Joy in the Sorrow

Suffering.... No-one is immune to it, but everyone reacts differently to it. Joy in the Sorrow is a collection of stories from Christians who have suffered. Matt Chandler, pastor of a large American church, introduces the book and includes his own experience of having a brain tumour. But then the remainder of the book is written by various members of his own congregation. Not well known Christians, but 'normal' everyday Church members who have walked through deep trials and have learnt to rejoice through them. These stories show the greatness and goodness of God in his gracious, personal dealings with each believer. From the death of a young child, to the death of a young spouse; from chronic physical illness, to long-term mental health issues; from family breakdown, to childlessness. Each story is a clear testament to a God who sanctifies suffering, who walks with his people through trials; who teaches, guides and directs in these difficult pathways.
This is a moving read, but well worth it.

Joy in the Sorrow - How a Thriving Church (and its Pastor) Learned to Suffer Well by Matt Chandler, published by Good Book Company, £8.99.

Author Visit - Douglas Bond

This time last week we were welcoming Douglas Bond to the shop. It was a busy afternoon of book signing, book selling, history talking and cake eating!

 If you weren't able to make it this time, we very much hope there will be another opportunity in years to come... we will let you know! In the meantime, there are plenty of Douglas Bond books to read.  Doug writes gripping historical fiction for both adults and children. But he is not just a fiction writer - he writes solid biographies too, plus a few books on theology and Christian living. He also has a particular interest in hymnology. Take a look at this list of his titles that we stock, many of which we have personally reviewed...

Books by Douglas Bond

Virtually Human

We live in an era when our information is increasingly provided by a search engine, and our interactions are via social media. Technological advance is hailed with optimism and increases in pace. But are we somehow being changed by the tools we develop? Are we becoming less human - more impersonal - in synch with a virtual world? But we hardly have time to frame these important questions, let alone find answers, before the next wave of technology hits us. This tends to provoke knee jerk reactions, either to look back to 'better days', or to embrace the change uncritically. But, as the authors put it in this book, 'the questions technology poses are not simply technological questions.' They are the old questions touching on the nature of human life. The big technology firms like Google and Facebook know this, and their advertising strategy is to provide consumers with a vision of human flourishing.

Here, immediately, a biblical perspective is required. What is the true vision for human life? Only in Jesus Christ are we set free and set right. All other stories are just that - stories. Fallen man seeks to set himself at the centre of the universe and put God out of the picture. The greater the power of the technology he develops, the more he magnifies evidence of his Fall in its employment. The internet and its related technologies provide unprecedented power, and these are now embedded in modern life.

Therefore in this book we are bidden to challenge attitudes and behaviour with scriptural truth. Personal ego, consumer culture, 'image', use of time and knowledge, empathy, community etc are all under the microscope. Parents may read this book with their children's online habits in mind, but will be reminded that their own interaction with the internet is to be examined first. We all want to be connected and in control, but unless we set some boundaries, we are in danger of being continually distracted, and failing to relate to real people in the here and now.

The authors are good at pointing out uncomfortable truths for us! But even if it is a rough ride at times, and I wouldn't go along with all the theology, be sure to engage with these issues, which a digital world thrusts upon us.

Virtually Human. Flourishing in a Digital World.
Ed Brooks and Pete Nicholas
IVP
p/b £8.99.

What a telling quote - 'When Facebook tells my friends that I am at home with my children, my children will tell you that I am actually on Facebook with my friends!'

Spurgeon's Sorrows

Zack Eswine has woven together C H Spurgeon's personal experience and words on depression to produce a sympathetic 'handwritten note of one who wishes you well', rather than 'an exhaustive word or prosaic treatise.' Here are some quotes:-

The Road to sorrow has been well trodden, it is the regular sheep track to heaven, and all the flock of God have had to pass along it.

Personally, I also bear witness that it has been to me, in seasons of great pain, superlatively comfortable to know that in every pang which racks his people the Lord Jesus has a fellow-feeling. We are not alone, for one like unto the Son of man walks the furnace with us.

