Biblical teaching
BRF titles are designed to encourage understanding of the Bible and seek to help the reader to use and apply the Bible in daily life.
{"id":3280088432740,"title":"A Fruitful Life: Abiding in Christ as seen in John 15","handle":"a-fruitful-life-abiding-in-christ-as-seen-in-john-15","description":"\u003cp\u003e'It is my desire through these pages to point you back to the simplicity of a life lived out of relationship with Jesus Christ. A life of intimacy, of abiding in him, is the source and spring of all other activity and endeavour. The branch bears fruit because it abides in the vine.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn A Fruitful Life we ponder the teaching of Jesus in John chapter 15, the famous 'vine' passage. He is preparing his disciples for his departure and describing how they can be effective witnesses in a hostile world. Just as his instructions revolutionised their lives, so a proper understanding of what he is saying can revolutionise our lives also. It is the heart of the gospel message: the only way to live the Christian life is to allow Jesus to live his life in us and through us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book includes material for individual reflection and also questions for group discussion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\nThe need of the hour is for Spirit-filled, Christ-centred, Father-glorifying, Bible-based, fruitful individuals and churches. This book can only help towards that goal.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSteve Brady, Moorlands College \u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTony Horsfall is a freelance trainer with a passion to help individuals deepen their relationship with God. He is an elder of his local church in West Yorkshire and a graduate of London School of Theology, and regularly travels abroad leading retreats and quiet days, road-testing the material in this book in Singapore. He has written a number of other books, including Song of the Shepherd and A Fruitful Life for BRF, and also writes for New Daylight Bible reading notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost, August 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJesus said, ‘I am the vine.’ John 15.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTony Horsfall’s exploration of this well-known passage begins with a stark yet realistic picture of Christianity and the church in 21st Century, post-Christian Britain. Yet he reminds us that it was into such a ‘hostile world’ that Jesus gave this core teaching to his disciples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo, this book’s relevance for us is clear. And the author’s key question is also clear: ‘What does it mean to be a Christian?’ His answer, in part, is that the purpose of our lives is to give glory to God – it is our destiny to bear fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTony Horsfall challenges the reader not to see bringing people to faith as the main fruit. We are to focus on the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and how they are to grow (and to be seen to grow) in our lives through our personal attributes and responses to the needs of others. Within that growth we see God working which leads us to worship which then gives glory to God: which is, as already stated, the purpose of our lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMuch of what Tony Horsfall writes will be familiar to many but in this book he also offers fresh insights into this key teaching from Jesus. He explores the symbolism of the vine in the Bible as a whole and suggests that Jesus is not just addressing us as individuals but also the nature of the church – a theme to which he returns later. His exploration of looking after a vineyard is particularly helpful – considering all the different words that are used in various translations of the passage. God is the gardener, vine dresser, husbandman, farmer – all have the unique qualities, all are present in the Father.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimilarly, the way he explains the actual cultivation and growth of grapes from the vine draws very helpful parallels with our life in Christ – albeit including tough and difficult chapters on cleansing and pruning. But they too are potentially necessary in order to address sin and unhelpful practice so that further growth is enabled, not prevented. ‘Letting go of what is precious to us is very much the human side of divine pruning,’ he writes. And quoting Selwyn Hughes, ‘Always remember that no matter how often the secateurs snip, or how painful pruning, your life is in good hands: it is your Father who is the gardener.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe core theme of the passage on abiding in Christ in the knowledge we can do nothing without him is explored in depth. Tony Horsfall approaches this from a particular viewpoint which some readers will be familiar with. He offers five ‘disciplines’ to help receive the life-giving sap that enables the vine to bear fruit:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDependency on God through prayer and allowing God to be in control\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReading, studying and meditating on the Bible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKnowing oneself to be loved and to receive that love\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eObedience to God and surrendering ourselves to him – or to put it another way: listening to God and following his lead\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeveloping intimacy and friendship with God by spending time with him\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll this leads to a life of prayer, joy and community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterspersed with reflective poetry, questions for individuals and groups, A Fruitful Life offers a helpful perspective on very familiar words – watering solid ground to enable further growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of Life with St Benedict and writes a blog at workrestpray.com\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrom: \u003cem\u003eThe Methodist Recorder\u003c\/em\u003e - 07 June 07\u003c\/strong\u003e The 15th chapter of St John's Gospel - the familiar 'vine' passage - has been inspirational to many down the years. In his book, \u003cem\u003eA Fruitful Life\u003c\/em\u003e, Tony Horsfall takes us through this chapter looking at each verse with the aim of helping us fully appreciate what a life lived abiding in Christ really means. Why do we need to abide? Because 'apart from him we can do nothing'. Each section offers material for individual reflection and also sensible questions for group discussion.","published_at":"2019-04-09T11:59:31+01:00","created_at":"2019-04-09T11:59:31+01:00","vendor":"Tony Horsfall","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Group reading","Jun-19","Kindle","Torch Trust"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":26454500311140,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857468840","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"A Fruitful Life: Abiding in Christ as seen in John 15 - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":141,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857468840","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468840-l.jpg?v=1554807596"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468840-l.jpg?v=1554807596","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3264958267531,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468840-l.jpg?v=1570103280"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468840-l.jpg?v=1570103280","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e'It is my desire through these pages to point you back to the simplicity of a life lived out of relationship with Jesus Christ. A life of intimacy, of abiding in him, is the source and spring of all other activity and endeavour. The branch bears fruit because it abides in the vine.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn A Fruitful Life we ponder the teaching of Jesus in John chapter 15, the famous 'vine' passage. He is preparing his disciples for his departure and describing how they can be effective witnesses in a hostile world. Just as his instructions revolutionised their lives, so a proper understanding of what he is saying can revolutionise our lives also. It is the heart of the gospel message: the only way to live the Christian life is to allow Jesus to live his life in us and through us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book includes material for individual reflection and also questions for group discussion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\nThe need of the hour is for Spirit-filled, Christ-centred, Father-glorifying, Bible-based, fruitful individuals and churches. This book can only help towards that goal.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSteve Brady, Moorlands College \u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTony Horsfall is a freelance trainer with a passion to help individuals deepen their relationship with God. He is an elder of his local church in West Yorkshire and a graduate of London School of Theology, and regularly travels abroad leading retreats and quiet days, road-testing the material in this book in Singapore. He has written a number of other books, including Song of the Shepherd and A Fruitful Life for BRF, and also writes for New Daylight Bible reading notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost, August 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJesus said, ‘I am the vine.’ John 15.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTony Horsfall’s exploration of this well-known passage begins with a stark yet realistic picture of Christianity and the church in 21st Century, post-Christian Britain. Yet he reminds us that it was into such a ‘hostile world’ that Jesus gave this core teaching to his disciples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo, this book’s relevance for us is clear. And the author’s key question is also clear: ‘What does it mean to be a Christian?’ His answer, in part, is that the purpose of our lives is to give glory to God – it is our destiny to bear fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTony Horsfall challenges the reader not to see bringing people to faith as the main fruit. We are to focus on the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and how they are to grow (and to be seen to grow) in our lives through our personal attributes and responses to the needs of others. Within that growth we see God working which leads us to worship which then gives glory to God: which is, as already stated, the purpose of our lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMuch of what Tony Horsfall writes will be familiar to many but in this book he also offers fresh insights into this key teaching from Jesus. He explores the symbolism of the vine in the Bible as a whole and suggests that Jesus is not just addressing us as individuals but also the nature of the church – a theme to which he returns later. His exploration of looking after a vineyard is particularly helpful – considering all the different words that are used in various translations of the passage. God is the gardener, vine dresser, husbandman, farmer – all have the unique qualities, all are present in the Father.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimilarly, the way he explains the actual cultivation and growth of grapes from the vine draws very helpful parallels with our life in Christ – albeit including tough and difficult chapters on cleansing and pruning. But they too are potentially necessary in order to address sin and unhelpful practice so that further growth is enabled, not prevented. ‘Letting go of what is precious to us is very much the human side of divine pruning,’ he writes. And quoting Selwyn Hughes, ‘Always remember that no matter how often the secateurs snip, or how painful pruning, your life is in good hands: it is your Father who is the gardener.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe core theme of the passage on abiding in Christ in the knowledge we can do nothing without him is explored in depth. Tony Horsfall approaches this from a particular viewpoint which some readers will be familiar with. He offers five ‘disciplines’ to help receive the life-giving sap that enables the vine to bear fruit:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDependency on God through prayer and allowing God to be in control\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReading, studying and meditating on the Bible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKnowing oneself to be loved and to receive that love\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eObedience to God and surrendering ourselves to him – or to put it another way: listening to God and following his lead\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeveloping intimacy and friendship with God by spending time with him\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll this leads to a life of prayer, joy and community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterspersed with reflective poetry, questions for individuals and groups, A Fruitful Life offers a helpful perspective on very familiar words – watering solid ground to enable further growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of Life with St Benedict and writes a blog at workrestpray.com\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrom: \u003cem\u003eThe Methodist Recorder\u003c\/em\u003e - 07 June 07\u003c\/strong\u003e The 15th chapter of St John's Gospel - the familiar 'vine' passage - has been inspirational to many down the years. In his book, \u003cem\u003eA Fruitful Life\u003c\/em\u003e, Tony Horsfall takes us through this chapter looking at each verse with the aim of helping us fully appreciate what a life lived abiding in Christ really means. Why do we need to abide? Because 'apart from him we can do nothing'. Each section offers material for individual reflection and also sensible questions for group discussion."}
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A Fruitful Life: Abiding in Christ as seen in John 15
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'It is my desire through these pages to point you back to the simplicity of a life lived out of...
{"id":2439791247460,"title":"Jesus said, 'I am': Finding life in the everyday","handle":"jesus-said-i-am-finding-life-in-the-everyday","description":"\u003cp\u003eDrawing on the imagery of the Hebrew scriptures, Jesus identifies himself as the 'I am' of Israel's narrative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough sensitive retelling, thoughtful discussion and creative exercises, Andrea Skevington shows the transforming power of Jesus' words. Each chapter focuses on a different 'I am' saying and offers ideas for reflection and response, including suggestions for further study, prayer and meditation, creative response, 'life and service' practical outreach, music suggestions and further reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJesus said, 'I am' integrates faith and imagination, story and study, helping reader towards a well-grounded and more profound faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrea Skevington lives in Suffolk with her family. She writes for both adults and children, winning the Christian Book of the Year award (Speaking Volumes) for her retelling, The Lion Classic Bible (Lion Hudson, 2011). She also preaches and leads Bible studies and children's groups, creative writing workshops and retreats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo read Andrea's lockdown blog and read some of her lockdown poems click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/writer-poet-and-blogger-andrea-skevington-reflects-on-jesus-i-am-sayings-in-light-of-lockdown\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry digital edition 2. Review by Rosemary Walters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubtitled ‘Finding Life in the Everyday’\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e, \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003enearly all the chapters in this book are built on specific ‘I Am’ sayings of Jesus. Its great strength is the combination in each chapter of contextual and theological analysis, reflections for study and contemplation and a variety of creative ideas. This makes it valuable in a variety of settings: retreats, study days, weekly courses based on each chapter, as well as Fresh Expressions and Messy Church. The theological background in each chapter is concise yet informative and the study questions are challenging. The emphasis in the creative response sections invites reflection and action based on personal experience and the prayer resources could equally well be used in formal and informal liturgical settings. The scope of reference is wide, poets, philosophers and a variety of theological material, helpful for those preaching as well as group and individual contexts. Andrea Skevington says in her introduction that writing this book has changed the way she sees following Jesus. Her vision for the book, that it will take the reader deeper into the adventure of discovering who Jesus is, and who they are as individuals comes alive from the very start when she begins exploring the implications of the phrase ‘I am’. The connections between Old Testament history and concepts of God and the teachings of Jesus moves naturally in each chapter to links with contemporary experience and opportunity for action. This book is a valuable resource for ministry and personal reflection. It lives up to its subtitle of ‘Finding Life in the Everyday’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Rosemary Walters \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWoman Alive: WA Book Club April 2019. Review by Amy Boucher-Pye\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis month I'm reading ...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI love having a book that I really want to share with you. Some months I flail around, starting a novel and discarding it before moving on to a life story or an exploration of Christian discipleship. But sometimes a wonderful book comes along that I can highlight unreservedly, such as Andrea Skevington's\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eJesus said, 'I am'.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn it she delves into the 'I am' sayings of Jesus according to John's Gospel. In the Greek Jesus says\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eego eimi\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e24 times, seven of which have become the 'I am' sayings. Andrea explores these (from 'I am the bread of life' to 'I am the good shepherd' to 'I am the true vine') and also the interesting story of the woman at the well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI love how she splits her chapters into halves. First she digs into the particular story, unpacking the context of what Jesus experienced. The second half moves to reflection and response, including searching questions for individual pondering or group discussion. She also suggests various creative responses, such as writing, photography,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003electio divina,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eand other exercises.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo give you a flavour, let's look at the story of the woman at the well (John 4). Andrea sets the story in its context - that of conflict, not only between the Jews and the Samaritans, but also between Jesus and the Pharisees. Jesus stops at the well that Jacob gave to Joseph, which reminds the reader of the long history of God's people. Here Jesus acts as a peacemaker in the midst of conflict. He speaks to one ostracised by society - a woman who has had many husbands. We might judge this woman, but as Andrea observes, in that day, men easily acquired divorces and early death was common.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJesus humbly asks the woman for a drink. He recognises her as made in the image of God as he cuts through her layers of shame and hiding. Seeing her for who she is, he sets her free. She in turn leaves behind the water jug and goes forth joyfully to share the good news with those who were shaming her. Perhaps that jug, Andrea observes, symbolises the old life left behind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter exploring the story (with more depth than I've conveyed here), Andrea leads us into some questions, including, 'Are there people you would be reluctant to talk to and drink with? If so, why?' I particularly like her creative response of choosing a striking phrase from the Bible story; hers is 'the well is deep'. We sit with that phrase, playing with it through poetry or prose, writing a story or jotting down some thoughts about it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're looking for a book to deepen your faith and love for Jesus, give this one a try. You'll be enriched and encouraged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Amy Boucher-Pye, Editor WA Book Club\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform, April 2019. Review by Catherine Ball\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hebrew scriptures record God’s revelation of the name of the Godhead to Moses as: ‘I am who I am.’ Jesus was the long-awaited Jewish Messiah, but not the type of Messiah expected by his contemporaries. He was not a rich and powerful prince or a trained priest in the temple of Jerusalem. His ministry was not to lead an army to attack and overthrow Rome, but to lay down his life for the world. Yet, he could only accomplish this if the legal and religious authorities did not realise who he was and what he had come to do.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo those who had ears to hear and eyes to see, Andrea Skevington argues, Jesus reveals himself as the Son of Man and Son of God in a most original and startling way in his famous ‘I am’ sayings: ‘I am the bread of life.’ ‘I am the light of the world.’ ‘I am the good shepherd.’ ‘I am the gate for the sheep.’ ‘I am the resurrection and the life.’ ‘I am the way, the truth and the life.’ ‘I am the true vine.’ As Skevington says, ‘I am’ is such a common construction in every language; it is how we define ourselves, but it is also a very deep mystery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter of this book explores one of the stories in which Jesus says, ‘I am…’ It looks at its context and characters and shows the transforming power of Jesus’ words for his listeners. Skevington goes beyond the classic seven ‘I am’ statements, also including Jesus’ words to the woman at the well and what he said when he was confronted by soldiers in the garden of Gethsemane: ‘I am he for whom you are looking.’ Each time, Skevington includes a prayer and meditation and gives suggestions for further study and some creative responses in service and practical outreach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book could be used by individuals for their own personal faith development or used as a study guide for group discussions. It would make an excellent Lent course!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCatherine Ball is Minister of the Free Church, St Ives and Fenstanton United Reformed Church\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e ______________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview on https:\/\/monasteriesoftheheart.org\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a unique look at the things Jesus says about himself. It has a few pages of retelling and discussion of each passage, followed by a huge quantity of suggestions for responses -questions to invite thinking, prayer and meditation and creative ideas, with drawing, writing and making, getting out and about in creation and suggestions for activism, service and worship. It is such a rich resource that in one small book there is enough to return to again and again. A real delight of practical theology. Andrea has a blog where you can explore sections from her work as a gift. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times Round up May 2019. Review by Pieter J Lalleman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthor and amateur-theologian Skevington presents nine chapters of material on the ‘I am’ sayings of Jesus in John’s Gospel. She deals with Jesus as the bread of life (chapter 3), the light of the world (4), the good shepherd and the gate (together in 5), the resurrection and the life (6), the way, the truth and the life (7), and the true vine (8). The short ninth and final chapter is about Jesus’ saying ‘I am he’ in John 18:5.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChapter 1 discusses the revelation of God’s name ‘I Am’ (Yahweh) to Moses in Exodus 3 and chapter 2 is about Jesus and the women at the well, to whom he says that he is the Messiah, using the same words ‘I am’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first part of each chapter contains the full text of the Scripture passage and a study of it, the second part offers numerous suggestions for ‘reflection and response’: questions, references to similar passages with questions about them, prayers, suggestions for activities, suggestions for further reading, and much more. For example, after ‘I am the bread of life’ we are invited to bake bread, to reflect on avoiding waste and to consider fasting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSkevington’s explanations of Scripture are attractive and generally to the point, although occasionally driven by association rather than by strict interpretation. She fills some Greek words with more meaning than they have in themselves. The suggested responses are naturally more diverse and the ideas for further study touch on the entire Christian life. This means that in the end this positive book reaches far and wide. It will surely help attentive readers in their life of faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore about the author and her books can be found on her website. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/andreaskevington.com\/\"\u003ehttps:\/\/andreaskevington.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd Dr Pieter J. Lalleman teaches Bible at Spurgeon's College\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:17+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:18+00:00","vendor":"Andrea Skevington","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Devotional","For individuals","Jan-19","Kindle","Spirituality"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769635823716,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465627","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Jesus said, 'I am': Finding life in the everyday - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":180,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465627","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465627-l.jpg?v=1549043141"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465627-l.jpg?v=1549043141","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238879297675,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465627-l.jpg?v=1570098004"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465627-l.jpg?v=1570098004","width":426}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eDrawing on the imagery of the Hebrew scriptures, Jesus identifies himself as the 'I am' of Israel's narrative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough sensitive retelling, thoughtful discussion and creative exercises, Andrea Skevington shows the transforming power of Jesus' words. Each chapter focuses on a different 'I am' saying and offers ideas for reflection and response, including suggestions for further study, prayer and meditation, creative response, 'life and service' practical outreach, music suggestions and further reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJesus said, 'I am' integrates faith and imagination, story and study, helping reader towards a well-grounded and more profound faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrea Skevington lives in Suffolk with her family. She writes for both adults and children, winning the Christian Book of the Year award (Speaking Volumes) for her retelling, The Lion Classic Bible (Lion Hudson, 2011). She also preaches and leads Bible studies and children's groups, creative writing workshops and retreats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo read Andrea's lockdown blog and read some of her lockdown poems click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/writer-poet-and-blogger-andrea-skevington-reflects-on-jesus-i-am-sayings-in-light-of-lockdown\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry digital edition 2. Review by Rosemary Walters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubtitled ‘Finding Life in the Everyday’\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e, \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003enearly all the chapters in this book are built on specific ‘I Am’ sayings of Jesus. Its great strength is the combination in each chapter of contextual and theological analysis, reflections for study and contemplation and a variety of creative ideas. This makes it valuable in a variety of settings: retreats, study days, weekly courses based on each chapter, as well as Fresh Expressions and Messy Church. The theological background in each chapter is concise yet informative and the study questions are challenging. The emphasis in the creative response sections invites reflection and action based on personal experience and the prayer resources could equally well be used in formal and informal liturgical settings. The scope of reference is wide, poets, philosophers and a variety of theological material, helpful for those preaching as well as group and individual contexts. Andrea Skevington says in her introduction that writing this book has changed the way she sees following Jesus. Her vision for the book, that it will take the reader deeper into the adventure of discovering who Jesus is, and who they are as individuals comes alive from the very start when she begins exploring the implications of the phrase ‘I am’. The connections between Old Testament history and concepts of God and the teachings of Jesus moves naturally in each chapter to links with contemporary experience and opportunity for action. This book is a valuable resource for ministry and personal reflection. It lives up to its subtitle of ‘Finding Life in the Everyday’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Rosemary Walters \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWoman Alive: WA Book Club April 2019. Review by Amy Boucher-Pye\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis month I'm reading ...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI love having a book that I really want to share with you. Some months I flail around, starting a novel and discarding it before moving on to a life story or an exploration of Christian discipleship. But sometimes a wonderful book comes along that I can highlight unreservedly, such as Andrea Skevington's\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eJesus said, 'I am'.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn it she delves into the 'I am' sayings of Jesus according to John's Gospel. In the Greek Jesus says\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eego eimi\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e24 times, seven of which have become the 'I am' sayings. Andrea explores these (from 'I am the bread of life' to 'I am the good shepherd' to 'I am the true vine') and also the interesting story of the woman at the well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI love how she splits her chapters into halves. First she digs into the particular story, unpacking the context of what Jesus experienced. The second half moves to reflection and response, including searching questions for individual pondering or group discussion. She also suggests various creative responses, such as writing, photography,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003electio divina,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eand other exercises.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo give you a flavour, let's look at the story of the woman at the well (John 4). Andrea sets the story in its context - that of conflict, not only between the Jews and the Samaritans, but also between Jesus and the Pharisees. Jesus stops at the well that Jacob gave to Joseph, which reminds the reader of the long history of God's people. Here Jesus acts as a peacemaker in the midst of conflict. He speaks to one ostracised by society - a woman who has had many husbands. We might judge this woman, but as Andrea observes, in that day, men easily acquired divorces and early death was common.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJesus humbly asks the woman for a drink. He recognises her as made in the image of God as he cuts through her layers of shame and hiding. Seeing her for who she is, he sets her free. She in turn leaves behind the water jug and goes forth joyfully to share the good news with those who were shaming her. Perhaps that jug, Andrea observes, symbolises the old life left behind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter exploring the story (with more depth than I've conveyed here), Andrea leads us into some questions, including, 'Are there people you would be reluctant to talk to and drink with? If so, why?' I particularly like her creative response of choosing a striking phrase from the Bible story; hers is 'the well is deep'. We sit with that phrase, playing with it through poetry or prose, writing a story or jotting down some thoughts about it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're looking for a book to deepen your faith and love for Jesus, give this one a try. You'll be enriched and encouraged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Amy Boucher-Pye, Editor WA Book Club\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform, April 2019. Review by Catherine Ball\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hebrew scriptures record God’s revelation of the name of the Godhead to Moses as: ‘I am who I am.’ Jesus was the long-awaited Jewish Messiah, but not the type of Messiah expected by his contemporaries. He was not a rich and powerful prince or a trained priest in the temple of Jerusalem. His ministry was not to lead an army to attack and overthrow Rome, but to lay down his life for the world. Yet, he could only accomplish this if the legal and religious authorities did not realise who he was and what he had come to do.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo those who had ears to hear and eyes to see, Andrea Skevington argues, Jesus reveals himself as the Son of Man and Son of God in a most original and startling way in his famous ‘I am’ sayings: ‘I am the bread of life.’ ‘I am the light of the world.’ ‘I am the good shepherd.’ ‘I am the gate for the sheep.’ ‘I am the resurrection and the life.’ ‘I am the way, the truth and the life.’ ‘I am the true vine.’ As Skevington says, ‘I am’ is such a common construction in every language; it is how we define ourselves, but it is also a very deep mystery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter of this book explores one of the stories in which Jesus says, ‘I am…’ It looks at its context and characters and shows the transforming power of Jesus’ words for his listeners. Skevington goes beyond the classic seven ‘I am’ statements, also including Jesus’ words to the woman at the well and what he said when he was confronted by soldiers in the garden of Gethsemane: ‘I am he for whom you are looking.’ Each time, Skevington includes a prayer and meditation and gives suggestions for further study and some creative responses in service and practical outreach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book could be used by individuals for their own personal faith development or used as a study guide for group discussions. It would make an excellent Lent course!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCatherine Ball is Minister of the Free Church, St Ives and Fenstanton United Reformed Church\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e ______________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview on https:\/\/monasteriesoftheheart.org\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a unique look at the things Jesus says about himself. It has a few pages of retelling and discussion of each passage, followed by a huge quantity of suggestions for responses -questions to invite thinking, prayer and meditation and creative ideas, with drawing, writing and making, getting out and about in creation and suggestions for activism, service and worship. It is such a rich resource that in one small book there is enough to return to again and again. A real delight of practical theology. Andrea has a blog where you can explore sections from her work as a gift. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times Round up May 2019. Review by Pieter J Lalleman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthor and amateur-theologian Skevington presents nine chapters of material on the ‘I am’ sayings of Jesus in John’s Gospel. She deals with Jesus as the bread of life (chapter 3), the light of the world (4), the good shepherd and the gate (together in 5), the resurrection and the life (6), the way, the truth and the life (7), and the true vine (8). The short ninth and final chapter is about Jesus’ saying ‘I am he’ in John 18:5.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChapter 1 discusses the revelation of God’s name ‘I Am’ (Yahweh) to Moses in Exodus 3 and chapter 2 is about Jesus and the women at the well, to whom he says that he is the Messiah, using the same words ‘I am’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first part of each chapter contains the full text of the Scripture passage and a study of it, the second part offers numerous suggestions for ‘reflection and response’: questions, references to similar passages with questions about them, prayers, suggestions for activities, suggestions for further reading, and much more. For example, after ‘I am the bread of life’ we are invited to bake bread, to reflect on avoiding waste and to consider fasting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSkevington’s explanations of Scripture are attractive and generally to the point, although occasionally driven by association rather than by strict interpretation. She fills some Greek words with more meaning than they have in themselves. The suggested responses are naturally more diverse and the ideas for further study touch on the entire Christian life. This means that in the end this positive book reaches far and wide. It will surely help attentive readers in their life of faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore about the author and her books can be found on her website. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/andreaskevington.com\/\"\u003ehttps:\/\/andreaskevington.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd Dr Pieter J. Lalleman teaches Bible at Spurgeon's College\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Jesus said, 'I am': Finding life in the everyday
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Drawing on the imagery of the Hebrew scriptures, Jesus identifies himself as the 'I am' of Israel's narrative. Through sensitive...
