editions of his sermons in French and German.

In those days a biblical message of judgment, repentance and grace as the sinner's only refuge could lead to no other conclusion but elimination. Thus Savonarola suffered a martyr's death. Yes, we can see many faults in him, but he has much about faithfulness to teach us, and we delight in his gospel witness in such dark days of church history.

Anything written by Douglas Bond is worth reading, but this book was slightly disappointing. Maybe it is the consequence of a co-authored book, because the material seemed awkwardly arranged in places. Nevertheless it is clear and straightforward as befits a title in this generally excellent Bitesize Biography series.
Jeremy

Girolamo Savonarola by Douglas Bond and Douglas McComas, published by EP Books, p/b,£6.99.

Growing up God's Way #EPBooks

Published back in 2013 these 2 books fill what was a huge gap in the market, certainly in our shop. Written by two paediatricians they are down to earth and God-honouring.  They are written with just enough detail for pre-pubescent children including pictures and diagrams, but most importantly, a clear focus on our need to view all things through the lens of the Bible. A brief introduction firstly addresses some of the natural fears of children facing puberty and gently explains why our bodies need to change and develop.  We then learn about the biblical view of marriage and the traditional roles of men and women, physical changes, physical intimacy, emotional changes, going out and preparing for the future. In each book, there is some less detailed information given about the physical changes in the opposite sex.  The books are serious but easy to read, so that they can be read with the child, or left to be read alone.

Highly Recommended!

Growing Up God's Way - for boys, Growing up God's Way - for girls. £7.99 each. Published by EP Books.

Mission Matters

Kieran Beville deserves thanks for the vigour with which he distinguishes between mission and evangelism. It is all too little understood today. I quote from his new book:

Some Christians want to define mission as evangelism because this is their limited theological understanding of mission.  Others are in situations that are geared toward evangelism and 'change' is just too much to think about.  Many feel that evangelism will be diluted in a wider mission agenda.  Largely, in the West (though not exclusively so) the evangelical church is oriented toward evangelism, and mission in broader terms is just too daunting to contemplate.  It is difficult to get these kind of churches to consider mission because as far as they are concerned their members already have enough commitments in attending church on Sundays, the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study, teaching in Sunday school, leading worship, preaching and outreach (usually defined as sharing the message of the gospel and distributing literature that shows the way of salvation). This is essential and vital work and must be continued but it must not be either evangelism or mission rather it must be mission with evangelism at its core ... In a sense it is not only about doing mission but being mission.  Mission is not the raison d'etre of the church.  But the church is a community that bears witness to God's glorious grace made manifest in a new order.  Mission, in this sense, demonstrates what it means in practice to be a people of integrity, peace and hope in a world that is corrupt, distressed and despairing. Part of the church's mission is to bear testimony to the practical reality of God's unmerited grace by being a people who exercise forgiveness and looking out for the needs of others in the family of God by sharing the resources God has given. (pp 150 - 151).

NB. This does not amount to an enthusiastic endorsement of the book as a whole - it is a very mixed bag - but it just landed on my desk today.
'Mission Matters. Essays on the Theory, Practice and Contexts of Mission.' Published by EP Books p/b £10.99.
Jeremy

The New Calvinism Considered

To my knowledge this is the first 'critical but friendly' assessment of New Calvinism to appear in book form, and EP Books are once again to be commended for publishing it.  Jeremy Walker is an English Reformed Baptist pastor who has evidently engaged with this movement for some years and is able to provide a mature guide to it.  He recognises that he is dealing with a spectrum (his favourite word!) of views, originating in the USA in the mid-1980's.  These views centre around a fresh emphasis on Jonathan Edwards and Calvinistic theology.  This enthusiastic movement has experienced remarkable growth especially among younger evangelicals, yet has stood up against the 'seeker sensitive' megachurch phenomenon.  So far so good.
However, Walker has concerns over the direction of the movement at this point in time, as the founding Fathers begin to retire from the scene.  He is very respectful of things like evangelical zeal, and the joy of rediscovery of the puritans, for example, but rightly cautious of charismatic influences, modern worship styles, and the idea of the redemption of culture for Christ.  He notes that New Calvinism has no clearly confessional Reformed theology to underpin it and therefore it is amorphous and unpredictable.  I found it very interesting to learn of New Calvinistic influences on British evangelicalism - the FIEC, Affinity and WEST in particular.  It appears to have affected (infected?) a generation within the churches over here also via the effectiveness of modern media.
There is one evaluation which I would differ from on pp 74-83 - the section on holiness.  Walker is (rightly) concerned about the influence of New Covenant Theology, and the (negative) attitude towards the Moral Law.  He carefully argues that the seed of antinomianism is being sown under the guise of grace, and defends himself against the charge of legalism.  But in this latter he is not successful I think.  Being 'Dead to the law that we might be married to another' does not lead to worldliness.  It distinguishes the sheep from the goats: many may shelter under this doctrine in order to live as they like, but those who have truly received the Spirit 'by the hearing of faith' have, and cannot but have, the bent of their life after gospel precepts.
Overall this is a valuable book.  The list of 'Individuals of Note' is very helpful.  It is not exhaustive, but not exhausting either!
Jeremy
The New Calvinism Considered - A Personal and Pastoral Assessment by Jeremy Walker, published by EP Books, p/b, £6.99