It might puzzle us to tell why Elijah should get under a juniper bush, but when we get under the juniper ourselves, we are glad to recall the fact that Elijah once sat there.

I am certain that I have seen more in the dark than ever I saw in the light - more stars, most certainly - more things in heaven if fewer things on earth. The anvil, the fire, and the hammer, are the making of us; we do not get fashioned much by anything else.

There is much more here that is helpful for sufferers and caregivers. Some of it enters into general Christian experience; some of it reaches to the exceptional.
Newly published by Christian Focus Publications. £6.99 p/b.
Jeremy

John Newton + Barbara Duguid = Extravagant Grace!

I didn't get what I expected when I opened this book to scan its pages! I was pleasantly surprised and found myself being drawn again and again to it. Written by Barbara Duguid and subtitled 'God's Glory Displayed in Our Weakness' it takes a look at John Newton's writings on sin, grace and sanctification. To quote the author's preface, "This eighteenth-century pastor outlined a theology of sinful failure that humbles weak sinners, magnifies the finished work of Jesus Christ, and comforts people who just can't seem to stop sinning by pointing them to Christ in their worst moments of defeat".  Barbara weaves contemporary examples throughout whilst outlining and explaining John Newton's theology. As with most books, there were some parts that I skipped through but many sections of it were excellent: thought provoking and humbling. I have certainly finished it with an appetite to read more of John Newton's works.
To read a full and fair review see the Reformed Reader blog.
Lorna
Extravagant Grace by Barbara Duguid, published by P & R, £9.99

Christ in the Chaos

This really is a little gem of a book and I'm sure I won't do it justice in reviewing it.  Kimm Crandall is brutally honest about the chaotic nature of motherhood, but makes no attempt to give 'top ten tips of being a less chaotic mother' (what a relief!).  The essence of it is captured in the subtitle 'How the gospel changes motherhood'.  The Gospel!  For a true believer, the gospel and the power of it known and felt in the soul is what changes everything (not just motherhood).  But because Kimm applies the true message of the Gospel especially to motherhood it really strikes a chord with those mothers who feel that every day they should do better, try harder, be more patient, not shout, remain calm, keep the house clean, the children clean, the husb... etc etc (does that cover every mother??).  Actually, what matters is Christ.  He knows our failures before we do and in spite of them, He loves us.  Kimm presses this point all the way through the book and applies it so practically to the reality of our day to day lives as mothers.  Whether it is our desire to be the perfect Mum (and outwardly only showing this mask), our comparisons between our parenting skills and others, our inability to keep calm in aggravating circumstances, our struggles to meet the ever-changing needs of our family, our felt failure to keep the home... and so the list goes on. How often we bind ourselves up in rules and lists of our own making. But what liberty there is in the gospel! 

The writing style of the book is very direct and at times Kimm took me by surprise in her language. However, the truths she expresses have been written about throughout the ages and only the day I finished the book I read a piece by J C Philpot (1802-1869) which chimed in beautifully with its essential message.
Highly recommended for all Mums AND Dads (actually, I think this book wouldn't go amiss read by most people who feel they struggle with understanding how the gospel applies to their chaos).
Lorna
Christ in the Chaos, by Kim Crandall, published by Cruciform Press, available in paperback or eBook.

Awaiting a Savior

I don't know anything about the author, but I would go so far as to recommend this as the first book to read on the theme of social responsibility. Aaron Armstrong's approach is just so right, starting with sin and its effects. Once there was no such thing as poverty - now it can never be eradicated. Note that poverty is a state of spiritual loss involving all Adam's descendants before it is an economic or relational one. A true christian is a person who has had a deep felt need, and found it met by God's grace through Jesus Christ. Grace given so freely, yet so incredibly undeserved! Never can such a person sit in judgement on the deservings or undeservings of his fellow men, whether down the street or on the other side of the globe. Compassion, kindness and generosity are foundational to a true christian. He must do as he has been divinely done by. Armstrong makes a careful distinction between this peculiarly christian ethic and that which drives other well meant but ultimately worldly initiatives. Christians are realists - there will never be a human led solution to human need, whatever resources are put into it. Such understanding avoids the common guilt trip response. However cynicism ('What can I do about it?') is thereby also overturned. How many opportunities there are and always will be to help the destitute, because they will always be here!
The theology is thus soundly set out - in fact it occupies most of the book, with satisfying biblical backup. And this is necessary because so many go astray at the very start. Legalism (the 'default setting' of the fallen mind) in particular is a major danger. Hence in making his applications, including offering detailed thoughts on the subject of giving, Armstrong strongly emphasises the 'willing mind' acting out of love to God.
I am pleased to have this book from Cruciform Press in stock now at £6.50, along with other titles from their ever increasing range.
Jeremy