{"id":2439824113764,"title":"Really Useful Guides: Psalms","handle":"really-useful-guides-psalms","description":"\u003cp\u003eEach Really Useful Guide focuses on a specific biblical book, making it come to life for the reader, enabling them to understand the message and to apply its truth to today's circumstances. Though not a commentary, it gives valuable insight into the book's message. Though not an introduction, it summarises the important aspects of the book to aid reading and application.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Really Useful Guide to Psalms will transform understanding of the biblical text, and will help you to engage with the message in new ways today, giving confidence in the Bible and increasing faith in God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe series is edited by Simon Stocks and Derek Tidball.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is special about the 'Really Useful Guides'?\u003c\/h3\u003e\nThey are laid out in an easy-to-read format, with less text on the page and plenty of headings, bulleted lists, bold type and diagrams where helpful. Despite this they are not patronising, and do not hide away from engaging with difficult bits of the book. While reading them straight through would probably be the most helpful, they can certainly be dipped into as well, with some sections that people might like to come back to more than once. Similarly, they can be read 'straight' or side-by-side with the biblical text; a slower, more engaged read will probably be more helpful but a reader who didn't do this would still find plenty to learn.\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Autumn 2019. Review by Elizabeth Hogg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is small in size, but substantial in content – 111 pages filled with important ideas and helpful insights. It is part of the BRF ‘Really Useful Guides’ series, and this designation is most apt. Stocks has written for a wide audience, including those with little previous knowledge of the psalms, but those who have used them daily for many years will nonetheless find much that is new and fascinating. He is especially strong on the poetic imagery of the psalms, and how these relate to the context of life in ancient Israel. I was also impressed by the way the author is not afraid to address the difficult questions posed by the so-called ‘vengeful’ psalms, including the seldom used Psalm 58. While some of these may never become favourites, the ideas described will open our minds to wider issues, including the overriding need for justice. This book will help readers to pray the psalms with new hearts, and greater dedication, and is strongly recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Elizabeth Hogg\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e ___________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times e-newsletter 1 February 2019.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Pieter J. Lalleman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its new series of Really Useful Guides, the Bible Reading Fellowship follows the trend towards smaller and shorter books. So far in this series the volumes on the Psalms and on Colossians have appeared, written by the series' editors, Stocks and Tidball, respectively. The books are tiny (4 by 6 inches) but sturdy and the contents are fine, so they should not for that reason be looked down on. If you are uncertain what to give to a Christian friend, books like these make nice little presents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStocks does indeed offer a 'very useful guide' of over 100 pages. Writing with obvious love for the Psalms, he explains many aspects briefly yet clearly, and in a personal style. Whereas he is aware of the gap which separates us from these old songs, he points to many bridges across it. After a brief introduction, the second chapter covers introductory issues such as composition and authorship. Chapter 3 gives a brief theology of the Psalms (what they say about God) and chapter 4 focuses on how they say it (the stAyle and the imagery).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe very brief chapter 5 surveys the relevant part of the history of Israel and chapter 6 gives suggestions for reading psalms today. Chapters 7 and 8 look at some unknown psalms in more detail. The final page contains questions for discussion but there are no suggestions for further reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Colossians and Philemon guide, our fellow Baptist Derek Tidball takes some 70 pages to introduce us to Colossians, but less than 15 for Philemon. Yet in these few pages he manages to get across key elements of Philemon and its lasting value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe treatment of Colossians is more traditional than that of the Psalms: it largely consists of Tidball making his way through the letter, commenting on backgrounds and contents along the way. Like Stocks, he uses bullet points and he prints the key Scripture verses in his text.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA separate chapter compares Colossians to other parts of the New Testament. In addition to some questions, suggestions for further reading are included. My one query is that slightly divergent outlines of Colossians are presented on pages 27, 28-29, and in what follows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd. Dr Pieter J. Lalleman teaches the Bible at Spurgeon's College\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview on Picking Apples of Gold, Jules Middleton's blog\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI've been asked to review this new guide to the psalms, the first Old Testament title in a series of 'Really Useful Guides' from the Bible Reading Fellowship. The series hopes to provide compact accessible guides to books of the bible, enhancing biblical literacy with a simple, unintimidating, but authoritative overview of each text. Sounds like my kind of books! I do get frustrated when theologians use lots of long words and endlessly long sentences when a few simple words would do, it can make subjects so inaccessible. Simon P Stocks 'Psalms' is exactly as intended, easy to understand but at the same time, bringing the psalms alive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Psalter is a funny book in the bible, a bit like marmite, you either love 'em or hate 'em, perhaps because for many of us, as Stocks himself found, he didn't at first 'get' them. Filled with a rollercoaster of emotion, the psalms can be hard to decipher but Stocks seeks to explain the difficult bits, address common misconceptions, show the reader how they can incorporate psalms into their own lives \u0026amp; suggests that they need to be 'experienced and felt'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf 8 chapters, the first 5 ask questions to explore the topic: Why read the psalms? What is the Book of Psalms? What do the psalms say? How do they say it? What was going on at the time? In these, Stocks uses themes to delve deeper into the psalms. He explains particular terms, gives good tips and helpful facts but without overloading the reader.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough the final few chapters are focussed on reading the psalms today and how that can help us, in fact the book is filled with helpful pointers for us to use the psalms in every day life, how the psalms can encourage us when we are discouraged by the world around us and the importance of lament in refocusing our perspective.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticularly helpful I found, is the explanation of the style of writing, which helps to clarify some difficult areas and explains the Hebrew poetic style, again with simplicity. Similarly the author points out key metaphors of imagery and symbolism, and the need to understand the context in which a psalm was written and in how we use them today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt just 112 pages long, this is a quick and easy read, but one that you can delve into deeper if you wish. Stocks includes suggestions of psalms to read, asks questions for the reader to consider and reflect upon, and points out circumstances in which we might find a psalm helpful. The guide is aimed in general at Christian readers, as well as home group leaders, lay leaders and anyone who just wants to know a bit more about the psalms, and it really is accessible enough to be read by anyone, and interesting enough to keep you focussed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pickingapplesofgold.com\/book-review-psalms-by-simon-stocks\/\"\u003ehttp:\/\/www.pickingapplesofgold.com\/book-review-psalms-by-simon-stocks\/\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a very accessible book, laid out in an easy-to-read format. The author manages to pack in a lot of information in a short space and to teach the nuts and bolts without being patronising and without shying away from the difficult bits. I commend it to you as a genuinely useful guide to the Psalms. You should find plenty to learn. \u003cbr\u003eThomas Renz\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:20+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:21+00:00","vendor":"Simon Stocks","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Kindle","Oct-18","Really Useful Guides"],"price":699,"price_min":699,"price_max":699,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21770152673380,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857467317","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Really Useful Guides: Psalms - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":699,"weight":104,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857467317","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857467317-l.jpg?v=1549043119"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857467317-l.jpg?v=1549043119","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238881591435,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.709,"height":650,"width":461,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857467317-l.jpg?v=1570098004"},"aspect_ratio":0.709,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857467317-l.jpg?v=1570098004","width":461}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eEach Really Useful Guide focuses on a specific biblical book, making it come to life for the reader, enabling them to understand the message and to apply its truth to today's circumstances. Though not a commentary, it gives valuable insight into the book's message. Though not an introduction, it summarises the important aspects of the book to aid reading and application.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Really Useful Guide to Psalms will transform understanding of the biblical text, and will help you to engage with the message in new ways today, giving confidence in the Bible and increasing faith in God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe series is edited by Simon Stocks and Derek Tidball.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is special about the 'Really Useful Guides'?\u003c\/h3\u003e\nThey are laid out in an easy-to-read format, with less text on the page and plenty of headings, bulleted lists, bold type and diagrams where helpful. Despite this they are not patronising, and do not hide away from engaging with difficult bits of the book. While reading them straight through would probably be the most helpful, they can certainly be dipped into as well, with some sections that people might like to come back to more than once. Similarly, they can be read 'straight' or side-by-side with the biblical text; a slower, more engaged read will probably be more helpful but a reader who didn't do this would still find plenty to learn.\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Autumn 2019. Review by Elizabeth Hogg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is small in size, but substantial in content – 111 pages filled with important ideas and helpful insights. It is part of the BRF ‘Really Useful Guides’ series, and this designation is most apt. Stocks has written for a wide audience, including those with little previous knowledge of the psalms, but those who have used them daily for many years will nonetheless find much that is new and fascinating. He is especially strong on the poetic imagery of the psalms, and how these relate to the context of life in ancient Israel. I was also impressed by the way the author is not afraid to address the difficult questions posed by the so-called ‘vengeful’ psalms, including the seldom used Psalm 58. While some of these may never become favourites, the ideas described will open our minds to wider issues, including the overriding need for justice. This book will help readers to pray the psalms with new hearts, and greater dedication, and is strongly recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Elizabeth Hogg\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e ___________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times e-newsletter 1 February 2019.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Pieter J. Lalleman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its new series of Really Useful Guides, the Bible Reading Fellowship follows the trend towards smaller and shorter books. So far in this series the volumes on the Psalms and on Colossians have appeared, written by the series' editors, Stocks and Tidball, respectively. The books are tiny (4 by 6 inches) but sturdy and the contents are fine, so they should not for that reason be looked down on. If you are uncertain what to give to a Christian friend, books like these make nice little presents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStocks does indeed offer a 'very useful guide' of over 100 pages. Writing with obvious love for the Psalms, he explains many aspects briefly yet clearly, and in a personal style. Whereas he is aware of the gap which separates us from these old songs, he points to many bridges across it. After a brief introduction, the second chapter covers introductory issues such as composition and authorship. Chapter 3 gives a brief theology of the Psalms (what they say about God) and chapter 4 focuses on how they say it (the stAyle and the imagery).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe very brief chapter 5 surveys the relevant part of the history of Israel and chapter 6 gives suggestions for reading psalms today. Chapters 7 and 8 look at some unknown psalms in more detail. The final page contains questions for discussion but there are no suggestions for further reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Colossians and Philemon guide, our fellow Baptist Derek Tidball takes some 70 pages to introduce us to Colossians, but less than 15 for Philemon. Yet in these few pages he manages to get across key elements of Philemon and its lasting value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe treatment of Colossians is more traditional than that of the Psalms: it largely consists of Tidball making his way through the letter, commenting on backgrounds and contents along the way. Like Stocks, he uses bullet points and he prints the key Scripture verses in his text.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA separate chapter compares Colossians to other parts of the New Testament. In addition to some questions, suggestions for further reading are included. My one query is that slightly divergent outlines of Colossians are presented on pages 27, 28-29, and in what follows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd. Dr Pieter J. Lalleman teaches the Bible at Spurgeon's College\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview on Picking Apples of Gold, Jules Middleton's blog\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI've been asked to review this new guide to the psalms, the first Old Testament title in a series of 'Really Useful Guides' from the Bible Reading Fellowship. The series hopes to provide compact accessible guides to books of the bible, enhancing biblical literacy with a simple, unintimidating, but authoritative overview of each text. Sounds like my kind of books! I do get frustrated when theologians use lots of long words and endlessly long sentences when a few simple words would do, it can make subjects so inaccessible. Simon P Stocks 'Psalms' is exactly as intended, easy to understand but at the same time, bringing the psalms alive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Psalter is a funny book in the bible, a bit like marmite, you either love 'em or hate 'em, perhaps because for many of us, as Stocks himself found, he didn't at first 'get' them. Filled with a rollercoaster of emotion, the psalms can be hard to decipher but Stocks seeks to explain the difficult bits, address common misconceptions, show the reader how they can incorporate psalms into their own lives \u0026amp; suggests that they need to be 'experienced and felt'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf 8 chapters, the first 5 ask questions to explore the topic: Why read the psalms? What is the Book of Psalms? What do the psalms say? How do they say it? What was going on at the time? In these, Stocks uses themes to delve deeper into the psalms. He explains particular terms, gives good tips and helpful facts but without overloading the reader.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough the final few chapters are focussed on reading the psalms today and how that can help us, in fact the book is filled with helpful pointers for us to use the psalms in every day life, how the psalms can encourage us when we are discouraged by the world around us and the importance of lament in refocusing our perspective.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticularly helpful I found, is the explanation of the style of writing, which helps to clarify some difficult areas and explains the Hebrew poetic style, again with simplicity. Similarly the author points out key metaphors of imagery and symbolism, and the need to understand the context in which a psalm was written and in how we use them today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt just 112 pages long, this is a quick and easy read, but one that you can delve into deeper if you wish. Stocks includes suggestions of psalms to read, asks questions for the reader to consider and reflect upon, and points out circumstances in which we might find a psalm helpful. The guide is aimed in general at Christian readers, as well as home group leaders, lay leaders and anyone who just wants to know a bit more about the psalms, and it really is accessible enough to be read by anyone, and interesting enough to keep you focussed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pickingapplesofgold.com\/book-review-psalms-by-simon-stocks\/\"\u003ehttp:\/\/www.pickingapplesofgold.com\/book-review-psalms-by-simon-stocks\/\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a very accessible book, laid out in an easy-to-read format. The author manages to pack in a lot of information in a short space and to teach the nuts and bolts without being patronising and without shying away from the difficult bits. I commend it to you as a genuinely useful guide to the Psalms. You should find plenty to learn. \u003cbr\u003eThomas Renz\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
Really Useful Guides: Psalms
£6.99
Each Really Useful Guide focuses on a specific biblical book, making it come to life for the reader, enabling them...
{"id":2439788134500,"title":"Jesus Through the Old Testament: Transform your Bible understanding","handle":"jesus-through-the-old-testament-transform-your-bible-understanding","description":"\u003cp\u003eConfident in the Old Testament? Enjoying reading it? Happy to preach from it?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this engaging book, Graeme Goldsworthy reflects with clarity and practical insight on reading and using the Old Testament, showing us how Jesus is central to the Old Testament's message and encouraging us to reinstate it as essential and transformative to our lives, churches and mission in today's world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author asks essential questions: Where is Jesus in the whole biblical story-line? How does the kingdom of God relate to him? In what way is he central to the divine revelation?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a must-read for those who wish to transform their biblical understanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eForeword\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart 1 Where's Jesus?\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIs the Old Testament a Christian book?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGetting started: looking for the big picture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe storyline of the Bible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe kingdom of God as a unifying theme\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe shape of progressive revelation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart 2 Working with the texts\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome key events in biblical revelation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinding Christ in Genesis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinding Christ in Israel's history\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinding Christ in wisdom and psalms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinding Christ in the prophetic books\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJesus Christ the fulfiller\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eD.I.Y.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Old Testament can be confusing or problematic for many readers. But in this book, Graeme Goldsworthy helps the Christian reader join the dots, and so make sense of the Old Testament's big picture. He shows how understanding the Old Testament comes from seeing it as a witness to the person and work of Jesus Christ. Goldsworthy traces the developing idea of the kingdom of God through the Old Testament, neatly summarised by his maxim, 'God's people in God's place under God's rule'. Readers will appreciate his explanation of fulfilment and typology, supporting ideas, his explanation of example texts, and the sense of movement towards Jesus. Rather than focus on details that might overwhelm the beginner, Goldsworthy provides a basic roadmap for how the Old Testament's big ideas, from Genesis to Malachi, find their ultimate meaning in Jesus Christ.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e George Athas, Director of Postgraduate Studies, Moore Theological College, Sydney \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo one has done more in the past 50 years to contribute to the recovery of Biblical Theology for the church than Graeme Goldsworthy. Now in this crystal-clear, deeply practical and enormously helpful book, Graeme has condensed years of reflection on and teaching of the Bible for the benefit of the church. I can think of no more helpful place to start for anyone who wants to find out how to read, understand and apply the message of the Bible. I pray that this book gets the attention and widespread use that it deserves for the sake of Christ and his kingdom.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Gary Millar, Principal, Queensland Theological College \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Phil Heaps, full-time elder, Grace Church Yate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you rarely venture outside the New Testament (NT) then this little book may be just what you need. In a clear, enthusiastic way, Goldsworthy takes us on a tour through the Old Testament (OT) showing us how it points forward to Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe starts with the importance of the OT to the NT and alerts us to several wrong approaches to the OT. The following chapters then provide a helpful overview of the OT, its storyline, and various key themes. 'The Kingdom of God' is seen as the Bible's overarching theme, without insisting that this is the only way to organise its message.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe shows how OT history initially reveals the kingdom and how, as that history takes a turn for the worse, the prophets point forward to the glorious reality foreshadowed there. Later chapters look in detail at key events, Genesis, the historical books, wisdom literature, and prophets, leading to a chapter on 'Jesus Christ the fulfiller'. The final chapter is very practical and strikes an excellent balance in various ways: start with prayer but study hard; read for the big picture but also examine texts closely; remember that Scripture is firstly 'God's Word about God's deed in bringing in his kingdom', but also make personal and practical applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGoldsworthy covers a lot of helpful ground - including many Scripture passages - in a brisk, straightforward manner, with plenty of tips and diagrams. His nine-page summary of the OT storyline is particularly helpful, as well as his treatment of 'the day of the Lord', and the way in which the NT must control our understanding of OT fulfilment. The book reads simply, though its approach is not simplistic but carefully nuanced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn a few points I found myself disagreeing with Goldsworthy's approach or emphasis (eg there was little sense of Paul's Galatians 3 tension between the Promise and the Law) but it was often on questions of where exactly to get the balance. As an introduction to the Old Testament it is an excellent book, and highly recommended for young Christians, or those who feel they have not yet 'got their arms around' the first two-thirds of God's glorious word.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Phil Heaps, full-time elder, Grace Church Yate\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:05+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:06+00:00","vendor":"Graeme Goldsworthy","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Kindle","Oct-17"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769598828644,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465672","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Jesus Through the Old Testament: Transform your Bible understanding - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":165,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465672","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465672-l.jpg?v=1549043144"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465672-l.jpg?v=1549043144","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238879068299,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465672-l.jpg?v=1570098004"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465672-l.jpg?v=1570098004","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eConfident in the Old Testament? Enjoying reading it? Happy to preach from it?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this engaging book, Graeme Goldsworthy reflects with clarity and practical insight on reading and using the Old Testament, showing us how Jesus is central to the Old Testament's message and encouraging us to reinstate it as essential and transformative to our lives, churches and mission in today's world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author asks essential questions: Where is Jesus in the whole biblical story-line? How does the kingdom of God relate to him? In what way is he central to the divine revelation?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a must-read for those who wish to transform their biblical understanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eForeword\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart 1 Where's Jesus?\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIs the Old Testament a Christian book?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGetting started: looking for the big picture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe storyline of the Bible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe kingdom of God as a unifying theme\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe shape of progressive revelation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart 2 Working with the texts\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome key events in biblical revelation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinding Christ in Genesis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinding Christ in Israel's history\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinding Christ in wisdom and psalms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinding Christ in the prophetic books\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJesus Christ the fulfiller\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eD.I.Y.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Old Testament can be confusing or problematic for many readers. But in this book, Graeme Goldsworthy helps the Christian reader join the dots, and so make sense of the Old Testament's big picture. He shows how understanding the Old Testament comes from seeing it as a witness to the person and work of Jesus Christ. Goldsworthy traces the developing idea of the kingdom of God through the Old Testament, neatly summarised by his maxim, 'God's people in God's place under God's rule'. Readers will appreciate his explanation of fulfilment and typology, supporting ideas, his explanation of example texts, and the sense of movement towards Jesus. Rather than focus on details that might overwhelm the beginner, Goldsworthy provides a basic roadmap for how the Old Testament's big ideas, from Genesis to Malachi, find their ultimate meaning in Jesus Christ.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e George Athas, Director of Postgraduate Studies, Moore Theological College, Sydney \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo one has done more in the past 50 years to contribute to the recovery of Biblical Theology for the church than Graeme Goldsworthy. Now in this crystal-clear, deeply practical and enormously helpful book, Graeme has condensed years of reflection on and teaching of the Bible for the benefit of the church. I can think of no more helpful place to start for anyone who wants to find out how to read, understand and apply the message of the Bible. I pray that this book gets the attention and widespread use that it deserves for the sake of Christ and his kingdom.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Gary Millar, Principal, Queensland Theological College \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Phil Heaps, full-time elder, Grace Church Yate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you rarely venture outside the New Testament (NT) then this little book may be just what you need. In a clear, enthusiastic way, Goldsworthy takes us on a tour through the Old Testament (OT) showing us how it points forward to Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe starts with the importance of the OT to the NT and alerts us to several wrong approaches to the OT. The following chapters then provide a helpful overview of the OT, its storyline, and various key themes. 'The Kingdom of God' is seen as the Bible's overarching theme, without insisting that this is the only way to organise its message.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe shows how OT history initially reveals the kingdom and how, as that history takes a turn for the worse, the prophets point forward to the glorious reality foreshadowed there. Later chapters look in detail at key events, Genesis, the historical books, wisdom literature, and prophets, leading to a chapter on 'Jesus Christ the fulfiller'. The final chapter is very practical and strikes an excellent balance in various ways: start with prayer but study hard; read for the big picture but also examine texts closely; remember that Scripture is firstly 'God's Word about God's deed in bringing in his kingdom', but also make personal and practical applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGoldsworthy covers a lot of helpful ground - including many Scripture passages - in a brisk, straightforward manner, with plenty of tips and diagrams. His nine-page summary of the OT storyline is particularly helpful, as well as his treatment of 'the day of the Lord', and the way in which the NT must control our understanding of OT fulfilment. The book reads simply, though its approach is not simplistic but carefully nuanced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn a few points I found myself disagreeing with Goldsworthy's approach or emphasis (eg there was little sense of Paul's Galatians 3 tension between the Promise and the Law) but it was often on questions of where exactly to get the balance. As an introduction to the Old Testament it is an excellent book, and highly recommended for young Christians, or those who feel they have not yet 'got their arms around' the first two-thirds of God's glorious word.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Phil Heaps, full-time elder, Grace Church Yate\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
Jesus Through the Old Testament: Transform your Bible understanding
£7.99
Confident in the Old Testament? Enjoying reading it? Happy to preach from it? In this engaging book, Graeme Goldsworthy reflects...