Engaging with Keller

Perhaps they will not be welcomed, but here are some sober essays on Tim Keller's theology. Having given a welcome to his reflections on work - see blog on 'Every Good Endeavour' - I feel a responsibility to take notice of criticisms of more fundamental elements of Keller's thought. Tim Keller, ordained in the PCA, was the founder of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, which has grown remarkably since into a major ministry. He is a very influential figure in the evangelical world: he both epitomises it and shapes it. It is a bold effort then to get a book like this published and EP Books are to be commended.
Keller's style is unashamedly philosophical. He is trying to reach a post-modern generation, particularly young professionals, and therefore seeks to jettison theological jargon. The problem emerges as to whether he (i) succeeds in 'translating' biblical terminology into his language correctly, and (ii) succeeds in conveying the truth through it. The authors of this book, led by Iain D Campbell, address this in the following areas of concern: the doctrine of sin, hell, the Trinity, creation, the church, and Mission. Quite a list! But Keller is handled very carefully on these matters by all contributors - perhaps too gently if the charges against him are fair. My conclusion is that there is a case to answer, and it will be interesting to see if Keller bothers with a rebuttal. But if avowed fellow evangelicals, fellow Presbyterians, find clear cause to sound a warning note against such a successful(?) fellow minister and brother, then something must indeed be up!
'Engaging with Keller' ed. Iain D Campbell & William M Schweitzer, p/b published by EP Books. RRP £9.99. Our price £8.49.
Jeremy

Slashing Prices!

Slashing Prices, Big Deals, Great Offers, Price Cutting, Saving you Money - we may not be a supermarket, but whatever you want to call it, we've done it!  All our books published by Evangelical Press, Carey Publications and Grace Publications have been reduced by up to 20%.  Permanently.  Yes, that even includes their newest titles like John Blanchard's Major Points from the Minor Prophets.
Enjoy.
Lorna

Hit By Friendly Fire

I first came across Michael A Milton as an author by reading his striking book of short essays 'Small Things, Big Things' published by P & R in 2009.  It was so winsome and out of the ordinary that I couldn't help but like it, even though I didn't agree with it all.  So when his name came up in the list of new titles being brought out by EP Books I was intrigued, and latched onto the book when it arrived just before Christmas.  It is a very different read than the other - much shorter, more focused, and more restrained.  Milton handles a subject more prevalent than Christians would like to admit, that of being hurt or betrayed by fellow believers.  He correctly identifies this as being deeply emotive and takes on the role of caring pastor - sensitively applying the scriptures.  Joseph and the Apostle Paul are particularly used as case studies, but Jesus himself of course as the supreme example.  They are returned to repeatedly within Milton's step by step process to help bring healing: 'take up your cross; take off your crown; go to your Gethsemane.'  I have to say that while I don't think Milton has rightly engaged with Paul's meaning in Philippians 3:10-11, I do think his overall principles are sound and profitable.  Indeed they apply to many other types of hurt, and I found a dose of his medicine helpful although not palatable.  Thus, by being capable of extension from the particular to the general, this little book packs a big punch.  It is kind on the pocket too at £4.99.

