The great smell of books!

We are pleased to report that the shop is open after recent restrictions on retail were lifted, and so our customers will once again be able to enjoy the smell and feel of fantastic books like this one!

Our secondhand book section has recently had a healthy influx, and some of these books are often sought after and difficult to find. These include full sets such as John Gill's commentary, William Huntington's works, John Owen's seven volumes on Hebrews and many more. To check out our full secondhand listing, click here.

Newly published books are also being added to our shelves regularly including some new titles in the Puritan Paperback series, a new biography of Charles Spurgeon and a comprehensive look at how Christianity transformed the world from Sharon James. This link will take you to all our latest books in stock.

Tackling Mental Illness Together

This is a most welcome book on a hot topic, especially coming as it does from a respected authority on the subject currently working in the UK National Health Service, Alan Thomas, who is Professor of Old Age Psychiatry at Newcastle University.
A recurring theme in the book is reflected in its title - that 'people with minimal training can provide real therapeutic benefit to the mentally ill'.  Professor Thomas is concerned that DSM-5, the psychiatrist's diagnostic manual, has widened the definition of mental illness. Now, it seems, the behaviour is the disorder.  More people are thus brought within the realm of treatment by the health profession, and this can send a discouraging and disempowering signal to ministers and churches - "this is a job for professionals." The truth is that both have complementary roles, and that wise, experienced, empathetic,  'ordinary' christians with good listening skills, who know the sufferer, can provide vital support to those with mental illnesses.
The subtitle of the book is 'A Biblical and Practical Approach', and hence begins with emphasizing the body-and-soul nature of man (mental illness is not just "all in the mind"), and the implications of the Fall on what we were made for. Professor Thomas roundly criticizes Freud's view of the unconscious mind, and provides a very clear assessment of the issue of personal responsibility in relation to mental illness ("Is it sickness or sin?"). He fascinatingly observes the effect of culture upon the manifestation of stress, eg. shell shock, before coming on to an overview of treatments - drugs, ECT, psychological approaches, and their effectiveness across the whole spectrum of mental illness. This is an informative guide and provides a good number of illustrative case studies drawn from many years of clinical practice.
Mental illness is difficult territory, but this book impresses as a go-to resource - not a slick read by any means, but giving an all-too-rare Christian perspective on a big subject.

Tackling Mental Illness Together by Alan Thomas, published by IVP, p/b £9.99

Luther in Love

It might sound a rather frivolous title, but don't be fooled - this is a book with serious historical substance. The life of Martin Luther has been much chronicled over the years, but Douglas Bond has taken it and put a new slant upon it in the best traditions of historical fiction. He shows us the man and his times through the eyes of his wife Katharina von Bora. This brings their relationship and their home life before us - the ex-monk and the ex-nun in the former monastery at Wittenberg. It was a busy, almost chaotic place, what with all the students that boarded with them. Here Luther held court with his famous tabletalk, played the lute and composed hymns, and brought up his children. Here the practical and human side of his Reformation theology was worked out. We see Luther warts and all - by turns explosive, tender, witty, depressive. We admire his industry, his literary output, his devotion to scripture and his courage, but the author also takes care that we see that the best of men are but men at best. Careful research into Luther's books, sermons and letters has furnished him with material to weave into the dialogue and give credibility to the story, and in this Douglas Bond has once again done a magnificent job. This is not action packed fiction, but the tale of the drama of those times of God-wrought change, and the depiction of the clash of ideas, together with a portrayal of Luther's powerful personality means that one finishes the book informed, stirred and edified.

'Luther in Love' by Douglas Bond is published by Ink Blots Press in paperback for £11.99. It is currently only available in the UK from us.

Big Bible Answers

Who remembers A Catechism for Boys & Girls? This was one of its covers, but I think it is now out of print, (although I am double checking on that - anyone with any info please let me know).  It has been a popular catechism amongst Baptist churches over the years. Interestingly it has been used as the basis for a new series from Christian Focus Publications (although notably the questions on Baptism have been edited out - with permission!). 

 Big Bible Answers is a series that aims to bring doctrine and theology to children.  Using the questions from the catechism, Bible and real-life stories demonstrate each doctrinal truth. Scripture references and 'Talking it over' points are added at the end of each story. For example, we learn about Galileo's astronomical discoveries in considering God the creator, we hear about the prophets of Baal and Elijah in learning about the one true God and Patrick of Ireland is used to teach us about prayer.