{"id":3280107274340,"title":"Servant Ministry: A portrait of Christ and a pattern for his followers","handle":"servant-ministry-a-portrait-of-christ-and-a-pattern-for-his-followers","description":"\u003cp\u003eServanthood is something to which all believers are called, not just those in full-time ministry, and so understanding what servanthood means is vital for the health and well-being of local churches. Every member needs to appreciate their role as a servant of God. At the same time, the principles of servant leadership provide an essential framework for those called specifically to the work of the Church, whether at home or overseas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServant Ministry offers a practical exposition of the first 'Servant Song' based in Isaiah (42:1-9). Writing from many years of Christian teaching and mentoring, Tony Horsfall applies insights drawn from the Isaiah passage to topics such as the motivation for service and the call to serve; valid expressions of servanthood and the link between evangelism and social action; character formation and what it means to be a servant; how to keep going over the long haul in the harsh realities of ministry; the importance of listening to God on a daily basis and also over a whole lifetime.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany people around the world have been inspired and refreshed by Tony Horsfall's teaching and mentoring. As well as working as an international freelance trainer and retreat leader, he has written a number of other books for BRF, including Rhythms of Grace, Mentoring for Spiritual Growth and Working from a Place of Rest. He also contributes to New Daylight Bible reading notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContents\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Servant's identity\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 Behold my servant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 Emptied and humbled\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 Chosen and loved\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 Servants one and all\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Servant's calling\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 The Spirit upon him\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 Justice, the suffering servant and the law of God\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 Justice, the compassionate servant and the needs of the world\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Servant's character\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 The servant as leader\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9 Humility, and the danger of pride\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 Gentleness, and the temptations of power\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e11 Faithfulness, and the challenge of pain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Servant's confidence\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12 The God who speaks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e13 God's presence to reassure\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e14 God's protection to guard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e15 God's purpose to guide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Servant's attentiveness\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e16 Listening and responding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the introduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServant Ministry is based on the first Servant Song in Isaiah (42:1-9) and could be described as a practical exposition of this passage. My intention is to explain the meaning of the text and then to apply its teaching to the biblical theme of servanthood. It will lead us quite naturally to explore some significant topics: the motivation for service and the call to serve; valid expressions of servanthood and the link between evangelism and social action; character formation and what it means to be a servant, especially in leadership; how to sustain ourselves over the long haul in the harsh realities of ministry; the importance of listening to God and being directed by him in what we do, both on a daily basis and over the course of a lifetime.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy basic assumption throughout is that servanthood is for all believers, not just for those in some form of 'full-time' ministry, and I hope this comes across clearly because it is vital for the health and vitality of local churches that every member appreciates and understands his or her role as a servant of God. At the same time, my focus will be on those in Christian leadership and crosscultural ministry for whom the call to serve has led to significant life changes that impact them on a daily basis. Inevitably we will cover the topic of servant leadership, and I hope we might grasp the principles behind it in a fresh way while avoiding some of the common misconceptions and distortions. It is my strong conviction that servant leadership is vital for the well-being and effectiveness of any church or Christian organisation in the 21st century. For me, Christian leadership is synonymous with servant leadership.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe will approach the Servant Song through two lenses, seeing it first of all as a portrait of Christ and secondly as a pattern for his followers. Jesus shows us through his life on earth what it means to be a servant, and he perfectly fulfils the picture painted for us in Isaiah. He is an example to us of true servanthood, and we are called with God's help to imitate him: 'Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did (1 John 2:6). Servanthood can never be an optional extra in the Christian life; it is its foundation stone, and all disciples of Jesus must see themselves as servants. Peter says it clearly: 'Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover up for evil; live as servants of God' (1 Peter 2:16).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForeword by Rob Hay, Principal, Redcliffe College\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn September 2010 Tony Horsfall came and led a staff retreat at Redcliffe College, ahead of the start of the academic year . The retreat was called 'Time to Stop' but it took place about five days before the students started arriving - we didn't really have time to stop! But his focus on our identity and purpose, and his unpacking of the resources available to us, allowed us both individually and corporately to remember during that particularly challenging year, to stop, reflect and reengage afresh in God's service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book on servanthood that presents a truly biblical view of servanthood - not like being some kind of nice, benign auntie for whom nothing is too much trouble, but rather as a call to live as God intends us to live. I teach a postgraduate class on leadership and I sometimes tell the students that I get fed up with talk of servant leadership, partly because I see many other metaphors for leadership in scripture but also because I think Christians have misunderstood servant leadership and servanthood generally! Tony, however, has not..\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGod intends us to live and serve secure. Tony starts with identity and calling. This is vital: we need to know who we are: both the reality of frailty and our status as children of the living God loved by a Father who delights in his children. He goes onto justice and compassion - two concepts that often get separated by Christian writers because they find them hard to hold in tension. Tony, however, does not...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGod intends us to live confidently. Servants serve a master (in our case the Lord), not every person we bump into. Knowing how God wants us to serve him in each and every situation we find ourselves - whether it demands compassion or righteous anger, clear leadership or wise counsel - is vital to effective Christian living. To be able to do it in confidence because we know who we are and who we are called to be, allows us to serve effectively.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTony has served the church so well in the writing of this book. It has the potential to make the church a better bride of Christ and each individual Christian a closer reflection of Jesus this side of heaven.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRob Hay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePrincipal, Redcliffe College\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTony Horsfall is a freelance trainer and retreat leader, whose work regularly takes him around the world. He has written a number of books for BRF, including Mentoring for Spiritual Growth, Working from a Place of Rest and Rhythms of Grace. He also contributes to New Daylight Bible reading notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview of second edition by Hannah Prosser, January 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTony Horsfall’s book on Servant Ministry is at once an inspirational, devotional book and simultaneously a deeply challenging one. On the one hand it is very readable, accessible and easy to digest but, as soon as you apply the principles and determine action points for life, then the depth of content becomes highly apparent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough it springboards from Isaiah 42, it dances throughout all of the Scriptures to provide a comprehensive overview of servanthood in the Bible. It shows that our concept of servanthood is culturally conditioned and colours our view of the above passages. We are challenged to shift from our western hierarchical perspective to one honouring the value and purpose of the one who serves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to challenging our personal beliefs and behaviours, it also brings a fresh view of Christ, encouraging a deeper relationship with Him who served gladly and without reluctance. As we model ourselves on the Jesus shown beautifully in the Servant Song, I was personally confronted with the need to lay aside more of me. Whilst challenging, it is also encouraging, reminding us of the unconditional love of God. Though relevant to all Christians, it particularly provides a challenging fresh perspective on Christian leadership, which is greatly needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHannah Prosser: Co-Director - HASMissions, Member Care Team Leader - AOG Missions Team\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview of second edition by Richard Frost, July 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst published in 2013, \u003cem\u003eServant Ministry \u003c\/em\u003eis Tony Horsfall’s exploration of the meaning of servanthood in the first servant song from Isaiah.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaking good use of a wide range of other Biblical references, the author demonstrates that Christ is the fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy. \u003cem\u003eServant Ministry\u003c\/em\u003e helps the reader to reflect on the words of Isaiah 42:1-9 and also to sit with and understand the true servant nature of Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs another reviewer has observed, this is not a book to read in one sitting. Indeed, the short chapters make it digestible and aid the devotional approach which Tony Horsfall suggests. By using non-academic language, he presents a thorough analysis of what the Bible has to say about servanthood and how Christ is the Servant, the chosen one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExploring the origins of servanthood (including the Old Testament understanding of slavery) and the concept that one is a servant not only to superiors but to other people, the book also considers how, as servants, we are to prepare others for servanthood. Tony Horsfall also makes the link between servanthood and justice, suffering, compassion and gentleness. ‘Here is the heart of servanthood,’ he writes, ‘the selfless giving of oneself to meet the needs of others.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe chapter on ‘The servant as leader’ is especially powerful and provocative; equally perceptive and helpful is the chapter on’ Humility, and the danger of pride’. The author also addresses the abusive nature of power and how this is often caused by insecure leaders who get carried away by their own success but are seldom challenged. The actuality of pain and suffering for those who are servant leaders is also sensitively acknowledged. ‘The best leaders are servants at heart, and service, rather than position or power, is their starting point.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe final sections explore how God speaks in different ways, how he provides a reassuring, protective hand and how he guides us: helpful reminders for those times when lose sight of who we are in God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Confidence in ministry is not self-confidence; it is confidence in our relationship with God and in his ability to sustain us.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough focusing on those whose ministry is in a church or Christian setting there is much which could be taken from this book and applied in secular environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e ____________________________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTAR News. Diocese of Peterborough April 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat does it mean to be a servant of the Lord Jesus? How is our character formed by serving Him? How do we keep going when ministry seems so daunting at times? Why is it important to listen to God each day? This book, which draws on Isaiah 42:1-9, is full of encouragement, enlightenment and practical insights to serve with confidence. This is a deep, reflective read that has helped me to be true to my calling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRona Orme. Children's Missioner Diocese of Peterborough\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI believe the unhappiest people on the planet are Christians who don't serve. For in our regeneration, we are wired to serve. For Jesus is the one who said, 'I am among you as one who serves.' Intimacy with Jesus and activity for him make for the best combination of Christian usefulness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStatistics would tell us that servant is mention in scripture over 600 times, whilst leader is only mentioned 3 times. This desperate imbalance is at the heart of our ability to make a prevailing Christian impact in our nation and beyond. Tony Horsfall's newest book speaks powerfully to this. He offers warm, faithful and close work in Isaiah 42, at the heart of this useful title. The pithy reflections following each chapter add significant value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis new BRF offering is steadfast, engaging and challenging. The section on motivations is particularly helpful. When speaking of the servant's attentiveness, in the last chapter, around 'listening and responding' I would have loved more here, as this was especially strong. The phrase from 1 Peter 2 will live on long, through Horsfall's faithful efforts here: 'live as servants of God!'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Rev'd Dr Johnny Douglas\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaking the first Servant Song in Isaiah 42 as his springboard the author leads his readers gently and carefully into a fuller picture of Christ and sets out steps on how to imitate the Suffering Servant as well as showing the pitfalls of ministry for those who feel secure in their service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot best read at one sitting, the different sections - the Servant's Identity, Calling, Character and Confidence - are helpful reflections not simply for those beginning ministry but also for those who have grown old in unhelpful kinds of church leadership.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found the section on Character particularly challenging as it described the great temptation to prides which comes with success. The very short yet poignant questions for reflection at the end of each chapter and in the study notes add greatly to the book and readers would do well to work through them in the pages of a personal journal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA useful one page Appendix on the characteristics of abusive systems in churches and Christian organisations deserves wide circulation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Andrew Dotchin\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2020-10-19T17:29:01+01:00","created_at":"2019-04-09T12:02:28+01:00","vendor":"Tony Horsfall","type":"Paperback","tags":["Jun-19","Leadership","Pastoral care"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":26454556409956,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857468864","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Servant Ministry: A portrait of Christ and a pattern for his followers - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":188,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857468864","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468864-l.jpg?v=1554807788"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468864-l.jpg?v=1554807788","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3264958300299,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468864-l.jpg?v=1570103280"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468864-l.jpg?v=1570103280","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eServanthood is something to which all believers are called, not just those in full-time ministry, and so understanding what servanthood means is vital for the health and well-being of local churches. Every member needs to appreciate their role as a servant of God. At the same time, the principles of servant leadership provide an essential framework for those called specifically to the work of the Church, whether at home or overseas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServant Ministry offers a practical exposition of the first 'Servant Song' based in Isaiah (42:1-9). Writing from many years of Christian teaching and mentoring, Tony Horsfall applies insights drawn from the Isaiah passage to topics such as the motivation for service and the call to serve; valid expressions of servanthood and the link between evangelism and social action; character formation and what it means to be a servant; how to keep going over the long haul in the harsh realities of ministry; the importance of listening to God on a daily basis and also over a whole lifetime.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany people around the world have been inspired and refreshed by Tony Horsfall's teaching and mentoring. As well as working as an international freelance trainer and retreat leader, he has written a number of other books for BRF, including Rhythms of Grace, Mentoring for Spiritual Growth and Working from a Place of Rest. He also contributes to New Daylight Bible reading notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContents\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Servant's identity\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 Behold my servant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 Emptied and humbled\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 Chosen and loved\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 Servants one and all\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Servant's calling\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 The Spirit upon him\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 Justice, the suffering servant and the law of God\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 Justice, the compassionate servant and the needs of the world\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Servant's character\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 The servant as leader\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9 Humility, and the danger of pride\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 Gentleness, and the temptations of power\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e11 Faithfulness, and the challenge of pain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Servant's confidence\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12 The God who speaks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e13 God's presence to reassure\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e14 God's protection to guard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e15 God's purpose to guide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Servant's attentiveness\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e16 Listening and responding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the introduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServant Ministry is based on the first Servant Song in Isaiah (42:1-9) and could be described as a practical exposition of this passage. My intention is to explain the meaning of the text and then to apply its teaching to the biblical theme of servanthood. It will lead us quite naturally to explore some significant topics: the motivation for service and the call to serve; valid expressions of servanthood and the link between evangelism and social action; character formation and what it means to be a servant, especially in leadership; how to sustain ourselves over the long haul in the harsh realities of ministry; the importance of listening to God and being directed by him in what we do, both on a daily basis and over the course of a lifetime.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy basic assumption throughout is that servanthood is for all believers, not just for those in some form of 'full-time' ministry, and I hope this comes across clearly because it is vital for the health and vitality of local churches that every member appreciates and understands his or her role as a servant of God. At the same time, my focus will be on those in Christian leadership and crosscultural ministry for whom the call to serve has led to significant life changes that impact them on a daily basis. Inevitably we will cover the topic of servant leadership, and I hope we might grasp the principles behind it in a fresh way while avoiding some of the common misconceptions and distortions. It is my strong conviction that servant leadership is vital for the well-being and effectiveness of any church or Christian organisation in the 21st century. For me, Christian leadership is synonymous with servant leadership.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe will approach the Servant Song through two lenses, seeing it first of all as a portrait of Christ and secondly as a pattern for his followers. Jesus shows us through his life on earth what it means to be a servant, and he perfectly fulfils the picture painted for us in Isaiah. He is an example to us of true servanthood, and we are called with God's help to imitate him: 'Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did (1 John 2:6). Servanthood can never be an optional extra in the Christian life; it is its foundation stone, and all disciples of Jesus must see themselves as servants. Peter says it clearly: 'Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover up for evil; live as servants of God' (1 Peter 2:16).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForeword by Rob Hay, Principal, Redcliffe College\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn September 2010 Tony Horsfall came and led a staff retreat at Redcliffe College, ahead of the start of the academic year . The retreat was called 'Time to Stop' but it took place about five days before the students started arriving - we didn't really have time to stop! But his focus on our identity and purpose, and his unpacking of the resources available to us, allowed us both individually and corporately to remember during that particularly challenging year, to stop, reflect and reengage afresh in God's service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book on servanthood that presents a truly biblical view of servanthood - not like being some kind of nice, benign auntie for whom nothing is too much trouble, but rather as a call to live as God intends us to live. I teach a postgraduate class on leadership and I sometimes tell the students that I get fed up with talk of servant leadership, partly because I see many other metaphors for leadership in scripture but also because I think Christians have misunderstood servant leadership and servanthood generally! Tony, however, has not..\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGod intends us to live and serve secure. Tony starts with identity and calling. This is vital: we need to know who we are: both the reality of frailty and our status as children of the living God loved by a Father who delights in his children. He goes onto justice and compassion - two concepts that often get separated by Christian writers because they find them hard to hold in tension. Tony, however, does not...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGod intends us to live confidently. Servants serve a master (in our case the Lord), not every person we bump into. Knowing how God wants us to serve him in each and every situation we find ourselves - whether it demands compassion or righteous anger, clear leadership or wise counsel - is vital to effective Christian living. To be able to do it in confidence because we know who we are and who we are called to be, allows us to serve effectively.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTony has served the church so well in the writing of this book. It has the potential to make the church a better bride of Christ and each individual Christian a closer reflection of Jesus this side of heaven.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRob Hay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePrincipal, Redcliffe College\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTony Horsfall is a freelance trainer and retreat leader, whose work regularly takes him around the world. He has written a number of books for BRF, including Mentoring for Spiritual Growth, Working from a Place of Rest and Rhythms of Grace. He also contributes to New Daylight Bible reading notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview of second edition by Hannah Prosser, January 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTony Horsfall’s book on Servant Ministry is at once an inspirational, devotional book and simultaneously a deeply challenging one. On the one hand it is very readable, accessible and easy to digest but, as soon as you apply the principles and determine action points for life, then the depth of content becomes highly apparent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough it springboards from Isaiah 42, it dances throughout all of the Scriptures to provide a comprehensive overview of servanthood in the Bible. It shows that our concept of servanthood is culturally conditioned and colours our view of the above passages. We are challenged to shift from our western hierarchical perspective to one honouring the value and purpose of the one who serves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to challenging our personal beliefs and behaviours, it also brings a fresh view of Christ, encouraging a deeper relationship with Him who served gladly and without reluctance. As we model ourselves on the Jesus shown beautifully in the Servant Song, I was personally confronted with the need to lay aside more of me. Whilst challenging, it is also encouraging, reminding us of the unconditional love of God. Though relevant to all Christians, it particularly provides a challenging fresh perspective on Christian leadership, which is greatly needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHannah Prosser: Co-Director - HASMissions, Member Care Team Leader - AOG Missions Team\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview of second edition by Richard Frost, July 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst published in 2013, \u003cem\u003eServant Ministry \u003c\/em\u003eis Tony Horsfall’s exploration of the meaning of servanthood in the first servant song from Isaiah.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaking good use of a wide range of other Biblical references, the author demonstrates that Christ is the fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy. \u003cem\u003eServant Ministry\u003c\/em\u003e helps the reader to reflect on the words of Isaiah 42:1-9 and also to sit with and understand the true servant nature of Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs another reviewer has observed, this is not a book to read in one sitting. Indeed, the short chapters make it digestible and aid the devotional approach which Tony Horsfall suggests. By using non-academic language, he presents a thorough analysis of what the Bible has to say about servanthood and how Christ is the Servant, the chosen one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExploring the origins of servanthood (including the Old Testament understanding of slavery) and the concept that one is a servant not only to superiors but to other people, the book also considers how, as servants, we are to prepare others for servanthood. Tony Horsfall also makes the link between servanthood and justice, suffering, compassion and gentleness. ‘Here is the heart of servanthood,’ he writes, ‘the selfless giving of oneself to meet the needs of others.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe chapter on ‘The servant as leader’ is especially powerful and provocative; equally perceptive and helpful is the chapter on’ Humility, and the danger of pride’. The author also addresses the abusive nature of power and how this is often caused by insecure leaders who get carried away by their own success but are seldom challenged. The actuality of pain and suffering for those who are servant leaders is also sensitively acknowledged. ‘The best leaders are servants at heart, and service, rather than position or power, is their starting point.