Cruciform Press

Who's heard of Cruciform Press?  It is the publishing brainchild of popular Canadian blogger Tim Challies (www.challies.com) & 2 of his friends.  Their vision is simple: they aim to publish books which are helpful, inspiring, biblical & gospel focused.  In that vision, you could say they are no different to many other evangelical publishers.  However, this publishing business began in the 21st Century (October 2010) with 21st Century technology & endeavours to make full use of it.  They publish one short book a month, on the first of each month, each with the same price, each available either in print format, a variety of ebook formats or as an audiobook.  The books cover a variety of topics (e.g. Marriage, backsliding, disability, grief) and use a variety of authors, some well known here in the UK (e.g. Joel Beeke, Al Martin) others not so well known (e.g. Greg Lucas, Casey Lute).

We decided it was about time we took a look at these new books & have just received stock of our first batch. Here they are...

Wrestling with an Angel - A story of love, disability and the lessons of grace, by Greg Lucas

"But God..." - The two words at the heart of the gospel, by Casey Lute

Friends and Lovers - Cultivating companionship and intimacy in marriage, by Joel R Beeke

Getting Back in the Race - The cure for backsliding, by Joel R Beeke

Grieving, Hope and Solace - When a loved one dies in Christ, by Albert N Martin

The Organised Heart - A woman's guide to conquering chaos, by Staci Eastin

So far I have read 'Wrestling with an Angel'.  Within the space of the hour that it took to read I found myself going through a whole range of emotions - Greg Lucas writes honestly about the difficulties he and his family have been through (continue to go through) with their child who has disabilities.  But we don't just read his life story, this is really a book that examines God's Word in the light of life's difficulties and comes through shining with God's grace.  I found it emotionally moving and spiritually searching.

Next, I have picked up 'The Organised Heart' (I had to really didn't I?!).  I'm only half way through the second chapter about being a perfectionist & already finding too much that rings true to be comfortable!

These titles are available to order from our site (although I don't have full pics & descriptions on there yet) at introductory prices of £5.99 each. They're worth trying out!

Lorna

Enough.

Helen Roseveare is a very practical & down to earth writer.  She is so honest about her failings in her Christian walk it becomes easy to admit to yours.  In this book she has challenged me again. The general thesis is that Christ is enough to fulfil all our needs.  Sounds obvious and I'm sure we all know the theory and the scripture texts to prove it.  But do we really live it out?  Really?  Honestly? 
What about all those 'respectable sins' - worry, perfectionism, that ever-so-small feeling of discontent, the grumbling about the weather, impatience, moral superiority - we may talk about them as little weaknesses or failings but they are certainly not very Christ-like. How longsuffering our Lord is!  Do we really rely on Him to know what is for our real good? 
What about that sneaky 'Jesus... plus'?  If we could just be successful in this situation, if only God would provide a spouse/a new house, if only those around me would respect me more, life would be so much better.  Since when was Jesus and Him alone not enough for our complete happiness? 'The joy of the Lord is your strength' (Nehemiah 8:10).
These 'not enough' errors that Helen talks about are so subtle, but ring horribly true. Suddenly I have become more aware of far too many of them tucked away in my own heart where no-one would necessarily see them - except a Holy God of course.  This is very humbling and could lead to feelings of despair of never being good enough - but Helen deals with this too.  Indeed we fall far short of pleasing our Heavenly Father, but the death of Christ is enough to cover all our sins.  Enough.
This is a book that I found searching and profitable.  It's only small and takes less than an hour to read through.  Buy it and digest.  In fact don't bother buying it - the copy I picked off the shelf in the shop has since had tea spilt on it (an over-enthusiastic little helper!) so I'm happy to give it away free. All you need to do is 'like' us on our facebook page (or get a friend to like us if you don't have a facebook account), then let me have your address & its yours for keeps!
Lorna
Enough.  by Helen Roseveare, published by Christian Focus, £2.99

Going snowboarding?