This looks like it could be a useful series and I particularly like the foreword:

As parents one of our greatest concerns is the spiritual condition of the hearts of our children...
...What parents need most is a deep realization that salvation is a supernatural work of God through the hearing and application of the Word, not a work of us as parents per se. For this reason, the salvation of our children must not be the goal of parenting but rather our desire given over to the will and purposes of God. What parents need next is to fix their hearts on the goal of faithfulness to God, for the glory of God. The chief end of parenting is to glorify God by doing what He has asked us to do as parents: be faithful to bring to our children His love and care, our changed lives, and above all, His Truth, both taught and practically applied

New Titles, Christmas Cards & 2017 Calendars

For anyone who hasn't received our recent eBulletin, you can have a read of it here.  Check out our newest titles, browse our Christmas cards & find out about out how to sponsor a calendar for free distribution in Zambia. It's all happening!

Prayer

Many books have been written on the subject of prayer, but not so many for children.  Children can often in their simple and innocent way ask very deep questions about religious and spiritual matters, including prayer. These two books, aimed at 5-10yr olds, are helpful in specifically addressing the issue of prayer through stories and examples of praying people.  Prayer is very personal & unique to each individual. By using a range of stories both from the Bible and the lives of believers Irene Howat draws out lessons that will help children understand the importance of prayer.  The message is clear - prayer is relevant to all situations & prayer will be answered.
I think these books could be well used as bedtime reading and will encourage children to end their day with prayer.
Lorna

God Answers Prayer for Boys, Irene Howat, £5.99
God Answers Prayer for Girls, Irene Howat, £5.99

Perfect Timing!

I'm really chuffed that we have just received our new stock of Cruciform Press books - just in time for me to add them to my holiday reading pile! 
In this batch of books we have added 3 new titles to our Cruciform Press stock - this is in response to direct requests from our customers so we hope you will enjoy them. 

Servanthood as Worship - The privilege of life in a local Church by Nate Palmer. 
This is a book which looks not at leadership in the church but at the role of the 'normal' member and their calling to serve within their local church setting.







Intentional Parenting - Family discipleship by Design by Ted Thompson.  The blurb says...

Many books involving family life and child training are well worth reading.  This is not one of these books.  This book will allow you to take what you have read, and all the sermons, teachings, and exhortations you have received on family discipleship, and make sense of it.

This sounds like just the book for me!


Awaiting a Saviour - The gospel, the new creation and the end of poverty by Aaron Armstrong.
This one looks to be an interesting read about the opportunities and limitations of ministry to the poor.  Pastor Dave Kraft writes...

Awaiting a Saviour brings a fresh approach to the world-wide problem of poverty.  It is gospel-driven, Jesus-centred, and gets at the real but often overlooked cause of poverty... it is a solid theological treatment of what poverty really stems from and how to see it within a biblical framework.

See our complete stock of Cruciform Press titles

All I need now is to head off to Wales & find a cosy caravan to hole up in with my pile of books.
Lorna

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

Dealing With Depression

Books on depression depress me, as I often facetiously remark.  Firstly, as a bookshop manager deciding what to stock, there is too much choice on this subject.  The 'Christian Life' section could be chock full of them! Secondly, and more seriously, I actually find them disturbing to read.  They draw out depressive tendencies, and poor old Lorna has to bear the brunt of a storm of self analysis...
The reason for stocking this book is that the read is neither too complex nor too long.  It arose out of a series of seminars in which the two authors brought their different skills together (medical and social sciences) to address a problem they felt was far too overlooked amongst Christians.  You will not be blinded with science here - the book helpfully gives a guide to further reading on the subject, along with details of some useful internet resources.  So, with a lot of the 'heavy' material handled like that, it leaves the book just about right for both sufferers and helpers of this terrible affliction.  It is shocking to learn that depression is now the third most common reason to consult a GP in the UK.  This 'black dog', as Winston Churchill called it, is not of necessity a spiritual malady, but neither can it be rightly considered outside of a biblical framework.  That balance is struck here and brief, constructive lessons are brought out from the Psalms and other places in the Bible where the sovereignty, wisdom and care of God is displayed.  Another feature of the book is that at the end of each chapter there is a feature piece about different people's own experiences.  This culminates with an extended testimony from the well known Yorkshire based evangelist Roger Carswell.
Overall, 'Dealing with Depression' by Sarah Collins & Jayne Haynes is a great little book.  It has just been published by Christian Focus Publications at a price of £4.99.  We are currently running an offer on it for £3.50.
Jeremy

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

Some new books

We seem to be innundated with new titles at the moment!  Here's a few new children's books that have arrived from the Banner of Truth...