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe final sections explore how God speaks in different ways, how he provides a reassuring, protective hand and how he guides us: helpful reminders for those times when lose sight of who we are in God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Confidence in ministry is not self-confidence; it is confidence in our relationship with God and in his ability to sustain us.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough focusing on those whose ministry is in a church or Christian setting there is much which could be taken from this book and applied in secular environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e ____________________________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTAR News. Diocese of Peterborough April 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat does it mean to be a servant of the Lord Jesus? How is our character formed by serving Him? How do we keep going when ministry seems so daunting at times? Why is it important to listen to God each day? This book, which draws on Isaiah 42:1-9, is full of encouragement, enlightenment and practical insights to serve with confidence. This is a deep, reflective read that has helped me to be true to my calling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRona Orme. Children's Missioner Diocese of Peterborough\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI believe the unhappiest people on the planet are Christians who don't serve. For in our regeneration, we are wired to serve. For Jesus is the one who said, 'I am among you as one who serves.' Intimacy with Jesus and activity for him make for the best combination of Christian usefulness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStatistics would tell us that servant is mention in scripture over 600 times, whilst leader is only mentioned 3 times. This desperate imbalance is at the heart of our ability to make a prevailing Christian impact in our nation and beyond. Tony Horsfall's newest book speaks powerfully to this. He offers warm, faithful and close work in Isaiah 42, at the heart of this useful title. The pithy reflections following each chapter add significant value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis new BRF offering is steadfast, engaging and challenging. The section on motivations is particularly helpful. When speaking of the servant's attentiveness, in the last chapter, around 'listening and responding' I would have loved more here, as this was especially strong. The phrase from 1 Peter 2 will live on long, through Horsfall's faithful efforts here: 'live as servants of God!'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Rev'd Dr Johnny Douglas\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaking the first Servant Song in Isaiah 42 as his springboard the author leads his readers gently and carefully into a fuller picture of Christ and sets out steps on how to imitate the Suffering Servant as well as showing the pitfalls of ministry for those who feel secure in their service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot best read at one sitting, the different sections - the Servant's Identity, Calling, Character and Confidence - are helpful reflections not simply for those beginning ministry but also for those who have grown old in unhelpful kinds of church leadership.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found the section on Character particularly challenging as it described the great temptation to prides which comes with success. The very short yet poignant questions for reflection at the end of each chapter and in the study notes add greatly to the book and readers would do well to work through them in the pages of a personal journal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA useful one page Appendix on the characteristics of abusive systems in churches and Christian organisations deserves wide circulation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Andrew Dotchin\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":2439823786084,"title":"Living Differently to Make a Difference: The beatitudes and countercultural lifestyle","handle":"living-differently-to-make-a-difference-the-beatitudes-and-countercultural-lifestyle","description":"\u003cp\u003eFew would doubt that we live in a wounded and broken world. But God has sent a Saviour, Jesus Christ, who calls us, in the beatitudes, to live an authentic, countercultural lifestyle. By being different we can make a difference, becoming the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Through living the beatitudes, we could make the world a better place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving been in parish ministry for 25 years, Will Donaldson is Chaplain and Senior Welfare Officer of St Edmund Hall, Oxford University. He is also Area Dean of Oxford and Director of Pastoral Care at St Aldates Church. He is the author of Word and Spirit (BRF, 2011).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJulian Meetings Magazine, April 2019. Review by Felicity Bayne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn his foreword Dr Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford, writes that ‘There are signs that the beatitudes are coming back into focus in the life of the church as a text for the 21st century.’ Will Donaldson suggests that all our social, political and technological problems connect to the same root cause – chronic lifestyle dysfunction – and then explores a solution based on Jesus’ teaching in the beatitudes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter sets one of the beatitudes in its biblical context, particularly as it relates to Isaiah 61, the Old Testament passage that Jesus read in the synagogue at Nazareth to announce the arrival of the Messiah. In each chapter one beatitude is put alongside a current or historical character or context, before leading the reader into considering how that beatitude might apply in their own lives, to the benefit of the world. Chapters 8 and 9 lead us to reflect on Jesus’ words of encouragement to his followers to be salt and light in the world. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChapters end with thoughtful, helpful questions, and suggestions for reflection alone, or within a small group. This would work well for a Lent group, taking two chapters each week.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDonaldson’s writing is both informative and challenging: an opportunity for serious study and reflection. He provides a pithy guide to Christians who wish their faith in Jesus to make a difference, becoming the salt of the earth and the light of the world, a step at a time. It’s not always a comfortable read, but practising our faith in line with the beatitudes is always an uncomfortable, but hopefully creative, challenge towards building the church of the future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Felicity Bayne \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Spring 2019. Review by Ben Brown\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe beatitudes are the series of teachings by Jesus at the start of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew's gospel. They are sayings where the hierarchies of the world and the hierarchies of the heart are turned upside down. We are called to become people who are poor, meek (or gentle), merciful and pure in heart. Will Donaldson has written a passionate and engaging study of how we are called to live the beatitudes in a world where the idols of power and status are prevalent. The book has some probing questions to ask of aspects of our modern society and our modern selves. Why are we fixated on ideals of success? Why is so much modern culture obsessed with revenge? Donaldson shows how living out of the beatitudes, embracing vulnerability and spiritual poverty in our lives, embodies a joyful alternative to our cultural norms. Occasionally I found the presentation a little moralistic. His interpretation, for example that being pure in heart meant simply living with integrity struck me as reductive. Being pure can also mean being uncluttered and therefore able to see the divine more clearly. But this is a book which makes you ask transformative questions of yourself and your society and gives you, or a reading group, the opportunity to take Christi's teaching personally and embark on the daily adventure of following him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Ben Brown\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiocese of Oxford. Review by Kate Seagrave\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.oxford.anglican.org\/living-differently-to-make-a-difference\/\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.oxford.anglican.org\/living-differently-to-make-a-difference\/\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt would appear to be a brave undertaking to write a book on such a famous passage as the beatitudes and on such topics that so many have tackled before, but Will does so with originality and confidence. This easy to read book follows the standard mixed format of so many of BRF's publications, being a combination of an individual devotional read, a small group Bible study, and an introductory guide to this famous passage of scripture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis extensive experience in pastoral care and discipleship shines through his approach and his challenge to the reader to a more distinctively and holistic Christian life. Topics covered challenge both our inner lives and 'secret' attitudes as well as our more outward and visible actions and service. The structure of each chapter stands alone, which makes dipping in and out as well as selecting chapters of particular interest entirely possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe format makes this a quick and easy read, with plenty of illustrations from history, politics, culture, sport and literature. The individual devotions and group discussion questions provide ample invitation and space for pausing and thinking, even when read outside of a more intentional devotional or group study setting. The group questions are particularly accessible and appropriate to a group which had never done a similar study before, with a range of suggested options catering to timings from 15 minutes to an hour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe strength of this book is in the pastoral experience of the writer. His intuitive understanding and deep conviction that the presence of inner faith must be accompanied by a transformational impact upon the world around us (however big or small that world may be) shapes the way that he guides the reader through the chapters. If you are looking for an approach to the beatitudes which is easy to read, yet challenges you to pause and think and examine the lifestyle choices we make day to day, then this is for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by the Revd Kate Seagrave, Mission Priest at the Community of St Frideswide in Oxford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePresbyterian Herald, October 2018\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book, Will Donaldson, a chaplain in Oxford University, explores the beatitudes taught by Jesus during his sermon on the mount, and suggests ways in which we can apply them today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat struck me about this book is that every chapter is so well researched and, as a result, Donaldson is able to explain each beatitude in the context of our history and the world in which we exist today. Scripture is woven throughout each chapter and the author draws heavily from Isaiah 61 throughout the book, as the Old Testament basis of the beatitudes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter concludes with prompts for personal reflection, prayerful response and discussion for small groups, including a starter (questions to be considered over a 15-minute period), a main course (allowing for a 60-minute discussion) and concluding with dessert (another 15 minutes of discussion). While I used this book to aid my own time of devotion, I believe it would be an excellent basis for a book group or discipleship group to study the beatitudes together and decipher what the application of them looks like in their daily lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found this to be a very challenging and beneficial read. It reinforced that as Christians, it is not for us to conform to the cultural narrative but rather to be 'set apart' for God, as has always been his desire for his people. This book is one of the most helpful books I have read for a long time.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:18+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:19+00:00","vendor":"Will Donaldson","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Group reading","Kindle","May-18","Mission"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21770140188772,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857466716","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Living Differently to Make a Difference: The beatitudes and countercultural lifestyle - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":166,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857466716","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857466716-l.jpg?v=1549043120"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857466716-l.jpg?v=1549043120","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238881558667,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857466716-l.jpg?v=1570098004"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857466716-l.jpg?v=1570098004","width":426}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eFew would doubt that we live in a wounded and broken world. But God has sent a Saviour, Jesus Christ, who calls us, in the beatitudes, to live an authentic, countercultural lifestyle. By being different we can make a difference, becoming the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Through living the beatitudes, we could make the world a better place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving been in parish ministry for 25 years, Will Donaldson is Chaplain and Senior Welfare Officer of St Edmund Hall, Oxford University. He is also Area Dean of Oxford and Director of Pastoral Care at St Aldates Church. He is the author of Word and Spirit (BRF, 2011).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJulian Meetings Magazine, April 2019. Review by Felicity Bayne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn his foreword Dr Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford, writes that ‘There are signs that the beatitudes are coming back into focus in the life of the church as a text for the 21st century.’ Will Donaldson suggests that all our social, political and technological problems connect to the same root cause – chronic lifestyle dysfunction – and then explores a solution based on Jesus’ teaching in the beatitudes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter sets one of the beatitudes in its biblical context, particularly as it relates to Isaiah 61, the Old Testament passage that Jesus read in the synagogue at Nazareth to announce the arrival of the Messiah. In each chapter one beatitude is put alongside a current or historical character or context, before leading the reader into considering how that beatitude might apply in their own lives, to the benefit of the world. Chapters 8 and 9 lead us to reflect on Jesus’ words of encouragement to his followers to be salt and light in the world. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChapters end with thoughtful, helpful questions, and suggestions for reflection alone, or within a small group. This would work well for a Lent group, taking two chapters each week.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDonaldson’s writing is both informative and challenging: an opportunity for serious study and reflection. He provides a pithy guide to Christians who wish their faith in Jesus to make a difference, becoming the salt of the earth and the light of the world, a step at a time. It’s not always a comfortable read, but practising our faith in line with the beatitudes is always an uncomfortable, but hopefully creative, challenge towards building the church of the future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Felicity Bayne \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Spring 2019. Review by Ben Brown\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe beatitudes are the series of teachings by Jesus at the start of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew's gospel. They are sayings where the hierarchies of the world and the hierarchies of the heart are turned upside down. We are called to become people who are poor, meek (or gentle), merciful and pure in heart. Will Donaldson has written a passionate and engaging study of how we are called to live the beatitudes in a world where the idols of power and status are prevalent. The book has some probing questions to ask of aspects of our modern society and our modern selves. Why are we fixated on ideals of success? Why is so much modern culture obsessed with revenge? Donaldson shows how living out of the beatitudes, embracing vulnerability and spiritual poverty in our lives, embodies a joyful alternative to our cultural norms. Occasionally I found the presentation a little moralistic. His interpretation, for example that being pure in heart meant simply living with integrity struck me as reductive. Being pure can also mean being uncluttered and therefore able to see the divine more clearly. But this is a book which makes you ask transformative questions of yourself and your society and gives you, or a reading group, the opportunity to take Christi's teaching personally and embark on the daily adventure of following him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Ben Brown\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiocese of Oxford. Review by Kate Seagrave\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.oxford.anglican.org\/living-differently-to-make-a-difference\/\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.oxford.anglican.org\/living-differently-to-make-a-difference\/\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt would appear to be a brave undertaking to write a book on such a famous passage as the beatitudes and on such topics that so many have tackled before, but Will does so with originality and confidence. This easy to read book follows the standard mixed format of so many of BRF's publications, being a combination of an individual devotional read, a small group Bible study, and an introductory guide to this famous passage of scripture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis extensive experience in pastoral care and discipleship shines through his approach and his challenge to the reader to a more distinctively and holistic Christian life. Topics covered challenge both our inner lives and 'secret' attitudes as well as our more outward and visible actions and service. The structure of each chapter stands alone, which makes dipping in and out as well as selecting chapters of particular interest entirely possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe format makes this a quick and easy read, with plenty of illustrations from history, politics, culture, sport and literature. The individual devotions and group discussion questions provide ample invitation and space for pausing and thinking, even when read outside of a more intentional devotional or group study setting. The group questions are particularly accessible and appropriate to a group which had never done a similar study before, with a range of suggested options catering to timings from 15 minutes to an hour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe strength of this book is in the pastoral experience of the writer. His intuitive understanding and deep conviction that the presence of inner faith must be accompanied by a transformational impact upon the world around us (however big or small that world may be) shapes the way that he guides the reader through the chapters. If you are looking for an approach to the beatitudes which is easy to read, yet challenges you to pause and think and examine the lifestyle choices we make day to day, then this is for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by the Revd Kate Seagrave, Mission Priest at the Community of St Frideswide in Oxford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePresbyterian Herald, October 2018\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book, Will Donaldson, a chaplain in Oxford University, explores the beatitudes taught by Jesus during his sermon on the mount, and suggests ways in which we can apply them today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat struck me about this book is that every chapter is so well researched and, as a result, Donaldson is able to explain each beatitude in the context of our history and the world in which we exist today. Scripture is woven throughout each chapter and the author draws heavily from Isaiah 61 throughout the book, as the Old Testament basis of the beatitudes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter concludes with prompts for personal reflection, prayerful response and discussion for small groups, including a starter (questions to be considered over a 15-minute period), a main course (allowing for a 60-minute discussion) and concluding with dessert (another 15 minutes of discussion). While I used this book to aid my own time of devotion, I believe it would be an excellent basis for a book group or discipleship group to study the beatitudes together and decipher what the application of them looks like in their daily lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found this to be a very challenging and beneficial read. It reinforced that as Christians, it is not for us to conform to the cultural narrative but rather to be 'set apart' for God, as has always been his desire for his people. This book is one of the most helpful books I have read for a long time.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Living Differently to Make a Difference: The beatitudes and countercultural lifestyle
£8.99
Few would doubt that we live in a wounded and broken world. But God has sent a Saviour, Jesus Christ,...
{"id":2439828766820,"title":"The Psalms: A commentary for prayer and reflection","handle":"the-psalms-a-commentary-for-prayer-and-reflection","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe psalms are Israel's prayer book. Their origins are in many cases shrouded in mystery. We cannot be sure how they were selected or collected or how most were used. They cover the whole sweep of Israel's history and spirituality echoing the very earliest periods of the nation's life right up to the laments of the Babylonian exile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey speak of the joy of pilgrimage to Jerusalem; they tell of great victories and defeat, of individual achievement and failure, of release and deliverance, of love for the law and repentance from sin, of a God at work in nature and throughout the nation's history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCovering all 150 Psalms, these bite-sized devotions, which were first published in BRF's Guidelines Bible reading notes series, have been revised and expanded. They draw on Henry Wansbrough's years of living and working in the Middle East to provide insight into the historical, literary and cultural background of the Psalms as well as showing how these ancient texts can still guide and inspire you in your Christian walk today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDom Henry Wansbrough OSB is based at Ampleforth Abbey, teaching at Ampleforth school and currently serving as Alexander Jones Professor of Biblical Studies at Liverpool Hope University. He is a contributor to Guidelines Bible reading notes and is a former Master of St Benet's Hall, Oxford.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Alexander Murray, University College, Oxford\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book’s two most striking qualities complement each other. One is its author’s knowledge. Event to those otherwise unacquainted with Fr Henry and his work, it is obvious that he is thoroughly conversant with the Hebrew language and environment. He never lets us forget that the psalms began life in Hebrew. He often clarifies a word by giving us its Hebrew original and, where he thinks it constructive to do so, he offers his guess as to a psalm’s original context. This easy familiarity extends to the psalm’s physical environment. A good example is on p.176, but it is one of many, unobtrusively dropped in to the exposition to make it clearer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second quality is complementary to it. It is clarity of exposition. The reader never has to look back to see what a sentence means. One educational publisher I knew made it a rule not to publish books unless the author was a practising teacher. I do not know how much teaching Fr Henry now does, but his writing style is such that he must often have had to explain potentially obscure points to students still in their teens. His book is an ‘easy read’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFr Henry has said a lot, and from a lot of angles, within the limits of a short book. I am delighted to have it in my library, have already often turned to it, and I am sure I will go on doing so.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Alexander Murray, University College, Oxford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:39+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:40+00:00","vendor":"Henry Wansbrough","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Devotional","For individuals","Kindle","Mar-14","Prayer"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21770228039780,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841016481","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Psalms: A commentary for prayer and reflection - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":231,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841016481","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781841016481-l.jpg?v=1549043116"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781841016481-l.jpg?v=1549043116","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238881984651,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781841016481-l.jpg?v=1570098004"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781841016481-l.jpg?v=1570098004","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThe psalms are Israel's prayer book. Their origins are in many cases shrouded in mystery. We cannot be sure how they were selected or collected or how most were used. They cover the whole sweep of Israel's history and spirituality echoing the very earliest periods of the nation's life right up to the laments of the Babylonian exile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey speak of the joy of pilgrimage to Jerusalem; they tell of great victories and defeat, of individual achievement and failure, of release and deliverance, of love for the law and repentance from sin, of a God at work in nature and throughout the nation's history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCovering all 150 Psalms, these bite-sized devotions, which were first published in BRF's Guidelines Bible reading notes series, have been revised and expanded. They draw on Henry Wansbrough's years of living and working in the Middle East to provide insight into the historical, literary and cultural background of the Psalms as well as showing how these ancient texts can still guide and inspire you in your Christian walk today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDom Henry Wansbrough OSB is based at Ampleforth Abbey, teaching at Ampleforth school and currently serving as Alexander Jones Professor of Biblical Studies at Liverpool Hope University. He is a contributor to Guidelines Bible reading notes and is a former Master of St Benet's Hall, Oxford.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Alexander Murray, University College, Oxford\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book’s two most striking qualities complement each other. One is its author’s knowledge. Event to those otherwise unacquainted with Fr Henry and his work, it is obvious that he is thoroughly conversant with the Hebrew language and environment. He never lets us forget that the psalms began life in Hebrew. He often clarifies a word by giving us its Hebrew original and, where he thinks it constructive to do so, he offers his guess as to a psalm’s original context. This easy familiarity extends to the psalm’s physical environment. A good example is on p.176, but it is one of many, unobtrusively dropped in to the exposition to make it clearer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second quality is complementary to it. It is clarity of exposition. The reader never has to look back to see what a sentence means. One educational publisher I knew made it a rule not to publish books unless the author was a practising teacher. I do not know how much teaching Fr Henry now does, but his writing style is such that he must often have had to explain potentially obscure points to students still in their teens. His book is an ‘easy read’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFr Henry has said a lot, and from a lot of angles, within the limits of a short book. I am delighted to have it in my library, have already often turned to it, and I am sure I will go on doing so.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Alexander Murray, University College, Oxford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The Psalms: A commentary for prayer and reflection
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The psalms are Israel's prayer book. Their origins are in many cases shrouded in mystery. We cannot be sure how...