Jeremy 

Anne Bradstreet

This is the most recent book I have read, and one which we are promoting on an offer price of just £6.00 (RRP £7.99) until the end of this week! (03/07/10)

You can just sense the empathy Faith Cook has with the subject of this her latest biography, Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672). Anne was a woman of literary talent, along with a sense of family and public duty. There are questions as to the boundaries of a Christian woman’s role even today, but this is nothing compared to the received opinion in the 1600s. A Bunyan might be allowed to write a classic, but not a Bradstreet. They were both persecuted nonconformists, whose suffering sharpened their quills, but his work was readily published whilst hers only reached the press via a series of acts of providence. Nonetheless she has the remarkable distinction of being America’s first published poet of either sex! Quite amazing! Anne is regarded as American, because she left England with her family at just 18 years old in search of freedom – part of a mass migration of Puritans. In the tough New World she reflected the ethos of a culture already beginning to diverge from the mother country in hundreds of lines of rhyming couplets. But above all, her faith shines out through her verse. Fear, danger and death were never far away in the New England colonies, and all were sanctified to Anne. She viewed her life as a pilgrimage to glory. Beware, this book will cause some serious heart-searching. Take this sample:

Why should I live but to thy praise?
My life is hid with thee.

O Lord, no longer be my days
Than I may fruitful be.

Jeremy

Dealing It Out

This is John Blanchard at his best. Dealing with atheism, albeit within the compass of a slim paperback, but with devastating effect. Evangelical Press, now rebranded as EP Books, have produced this cheaply (£2.50) in their Popular Christian Apologetics series, so it is readable by anyone. It is a pretty quick read too. The great thing about this Blanchard contribution to the Dawkins debate is his focus. He doesn't lock horns as a scientist, because he isn't one. But as an experienced debater with atheists, Blanchard goes for the jugular - politely. The 'new atheism' which Richard Dawkins is devoted to, claims that science has disproved God's existence. Blanchard shows how unscientific this idea is in itself. He further exposes the flaws in Dawkins' arguments, chipping away at rash claims and doubtful statements across the whole range of books he has authored, not just 'The God Delusion.' He also shows what a sterile and savage philosophy atheism is when it takes Darwinian evolutionary theory to its logical conclusion. But we need to understand that this is what underpins the attempts of the intellectual establishment to marginalise Christianity and influence governmental policy in the field of ethics in Britain today. Although Blanchard may be faulted for his view of conversion (no mention of regeneration as a distinct work of the Holy Spirit), the body of this book is most helpful in 'Dealing with Dawkins' and his chums.

Jeremy

Who Made That Poster?

Back to 'Who Made God' by Edgar Andrews. EP Books, as they like to be known, are due to begin an advertising campaign placing large posters at mainline railway stations. This is quite a new and exciting venture for a christian book and credit is due to them for a bold attempt to place the book in front of the 'man in the street' and not confining themselves to the converted. But when these posters are unveiled on 1st February you will be loudly informed on them to buy the book from Amazon.co.uk. There is no mention of any other outlet. But why not? I say, don't buy it from Amazon!! Support your local Christian Bookshop or else at least order from a christian on-line retailer. Why boost Amazon's profits? Like a giant anaconda they will eventually squeeze the life out of their competitors and we will all be the poorer for it. If you do want to make a christian statement then go into a major high street bookshop and ask for this book, but don't get it from Amazon. It just confirms people in the mentality that Amazon are the place to go for everything. A one stop shop. Yes, the book is listed at a serious discount (20% off RRP of £9.95 when I checked). I feel strongly enough about this to be prepared to offer it at the same price as Amazon to anyone who sees this blog so as to provide a serious alternative in terms of price and service.

Jeremy

Blow your Mind this Christmas!

This book really is a fantastic effort to communicate science, and how it backs up belief in God, despite the attempts of Richard Dawkins and crew to rubbish religion. I have read many popular level books on scientific topics, both from christian and non-christian authors in my time, but this is top notch! Edgar Andrews takes on the 'new atheists' and compares creeds by the scientific method across a wide spectrum of enquiry. He uses only the biblical God as his starting point, and demonstrates that observed fact fits his 'hypothesis' far more convincingly than any alternative. Fascinating facts and details are packed in like raisins in a Christmas cake. It is an excellent apologetics tool, but also a book to stir the soul as well as the mind towards our great and sovereign Creator. Certainly a good 'braintraining' work out to compensate for the excesses of the festive season! But don't equate challenging with tiresome. The 'busy mother of four' listed among the credits on the back cover found she could 'quite easily' grasp the concepts involved and intends it for 'the coffee table' when friends come round. I admire that woman. In my opinion as a lesser mortal there are some frankly tricky bits, but Andrews handles them as deftly and lightly as could be hoped for. After all some things will always remain difficult however clearly explained eg. quantum physics.