 'Wait till you see the Butterfly' is a book of short stories for boys and girls.  The stories are divided into 3 different age levels but range from 4-12yrs.  I have randomly picked out some from each age category to read and found them very well written and each with a Gospel application. All scripture references are from the Authorised Version.

'Heroes of the Faith' is a new series written by Sinclair Ferguson. The series starts with Ignatius, Polycarp and Irenaeus.  Published as quality hardbacks and with lovely illustrations, these would make good gift books.
Lorna

104 books per year?

I just saw an interview with Mariella Frostrup (broadcaster & journalist) and am amazed that she reads 104 books per year. Okay, so it's her job, but still pretty impressive.  Perhaps I should aim for the same... at 2 books a week, it will only take me 38 years to get through our current stock list of nearly 4000 books. Of course, that's assuming that we don't add any new books to the list in that time.  If however we add around 300 new titles a year as we have this year, even assuming an average of 50 titles a year going out of print, it looks like I will never meet my target of reading all the books in the shop.  

So, I apologise now if when you contact us I am unable to fully advise on every title in the shop.  Sometimes I just have to admit... I haven't actually read them all. 
Lorna

Sorry, Christmas has come!

It's a long two weeks since I last posted.  Christmas has arrived at the Christian Bookshop, the cards and calendars are all in stock and displayed in the shop, and we have been inundated with new titles all vying for the coveted position of being No. 1 Christmas gift.  We haven't yet got all these books processed and reviewed, but keep an eye on our just in page for new titles being added regularly.  Notably, the new Faith Cook novel has arrived... I have had a quick read of it and found it a nice relaxing read and historically informative. There are also some great new titles from Christian Focus for children... the Jungle Doctor series has been added to, also the Risktakers, and the Little Hands.  All worth a look.  Don't forget, if you can't find the information you want on our site, just call (or email) and we will be happy to discuss and advise.

Have a look at the Christmas stock too (pdf), there are some lovely cards being sold in aid of Savannah Education Trust and of course a good selection of calendars, not forgetting the popular AV Block Calendar.

Lorna

Breathing more freely again...

Wow, it's been a crazy couple of weeks! Out of shop bookstalls, evening events, hosting school groups, baking for the events, re-organising the shopfloor to highlight special offers and talking books, books, books! I can't say I don't enjoy it, but I don't think I could quite keep up this pace all year round! (and I don't think I could expect all our loyal helpers to either - thanks everyone!) Now that I'm breathing a little more freely I have realised that the website has been badly neglected and is quite out of date. Apologies. We have had a ton of new books in to add to the chaos and I am desperate to get them on the site so that you all know about them... here's a few as a taster...
This Little Church had None by Gary Gilley, the third title in his 'This little Church' series is apparently a must-read. I really must find the time...
Amazing Conversions by John Ashworth is a reprint of his 'Life and Strange Tales', originally published by Gospel Tidings. Over the years many customers have asked for this title and it had become very scarce. So it is nice to see it available again in a nice quality hardback done by Tentmaker Publications.
Matthew Henry's Daily Readings edited by Randall Pederson. Published in a lovely quality leather bound gift edition. Matthew Henry's portions have been lightly edited and the ESV is used (which sadly I suspect may put many of Matthew Henry's fans off).
Douglas Bond's latest novel The Betrayal is based on Calvin and by all accounts is not only a good read from a fiction point of view, but a profitable read because of the amount of original content from Calvin's own works. Jeremy has been recommending this to anyone prepared to listen to him!
Who Made God? by Edgar Andrews is another one that has been flying off the shelf and is next on my own reading list. The publishers claim that it is 'a really effective riposte to the "new atheism" of Richard Dawkins and others - gently humorous, highly readable, deeply serious, razor sharp, and written by an internationally respected scientist'. I have heard many positive reviews and look forward to getting my teeth into it.
Our 3 for 2 offer on children's books has been running this week and we have decided to extend it another few weeks or as long as stocks last. Have a look at our children's catalogue, there really are some great children's books around at the moment.
Don't forget to get your orders in for the AV Block Calendar, it is selling fast this year and stock levels are getting low.
Lorna

