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{"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\nAndrea 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.\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\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":["Jan-19"],"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"}],"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"],"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\nAndrea 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.\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\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
£8.99
Drawing on the imagery of the Hebrew scriptures, Jesus identifies himself as the 'I am' of Israel's narrative. Through sensitive...
{"id":2439765917796,"title":"A Christian Guide to Environmental Issues","handle":"a-christian-guide-to-environmental-issues","description":"\u003cp\u003eEnvironmental sustainability is a major issue in society today. While Christian response was generally slow in the 1980s and 90s, concern has grown rapidly in the 21st century across the Church. In this book two environmental experts consider eight of the key contemporary issues, offering eco-tips to enable practice response as well as Bible-based reflections to deepen understanding. Among the issues covered are climate change, food, biodiversity, and population - and the relationship between environmental problems and issues relating to world development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMartin and Margot Hodson's deep commitment to the critical issues that their timely book addresses shine through each chapter. It is very comprehensive and we are all the beneficiaries of their years of educated engagement at both personal and professional levels with the challenges faced by God's good earth and so by us all. We belong to a human community which must now come to terms with new ways of living: extremely rapid environmental changes now impact us ever more directly, and in this book we have a comprehensive guide us towards some of the ways forward we must take. It is accessible, practical, even hopeful, and its biblical wisdom means it is indeed a Christian guide to environmental issues.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Peter Harris, Founder of A Rocha \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA valuable resource to help understand how we can live together for the good of all creation on this one planet with its finite resources. As such this book looks straight in the eye of the most serious set of environmental challenges humanity faces. Drawing together in accessible ways scientific evidence, biblical reflection and practical ideas it will provoke you to better think, act and pray for the renewal of creation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e The Rt Revd Graham Usher, Bishop of Dudley \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMargot and Martin Hodson combine their biblical and scientific expertise to give us an engaging study-to-action guide. They explain the big environmental issues simply, illustrate the solutions with inspiring vignettes from around the world, point us to the biblical view for reflection and empower us with practical tips for the next steps we can take. As a Christian activist for social justice and a healthy environment, I long to see Christians everywhere demon - strating their love of God by standing up for the environment in their communities and globally. This book will help to fire up that movement. I'm praying for a Christian philanthropist to donate a boxful to every church in the UK. That might be the single most important thing they could do for God and humanity!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Andy Atkins, Chief Executive, Friends of the Earth (2008-2015) and Advocacy Director, Tearfund (2000-2008)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDr Martin J. Hodson is a plant scientist and environmental biologist, who writes and speaks widely on environmental issues. His recent publications include Climate Change, Faith and Rural Communities (with Margot Hodson) and Functional Biology of Plants (with John Bryant).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Revd Margot R. Hodson ministers in rural Buckinghamshire. She has taught Environmental Ethics at Oxford Brookes University and has written several books including Cherishing the Earth (with Martin Hodson), and Uncovering Isaiah's Environmental Ethics, as well as writing for BRF's Guidelines notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Green Christian September 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA church Bible study group would find this book a very user-friendly basis for ten sessions. It focusses on key issues for environmental sustainability and provides up to date information in an accessible form. At the end of each section a practical 'ecotip' is offered and then some Bible study notes. Equally it would repay careful use by an individual.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book assumes a mainstream, biblically-founded Christian perspective, but examines the issues honestly and realistically. Martin Hodson is a plant scientist and environmental biologist who writes and speaks widely. Margot is now vicar of St Mary's Haddenham but has herself taught environmental ethics at Oxford Brookes University. Together they have co-authored previous books and were well placed to produce this informed introduction for the sort of groups and readers whose needs they understand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReferences to the Hodsons' own personal experiences make the book a thoroughly accessible and enjoyable read. They wrote most of it while enjoying a time of sabbatical leave together in 2014 visiting Spain and Portugal as supporters of A Rocha. They also tell us about their involvement with the John Ray Initiative, for whom Martin is the Operations Manager in the UK. A few years ago they spent four weeks on the road together as part of the Share Jesus International initiative headed by the Methodist evangelist Rob Frost. They spoke to thousands of adults and children at twenty venues. This energised them. Now we picture them taking the ferry to Spain. The beauty of its geography shines through, sweetening the serious data and hard questions posed. So, for example, in reflecting on the hopes we might have for environmental development, the Hodsons vividly describe amazing sunrises in the Alpujarra Mountains. The sun's rising in autumn to make a constantly changing pink and golden backdrop to the mountains, seeming to set the whole sky on fire, connected for them with Christ's resurrection and the hope they feel we must yet have for our environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis hope they cherish is striking. In a prologue they tell how one day walking through an Andalucian chestnut forest the wind made it sound as if the trees truly 'clapped their hands' (Isaiah 55:12). Others might rather expect signs of mourning, looking for indications of disease and stunted growth in any European forest. Yet here we are reminded that Creation is good, for the Bible affirms it. There is a strong biblical optimism here. 'The present threat of out-of-control climate change comes from the actions of humans and not God', while assuredly God himself 'is moving creation towards an ultimate fulfilment' (p 58). This may make us wonder. Yet we are left with the challenge that God 'does not expect humanity to take a 'passive role'', and the 'gospel imperative to active engagement with the world' (p 96).