{"id":2439824638052,"title":"Really Useful Guides: Colossians and Philemon","handle":"really-useful-guides-colossians-and-philemon","description":"\u003cp\u003eEach Really Useful Guide focuses on a specific biblical book, making it come to life for the reader, enabling them to understand the message and to apply its truth to today's circumstances. Though not a commentary, it gives valuable insight into the book's message. Though not an introduction, it summarises the important aspects of the book to aid reading and application.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Really Useful Guide to Colossians and Philemon will transform understanding of the biblical text, and will help you to engage with the message in new ways today, giving confidence in the Bible and increasing faith in God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe series is edited by Simon Stocks and Derek Tidball.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is special about the 'Really Useful Guides'?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are laid out in an easy-to-read format, with less text on the page and plenty of headings, bulleted lists, bold type and diagrams where helpful. Despite this they are not patronising, and do not hide away from engaging with difficult bits of the book. While reading them straight through would probably be the most helpful, they can certainly be dipped into as well, with some sections that people might like to come back to more than once. Similarly, they can be read 'straight' or side-by-side with the biblical text; a slower, more engaged read will probably be more helpful but a reader who didn't do this would still find plenty to learn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times e-newsletter 1 February 2019.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Pieter J. Lalleman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its new series of Really Useful Guides, the Bible Reading Fellowship follows the trend towards smaller and shorter books. So far in this series the volumes on the Psalms and on Colossians have appeared, written by the series' editors, Stocks and Tidball, respectively. The books are tiny (4 by 6 inches) but sturdy and the contents are fine, so they should not for that reason be looked down on. If you are uncertain what to give to a Christian friend, books like these make nice little presents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStocks does indeed offer a 'very useful guide' of over 100 pages. Writing with obvious love for the Psalms, he explains many aspects briefly yet clearly, and in a personal style. Whereas he is aware of the gap which separates us from these old songs, he points to many bridges across it. After a brief introduction, the second chapter covers introductory issues such as composition and authorship. Chapter 3 gives a brief theology of the Psalms (what they say about God) and chapter 4 focuses on how they say it (the stAyle and the imagery).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe very brief chapter 5 surveys the relevant part of the history of Israel and chapter 6 gives suggestions for reading psalms today. Chapters 7 and 8 look at some unknown psalms in more detail. The final page contains questions for discussion but there are no suggestions for further reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Colossians and Philemon guide, our fellow Baptist Derek Tidball takes some 70 pages to introduce us to Colossians, but less than 15 for Philemon. Yet in these few pages he manages to get across key elements of Philemon and its lasting value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe treatment of Colossians is more traditional than that of the Psalms: it largely consists of Tidball making his way through the letter, commenting on backgrounds and contents along the way. Like Stocks, he uses bullet points and he prints the key Scripture verses in his text.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA separate chapter compares Colossians to other parts of the New Testament. In addition to some questions, suggestions for further reading are included. My one query is that slightly divergent outlines of Colossians are presented on pages 27, 28-29, and in what follows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd. Dr Pieter J. Lalleman teaches the Bible at Spurgeon's College\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:22+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:23+00:00","vendor":"Derek Tidball","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Kindle","Oct-18","Really Useful Guides"],"price":599,"price_min":599,"price_max":599,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21770162438244,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857467300","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Really Useful Guides: Colossians and Philemon - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":599,"weight":91,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857467300","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857467300-l.jpg?v=1549043119"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857467300-l.jpg?v=1549043119","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238881624203,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.709,"height":650,"width":461,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857467300-l.jpg?v=1570098004"},"aspect_ratio":0.709,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857467300-l.jpg?v=1570098004","width":461}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eEach Really Useful Guide focuses on a specific biblical book, making it come to life for the reader, enabling them to understand the message and to apply its truth to today's circumstances. Though not a commentary, it gives valuable insight into the book's message. Though not an introduction, it summarises the important aspects of the book to aid reading and application.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Really Useful Guide to Colossians and Philemon will transform understanding of the biblical text, and will help you to engage with the message in new ways today, giving confidence in the Bible and increasing faith in God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe series is edited by Simon Stocks and Derek Tidball.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is special about the 'Really Useful Guides'?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are laid out in an easy-to-read format, with less text on the page and plenty of headings, bulleted lists, bold type and diagrams where helpful. Despite this they are not patronising, and do not hide away from engaging with difficult bits of the book. While reading them straight through would probably be the most helpful, they can certainly be dipped into as well, with some sections that people might like to come back to more than once. Similarly, they can be read 'straight' or side-by-side with the biblical text; a slower, more engaged read will probably be more helpful but a reader who didn't do this would still find plenty to learn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times e-newsletter 1 February 2019.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Pieter J. Lalleman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its new series of Really Useful Guides, the Bible Reading Fellowship follows the trend towards smaller and shorter books. So far in this series the volumes on the Psalms and on Colossians have appeared, written by the series' editors, Stocks and Tidball, respectively. The books are tiny (4 by 6 inches) but sturdy and the contents are fine, so they should not for that reason be looked down on. If you are uncertain what to give to a Christian friend, books like these make nice little presents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStocks does indeed offer a 'very useful guide' of over 100 pages. Writing with obvious love for the Psalms, he explains many aspects briefly yet clearly, and in a personal style. Whereas he is aware of the gap which separates us from these old songs, he points to many bridges across it. After a brief introduction, the second chapter covers introductory issues such as composition and authorship. Chapter 3 gives a brief theology of the Psalms (what they say about God) and chapter 4 focuses on how they say it (the stAyle and the imagery).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe very brief chapter 5 surveys the relevant part of the history of Israel and chapter 6 gives suggestions for reading psalms today. Chapters 7 and 8 look at some unknown psalms in more detail. The final page contains questions for discussion but there are no suggestions for further reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Colossians and Philemon guide, our fellow Baptist Derek Tidball takes some 70 pages to introduce us to Colossians, but less than 15 for Philemon. Yet in these few pages he manages to get across key elements of Philemon and its lasting value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe treatment of Colossians is more traditional than that of the Psalms: it largely consists of Tidball making his way through the letter, commenting on backgrounds and contents along the way. Like Stocks, he uses bullet points and he prints the key Scripture verses in his text.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA separate chapter compares Colossians to other parts of the New Testament. In addition to some questions, suggestions for further reading are included. My one query is that slightly divergent outlines of Colossians are presented on pages 27, 28-29, and in what follows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd. Dr Pieter J. Lalleman teaches the Bible at Spurgeon's College\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Really Useful Guides: Colossians and Philemon
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{"id":2853175001188,"title":"The Story We Live By: A reader's guide to the New Testament","handle":"the-story-we-live-by-a-readers-guide-to-the-new-testament","description":"\u003cp\u003eAt the heart of Christianity is a story - not a code nor a creed, but the story of Jesus. Christians have lived by this story for centuries and return to it again and again to renew faith and deepen understanding. This book is an accessible introduction to how that story is presented in the New Testament, firstly in the four different accounts of Jesus' life, death and resurrection, followed by the early years of the Church and the ensuing series of letters and commentaries on those events.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStarting with an analysis of the four Gospels, \u003cem\u003eThe Story We Live By\u003c\/em\u003e shows how the New Testament writers shaped their material to communicate the truth of Jesus' teaching to their audiences and how their writings arise from and still maintain continuity with the Old Testament. It also covers issues such as authorship, textual dating and the different literary forms used from sermons to apocalypse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book contains a prologue and 15 chapters divided up as follows:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrologue: The Story behind the Story (relationship between Old and New Testaments)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePart 1: The Story of Jesus (the four gospels - 5 chapters)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePart 2: The Church's Story (Acts, Paul, Paul's letters - 8 chapters)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePart 3: Living by the Story (Hebrews, letters of James, Peter, John, Jude; Revelation)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-20T11:47:35+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-20T11:48:37+00:00","vendor":"R Alastair Campbell","type":"PDF Download","tags":["Biblical engagement","PDF"],"price":1299,"price_min":1299,"price_max":1299,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24423731527780,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"Down3596","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Story We Live By: A reader's guide to the New Testament - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":1299,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"Down3596","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24423795163236,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841013596","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"The Story We Live By: A reader's guide to the New Testament - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":1299,"weight":200,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841013596","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781841017556Z.jpg?v=1550663420"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781841017556Z.jpg?v=1550663420","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3259441741963,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.638,"height":235,"width":150,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781841017556Z.jpg?v=1570102191"},"aspect_ratio":0.638,"height":235,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781841017556Z.jpg?v=1570102191","width":150}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eAt the heart of Christianity is a story - not a code nor a creed, but the story of Jesus. Christians have lived by this story for centuries and return to it again and again to renew faith and deepen understanding. This book is an accessible introduction to how that story is presented in the New Testament, firstly in the four different accounts of Jesus' life, death and resurrection, followed by the early years of the Church and the ensuing series of letters and commentaries on those events.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStarting with an analysis of the four Gospels, \u003cem\u003eThe Story We Live By\u003c\/em\u003e shows how the New Testament writers shaped their material to communicate the truth of Jesus' teaching to their audiences and how their writings arise from and still maintain continuity with the Old Testament. It also covers issues such as authorship, textual dating and the different literary forms used from sermons to apocalypse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book contains a prologue and 15 chapters divided up as follows:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrologue: The Story behind the Story (relationship between Old and New Testaments)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePart 1: The Story of Jesus (the four gospels - 5 chapters)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePart 2: The Church's Story (Acts, Paul, Paul's letters - 8 chapters)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePart 3: Living by the Story (Hebrews, letters of James, Peter, John, Jude; Revelation)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e"}
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The Story We Live By: A reader's guide to the New Testament
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{"id":2439823261796,"title":"What Would Jesus Post?: A Biblical approach to online interaction","handle":"what-would-jesus-post-a-biblical-approach-to-online-interaction","description":"\u003cp\u003eIf Jesus had access to the internet, what would he post? And, as importantly, what wouldn't he post? This book asks the intriguing questions of those who engage with the internet, which biblical principles inform its use, and how might Christians steward their online presence?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Robertson is vicar of South Ossett, West Yorkshire. He has ministered in rural, suburban and urban deprived parishes and, as a graduate in Biblical Studies, he is primarily a Bible teacher. He has written several books, as well as daily Bible readings for BRF.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnvil vol 36 issue 1. April 2020. Review by Mary Kells\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis short and accessible book applies biblical principles to online life, reminding the reader that being online is not ‘downtime’ from faith, but an arena, rather, in which faith can be enacted, and in which it can also be tested. It is only towards the end that we discover that the book was written as a result of a damaging online experience. The book is designed for individuals, parents, youth and church leaders and could be used in a group or by individuals. It identifies three generations of online users: the tech-immigrants, pre-dating the advent of the World Wide Web in 1990, and more comfortable offline; tech-assimilators, who have learned to make use of online resources; and the tech-indigenous, who have never known anything else. The book is intended for all\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethree groups, spelling out basic concepts to facilitate the tech-immigrants, but challenging the tech-indigenous to re-think their online behaviour. A key question is: are we being conformed to online culture, or prepared to be a transformative presence, reflecting counter-cultural Christian values?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe individual chapters spell out the nature of the online environment and its temptations and consequences, including such perils as trolls and digital porn, and offer helpful tools and biblical resources. Each chapter follows the same simple structure, combining reflection and action. The chapters begin by outlining a particular issue or challenge, then suggest specific Bible passages which address it, and finish with a set of questions, for discussion, reflection or to prompt action.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book one would wish were not necessary, as its premises at one level seem so obvious, and yet, it clearly is. It encourages everyone to recognise online life as a powerful reality, but one that must be integrated into the greater reality of a life lived in God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eRev Dr Mary Kells, St Faith’s, Lee-on-the-Solent\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times. 31 August 2018. Review by Bryony Taylor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a simple guide to thinking biblically about one's online interactions. I imagine that it would be helpful for church leaders who are realising that they need to engage with the internet and all the attendant issues that might affect people's discipleship, but who might not know where to start. If you already use social media and the internet a great deal, you may find it a little simplistic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book covers a wide range of themes, such as prayer, taking a sabbath, gossip, pornography and bullying, and then looks at what they might mean online. The aim is to help the reader think 'What would Jesus post?', updating the '90s slogan for the next generation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRobertson makes an interesting point about hypocrisy that, as online lives blend with offline lives, it is becoming harder to live a double life -- and that is a good thing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore could have been said about the benefits of the internet and social media for pastoral care and discipleship: for example, the way in which the housebound and those with mental health problems and disabilities have access to church communities online; or the way in which apps, such as the YouVersion Bible app or PrayerMate, can support spiritual development. Neither of these apps is mentioned in the chapter on prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRobertson helpfully explains what the book is and is not. Unfortunately, he does this in the afterword rather than the introduction; so it is a good idea to read the afterword first. The book is structured in such a way that the reader can dip in and out of it easily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA few relevant chapters could be used as material fo ra small group Bible study, or even a short course. I would recommend it to a congregation who, perhaps, are feeling a generational divide around the use of technology and would like a way of approachig discipleship in this area together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Reverend Bryony Taylor is the author of 'Sharing Faith Using Social Media' (Grove, 2016) and a priest in the diocese of Derby.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlog review by The Revd Kate Wharton 01.09.18\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis was a really interesting book to read and review. There are so many conflicting thoughts and opinions around about social media and the whole online world. Some people think it's the best thing since sliced bread, a fabulous gospel opportunity, a way to reach out and spread the good news and connect with people you wouldn't otherwise meet. Some people think it's the work of the devil, all about spreading lies and hate and evil, bringing out the worst in people and distracting us from the real work of the kingdom. The truth, inevitably, probably lies somewhere in between those two extremes. Like many things, social media and the internet can be used for good or for evil, and there are plenty of people and organisations doing both of those things.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt would be easy to assume that the Bible has nothing to say about the online world - after all computers and electricity couldn't even have been dreamed of during the time the Bible was written, let alone the internet. But it's vital as Christians that we consider what God thinks about all aspects of life, and that we weigh up what we do and say and think in the light of what we know to be true. This is what theology does - it enables us to look at an aspect of life in our world and to consider it within the gaze of God, asking ourselves what he wishes to say to us about it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is what David Robertson has sought to do in this new book: \u003cem\u003eWhat Would Jesus Post? - A Biblical Approach to Online Interaction\u003c\/em\u003e. Personally, I'm a big fan of social media, as you'll know if you follow me, and have been assailed by multiple posts on anything from chocolate to church to squirrels to fencing to gin to Jesus... and much more! So, I was fascinated to read what David Robertson had to say, and to see what he thought Jesus would have made of the world of social media.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy own view is that Jesus would have been all over social media - he was never one to shy away from a chance to interact with people, after all. He was always where the people were - even when that meant being in a place that the 'good', righteous, religious people felt that he shouldn't have been. Of course, Jesus would have used his social media accounts without sinning, as he did everything - unfortunately that's something I can't claim to have always managed, and I doubt whether any of us have. But in 2018 I simply don't think that we can declare the whole online world to be morally bankrupt and declare that we want nothing to do with it. The internet isn't going anywhere, and I believe that we need to understand it and engage with it - in a way that's shaped around and formed by what we know to be true of God's kingdom rule. So, what might that look like?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI really liked how practical the book was, and that it's structured in such a clear and readable way. It constantly refers back to the truths and wisdom of the Bible, and it is also totally up to date and relevant to 21st century life and culture. There are helpful tips about how we can all make better use of social media in our kingdom ministry, and there are also important challenges as to just how we come across, how we engage, how we interact. We're reminded to 'pray before posting' and to think about the responsibilities as well as the opportunities that come with having a 'personal digital pulpit.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe overall advice from this book is that it's important for Christians as individuals, and for churches as organisations, to engage on social media, and to make the most of all that is offered by it. But crucially we're also encouraged to be wise, discerning, humble, hospitable and generous as we do so. There's also a really important and interesting challenge about our overuse of\/reliance on all things online, and an encouragement to consider an occasional 'digital sabbath.' Ultimately, we're reminded that we are 'stewards of a digital footprint.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall I think this is an important and timely book for Christians. I haven't come across anything quite like it before and it definitely gave me a lot of food for thought. I'm very much pro all things internet (well, most things...!) but this has given me some important new ideas, and questions to ask, for which I'm grateful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKate Wharton is Vicar of St. Bartholomew's Church in Roby, Liverpool, and Assistant National Leader of New Wine England\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:16+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:17+00:00","vendor":"David Robertson","type":"Paperback","tags":["Church life","Jun-18","Kindle"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21770133766244,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857466648","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"What Would Jesus Post?: A Biblical approach to online interaction - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":193,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857466648","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857466648-l.jpg?v=1549043120"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857466648-l.jpg?v=1549043120","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238881525899,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857466648-l.jpg?v=1570098004"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857466648-l.jpg?v=1570098004","width":426}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eIf Jesus had access to the internet, what would he post? And, as importantly, what wouldn't he post? This book asks the intriguing questions of those who engage with the internet, which biblical principles inform its use, and how might Christians steward their online presence?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Robertson is vicar of South Ossett, West Yorkshire. He has ministered in rural, suburban and urban deprived parishes and, as a graduate in Biblical Studies, he is primarily a Bible teacher. He has written several books, as well as daily Bible readings for BRF.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnvil vol 36 issue 1. April 2020. Review by Mary Kells\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis short and accessible book applies biblical principles to online life, reminding the reader that being online is not ‘downtime’ from faith, but an arena, rather, in which faith can be enacted, and in which it can also be tested. It is only towards the end that we discover that the book was written as a result of a damaging online experience. The book is designed for individuals, parents, youth and church leaders and could be used in a group or by individuals. It identifies three generations of online users: the tech-immigrants, pre-dating the advent of the World Wide Web in 1990, and more comfortable offline; tech-assimilators, who have learned to make use of online resources; and the tech-indigenous, who have never known anything else. The book is intended for all\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethree groups, spelling out basic concepts to facilitate the tech-immigrants, but challenging the tech-indigenous to re-think their online behaviour. A key question is: are we being conformed to online culture, or prepared to be a transformative presence, reflecting counter-cultural Christian values?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe individual chapters spell out the nature of the online environment and its temptations and consequences, including such perils as trolls and digital porn, and offer helpful tools and biblical resources. Each chapter follows the same simple structure, combining reflection and action. The chapters begin by outlining a particular issue or challenge, then suggest specific Bible passages which address it, and finish with a set of questions, for discussion, reflection or to prompt action.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book one would wish were not necessary, as its premises at one level seem so obvious, and yet, it clearly is. It encourages everyone to recognise online life as a powerful reality, but one that must be integrated into the greater reality of a life lived in God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eRev Dr Mary Kells, St Faith’s, Lee-on-the-Solent\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times. 31 August 2018. Review by Bryony Taylor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a simple guide to thinking biblically about one's online interactions. I imagine that it would be helpful for church leaders who are realising that they need to engage with the internet and all the attendant issues that might affect people's discipleship, but who might not know where to start. If you already use social media and the internet a great deal, you may find it a little simplistic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book covers a wide range of themes, such as prayer, taking a sabbath, gossip, pornography and bullying, and then looks at what they might mean online. The aim is to help the reader think 'What would Jesus post?', updating the '90s slogan for the next generation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRobertson makes an interesting point about hypocrisy that, as online lives blend with offline lives, it is becoming harder to live a double life -- and that is a good thing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore could have been said about the benefits of the internet and social media for pastoral care and discipleship: for example, the way in which the housebound and those with mental health problems and disabilities have access to church communities online; or the way in which apps, such as the YouVersion Bible app or PrayerMate, can support spiritual development. Neither of these apps is mentioned in the chapter on prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRobertson helpfully explains what the book is and is not. Unfortunately, he does this in the afterword rather than the introduction; so it is a good idea to read the afterword first. The book is structured in such a way that the reader can dip in and out of it easily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA few relevant chapters could be used as material fo ra small group Bible study, or even a short course. I would recommend it to a congregation who, perhaps, are feeling a generational divide around the use of technology and would like a way of approachig discipleship in this area together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Reverend Bryony Taylor is the author of 'Sharing Faith Using Social Media' (Grove, 2016) and a priest in the diocese of Derby.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlog review by The Revd Kate Wharton 01.09.18\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis was a really interesting book to read and review. There are so many conflicting thoughts and opinions around about social media and the whole online world. Some people think it's the best thing since sliced bread, a fabulous gospel opportunity, a way to reach out and spread the good news and connect with people you wouldn't otherwise meet. Some people think it's the work of the devil, all about spreading lies and hate and evil, bringing out the worst in people and distracting us from the real work of the kingdom. The truth, inevitably, probably lies somewhere in between those two extremes. Like many things, social media and the internet can be used for good or for evil, and there are plenty of people and organisations doing both of those things.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt would be easy to assume that the Bible has nothing to say about the online world - after all computers and electricity couldn't even have been dreamed of during the time the Bible was written, let alone the internet. But it's vital as Christians that we consider what God thinks about all aspects of life, and that we weigh up what we do and say and think in the light of what we know to be true. This is what theology does - it enables us to look at an aspect of life in our world and to consider it within the gaze of God, asking ourselves what he wishes to say to us about it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is what David Robertson has sought to do in this new book: \u003cem\u003eWhat Would Jesus Post? - A Biblical Approach to Online Interaction\u003c\/em\u003e. Personally, I'm a big fan of social media, as you'll know if you follow me, and have been assailed by multiple posts on anything from chocolate to church to squirrels to fencing to gin to Jesus... and much more! So, I was fascinated to read what David Robertson had to say, and to see what he thought Jesus would have made of the world of social media.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy own view is that Jesus would have been all over social media - he was never one to shy away from a chance to interact with people, after all. He was always where the people were - even when that meant being in a place that the 'good', righteous, religious people felt that he shouldn't have been. Of course, Jesus would have used his social media accounts without sinning, as he did everything - unfortunately that's something I can't claim to have always managed, and I doubt whether any of us have. But in 2018 I simply don't think that we can declare the whole online world to be morally bankrupt and declare that we want nothing to do with it. The internet isn't going anywhere, and I believe that we need to understand it and engage with it - in a way that's shaped around and formed by what we know to be true of God's kingdom rule. So, what might that look like?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI really liked how practical the book was, and that it's structured in such a clear and readable way. It constantly refers back to the truths and wisdom of the Bible, and it is also totally up to date and relevant to 21st century life and culture. There are helpful tips about how we can all make better use of social media in our kingdom ministry, and there are also important challenges as to just how we come across, how we engage, how we interact. We're reminded to 'pray before posting' and to think about the responsibilities as well as the opportunities that come with having a 'personal digital pulpit.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe overall advice from this book is that it's important for Christians as individuals, and for churches as organisations, to engage on social media, and to make the most of all that is offered by it. But crucially we're also encouraged to be wise, discerning, humble, hospitable and generous as we do so. There's also a really important and interesting challenge about our overuse of\/reliance on all things online, and an encouragement to consider an occasional 'digital sabbath.' Ultimately, we're reminded that we are 'stewards of a digital footprint.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall I think this is an important and timely book for Christians. I haven't come across anything quite like it before and it definitely gave me a lot of food for thought. I'm very much pro all things internet (well, most things...!) but this has given me some important new ideas, and questions to ask, for which I'm grateful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKate Wharton is Vicar of St. Bartholomew's Church in Roby, Liverpool, and Assistant National Leader of New Wine England\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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What Would Jesus Post?: A Biblical approach to online interaction
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If Jesus had access to the internet, what would he post? And, as importantly, what wouldn't he post? This book...