One point I would like to gauge other people's views on in the creation science fraternity is Professor Andrews opinion of the Big Bang. Read chapter seven and then come back to me. If you haven't got a copy of the book, buy one from me, then read chapter seven and come back to me! Is it the consensus among 'Special Creationists', if I may use the term, that there is no incompatibilty between Big Bang theory and Genesis chapter one? I just felt that maybe a version of the Gap theory was being employed at this point.

Overall a great Christmas present option at only £9.95 for a hardback with dust jacket.

Jeremy

Empty Arms

What a heart-rending story about a 'normal' family who suffered the sudden death of a 2yr old girl. As such, it is an intensely personal story, and the author, the mother Keren Baker, makes it clear that grief manifests itself in a range of emotions which are different for each person. The book is essentially a practical one but with spiritual applications that Keren found helpful in those early days of bereavement. Whether you have walked the path of bereavement or not, I feel this book is helpful because it is so practical. From funeral arrangements to scrapbooks, from timeout to keeping busy, from studying God's Word, to singing hymns through tears. As Keren says, none of us know how we might react in a similar situation, but she gives advice on how we can be helpful to others who may suffer this difficult trial. There were snippets of information about how the other children in the family grieved and acknowledgement that her husband grieved very differently - I would have liked to have known more, but at the same time, felt that Keren had already opened up so much of her heart that I could hardly expect more from someone who had suffered such heartbreak only 3 years ago.
I pray that the Lord will continue to uphold this family as they continue their journey.
Empty Arms - A Mother's Journey Through Grief to Hope, by Keren Baker, published by Evangelical Press in a small hardback, £7.95
Lorna

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

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

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

The New Focus Conference

The inaugural New Focus Conference was held over the past weekend in idyllic surroundings. Teesdale really is a lovely spot, and more so because it is often overlooked by tourists in favour of the better known dales further to the south. Somewhat a metaphor in fact for the conference itself. We just went up for the Saturday sessions to supply the bookstall, but it appeared that few local evangelical churches supported it. We counted 45 people, many of them from quite a distance. What is the organiser Peter Meney's crime? Is it that his 'New Focus' magazine has become synonymous with George Ella and his campaigning ways? Perhaps, but he deserves a voice. Like him, loathe him if you will, but at least engage with the research he does even if you don't like his conclusions. Leaving aside such things, Peter and his wife Jill did a great job of organising the conference down to the last sausage roll! Thanks again you two.

The (loose) theme of the conference was 'Salvation, past, present and future'. Re the past, George Ella presented an historical paper in two parts. He focused on a few individuals from the North of England who have been influential in the spread of the Gospel while this country was in its formative years. Indeed his opening thesis was that the true gospel arrived on these shores in the north long before Pope Gregory sent Augustine to 'convert' the heathen Saxons. He moved on to highlight the Venerable Bede and then Alcuin before devoting much time in the second part of the paper to John Wycliffe (from Teesdale!). Wycliffe was compared in some respects to Luther, and shown to be a great reformer. His sound biblical views were expounded, which are much less recognised than his bible translation work itself. I'd like to go on and read more about his views now.

In between George Ella's contribution a slot was given to Ken Cotty. He preached a sermon which I only got tantalising bits of, due to surpervising the children in a side room. It was an uplifting message on the future for the true christian and was well received. Lorna and I necessarily had to 'dip' in and out of sessions for the children's sake, but after a meal freely provided, we were all together for the final part at 7pm. Don Fortner (Pastor, Grace Baptist Church, Danville, Kentucky) preached a short sermon and set forth the gospel in his usual dogmatically God-honouring manner. All in all, we felt it was a very heart-warming and stirring conference. Heavy rain was the only dampener as people finally dispersed (and the lost hour!)

NB. New Focus can be obtained from us or directly from the editor Peter Meney http://www.go-newfocus.co.uk/
Evangelical Press have printed a number of books by Don Fortner, as well as Go Publications. All are obtainable from us.
Jeremy