The Feet of Jesus

We seem to be overflowing with new books at the moment. This one caught my eye and so made its way home with me for closer reading. It was worth it.
P B Power was a minister in Leicester & Worthing during the 1800's. He spent the last 34 years of his life an invalid. Perhaps this contributed to his deeply experimental meditations. His writing is easy to read (a natural slightly rambling style) and devotional in nature. He analyzes various texts on the theme of Jesus' feet - the multitudes coming to be healed at his feet, Mary at his feet, his pierced feet etc.
Joel Beeke has written a recommendation on the cover of the book and he writes much more eloquently than I can so I shall quote him:
'The Feet of Jesus is a virtual manual of spritual growth; it pulsates with Christ-glorifying insight, spiritual comfort, and practical guidance. Power's book unveils as do few others the inestimable value of Jesus and His work both in His humiliation and exaltation. If you would grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ Jesus, pray for Mary's portion to sit at the feet of Jesus as you read this book.'
The Feet of Jesus in Life, Death, Resurrection and Glory. P B Power. £11.50 (published by Reformation Heritage Books).
Lorna

Sent to Save

This is a nice series just in from Christian Focus. Called 'Sent to Save', it is a set of 4 boardbooks which very simply explain why Jesus was sent into the world and lead to the gospel message of the cross (no pictures of Jesus throughout). £2.50 each.
Lorna

C H Spurgeon

For all those who enjoy the writings of C H Spurgeon, we have just taken stock of another 4 titles of his...

The Complete John Ploughman combines John Ploughman's Talk and John Ploughman's Pictures. They give answers to common questions of the day on doctrine and behaviour as explained by a ploughman to his wayward audience. p/b, £7.99.

The Suffering Letters of Spurgeon give a unique insight into Spurgeon's life. p/b £6.95.

Devotional Thoughts on the Bible - The Pentateuch. Spurgeon's expositions of Scripture given as he read biblical passages before preaching are mini sermons in themselves and ideally suited to daily reading. Once published in one volume, they are now being republished as a series of paperbacks. £9.95.

Spurgeon's Sermons on Prayer. h/b, £11.95

Lorna

Tobias Crisp

I (amongst others) was quite taken aback to come across this edition of a spiritually valuable book, and most curious to find out its background. We already have the 4 volume Gospel Mission edition, but this is a new production altogether. On getting some in stock, I find that it is published by Diggory Press located in Cornwall. But there the trail becomes difficult to follow. They are a print on demand set up, and do all sorts of book genres, although they do claim to be a Christian Company. The book is a single volume paperback containing all 52 sermons along with the comments by John Gill - hence quite a slab of a book. The text has been completely re-typeset, so it is superior to the GM edition in that respect. I would be extremely interested to know who was behind this little project - how gratifying to think that there is someone out there coming at Crisp from a different direction to ourselves, and wanting to reprint him! Well, whoever wants to spread the true gospel of Christ, 'peace be on them' (Galatians 6 v 16).

Jeremy

More on 'Divine Energy'

Just in case you were wondering, the reason I haven't submitted a longer review of this book (see June post) is because it has sold so energetically that I have been forced to forego my copy, until we get more in. It's true! I did get two thirds of the way through however, and have to say that it is definitely study reading material. Skepp is very precise and advances his subject incrementally, although it can be hard to keep hold of the overall thread with all his sub-divisions. Firstly, he explores the state of man after the Fall in order to show the full depth of that fall. The deceitfulness of the heart above all things, with its desperate wickedness, is exhaustively dealt with. One point I would make here is that I have reservations with his dogmatic approach re the elements making up the 'heart'. It smacks of an 18th century view of psychology, and although I am in full sympathy with his conclusions, I feel he could have got to them more simply. Secondly, Skepp moves more positively Godward in his governing text - 'the exceeding greatness of his power' (Ephesians 1 v 19). This is good, and I feel I'm now onto the best part of the book. It all concludes with a very profitable application section, pastoral and gracious in its spirit. I hope I haven't been too premature in my comments. I know I have been measuring it by a high standard because it has been valued by many whose judgments are to be respected. Without doubt it is good to have this book available again - it is God honouring in an area where there is much weakness in Christian teaching today, self-styled Calvinists included.
Jeremy

Web update

Have just finished a marathon session on the website. Phew! It is now up-to-date with our new titles (by this time tomorrow it will probably be out of date again!). Our newest titles are:
The Cross - Peter Jeffery - £6.95
The Unknown God - Charles H Spurgeon - £11.00
A Practical View of Christianity - William Wilberforce - £6.95
Life and Diary of David Brainerd - Jonathan Edwards - £9.95
Cambridge and the Evangelical Succession - Marcus Loane - £10.99
Oxford and the Evangelical Succession - Marcus Loane - £10.99
God's Gentle Whisper - Denise George - £7.99
A Woman's Place in the Church - Skip Collins - £1.50
Amazing Grace in the Life of William Wilberforce - John Piper - £4.99
You can read more about some of these on our 'just in' page http://www.christianbookshopossett.co.uk/just_in.htm
Lorna