{"id":2439797276772,"title":"Engaging the Word","handle":"engaging-the-word","description":"\u003cp\u003ePeter Phillips is convinced that the church in the West is not devouring the Bible or meditating on the word as it should, and therefore is spiritually malnourished and failing to thrive. Engaging the Word will transform the Bible engagement habits of Christian disciples, improving the health of the church by opening up new opportunities for drawing on God's word and new life as a result.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEngaging the Word sets out what biblical literacy means and what it looks like in our contemporary culture, exploring the benefits of biblical literacy for those who follow Jesus and for Christian leaders as local theologians and preachers. It also presents a series of practical explorations of the role of the Bible, which help us to reach up to God, reach in to develop our own identity in Christ and reach out to others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Bible and the word of God\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBiblical literacy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe mediated Bible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiscipleship and the Bible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReaching up: spirituality\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReaching in: congregational well-being\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReaching out: engaging the world\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat a gift of a book! Peter Phillips seems to hold out the Bible to us afresh, drawing us back to the power and grace of the word of God. In this accessible book, he brings vast learning and deep understanding to explore our modern Christian engagement with the Bible. There is challenge and insight for all here, and those who read it will come out enriched, challenged, and inspired to re-engage more deeply with God's word. I shall be recommending this to everyone!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Mark Tanner, Bishop of Berwick \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis thought-provoking book explores the question of what place the Bible does and should have in Christian discipleship. It combines helpful in-depth thinking with an easy to read accessible style and is well worth a read for anyone reflecting on patterns of Christian discipleship in the 21st century.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Paula Gooder Theologian in Residence at the Bible Society \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book Pete Philips takes seriously God, the church and the Bible. In doing so there is a challenge for each us as we face the most pressing question facing the church today - how do we share our experience of God? Pete offers grounded ways in which the Good News can be encountered afresh and offered to the world.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Gareth Powell Secretary of the Methodist Conference \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEngaging the Word is a must for individual disciples and Christian communities. Here in this book, Pete Phillips uses theology, history and practical wisdom to show why. From the first disciples to the digital disciples of the 21st century there is much to learn.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e David Wilkinson, The Principal, St Johns College, Durham University \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRevd Dr Peter Phillips is a Methodist minister and Director of CODEC, a research centre housed at St John's College, Durham University. For many years, he served as New Testament Tutor on the staff of Cliff College. He has a great interest in the New Testament and in communicating the faith in a digital age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach Magazine (Summer 2018). Review by Alan Rashleigh\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo save readers from becoming stressed by trying to understand the subtitle, Peter has very helpfully opened his introduction with the words: 'This book is about the relationship between the reading of the Bible and following Jesus'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLater he asks the question, 'Can we be better Christians by engaging more with the Bible?' The fundamental purpose of the bible is surely to inspire mere mortals to aspire to be more like our Saviour and to follow in his footsteps. The problem comes because many people are unfamiliar with biblical language, as it is couched in terms not in everyday use. Hence the purpose of this book is to understand what the Bible is really about, and how we should use it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is a call to action. It looks at how, by engaging with the Bible, our understanding of our journey in the Christian life will be transformed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are similar books which seek to achieve the same objectives, mainly by exhorting their readers to follow the instructions laid down in the Bible. This book is different, and to some may seem to be controversial. It argues that the Bible is not a rule book or instruction manual, rather it is a guide to enable followers to 'crank up' their own engines of Christian discipleship, with a few additives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book explores biblical literacy (engagement with the Word of God) and discipleship (engagement with the world). This is not surprising as Peter was a tutor at Cliff College, and among his other 'duties' was encouraging students to engage with the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe uses examples of the writings of Augustine, Aldred and Erasmus, as well as the way in which mystery plays have helped people understand biblical stories. Being a Methodist, it would be remiss of Peter not to have included passages written by John Wesley too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book also explores what it means to engage with the Word of God in a world where contemporary communication is focused on the digital.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a well-written, readable book which provides practical advice to those reading the Bible who want to put what they have read to practical use in the world. It is in itself 'engaging' and very worthwhile reading,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Alan Rashleigh\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform Magazine (February 2018). Review by Robert Pope, Director of Studies in Church History and Doctrine at Westminster College, Cambridge\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat place does the Bible have in renewing Christian witness in the 21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e century? This book has two basic premises. First, biblical literacy has declined, resulting not only in a lack of biblical knowledge but also in an inability to identify the biblical references which are deeply embedded in western culture. Second, biblical literacy comes not through reading in isolation alone but by reading with others in prayerful discernment of God's address to us today. The first claim is supported by survey findings and, if true - the author suggests - renders the church impotent. The second is supported by appealing to theologians - including Wesley, Bonhoeffer, von Balthasar and Hauerwas - and it inspires the proclamation of the gospel in deed as well as in word. It also results in 'noticing the presence of the word everywhere we look'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChristianity, the author argues, possesses a message that cannot be jettisoned in favour of a superficial appeal to the contemporary zeitgeist. Phillips reminds us of the need for shared community values, inspired by the collective hearing of God's word, rather than any quest for personal fulfilment alone. Only this, Phillips believes, can offer redemption to a world increasingly characterised by narratives of destruction through terrorism, violence, displacement, isolation and fragmentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaders might feel they know much of this. They might regret that advice on practical implementation comes rather late, and is, perhaps, a little muted. But as the United Reformed Church moves forward with its vision of missional discipleship and its 'Walking the Way: Living the life of Jesus today' emphasis, this book might offer a challenge and an inspiration, as well as a resource, to proclaim the Gospel afresh in our day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Robert Pope, Director of Studies in Church History and Doctrine at Westminster College, Cambridge\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Thomas Creedy (blogger)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'm reviewing a book by a former lecturer and friend, Peter Phillips, known by many as the Director of CODEC in Durham. This book blends two passions of Pete's that I share - biblical literacy and Christian discipleship. \u003cem\u003eEngaging the Word: Biblical literacy and Christian discipleship\u003c\/em\u003e is a hidden gem of a book, bringing together Pete's wide learning, statistics, and a fierce commitment to the Bible. This is a book well worth reading - and spending time with. This book helpfully does three things - gives us a potted understanding of what the Bible is, who is reading it, and why it matters. Let me start with a quote, slightly shortened:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'\u003cem\u003eThe Bible, Webster said, is 'the vessel which bears God's majestic presence'. Recall too that Augustine had used a similar image: 'Scripture is the vehicle that God provides for us to travel to our true home along the road established by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. In the Bible, God comes to address us, to invite us into relationship with him.\u003c\/em\u003e''\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePete begins with a couple of great chapters - The Bible and the word of God and Biblical literacy - that serve as a sort of roadmap for where he's coming from. Throughout both of these chapters, there is a real excitement about the Bible, and the possibilities that come in the Christian life from reading and engaging with it. Pete calls the Bible 'the engine for Christian discipleship', and this is a really helpful image in my mind. Of course, the Bible is more than this (but surely not less than this), and Pete walks us through this and three other understandings of what the Bible 'is'. Having given us a sense of what the Bible is, we turn to the tricky concept of biblical literacy, and without spoiling the book his suggestions are thoroughgoingly Trinitarian, church-oriented and dynamic. This is not just head knowledge - the Bible challenges Christian disciples to be transformed - and this is made clear throughout. Having set the scene with two very helpful chapters (the first is a brilliant explanation in reasonably normal English as to what the Bible is, the latter distilling a complex discussion into a simple output), Pete moves on to two chapters about the way we use the Bible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChapter three, 'The mediated Bible'\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003eis a careful look at how Christians (and others) have engaged with the Bible over time. Pete walks us through a sort of print time machine, looking at key folk in church history and how they engaged with the Bible. We think about 'The Didache' (an early Christian text), Augustine, Aldred, the mystery plays, Erasmus, and Wesley. This chapter makes for an intriguing overview, helping today's reader to root practices of Bible engagement in the past, and also providing food for thought in the way we might approach the Bible today. Chapter four, 'Discipleship and the Bible', is one of the best bits of recent writing on that topic that I've read. Rooted in the words of the Bible, and taking the imagery of the Disciples on the way to Emmaus, Pete makes a strong and passionate case for not just having the Bible as a central part of our discipleship, but thinking about soaking ourselves in it, marinating in it like meat before cooking. With helpful lessons from von Balthasar and Bonhoeffer, Pete encourages us to move from passive to active faith, with the Bible as a key part of that. With this in mind, we readers approach the final part of the book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe final three chapters of 'Engaging the Word' cover the three aspects of discipleship that Pete wants to bring the Bible to bear on: reaching up (spirituality), reaching in (congregational well-being) and reaching out (engaging the world). Key to all of this - and a theme that comes through throughout the book - is community. Or, as Pete puts it, quoting Stanley Hauerwas;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'\u003cem\u003e'\u003c\/em\u003eA place where God is forming a family out of strangers'. That language resonates with the models of discipleship from Bonhoeffer and von Balthasar: the sense that we become disciples by sharing together in small groups, in communities, learning from one another, becoming friends and family, as we eat and drink and be together. Learning through open commensality, by opening ourselves up to one another and allowing God's word to\u003cem\u003e soak us in his presence\u003c\/em\u003e' From this place - this Bible-drenched community - flows the outpouring of discipleship. Woven in amongst these final three chapters is a deeply biblical emphasis on community and doing the stuff of the Kingdom of God - with some helpful practical suggestions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall, then, this is a brilliant book. Pete wears his learning lightly, brings together statistics and concepts in a way that makes a lot of sense, and offers us some excellent practical suggestions. If, like me, you are about to start (or do already) leading a small group, this is a great book to read to shape your thinking. If you are interested in Biblical literacy, or what Christians think of the Bible, then this is a book that is well worth reading. For those involved in church leadership of any kind, even if it feels more practical and less Bible-y than you might like, this is a helpful book to remind us where the engine is, how it works, and why we need to use it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Thomas Creedy.\u003c\/em\u003e https:\/\/www.thomascreedy.com\/book-review-engaging-the-word\/\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:38+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:40+00:00","vendor":"Peter M. Phillips","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","For churches","Kindle","Mission","Oct-17"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769714892900,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465832","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Engaging the Word - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":201,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465832","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465832-l.jpg?v=1549043137"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465832-l.jpg?v=1549043137","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238879690891,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465832-l.jpg?v=1570098004"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465832-l.jpg?v=1570098004","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003ePeter Phillips is convinced that the church in the West is not devouring the Bible or meditating on the word as it should, and therefore is spiritually malnourished and failing to thrive. Engaging the Word will transform the Bible engagement habits of Christian disciples, improving the health of the church by opening up new opportunities for drawing on God's word and new life as a result.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEngaging the Word sets out what biblical literacy means and what it looks like in our contemporary culture, exploring the benefits of biblical literacy for those who follow Jesus and for Christian leaders as local theologians and preachers. It also presents a series of practical explorations of the role of the Bible, which help us to reach up to God, reach in to develop our own identity in Christ and reach out to others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Bible and the word of God\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBiblical literacy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe mediated Bible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiscipleship and the Bible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReaching up: spirituality\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReaching in: congregational well-being\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReaching out: engaging the world\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat a gift of a book! Peter Phillips seems to hold out the Bible to us afresh, drawing us back to the power and grace of the word of God. In this accessible book, he brings vast learning and deep understanding to explore our modern Christian engagement with the Bible. There is challenge and insight for all here, and those who read it will come out enriched, challenged, and inspired to re-engage more deeply with God's word. I shall be recommending this to everyone!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Mark Tanner, Bishop of Berwick \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis thought-provoking book explores the question of what place the Bible does and should have in Christian discipleship. It combines helpful in-depth thinking with an easy to read accessible style and is well worth a read for anyone reflecting on patterns of Christian discipleship in the 21st century.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Paula Gooder Theologian in Residence at the Bible Society \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book Pete Philips takes seriously God, the church and the Bible. In doing so there is a challenge for each us as we face the most pressing question facing the church today - how do we share our experience of God? Pete offers grounded ways in which the Good News can be encountered afresh and offered to the world.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Gareth Powell Secretary of the Methodist Conference \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEngaging the Word is a must for individual disciples and Christian communities. Here in this book, Pete Phillips uses theology, history and practical wisdom to show why. From the first disciples to the digital disciples of the 21st century there is much to learn.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e David Wilkinson, The Principal, St Johns College, Durham University \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRevd Dr Peter Phillips is a Methodist minister and Director of CODEC, a research centre housed at St John's College, Durham University. For many years, he served as New Testament Tutor on the staff of Cliff College. He has a great interest in the New Testament and in communicating the faith in a digital age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach Magazine (Summer 2018). Review by Alan Rashleigh\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo save readers from becoming stressed by trying to understand the subtitle, Peter has very helpfully opened his introduction with the words: 'This book is about the relationship between the reading of the Bible and following Jesus'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLater he asks the question, 'Can we be better Christians by engaging more with the Bible?' The fundamental purpose of the bible is surely to inspire mere mortals to aspire to be more like our Saviour and to follow in his footsteps. The problem comes because many people are unfamiliar with biblical language, as it is couched in terms not in everyday use. Hence the purpose of this book is to understand what the Bible is really about, and how we should use it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is a call to action. It looks at how, by engaging with the Bible, our understanding of our journey in the Christian life will be transformed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are similar books which seek to achieve the same objectives, mainly by exhorting their readers to follow the instructions laid down in the Bible. This book is different, and to some may seem to be controversial. It argues that the Bible is not a rule book or instruction manual, rather it is a guide to enable followers to 'crank up' their own engines of Christian discipleship, with a few additives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book explores biblical literacy (engagement with the Word of God) and discipleship (engagement with the world). This is not surprising as Peter was a tutor at Cliff College, and among his other 'duties' was encouraging students to engage with the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe uses examples of the writings of Augustine, Aldred and Erasmus, as well as the way in which mystery plays have helped people understand biblical stories. Being a Methodist, it would be remiss of Peter not to have included passages written by John Wesley too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book also explores what it means to engage with the Word of God in a world where contemporary communication is focused on the digital.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a well-written, readable book which provides practical advice to those reading the Bible who want to put what they have read to practical use in the world. It is in itself 'engaging' and very worthwhile reading,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Alan Rashleigh\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform Magazine (February 2018). Review by Robert Pope, Director of Studies in Church History and Doctrine at Westminster College, Cambridge\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat place does the Bible have in renewing Christian witness in the 21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e century? This book has two basic premises. First, biblical literacy has declined, resulting not only in a lack of biblical knowledge but also in an inability to identify the biblical references which are deeply embedded in western culture. Second, biblical literacy comes not through reading in isolation alone but by reading with others in prayerful discernment of God's address to us today. The first claim is supported by survey findings and, if true - the author suggests - renders the church impotent. The second is supported by appealing to theologians - including Wesley, Bonhoeffer, von Balthasar and Hauerwas - and it inspires the proclamation of the gospel in deed as well as in word. It also results in 'noticing the presence of the word everywhere we look'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChristianity, the author argues, possesses a message that cannot be jettisoned in favour of a superficial appeal to the contemporary zeitgeist. Phillips reminds us of the need for shared community values, inspired by the collective hearing of God's word, rather than any quest for personal fulfilment alone. Only this, Phillips believes, can offer redemption to a world increasingly characterised by narratives of destruction through terrorism, violence, displacement, isolation and fragmentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaders might feel they know much of this. They might regret that advice on practical implementation comes rather late, and is, perhaps, a little muted. But as the United Reformed Church moves forward with its vision of missional discipleship and its 'Walking the Way: Living the life of Jesus today' emphasis, this book might offer a challenge and an inspiration, as well as a resource, to proclaim the Gospel afresh in our day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Robert Pope, Director of Studies in Church History and Doctrine at Westminster College, Cambridge\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Thomas Creedy (blogger)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'm reviewing a book by a former lecturer and friend, Peter Phillips, known by many as the Director of CODEC in Durham. This book blends two passions of Pete's that I share - biblical literacy and Christian discipleship. \u003cem\u003eEngaging the Word: Biblical literacy and Christian discipleship\u003c\/em\u003e is a hidden gem of a book, bringing together Pete's wide learning, statistics, and a fierce commitment to the Bible. This is a book well worth reading - and spending time with. This book helpfully does three things - gives us a potted understanding of what the Bible is, who is reading it, and why it matters. Let me start with a quote, slightly shortened:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'\u003cem\u003eThe Bible, Webster said, is 'the vessel which bears God's majestic presence'. Recall too that Augustine had used a similar image: 'Scripture is the vehicle that God provides for us to travel to our true home along the road established by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. In the Bible, God comes to address us, to invite us into relationship with him.\u003c\/em\u003e''\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePete begins with a couple of great chapters - The Bible and the word of God and Biblical literacy - that serve as a sort of roadmap for where he's coming from. Throughout both of these chapters, there is a real excitement about the Bible, and the possibilities that come in the Christian life from reading and engaging with it. Pete calls the Bible 'the engine for Christian discipleship', and this is a really helpful image in my mind. Of course, the Bible is more than this (but surely not less than this), and Pete walks us through this and three other understandings of what the Bible 'is'. Having given us a sense of what the Bible is, we turn to the tricky concept of biblical literacy, and without spoiling the book his suggestions are thoroughgoingly Trinitarian, church-oriented and dynamic. This is not just head knowledge - the Bible challenges Christian disciples to be transformed - and this is made clear throughout. Having set the scene with two very helpful chapters (the first is a brilliant explanation in reasonably normal English as to what the Bible is, the latter distilling a complex discussion into a simple output), Pete moves on to two chapters about the way we use the Bible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChapter three, 'The mediated Bible'\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003eis a careful look at how Christians (and others) have engaged with the Bible over time. Pete walks us through a sort of print time machine, looking at key folk in church history and how they engaged with the Bible. We think about 'The Didache' (an early Christian text), Augustine, Aldred, the mystery plays, Erasmus, and Wesley. This chapter makes for an intriguing overview, helping today's reader to root practices of Bible engagement in the past, and also providing food for thought in the way we might approach the Bible today. Chapter four, 'Discipleship and the Bible', is one of the best bits of recent writing on that topic that I've read. Rooted in the words of the Bible, and taking the imagery of the Disciples on the way to Emmaus, Pete makes a strong and passionate case for not just having the Bible as a central part of our discipleship, but thinking about soaking ourselves in it, marinating in it like meat before cooking. With helpful lessons from von Balthasar and Bonhoeffer, Pete encourages us to move from passive to active faith, with the Bible as a key part of that. With this in mind, we readers approach the final part of the book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe final three chapters of 'Engaging the Word' cover the three aspects of discipleship that Pete wants to bring the Bible to bear on: reaching up (spirituality), reaching in (congregational well-being) and reaching out (engaging the world). Key to all of this - and a theme that comes through throughout the book - is community. Or, as Pete puts it, quoting Stanley Hauerwas;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'\u003cem\u003e'\u003c\/em\u003eA place where God is forming a family out of strangers'. That language resonates with the models of discipleship from Bonhoeffer and von Balthasar: the sense that we become disciples by sharing together in small groups, in communities, learning from one another, becoming friends and family, as we eat and drink and be together. Learning through open commensality, by opening ourselves up to one another and allowing God's word to\u003cem\u003e soak us in his presence\u003c\/em\u003e' From this place - this Bible-drenched community - flows the outpouring of discipleship. Woven in amongst these final three chapters is a deeply biblical emphasis on community and doing the stuff of the Kingdom of God - with some helpful practical suggestions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall, then, this is a brilliant book. Pete wears his learning lightly, brings together statistics and concepts in a way that makes a lot of sense, and offers us some excellent practical suggestions. If, like me, you are about to start (or do already) leading a small group, this is a great book to read to shape your thinking. If you are interested in Biblical literacy, or what Christians think of the Bible, then this is a book that is well worth reading. For those involved in church leadership of any kind, even if it feels more practical and less Bible-y than you might like, this is a helpful book to remind us where the engine is, how it works, and why we need to use it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Thomas Creedy.\u003c\/em\u003e https:\/\/www.thomascreedy.com\/book-review-engaging-the-word\/\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Engaging the Word
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Peter Phillips is convinced that the church in the West is not devouring the Bible or meditating on the word...
{"id":2439787642980,"title":"Faith in the Making: Praying it, talking it, living it","handle":"faith-in-the-making-praying-it-talking-it-living-it","description":"\u003cp\u003eIf faith is 'being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see', what does that look like in practice today? In a world that is largely unsure and uncertain, how do we gain our confidence?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFaith in the Making recognises the problem and seeks the answer in the list of faithful heroes found in Hebrews 11. This accessible devotional resource will inspire individuals and groups to live more confidently for God in today's world. Heroic faith is far more attainable than we often think!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead Lyndall's Lockdown blog \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/lyndall-bywater-author-of-prayer-in-the-making-and-faith-in-the-making-learn-a-lot-from-her-least-favourite-bible-verse-in-her-lockdown-reflection\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book that will inspire, deepen and challenge your understanding of Christian faith. Lyndall provides a roadmap which connects the story of faith heroes to our story through an excellent combination of theology, practice and application for our everyday lives. I would highly recommend this as a resource for a small group study or for any individual searching for ways to help them grow stronger in their faith.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJani Rubery, Organisational psychologist and Spiritual Mentor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLyndall Bywater is a freelance speaker and writer, specialising in the subject of prayer. Having worked for ten years as The Salvation Army's UK prayer coordinator, she is now part of Connecting the Isles and works with 24-7 Prayer on its Europe team. She heads up Canterbury Boiler Room, an interdenominational prayer community, and contributes to BRF's Day by Day with God Bible reading notes. She is married to Phil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader website, January 2019. Review by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubtitled 'praying it, talking it, living it', this book considers Hebrews 11's great chapter of the people of faith. Bywater writes with passion about her topic and helps us to see the possible ways we can learn from biblical stories and people. There are some terrific ideas for prayer and worship, very stimulating and challenging questions in the 'talking it' section, and some suggestions in 'living it.' This is a book for the individual and the small group, and perhaps even the basis of a preaching series. What is very impressive is the honesty of the author who is keen to show us that she struggles with life every bit as much as the great heroes of the faith. I warmly recommend it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Cavan Wood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e____________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReform\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes it is hard to hold onto what we have received in worship - to carry it with us into the coming week and use it to make a real difference in the world (or even with those alongside whom we work and live). Sometimes we cannot make the Bible study group. We long for something that can inspire and energise us to respond in action as well as words. This book ticks all the boxes in giving us something to read that is Bible-based, challenging, interesting, personal, realistic and practical. It is easy to read but also honest. It acknowledges the vulnerabilities and weaknesses we all struggle with and uses the author's own life experiences to expand on texts and bring the characters to life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBywater bases the whole book on Hebrews 11 and the characters from the Old Testament who are mentioned in it. She feels each one of these were heroes in their own right, and that we can learn from both their ability to hold onto hope wherever they found themselves and from the stories of their friendship with God which fuelled their faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter has the same structure: a Bible text from Hebrews 11, a reflection on the character(s) that also includes the author's personal narrative, then ideas for praying, talking and living out faith (this section focuses on the 'hope' of each character.) A passage from the Old Testament follows, relating to the character(s) and the 'friendship' aspect of their story, which then leads to more ideas for praying, talking and living out faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found it unsettling that God was always addressed using a male pronoun and I was unable to identify with some of the words Bywater used to portray God and how God relates to humankind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, that did not stop the book from being useful. It was practical, interesting and encouraged us to step out in faith, to be heroes - just like the ones we read about in the Bible - despite our human failings and shortcomings. To carry hope and friendship with God as travelling aids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJenny Mills is Minister of Newport Pagnell United Reformed Church and West End United Church, Wolverton, Milton Keynes\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLyndall is already known for her creativity, writings and teaching on prayer, and this is her first book. It is an honest reflection of faith in a challenging culture yet with the possibilities of how God can bring about real change. Her style is relaxed and humorous with lots of practical application.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin the book the writer is heart-breakingly honest about the fragility of faith when faced with tragedy and atrocity in our world. She acknowledges how the word faith conjures up feelings of excitement and guilt at the same time, but ultimately faith is the call for Christians to look beyond what they can immediately see to a different reality, what the writer of Hebrews calls living by faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLyndall takes the heroes of Hebrews 11, in easy to read chapters. She encourages the reader to think about the people of faith mentioned there, recognising ordinariness within great acts of faith. Describing them as people who 'soared their way to impossible things because they lost sight of their own limitations and got caught up in the bigness of God,' Lyndall opens up the possibility that all Christians can be like those in Hebrews 11. Whether taking a leap with God results in crash-landing or truly flying, faith is less about rules and observances and more about trust in God's presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Christians bored with the mediocre and wanting to change the world, this book will inspire them to put more faith in what God can do where they live. Each chapter ends with opportunity for reflection, putting what has been explored into practice, and developing personal rhythms of prayer for daily life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough the writer physically is unable to see, this book is full of enlightening stories, spiritual insight, and the reality of how God makes his vision clear to those who dare to live by faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAndrea Still\u003c\/strong\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:03+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:05+00:00","vendor":"Lyndall Bywater","type":"Paperback","tags":["Feb-18","For individuals","Kindle","Prayer","Torch Trust"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769596698724,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465559","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Faith in the Making: Praying it, talking it, living it - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":163,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465559","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465559-l.jpg?v=1549043144"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465559-l.jpg?v=1549043144","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238879035531,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465559-l.jpg?v=1570098004"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465559-l.jpg?v=1570098004","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eIf faith is 'being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see', what does that look like in practice today? In a world that is largely unsure and uncertain, how do we gain our confidence?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFaith in the Making recognises the problem and seeks the answer in the list of faithful heroes found in Hebrews 11. This accessible devotional resource will inspire individuals and groups to live more confidently for God in today's world. Heroic faith is far more attainable than we often think!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead Lyndall's Lockdown blog \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/lyndall-bywater-author-of-prayer-in-the-making-and-faith-in-the-making-learn-a-lot-from-her-least-favourite-bible-verse-in-her-lockdown-reflection\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book that will inspire, deepen and challenge your understanding of Christian faith. Lyndall provides a roadmap which connects the story of faith heroes to our story through an excellent combination of theology, practice and application for our everyday lives. I would highly recommend this as a resource for a small group study or for any individual searching for ways to help them grow stronger in their faith.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJani Rubery, Organisational psychologist and Spiritual Mentor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLyndall Bywater is a freelance speaker and writer, specialising in the subject of prayer. Having worked for ten years as The Salvation Army's UK prayer coordinator, she is now part of Connecting the Isles and works with 24-7 Prayer on its Europe team. She heads up Canterbury Boiler Room, an interdenominational prayer community, and contributes to BRF's Day by Day with God Bible reading notes. She is married to Phil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader website, January 2019. Review by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubtitled 'praying it, talking it, living it', this book considers Hebrews 11's great chapter of the people of faith. Bywater writes with passion about her topic and helps us to see the possible ways we can learn from biblical stories and people. There are some terrific ideas for prayer and worship, very stimulating and challenging questions in the 'talking it' section, and some suggestions in 'living it.' This is a book for the individual and the small group, and perhaps even the basis of a preaching series. What is very impressive is the honesty of the author who is keen to show us that she struggles with life every bit as much as the great heroes of the faith. I warmly recommend it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Cavan Wood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e____________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReform\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes it is hard to hold onto what we have received in worship - to carry it with us into the coming week and use it to make a real difference in the world (or even with those alongside whom we work and live). Sometimes we cannot make the Bible study group. We long for something that can inspire and energise us to respond in action as well as words. This book ticks all the boxes in giving us something to read that is Bible-based, challenging, interesting, personal, realistic and practical. It is easy to read but also honest. It acknowledges the vulnerabilities and weaknesses we all struggle with and uses the author's own life experiences to expand on texts and bring the characters to life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBywater bases the whole book on Hebrews 11 and the characters from the Old Testament who are mentioned in it. She feels each one of these were heroes in their own right, and that we can learn from both their ability to hold onto hope wherever they found themselves and from the stories of their friendship with God which fuelled their faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter has the same structure: a Bible text from Hebrews 11, a reflection on the character(s) that also includes the author's personal narrative, then ideas for praying, talking and living out faith (this section focuses on the 'hope' of each character.) A passage from the Old Testament follows, relating to the character(s) and the 'friendship' aspect of their story, which then leads to more ideas for praying, talking and living out faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found it unsettling that God was always addressed using a male pronoun and I was unable to identify with some of the words Bywater used to portray God and how God relates to humankind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, that did not stop the book from being useful. It was practical, interesting and encouraged us to step out in faith, to be heroes - just like the ones we read about in the Bible - despite our human failings and shortcomings. To carry hope and friendship with God as travelling aids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJenny Mills is Minister of Newport Pagnell United Reformed Church and West End United Church, Wolverton, Milton Keynes\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLyndall is already known for her creativity, writings and teaching on prayer, and this is her first book. It is an honest reflection of faith in a challenging culture yet with the possibilities of how God can bring about real change. Her style is relaxed and humorous with lots of practical application.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin the book the writer is heart-breakingly honest about the fragility of faith when faced with tragedy and atrocity in our world. She acknowledges how the word faith conjures up feelings of excitement and guilt at the same time, but ultimately faith is the call for Christians to look beyond what they can immediately see to a different reality, what the writer of Hebrews calls living by faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLyndall takes the heroes of Hebrews 11, in easy to read chapters. She encourages the reader to think about the people of faith mentioned there, recognising ordinariness within great acts of faith. Describing them as people who 'soared their way to impossible things because they lost sight of their own limitations and got caught up in the bigness of God,' Lyndall opens up the possibility that all Christians can be like those in Hebrews 11. Whether taking a leap with God results in crash-landing or truly flying, faith is less about rules and observances and more about trust in God's presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Christians bored with the mediocre and wanting to change the world, this book will inspire them to put more faith in what God can do where they live. Each chapter ends with opportunity for reflection, putting what has been explored into practice, and developing personal rhythms of prayer for daily life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough the writer physically is unable to see, this book is full of enlightening stories, spiritual insight, and the reality of how God makes his vision clear to those who dare to live by faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAndrea Still\u003c\/strong\u003e"}
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Faith in the Making: Praying it, talking it, living it
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If faith is 'being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see', what does...