Not just the cover, but also the contents of this book - another reprint of Paul White the Jungle Doctor - are in a very different style from the Jungle Doctor or Fables series.  Written for older youth this book has nothing to do with snowboarding but is essentially a practical guide for Christian living.  Paul White speaks of his own conversion and uses anecdotes from his own life and missionary days to illustrate his points.  Solidly sensible advice is given on a huge variety of topics such as regular Bible reading & prayer, money, guidance, careers, marriage, the occult and much more.
I have to admit, after the first few chapters I was decidedly negative about the book.  For one, he quotes a lot of Scripture - not a problem for me except that he insists on using the Phillips translation which is essentially a paraphrased version of the Bible and not to my taste.  Secondly, there was a distinctly Free Will element to some of his writings which jarred with my Free Grace views. Gradually though, his down to earth style won me over and I do think that with careful and discerning reading, this immensely practical book could be really helpful.  The publishers say that it is suitable for 12+yrs.  I think I would be more cautious and say 16+yrs.
Lorna
Get Moving by Paul White, published by Christian Focus Publications, £4.99

Just the Two of Us?

There were groans around me as I unpacked this book from the publisher... 'oh no, it's another issues book' my colleagues were thinking!  But I felt able to fully justify my choice - we have only one other book directly on this subject in the shop, I often get them in but don't often feel they are good enough to take up shelf space.  This is one I will be putting on full view in the shop.  'Just the Two of Us?' is subtitled 'help and strength in the struggle to conceive' and is a really useful book for anyone to read, whether directly facing these issues or not.  Firstly, it is British - not only does this help when discussing the medical options available, but it also defines the style of writing (and I won't specify why for fear of causing offence to our friends across the water).  Secondly, it includes men, who let's face it are one half of every couple facing infertility issues.  Thirdly, it continually directs the reader to Scripture and reminds us of where our priorities lie in our Christian walk even when faced with such emotional and life changing (as planned by us) circumstances.  Written by two women who have walked this pathway with differing outcomes, it covers a wide range of issues including secondary infertility, miscarriage and stillbirth.  I found it sensitively written and usefully interspersed with a lot of anecdotal testimonies.  It is a good reminder to us all of how we can be sensitive and supportive to those suffering these particular trials in our Church families.
Lorna
'Just the Two of Us?' by Eleanor Margesson & Sue McGowan is published by IVP, £7.99.

Are you contagious?

This little book compiles Joel Beeke's 4 addresses at the Aberystwyth Evangelical Movement of Wales conference in 2009.  They are typical Joel Beeke style, easy to read but punchy. Entitled Contagious Christian Living, each address focuses on one Bible character and draws out a 'contagious' aspect of their living. Jephthah's daughter is highlighted as an example of Sacrificial Submission, Bartimaeus for his Christ-centred living, Jacob for his Perseverance, Prayer and Penitence, and Daniel for his Consistent Integrity. 
Although perhaps a little too much poetic licence has been used at times, the book is peppered with applications for contemporary Christian living, many very pointed and thought provoking.  How much are we prepared to truly submit to the Lord's will for us?  Is our daily walk and talk God-honouring? At times of darkness do we wrestle with and cling to the Lord so that like Jacob we say 'I will not let thee go, except thou bless me'? With worldliness and temptation all around us, are we able to be consistent in our walk by faith?  Certainly none of this can be done without sustaining grace freely given by God. What a reminder therefore to persevere in prayer 'Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you' (James 4:8).
Lorna
Contagious Christian Living by Joel Beeke, jointly published by Bryntirion Press & Reformation Heritage Books, £6.99