{"id":2439778107492,"title":"Praying the Bible with Luther: A simple approach to everyday prayer","handle":"praying-the-bible-with-luther-a-simple-approach-to-everyday-prayer","description":"\u003cp\u003ePraying biblically and with intent\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is a need in today's church to relate scripture and prayer in such a way as to enable us to speak God's words after him. This book takes a simple lectio divina approach developed in the sixteenth century by Martin Luther and offers practical guidance to pray in this way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeginning each time of prayer with a Bible passage, Luther would meditate on it with four 'strands' in mind: teaching, thanksgiving, repentance and supplication. Then he would pray, having his thoughts shaped by his reading, praying God's words after him, confident of God's grace. Praying the Bible with Luther explains this method, demonstrates it and encourages readers to follow his example, helping us to turn scripture into prayer and to pray it into our own lives today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 1\u003c\/strong\u003e - Praying with Luther today\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eChapter 2\u003c\/strong\u003e - A simple way to pray\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eChapter 3\u003c\/strong\u003e - Praying the Bible today\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eChapter 4\u003c\/strong\u003e - Following Luther's example: starting out\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExodus 19:3 - 8\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 Chronicles 30:23 - 27\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePsalm 51:1 - 4\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIsaiah 6:1 - 8\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLamentations 3:19 - 26, 31 - 32\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEzekiel 37:1 - 10\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMark 4:35 - 41\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLuke 15:11 - 24\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActs 4:23 - 31\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGalatians 5:1 - 13\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColossians 3:4 - 10\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 John 3:1 - 3\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 5\u003c\/strong\u003e - Following Luther's example: going solo\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNumbers 6:22 - 27\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 Kings 19:9 - 13\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePsalm 36:5 - 9\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePsalm 42:1 - 5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIsaiah 43:10 - 12\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMatthew 13:44 - 46\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJohn 1:14\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGalatians 3:1 - 5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEphesians 1:13 - 14\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 Thessalonians 5:16 - 24\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 6\u003c\/strong\u003e - Following Luther's example: taking it further\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eChapter 7\u003c\/strong\u003e - Final thoughts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is brilliant! It may well be the best book on Luther to appear during these 500-year celebrations - biographical, theological, pastoral and practical. Mike Parsons has done an amazing job of mining and distilling the great Reformer's teaching on prayer to help us walk closer with the Lord.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Simon Ponsonby, Pastor of Theology, St Aldates, Oxford \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is more than a simple approach to everyday prayer; it's a deep book for those who desire to be serious about prayer. The author is well versed in the life and writings of Martin Luther and he proves an immensely able teacher in introducing the reader to Luther's imaginative pattern of praying the Bible. The fact that Luther first introduced his pattern of praying to his hairdresser underlines the down-to-earth practical teaching in Luther's writings on prayer. The \"business end\" of this book, with the examples of how to use the Bible in praying, is brilliant and highly commended for use personally and with small groups.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e David Coffey OBE, Global Ambassador BMS World Mission \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMichael Parsons proves a wise and gentle guide to reading the word of God not only with our head but with our hearts. His passion for the Bible and Luther is infectious.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Amy Boucher Pye, author of The Living Cross (BRF, 2016) \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis superb book offers practical advice for individuals and groups to experience prayer afresh as a place of encounter with God. Three excellent chapters outline Luther's scripture-centred approach, followed by an imaginative series of steps where the author first allows us to \"overhear\" how this works for him before we are nudged to have a go ourselves. This book could change your life!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e David Kerrigan, General Director of BMS World Mission \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMike Parsons rightly understands that the general dissatisfaction most Christians feel about the state of their prayer lives often stems from a tendency to dissociate prayer from Bible reading. Of course, the two belong together. In this wonderful book, peppered with fascinating anecdotes and insights from the life of Martin Luther, the author leads us - via worked examples in scripture - to life-giving prayer habits. The tone is relaxed and conversational, the content is theologically rich and the ideas are eminently practical. So I urge you: take, read, confess, worship and pray!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Paul Hedley Jones, Trinity College, Queensland, Australia \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWritten in a warm and accessible tone, but with a real sense of purpose, this book brings the prayer life of Martin Luther alive for a new generation. I have no doubt that it will change the prayers of all those who read it, as it inspires us to dig deeper into scripture and press further into prayer with warm encouragement and practical examples. A much needed book which effortlessly combines Reformation wisdom with 21st-century warmth, I am excited to see what difference it makes to the prayer life of the Church today.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Nell Goddard, author of Musings of a Clergy Child (BRF, 2017) \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis excellent resource takes important Reformation insights, makes them accessible and then applies them to prayer today. There are many healthy biblical insights here and, if acted upon, they have the potential to enrich our prayer lives greatly. I wish this book a wide readership. Peter J.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Morden, Vice Principal and Director of the Spurgeon's Centre for Spirituality, Spurgeon's College, London\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nCurrently commissioning editor for The Bible Reading Fellowship, Michael Parsons is the author of several books on the Reformation and an Associate Research Fellow at Spurgeon's College.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Amy Boucher-Pye\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMichael Parsons is a gentle teacher who introduces Luther's love of the Bible and how we can pray with the reformer using God's Word as our text and guide. Parsons says that praying with the Bible will become an instinctive and living experience, in which we grow in our faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI find it interesting to note that the way of praying with the Bible highlighted here is \u003cem\u003electio divina \u003c\/em\u003e - the ancient four-part practice that began in the (Catholic) monasteries. That Luther would pray according to this form reveals the influence of his decade as a monk - he didn't leave all of those practices behind. Parsons' book is practical and encouraging, giving a hands-on means to introduce another way of praying into our lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur world would be very different without the influence of men such as Luther, Calvin, Huldrych Zwingli and William Tyndale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmy Boucher-Pye, Woman Alive Book Club\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:20+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:21+00:00","vendor":"Michael Parsons","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","For individuals","Jul-17","Prayer"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769451274340,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465030","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Praying the Bible with Luther: A simple approach to everyday prayer - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":164,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465030","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465030-l.jpg?v=1549043153"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465030-l.jpg?v=1549043153","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238877888651,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465030-l.jpg?v=1570098004"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465030-l.jpg?v=1570098004","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003ePraying biblically and with intent\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is a need in today's church to relate scripture and prayer in such a way as to enable us to speak God's words after him. This book takes a simple lectio divina approach developed in the sixteenth century by Martin Luther and offers practical guidance to pray in this way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeginning each time of prayer with a Bible passage, Luther would meditate on it with four 'strands' in mind: teaching, thanksgiving, repentance and supplication. Then he would pray, having his thoughts shaped by his reading, praying God's words after him, confident of God's grace. Praying the Bible with Luther explains this method, demonstrates it and encourages readers to follow his example, helping us to turn scripture into prayer and to pray it into our own lives today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 1\u003c\/strong\u003e - Praying with Luther today\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eChapter 2\u003c\/strong\u003e - A simple way to pray\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eChapter 3\u003c\/strong\u003e - Praying the Bible today\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eChapter 4\u003c\/strong\u003e - Following Luther's example: starting out\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExodus 19:3 - 8\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 Chronicles 30:23 - 27\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePsalm 51:1 - 4\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIsaiah 6:1 - 8\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLamentations 3:19 - 26, 31 - 32\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEzekiel 37:1 - 10\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMark 4:35 - 41\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLuke 15:11 - 24\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActs 4:23 - 31\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGalatians 5:1 - 13\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColossians 3:4 - 10\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 John 3:1 - 3\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 5\u003c\/strong\u003e - Following Luther's example: going solo\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNumbers 6:22 - 27\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 Kings 19:9 - 13\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePsalm 36:5 - 9\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePsalm 42:1 - 5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIsaiah 43:10 - 12\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMatthew 13:44 - 46\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJohn 1:14\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGalatians 3:1 - 5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEphesians 1:13 - 14\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 Thessalonians 5:16 - 24\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 6\u003c\/strong\u003e - Following Luther's example: taking it further\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eChapter 7\u003c\/strong\u003e - Final thoughts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is brilliant! It may well be the best book on Luther to appear during these 500-year celebrations - biographical, theological, pastoral and practical. Mike Parsons has done an amazing job of mining and distilling the great Reformer's teaching on prayer to help us walk closer with the Lord.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Simon Ponsonby, Pastor of Theology, St Aldates, Oxford \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is more than a simple approach to everyday prayer; it's a deep book for those who desire to be serious about prayer. The author is well versed in the life and writings of Martin Luther and he proves an immensely able teacher in introducing the reader to Luther's imaginative pattern of praying the Bible. The fact that Luther first introduced his pattern of praying to his hairdresser underlines the down-to-earth practical teaching in Luther's writings on prayer. The \"business end\" of this book, with the examples of how to use the Bible in praying, is brilliant and highly commended for use personally and with small groups.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e David Coffey OBE, Global Ambassador BMS World Mission \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMichael Parsons proves a wise and gentle guide to reading the word of God not only with our head but with our hearts. His passion for the Bible and Luther is infectious.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Amy Boucher Pye, author of The Living Cross (BRF, 2016) \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis superb book offers practical advice for individuals and groups to experience prayer afresh as a place of encounter with God. Three excellent chapters outline Luther's scripture-centred approach, followed by an imaginative series of steps where the author first allows us to \"overhear\" how this works for him before we are nudged to have a go ourselves. This book could change your life!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e David Kerrigan, General Director of BMS World Mission \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMike Parsons rightly understands that the general dissatisfaction most Christians feel about the state of their prayer lives often stems from a tendency to dissociate prayer from Bible reading. Of course, the two belong together. In this wonderful book, peppered with fascinating anecdotes and insights from the life of Martin Luther, the author leads us - via worked examples in scripture - to life-giving prayer habits. The tone is relaxed and conversational, the content is theologically rich and the ideas are eminently practical. So I urge you: take, read, confess, worship and pray!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Paul Hedley Jones, Trinity College, Queensland, Australia \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWritten in a warm and accessible tone, but with a real sense of purpose, this book brings the prayer life of Martin Luther alive for a new generation. I have no doubt that it will change the prayers of all those who read it, as it inspires us to dig deeper into scripture and press further into prayer with warm encouragement and practical examples. A much needed book which effortlessly combines Reformation wisdom with 21st-century warmth, I am excited to see what difference it makes to the prayer life of the Church today.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Nell Goddard, author of Musings of a Clergy Child (BRF, 2017) \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis excellent resource takes important Reformation insights, makes them accessible and then applies them to prayer today. There are many healthy biblical insights here and, if acted upon, they have the potential to enrich our prayer lives greatly. I wish this book a wide readership. Peter J.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Morden, Vice Principal and Director of the Spurgeon's Centre for Spirituality, Spurgeon's College, London\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nCurrently commissioning editor for The Bible Reading Fellowship, Michael Parsons is the author of several books on the Reformation and an Associate Research Fellow at Spurgeon's College.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Amy Boucher-Pye\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMichael Parsons is a gentle teacher who introduces Luther's love of the Bible and how we can pray with the reformer using God's Word as our text and guide. Parsons says that praying with the Bible will become an instinctive and living experience, in which we grow in our faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI find it interesting to note that the way of praying with the Bible highlighted here is \u003cem\u003electio divina \u003c\/em\u003e - the ancient four-part practice that began in the (Catholic) monasteries. That Luther would pray according to this form reveals the influence of his decade as a monk - he didn't leave all of those practices behind. Parsons' book is practical and encouraging, giving a hands-on means to introduce another way of praying into our lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur world would be very different without the influence of men such as Luther, Calvin, Huldrych Zwingli and William Tyndale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmy Boucher-Pye, Woman Alive Book Club\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":2439756513380,"title":"Peter's Preaching: The message of Mark's Gospel","handle":"peters-preaching-the-message-of-marks-gospel","description":"\u003cp\u003eDo you know who wrote Mark's Gospel?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt first glance, it may seem a ridiculous question. 'Mark, of course!' I hear you shout? But who was Mark?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMark's name doesn't appear on the list of disciples, as Matthew's does. His Gospel doesn't start with a clear statement of investigation, as does Luke's, offering credibility. Yet, remarkably, large chunks of Mark's Gospel appear in both Matthew's and Luke's work. What's going on?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJeremy Duff provides insightful answers in his new book Peter's Preaching, revealing how an ancient source describes Mark as Peter's translator to a Greek-speaking world. Intriguingly, though, this source also tells us that while Mark recorded Peter's preaching 'accurately', he did not record it 'in order'. Mark devised his own order of the stories, for his own purpose, using a structure and format that were as radical in the first century as ebooks are today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut that is only the start of Jeremy's detective work in this stimulating book, which moves on to uncover Peter's thought on the key themes of the Christian message, found distributed throughout the Gospel. Jeremy pieces these themes together like a jigsaw to reveal how Peter understood them, and how that understanding helps us to appreciate the radical nature of first-century Christian faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany people have found Mark's gospel to be the most gripping of the four gospels - a real page-turner - and here Jeremy Duff helps us to understand why. This analysis will deepen your appreciation of Mark's gospel, whether you have read it just once or you are a seasoned student. I commend it to all who long to respond to Jesus with the same conviction and passion as Peter.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJeremy's fresh insights and creative commentary on Mark's trend-setting Gospel not only widen our understanding of Jesus, but also pin point the way the record of Jesus' encounters with people encourage us to follow Him, be changed by Him and share Him with others.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Mark Bailey, Leader, Trinity Cheltenham \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJeremy Duff is an excellent teacher, who combines first-rate scholarship with rich experience of people and church life. This makes him an ideal guide to Mark's Gospel. This book is full of fascinating insights, presented in a thoughtful, accessible and enticing way.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Graham Tomlin, Principal, St Mellitus College \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is just sort of book which BRF should be producing. It is clearly written by a scholar who has also pastoral concerns and experience, who is concerned about people and knows how ordinary people think and react. It is designed to help people get to know Mark and his message about Jesus and the significance of Jesus for us all. Every chapter is written with a gentle warmth and even gentler humour, often starting with a gripping story or scene from ordinary life. The book opens with a persuasive section, arguing that Mark is the basic gospel and that he could have won this position only because he was the 'interpreter' of Peter. It was this that gave Mark the authority which led Matthew and Luke to follow his pattern. The book also argues that Mark may be held responsible for those other two interesting Christian initiatives (quite distinct from other contemporary literature) of using book-style rather than scrolls to be rolled and unrolled, and the distinctive Christian form of abbreviating sacred names.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe basic impression which one receives throughout is that Mark was a gospel written for real people, with our concerns, worries, efforts and timidity. It constantly gives the reader pause for reflection on the concepts of friendship, loyalty, discipleship. Jesus personally chose the Twelve primarily to be with him, creating a new society, a new Israel. This made their hardness of heart, their failure to understand, their desertion all the more bitter for him; the book helps a disciple to see the depths of betrayal - theirs and ours. Their half-sight so vividly mirrors our own experience and lack of commitment (p. 49). The book is full of striking insights: if you want to understand the parables, look for the twist, where the parable diverges from normal life (p. 208). The meaning of Jesus progress to his inevitable death is sensitively painted against its biblical background; the physical horror and especially the shame of the final hours of Jesus are portrayed delicately but with devastating awareness (p. 288).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is especially helpful that long excerpts of the gospel text are given before discussion of their importance. One learns from the text!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Henry Wansbrough, Ampleforth Abbey \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Revd Professor Jeremy Duff is the Principal of St Padarn's Institute, responsible for discipleship and ministry training and ongoing development in the Church in Wales. Over the last 20 years, he has combined a teaching ministry including major universities in the UK, as well as within the church, with church leadership, most recently in a deprived urban community near Liverpool (where Peter's Preaching was written). For ten years, he was one of the commissioning editors for BRF's Guidelines Bible reading notes, and his book The Elements of New Testament Greek (2005) is one of Cambridge University Press's bestselling religion titles. He is also the coauthor, with the Revd Dr Joanna Collicutt McGrath, of Meeting Jesus: Human responses to a yearning God (SPCK, 2006).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach - Spring 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConfession time. I didn't enjoy lectures at theological college wrestling over which Gospel was written first and who used whose material to produce their Gospel. Up to that point, I had enjoyed reading each Gospel as it was presented, and to be honest I still do. However, reading Jeremy Duff's highly scholarly but refreshingly accessible work has been a real tonic.\u003cbr\u003eThe starting point for the book is a piece of detective work examining the evidence that Mark drew heavily on Peter's sermons to construct his Gospel. Duff presents Papias' views that support this in a compelling and convincing way.\u003cbr\u003eThe heart of the book is a treatment of eight themes that are central to Mark's Gospel, each of which are rewarding and enriching to explore. In addition, Duff helpfully provides his own translation of Mark's Greek, which was often rougher than the smoother versions we read today.\u003cbr\u003eParticularly helpful is the explanation of what it means to be 'following on the way'. The picture of the disciple as one who follows Jesus and is ready to take up his cross is a vital corrective to our comfortable Christianity. As the crucifixion approaches, the disciples desert Jesus and flee, but surprising new followers come to anoint Jesus and carry his cross. The book ends, as does Mark's Gospel, with a challenge to go and meet with the risen Jesus.\u003cbr\u003eFor preachers who are in a hurry with a sermon deadline approaching, this book won't be the best source of last-minute help. However, for all who want to understand Mark's Gospel more fully, whether preaching or not, this is a deeply rewarding read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Birchall\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader Spring 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a latecomer to the Markan library, and is not a commentary but a guide to reading Mark's gospel. It is based on the idea that what we have in Mark's text is a kind of compendium of Peter's preaching, written down by Mark- who incidentally seems not to have been the young man who ran off naked after Jesus' arrest. The author presents us with a different way to read Mark's gospel, taking a thematic approach - miracles, the identity of Jesus, parables - and shows how carefully the original text was structured to make particular points. Duff writes accessibly and intermingles biblical exposition with some telling contemporary illustrations. There is a wealth of preaching material here and many helpful insights. The author also includes some interesting historical and contextual comments, such as that Mark was perhaps responsible for encouraging the use of the new codex format in preference to the more traditional scrolls. This highlights the one failing of Duff's book - the lack of references to any other literature. But this book is not offered as an academic text and his credentials are attested by his time as a New Testament tutor at Oxford - so we can take his word on trust. In the same way he encourages us to receive Mark's gospel as Peter's word to the early church - and to us - about the good news that is Jesus Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarion Gray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder 8 January 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003ePeter's Preaching\u003c\/em\u003e: \u003cem\u003eThe Message of Mark's Gospel\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, GBP9.99), Jeremy Duff takes what is arguably the foundational document of Christianity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is argued that Mark has written down and edited some of what Peter has remembered from all that he heard of Jesus' public and private teaching.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 10 chapters cover Peter's preaching thematically in a style which combines in-depth analysis and Bible reading notes. To this end, the book can be taken as a devotional, taking one section each day. The encouraging conclusion is that, despite our faults and failures, like Peter, we can pick ourselves up and meet Jesus again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rev Paul Wilson is development worker for Methodist Evangelicals Together.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:02+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:03+00:00","vendor":"Jeremy Duff","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Jun-15","Kindle"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769146859620,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857463500","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Peter's Preaching: The message of Mark's Gospel - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":211,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857463500","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857463500-l.jpg?v=1549043168"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857463500-l.jpg?v=1549043168","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238875496587,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857463500-l.jpg?v=1570098003"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857463500-l.jpg?v=1570098003","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eDo you know who wrote Mark's Gospel?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt first glance, it may seem a ridiculous question. 'Mark, of course!' I hear you shout? But who was Mark?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMark's name doesn't appear on the list of disciples, as Matthew's does. His Gospel doesn't start with a clear statement of investigation, as does Luke's, offering credibility. Yet, remarkably, large chunks of Mark's Gospel appear in both Matthew's and Luke's work. What's going on?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJeremy Duff provides insightful answers in his new book Peter's Preaching, revealing how an ancient source describes Mark as Peter's translator to a Greek-speaking world. Intriguingly, though, this source also tells us that while Mark recorded Peter's preaching 'accurately', he did not record it 'in order'. Mark devised his own order of the stories, for his own purpose, using a structure and format that were as radical in the first century as ebooks are today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut that is only the start of Jeremy's detective work in this stimulating book, which moves on to uncover Peter's thought on the key themes of the Christian message, found distributed throughout the Gospel. Jeremy pieces these themes together like a jigsaw to reveal how Peter understood them, and how that understanding helps us to appreciate the radical nature of first-century Christian faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany people have found Mark's gospel to be the most gripping of the four gospels - a real page-turner - and here Jeremy Duff helps us to understand why. This analysis will deepen your appreciation of Mark's gospel, whether you have read it just once or you are a seasoned student. I commend it to all who long to respond to Jesus with the same conviction and passion as Peter.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJeremy's fresh insights and creative commentary on Mark's trend-setting Gospel not only widen our understanding of Jesus, but also pin point the way the record of Jesus' encounters with people encourage us to follow Him, be changed by Him and share Him with others.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Mark Bailey, Leader, Trinity Cheltenham \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJeremy Duff is an excellent teacher, who combines first-rate scholarship with rich experience of people and church life. This makes him an ideal guide to Mark's Gospel. This book is full of fascinating insights, presented in a thoughtful, accessible and enticing way.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Graham Tomlin, Principal, St Mellitus College \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is just sort of book which BRF should be producing. It is clearly written by a scholar who has also pastoral concerns and experience, who is concerned about people and knows how ordinary people think and react. It is designed to help people get to know Mark and his message about Jesus and the significance of Jesus for us all. Every chapter is written with a gentle warmth and even gentler humour, often starting with a gripping story or scene from ordinary life. The book opens with a persuasive section, arguing that Mark is the basic gospel and that he could have won this position only because he was the 'interpreter' of Peter. It was this that gave Mark the authority which led Matthew and Luke to follow his pattern. The book also argues that Mark may be held responsible for those other two interesting Christian initiatives (quite distinct from other contemporary literature) of using book-style rather than scrolls to be rolled and unrolled, and the distinctive Christian form of abbreviating sacred names.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe basic impression which one receives throughout is that Mark was a gospel written for real people, with our concerns, worries, efforts and timidity. It constantly gives the reader pause for reflection on the concepts of friendship, loyalty, discipleship. Jesus personally chose the Twelve primarily to be with him, creating a new society, a new Israel. This made their hardness of heart, their failure to understand, their desertion all the more bitter for him; the book helps a disciple to see the depths of betrayal - theirs and ours. Their half-sight so vividly mirrors our own experience and lack of commitment (p. 49). The book is full of striking insights: if you want to understand the parables, look for the twist, where the parable diverges from normal life (p. 208). The meaning of Jesus progress to his inevitable death is sensitively painted against its biblical background; the physical horror and especially the shame of the final hours of Jesus are portrayed delicately but with devastating awareness (p. 288).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is especially helpful that long excerpts of the gospel text are given before discussion of their importance. One learns from the text!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Henry Wansbrough, Ampleforth Abbey \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Revd Professor Jeremy Duff is the Principal of St Padarn's Institute, responsible for discipleship and ministry training and ongoing development in the Church in Wales. Over the last 20 years, he has combined a teaching ministry including major universities in the UK, as well as within the church, with church leadership, most recently in a deprived urban community near Liverpool (where Peter's Preaching was written). For ten years, he was one of the commissioning editors for BRF's Guidelines Bible reading notes, and his book The Elements of New Testament Greek (2005) is one of Cambridge University Press's bestselling religion titles. He is also the coauthor, with the Revd Dr Joanna Collicutt McGrath, of Meeting Jesus: Human responses to a yearning God (SPCK, 2006).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach - Spring 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConfession time. I didn't enjoy lectures at theological college wrestling over which Gospel was written first and who used whose material to produce their Gospel. Up to that point, I had enjoyed reading each Gospel as it was presented, and to be honest I still do. However, reading Jeremy Duff's highly scholarly but refreshingly accessible work has been a real tonic.\u003cbr\u003eThe starting point for the book is a piece of detective work examining the evidence that Mark drew heavily on Peter's sermons to construct his Gospel. Duff presents Papias' views that support this in a compelling and convincing way.\u003cbr\u003eThe heart of the book is a treatment of eight themes that are central to Mark's Gospel, each of which are rewarding and enriching to explore. In addition, Duff helpfully provides his own translation of Mark's Greek, which was often rougher than the smoother versions we read today.\u003cbr\u003eParticularly helpful is the explanation of what it means to be 'following on the way'. The picture of the disciple as one who follows Jesus and is ready to take up his cross is a vital corrective to our comfortable Christianity. As the crucifixion approaches, the disciples desert Jesus and flee, but surprising new followers come to anoint Jesus and carry his cross. The book ends, as does Mark's Gospel, with a challenge to go and meet with the risen Jesus.\u003cbr\u003eFor preachers who are in a hurry with a sermon deadline approaching, this book won't be the best source of last-minute help. However, for all who want to understand Mark's Gospel more fully, whether preaching or not, this is a deeply rewarding read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Birchall\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader Spring 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a latecomer to the Markan library, and is not a commentary but a guide to reading Mark's gospel. It is based on the idea that what we have in Mark's text is a kind of compendium of Peter's preaching, written down by Mark- who incidentally seems not to have been the young man who ran off naked after Jesus' arrest. The author presents us with a different way to read Mark's gospel, taking a thematic approach - miracles, the identity of Jesus, parables - and shows how carefully the original text was structured to make particular points. Duff writes accessibly and intermingles biblical exposition with some telling contemporary illustrations. There is a wealth of preaching material here and many helpful insights. The author also includes some interesting historical and contextual comments, such as that Mark was perhaps responsible for encouraging the use of the new codex format in preference to the more traditional scrolls. This highlights the one failing of Duff's book - the lack of references to any other literature. But this book is not offered as an academic text and his credentials are attested by his time as a New Testament tutor at Oxford - so we can take his word on trust. In the same way he encourages us to receive Mark's gospel as Peter's word to the early church - and to us - about the good news that is Jesus Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarion Gray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder 8 January 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003ePeter's Preaching\u003c\/em\u003e: \u003cem\u003eThe Message of Mark's Gospel\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, GBP9.99), Jeremy Duff takes what is arguably the foundational document of Christianity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is argued that Mark has written down and edited some of what Peter has remembered from all that he heard of Jesus' public and private teaching.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 10 chapters cover Peter's preaching thematically in a style which combines in-depth analysis and Bible reading notes. To this end, the book can be taken as a devotional, taking one section each day. The encouraging conclusion is that, despite our faults and failures, like Peter, we can pick ourselves up and meet Jesus again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rev Paul Wilson is development worker for Methodist Evangelicals Together.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e"}
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Peter's Preaching: The message of Mark's Gospel
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Do you know who wrote Mark's Gospel? At first glance, it may seem a ridiculous question. 'Mark, of course!' I...
{"id":3272015282276,"title":"Really Useful Guides: John","handle":"really-useful-guides-john","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'John is my favourite book. Not just in the New Testament, nor even in the Bible. But my favourite book. Full stop. Over all the years of my conscious Christian life it has delighted me, puzzled me, comforted me and astonished me.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis Really Useful Guide to John gives practical tips on how to open up this rich gospel. Robert Willoughby offers clear explanations of John’s signs, ‘I am’ sayings and recurring images, alongside unpacking its themes and significance. He shows how to read John with confidence, placing it in the context of the whole Bible and suggesting how it might be used practically for life today. Full of digestible wisdom and overflowing with enthusiasm, this book will ultimately draw you closer to Jesus.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEach Really Useful Guide focuses on a specific biblical book, making it come to life for the reader, enabling them to understand the message and to apply its truth to today’s circumstances. Though not a commentary, it gives valuable insight into the book’s message. Though not an introduction, it summarises the important aspects of the book to aid reading and application. The series is edited by Simon Stocks and Derek Tidball.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRobert Willoughby taught New Testament and Political Theology at London School of Theology for over 30 years and more recently served as a priest in the Church of England. Able to communicate complex truths across all ages, his books include Children’s Guide to the Bible and So, Who Is God? His favourite book in the whole world was John’s Gospel.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis little book is a new title in BRF’s ‘Really Useful Guides’ series. The books in this series are described as ‘not a commentary and not an introduction’. Taking about two hours to read, they are a valuable extra tool for acquiring general biblical literacy, understanding some of the more obscure passages in the scriptures, and help in using them to find messages for today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRobert Willoughby is a great enthusiast for John’s Gospel, believing that it has the best stories and the most memorable characters in the four gospels. He discusses different ideas about authorship and date and gives us a fascinating overview of the Gospel, which made revealing connections that were new to me. He has helpful comments to make about the problems of the difference in John’s Gospel from the synoptics, whose voice is being heard in the dialogues and accusations of anti-Semitism. His book ends with some hints on how to teach and preach John’s Gospel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese small books could be useful for preachers who want to dig deeper into the context or meaning of a passage and have more time than needed to read an ‘introduction’ but not enough time to read a whole commentary. They would also be useful to read or study together to increase biblical literacy among our congregations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Claire Disbrey\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-04-08T11:28:18+01:00","created_at":"2019-04-08T11:30:41+01:00","vendor":"Robert Willoughby","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Kindle","Oct-19","Really Useful Guides"],"price":599,"price_min":599,"price_max":599,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":26427831943268,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857467515","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Really Useful Guides: John","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":599,"weight":104,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857467515","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857467515-l.jpg?v=1554719445"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857467515-l.jpg?v=1554719445","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3264873037963,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.709,"height":650,"width":461,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857467515-l.jpg?v=1570103263"},"aspect_ratio":0.709,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857467515-l.jpg?v=1570103263","width":461}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'John is my favourite book. Not just in the New Testament, nor even in the Bible. But my favourite book. Full stop. Over all the years of my conscious Christian life it has delighted me, puzzled me, comforted me and astonished me.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis Really Useful Guide to John gives practical tips on how to open up this rich gospel. Robert Willoughby offers clear explanations of John’s signs, ‘I am’ sayings and recurring images, alongside unpacking its themes and significance. He shows how to read John with confidence, placing it in the context of the whole Bible and suggesting how it might be used practically for life today. Full of digestible wisdom and overflowing with enthusiasm, this book will ultimately draw you closer to Jesus.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEach Really Useful Guide focuses on a specific biblical book, making it come to life for the reader, enabling them to understand the message and to apply its truth to today’s circumstances. Though not a commentary, it gives valuable insight into the book’s message. Though not an introduction, it summarises the important aspects of the book to aid reading and application. The series is edited by Simon Stocks and Derek Tidball.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRobert Willoughby taught New Testament and Political Theology at London School of Theology for over 30 years and more recently served as a priest in the Church of England. Able to communicate complex truths across all ages, his books include Children’s Guide to the Bible and So, Who Is God? His favourite book in the whole world was John’s Gospel.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis little book is a new title in BRF’s ‘Really Useful Guides’ series. The books in this series are described as ‘not a commentary and not an introduction’. Taking about two hours to read, they are a valuable extra tool for acquiring general biblical literacy, understanding some of the more obscure passages in the scriptures, and help in using them to find messages for today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRobert Willoughby is a great enthusiast for John’s Gospel, believing that it has the best stories and the most memorable characters in the four gospels. He discusses different ideas about authorship and date and gives us a fascinating overview of the Gospel, which made revealing connections that were new to me. He has helpful comments to make about the problems of the difference in John’s Gospel from the synoptics, whose voice is being heard in the dialogues and accusations of anti-Semitism. His book ends with some hints on how to teach and preach John’s Gospel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese small books could be useful for preachers who want to dig deeper into the context or meaning of a passage and have more time than needed to read an ‘introduction’ but not enough time to read a whole commentary. They would also be useful to read or study together to increase biblical literacy among our congregations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Claire Disbrey\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Really Useful Guides: John
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{"id":3271990575204,"title":"Really Useful Guides: Genesis 1-11","handle":"really-useful-guides-genesis-1-11","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'Each time you read a story you may gain a different perspective on it and discover new insights. Nowhere can you do this more than in Genesis 1—11, which in my view contains some of the most profound religious literature ever written.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis Really Useful Guide to Genesis 1—11 opens up afresh what can be a familiar text. In showing us how to engage with these stories, Rebecca S. Watson gives us background information about how, why and when Genesis was written, tips for reading and studying, and a summary of how Genesis 1—11 fits into the biblical story. Written in bite-sized chunks and full of jargon-free practical guidance, this book will give you more confidence to engage with the Bible and a greater understanding of the nature of God.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEach Really Useful Guide focuses on a specific biblical book, making it come to life for the reader, enabling them to understand the message and to apply its truth to today’s circumstances. Though not a commentary, it gives valuable insight into the book’s message. Though not an introduction, it summarises the important aspects of the book to aid reading and application. The series is edited by Simon Stocks and Derek Tidball.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRebecca S. Watson is a research associate at the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion in Cambridge, and a tutor and director of studies at the Eastern Region Ministry Course, which trains people for ministry in the Church of England. She has worked in theological education and research throughout her career. She lives in Northamptonshire with her husband, their two children and two mad terriers.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a fantastic little book: it has a lovely accessible tone, exudes faith and still manages to pack a lot of teaching into it. I might want to argue a few points here or there but overall the author has given a sophisticated, nuanced reading that will challenge and help her readers extremely well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eElizabeth Harper, Lay Ministries Enabler for the Diocese of Bath and Wells\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScience \u0026amp; Christian Belief, Vol 33, No. 1. Review by Ivan Haigh\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Genesis 1 to 11 Really Useful Guide, by Rebecca S. Watson, is a delightful little book. It is little; it fits easily into the palm of a hand, back pocket of a pair of jeans, or top pocket of a shirt. I read the whole book in less than an hour. Yet despite its small size, it is a really charming book and I would readily recommend it to anyone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach Really Useful Guide focuses on a specific biblical book. These small guides are not mean to be commentaries, instead they summarise the important aspects of the book in question in a jargon-free way, to aid reading and application. Their goal, as advertised, is to transform understanding of the biblical text, to help a reader engage with the message of the book in new ways today, giving confidence in the Bible and increasing faith in God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs you will have guessed by the title, this particular guide focuses on the first eleven chapters of Genesis, one of the most discussed and debated parts of the Bible. The book is laid out in nine chapters. The first six chapters are relatively short and briefly discuss: why we should read Genesis 1 to 11; what is Genesis 1 to 11; what does Genesis 1 to 11 say; how does Genesis 1 to 11 say it; where do these stories come from; and reading Genesis 1 to 11 today. In these chapters Rebecca keeps coming back to the importance of stories, which often inspire us, help us gain a different perspective and discover new insights, in a way that pure philosophy and science can’t.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough a series of stories, Genesis 1 to 11 explores profound questions about God and his commitment to the world. Rebecca points out that Genesis 1 to 11 performs a similar function to Rudyard Kipling’s Just so Stories, which provide a fun way of explaining why things are the way they are. The first eleven chapters in Genesis address some of the most important questions about life and existence, through narrative that puts God at the centre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChapters 1 to 6 are really an introduction to Chapter 7, which is the heart of the book. Chapter 7 makes up more than half of this little book and describes tips for reading this part of the Bible. It touches on the major stories: Creation; the Garden of Eden; Cain and Abel; the Genealogies and associated stories; the sons of God and daughters of men; the flood, sin, sacrifice, blessing and covenant; Noah’s drunkenness and the cursing of Ham; and lastly, the Tower of Babel. Rebecca takes the reader through each of these stories in turn and points out key themes. These themes are only touched on very briefly, but are handled in a thought-provoking way. Despite the fact that I have read these chapters of the Bible hundreds of times, on several occasions Rebecca’s book pointed out things I hadn’t considered before. This made me want to pick up my Bible straight away and read these passages again in a fresh way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe last two chapters briefly discuss Genesis 1 in 11 in relation to the rest of the Bible, and list 11 questions for reflection or discussion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are many things I liked about this book. I particularly liked that Rebecca kept challenging me throughout to think about how the key themes in this first part of Genesis translate into our own context today. For example, she invited me to think carefully about whether the perpetually busyness of my life (and I am sure many of yours) is the best model for life, when you contrast it with God resting on the seventh day and encouraging his creation. I also liked that Rebecca encouraged me to momentarily step into the shoes of someone else in these stories and think, wonder and ask questions, even if we don’t always find clear-cut answers we can all agree on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I first picked up this book, I thought initially that it would be geared towards new Christians, who were starting to read the Bible for the first time. However, having been a Christian for more than thirty-five years, I found the book very thoughtful and engaging to me personally. It has given me new insights and has encouraged me to read and mediate on these passages in fresh ways. The small size of the book makes it a perfect book to take away on holiday and read on a train or plane. It would also be a great book to read and discuss in groups, for example, as part of a church home or connect group. I also think this book would be good for non-Christians interested in understanding key themes in Genesis and the links between science and Christianity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDr Ivan Haigh is an Associate Professor in coastal oceanography at the University of Southampton\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry, April 2020. Review by Claire Disbrey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis little book is a new title in BRF’s ‘Really Useful Guides’ series. The books in this series are described as ‘not a commentary and not an introduction’. Taking about two hours to read, they are a valuable extra tool for acquiring general biblical literacy, understanding some of the more obscure passages in the scriptures, and help in using them to find messages for today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn her book on Genesis 1-11, Rebecca S Watson discusses different ideas about where these ancient stories could have come from, different influences that might have shaped them, and how and when they might have been put together in their present form. Believing that these old stories explore profound questions about God, humanity, creation and sin, she tackles some of the problems they raise and leads us to helpful ways of approaching and applying them. The book ends with some questions for reflection or discussion which could be useful for Bible study groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e These small books could be useful for preachers who want to dig deeper into the context or meaning of a passage and have more time than needed to read an ‘introduction’ but not enough time to read a whole commentary. They would also be useful to read or study together to increase biblical literacy among our congregations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Claire Disbrey\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Dr Hywel Clifford, Lecturer in Old Testament, Ripon College Cuddesdon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a stylish guide to Genesis 1-11. After considering what it might mean to approach these biblical chapters as readers today, Rebecca Watson provides numerous tips about their sections, episodes, and details, in their interwoven literary sequence. To write freshly on Creation, Flood, and Babel is no easy task, but this is done elegantly and engagingly, with both traditional and modern insights and applications offered about sacred texts which are so significant, and, of course, so memorable. Here you will find a tasty entrée for making rich sense of the feast that is the opening of Genesis, that great book of beginnings about the world and the human family in which we all have a role to play. Some questions for reflection and discussion bring this informative guide to a close.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDr Hywel Clifford, Lecturer in Old Testament, Ripon College Cuddesdon \u0026amp; Member of the Faculty of Theology and Religion, Oxford University.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-04-08T11:23:39+01:00","created_at":"2019-04-08T11:26:37+01:00","vendor":"Rebecca S. Watson","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Kindle","Oct-19","Really Useful Guides"],"price":599,"price_min":599,"price_max":599,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":26427738685540,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857467911","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Really Useful Guides: Genesis 1-11","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":599,"weight":104,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857467911","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857467911.jpg?v=1584010768"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857467911.jpg?v=1584010768","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":6854973620363,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.709,"height":1410,"width":1000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857467911.jpg?v=1584010764"},"aspect_ratio":0.709,"height":1410,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857467911.jpg?v=1584010764","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'Each time you read a story you may gain a different perspective on it and discover new insights. Nowhere can you do this more than in Genesis 1—11, which in my view contains some of the most profound religious literature ever written.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis Really Useful Guide to Genesis 1—11 opens up afresh what can be a familiar text. In showing us how to engage with these stories, Rebecca S. Watson gives us background information about how, why and when Genesis was written, tips for reading and studying, and a summary of how Genesis 1—11 fits into the biblical story. Written in bite-sized chunks and full of jargon-free practical guidance, this book will give you more confidence to engage with the Bible and a greater understanding of the nature of God.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEach Really Useful Guide focuses on a specific biblical book, making it come to life for the reader, enabling them to understand the message and to apply its truth to today’s circumstances. Though not a commentary, it gives valuable insight into the book’s message. Though not an introduction, it summarises the important aspects of the book to aid reading and application. The series is edited by Simon Stocks and Derek Tidball.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRebecca S. Watson is a research associate at the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion in Cambridge, and a tutor and director of studies at the Eastern Region Ministry Course, which trains people for ministry in the Church of England. She has worked in theological education and research throughout her career. She lives in Northamptonshire with her husband, their two children and two mad terriers.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a fantastic little book: it has a lovely accessible tone, exudes faith and still manages to pack a lot of teaching into it. I might want to argue a few points here or there but overall the author has given a sophisticated, nuanced reading that will challenge and help her readers extremely well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eElizabeth Harper, Lay Ministries Enabler for the Diocese of Bath and Wells\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScience \u0026amp; Christian Belief, Vol 33, No. 1. Review by Ivan Haigh\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Genesis 1 to 11 Really Useful Guide, by Rebecca S. Watson, is a delightful little book. It is little; it fits easily into the palm of a hand, back pocket of a pair of jeans, or top pocket of a shirt. I read the whole book in less than an hour. Yet despite its small size, it is a really charming book and I would readily recommend it to anyone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach Really Useful Guide focuses on a specific biblical book. These small guides are not mean to be commentaries, instead they summarise the important aspects of the book in question in a jargon-free way, to aid reading and application. Their goal, as advertised, is to transform understanding of the biblical text, to help a reader engage with the message of the book in new ways today, giving confidence in the Bible and increasing faith in God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs you will have guessed by the title, this particular guide focuses on the first eleven chapters of Genesis, one of the most discussed and debated parts of the Bible. The book is laid out in nine chapters. The first six chapters are relatively short and briefly discuss: why we should read Genesis 1 to 11; what is Genesis 1 to 11; what does Genesis 1 to 11 say; how does Genesis 1 to 11 say it; where do these stories come from; and reading Genesis 1 to 11 today. In these chapters Rebecca keeps coming back to the importance of stories, which often inspire us, help us gain a different perspective and discover new insights, in a way that pure philosophy and science can’t.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough a series of stories, Genesis 1 to 11 explores profound questions about God and his commitment to the world. Rebecca points out that Genesis 1 to 11 performs a similar function to Rudyard Kipling’s Just so Stories, which provide a fun way of explaining why things are the way they are. The first eleven chapters in Genesis address some of the most important questions about life and existence, through narrative that puts God at the centre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChapters 1 to 6 are really an introduction to Chapter 7, which is the heart of the book. Chapter 7 makes up more than half of this little book and describes tips for reading this part of the Bible. It touches on the major stories: Creation; the Garden of Eden; Cain and Abel; the Genealogies and associated stories; the sons of God and daughters of men; the flood, sin, sacrifice, blessing and covenant; Noah’s drunkenness and the cursing of Ham; and lastly, the Tower of Babel. Rebecca takes the reader through each of these stories in turn and points out key themes. These themes are only touched on very briefly, but are handled in a thought-provoking way. Despite the fact that I have read these chapters of the Bible hundreds of times, on several occasions Rebecca’s book pointed out things I hadn’t considered before. This made me want to pick up my Bible straight away and read these passages again in a fresh way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe last two chapters briefly discuss Genesis 1 in 11 in relation to the rest of the Bible, and list 11 questions for reflection or discussion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are many things I liked about this book. I particularly liked that Rebecca kept challenging me throughout to think about how the key themes in this first part of Genesis translate into our own context today. For example, she invited me to think carefully about whether the perpetually busyness of my life (and I am sure many of yours) is the best model for life, when you contrast it with God resting on the seventh day and encouraging his creation. I also liked that Rebecca encouraged me to momentarily step into the shoes of someone else in these stories and think, wonder and ask questions, even if we don’t always find clear-cut answers we can all agree on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I first picked up this book, I thought initially that it would be geared towards new Christians, who were starting to read the Bible for the first time. However, having been a Christian for more than thirty-five years, I found the book very thoughtful and engaging to me personally. It has given me new insights and has encouraged me to read and mediate on these passages in fresh ways. The small size of the book makes it a perfect book to take away on holiday and read on a train or plane. It would also be a great book to read and discuss in groups, for example, as part of a church home or connect group. I also think this book would be good for non-Christians interested in understanding key themes in Genesis and the links between science and Christianity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDr Ivan Haigh is an Associate Professor in coastal oceanography at the University of Southampton\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry, April 2020. Review by Claire Disbrey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis little book is a new title in BRF’s ‘Really Useful Guides’ series. The books in this series are described as ‘not a commentary and not an introduction’. Taking about two hours to read, they are a valuable extra tool for acquiring general biblical literacy, understanding some of the more obscure passages in the scriptures, and help in using them to find messages for today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn her book on Genesis 1-11, Rebecca S Watson discusses different ideas about where these ancient stories could have come from, different influences that might have shaped them, and how and when they might have been put together in their present form. Believing that these old stories explore profound questions about God, humanity, creation and sin, she tackles some of the problems they raise and leads us to helpful ways of approaching and applying them. The book ends with some questions for reflection or discussion which could be useful for Bible study groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e These small books could be useful for preachers who want to dig deeper into the context or meaning of a passage and have more time than needed to read an ‘introduction’ but not enough time to read a whole commentary. They would also be useful to read or study together to increase biblical literacy among our congregations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Claire Disbrey\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Dr Hywel Clifford, Lecturer in Old Testament, Ripon College Cuddesdon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a stylish guide to Genesis 1-11. After considering what it might mean to approach these biblical chapters as readers today, Rebecca Watson provides numerous tips about their sections, episodes, and details, in their interwoven literary sequence. To write freshly on Creation, Flood, and Babel is no easy task, but this is done elegantly and engagingly, with both traditional and modern insights and applications offered about sacred texts which are so significant, and, of course, so memorable. Here you will find a tasty entrée for making rich sense of the feast that is the opening of Genesis, that great book of beginnings about the world and the human family in which we all have a role to play. Some questions for reflection and discussion bring this informative guide to a close.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDr Hywel Clifford, Lecturer in Old Testament, Ripon College Cuddesdon \u0026amp; Member of the Faculty of Theology and Religion, Oxford University.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Really Useful Guides: Genesis 1-11
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'Each time you read a story you may gain a different perspective on it and discover new insights. Nowhere can...