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinally, Margot and Martin admit to a time when they lost hope, but end:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e't\u003c\/em\u003ehe beginning of real hope is the surrendering of unrealistic hope. The beginning of hope is to have a positive realism about what can be achieved'. (p 195)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAndrew Norman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiocese of St Albans E-News August 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClimate Change is a shared cultural and spiritual crisis which at heart is 'a loss of a sense of what life is'. The book's quotation from Rowan Williams goes to the heart of this thoughtful and practical guide to environmental issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHumanity cannot exist outside ecology, yet the world seems hell-bent on destroying life in the name of economic progress, without stopping to think what happens when the last tree is felled in the Amazon rainforest and we don't succeed in limiting global warming to less than two degrees centigrade. Using their combined scientific and biblical expertise, the authors guide us through the major issues facing the planet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe books ends with a warning - and a message of hope. The warning is that we have lost 50 per cent of our wildlife population in 40 years. The hope is that our faith will inspire us to acknowledge the sacredness of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHelen Hutchison - Diocesan Environment Officer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 22 April 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDr Martin and the Revd Margot Hodson have been a husband-and-wife team leading the way in Christian environmental studies for some years. He is an academic plant biologist, she a 'busy vicar' in rural Buckinghamshire, having previously been a college chaplain and lecturer at Oxford Brooks University. Both are closely linked with the Christian environmental organisations A Rocha and the John Ray Initiative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA Christian Guide to Environmental Issues\u003c\/em\u003e is an accessible pocketbook providing a basic Christian perspective on many of the issues of concern to environmentalists today: how are we going to reverse the damage that human life and consumption is doing to the earth - and, therefore, to our own livelihood and that of other creatures?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book uses autobiographical anecdotes from the Hodsons' joint travels on sabbatical in Spain, and individually in various other countries. It includes short stories from colleagues and friends. There are biblical reflections on nature, covenant, salvation, God's sovereignty and human responsibility, sabbath and sustainability, exile, incarnation, and resurrection and hope. It says very little on human sin and selfishness, and divine judgement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe biblical reflections (together with some usable 'eco-tips' for sustainable living) are woven into scientific and historical material on great issues in sustainability: biodiversity, climate change, water, population and consumption, energy, soil, food, and development. Each chapter ends with some resources and questions for group Bible study, and leaders' notes are provided at the end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hodsons' book will be a most valuable resource for congregational use. It could go a long way to making unnecessary the question that, puzzlingly, I have been asked too often: 'Why have we never heard anything like this before?' And not only that: it could re-excite enthusiasm, joy, delight, and action in our Christian responsibility and privilege of caring for God's earth and giving a voice to all creation to sing God's praise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDavid Atkinson, Honorary Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Southwark.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Christian Guide to Environmental Issues is a modestly sized book, equipping readers to grapple with big issues, working well for an inquiring individual who seeks to connect faith with environmental concerns, and also as a good resource for church-based discussion groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne author, a plant scientist and environmental biologist, the other is a Church of England priest who ministers in a rural setting. Together they explore several pressing environmental issues, using a combination of personal experiences, local stories from across the worldwide church, and scientific and theological insights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe environmental topics covered include the pressing, the popular, the less usual, and one that is often avoided in this sort of literature. The urgent question of climate change is addressed; so too are the popular topics of energy and biodiversity. Questions about water, food and soil are each given a chapter, as is population, a topic where controversy looms large and relatively little appears from environmental writers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter begins by using story and science to explore the topic. Helpfully, science is regarded as resource, not a threat, and it is presented in a basic, balanced and accessible style. Then follows a biblical or theological reflection. The chapter on water, for example, is a way into considering salvation; God's sovereignty and our responsibility informs the exploration of population; incarnation and food are explored through ideas of local community and the building of relationships.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter concludes with some simple material for use in Bible studies; the Ten Commandments and biodiversity, climate change and Jesus' Parable of the Talents, soil as seen through prophetic visions of figs and vineyards. Refreshingly, scripture passages are not approached with the intention of uncovering some 'true', but previously overlooked (environmental) interpretation of the text. Rather, readers are invited to revisit some familiar (and less familiar) texts, ready for them to spark new ideas, insights and commitments, relevant to today's world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThroughout, he authors' specific setting, experiences, and theological and organisational commitments are apparent but presented positively, hospitable to other perspectives; all part of what makes this an accessible resource for different people and settings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrevor Jamison, Environmental Chaplain, Eco-Congregation Scotland\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.kouya.net\/?p=7305\" title=\"Read a review from Eddie Arthur\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eRead a review Eddie Arthur, Director of Strategic Initiatives with Global Connections\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCountry Way magazine - January 2016\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book that should be read by all Christians who don't feel particularly clued up on key environmental issues. Drawing on their Biblical and scientific expertise, Margot and Martin Hodson have produced a straightforward and highly readable introduction. They combine stories and personal insights with up-to-date information, Bible-based reflections and practical eco-tips. It can be read individually or used by a group. Topics covered include climate change, food, water, soil, biodiversity, population and the relationship between these issues and world development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe see God's love for the natural world throughout the Bible narrative and it is clear that care for creation in central to the Christian faith. As we edge towards potential 'tipping points' on climate change - where a rise in temperature sets off changes that cause further temperature increases - we need to be aware of issues, the impact on the poorest communities on earth, and how we can be part of bringing change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJerry Marshall, CEO The Arthur Rank Centre,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTogether; March-April 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a very helpful, informative and intelligent book that, in 10 easy-to-read but detailed chapters, considers the main environmental issues in such a way as to inform, engage and encourage change and understanding. There are so many ways this book can be helpful either to individuals or, more importantly, at a group level. Each chapter gives enough detail to highlight the issues without complicating them through confusing jargon. It offers a practical 'ecotip' that can be picked up by church and individual to make change that is not too onerous for anyone to be discouraged. The Bible study at the end of each chapter really makes this an easy to use church or small group resource. You could do the whole 10 sessions or just use certain ones at certain times, for instance just use the food section if starting a food bank scheme; at harvest use the soil section etc. This is a good starter into a very topical and important subject.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMelanie Carroll\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSearch; A Church of Ireland Journal Spring 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving been, for forty years, very much behind the curve on environmental matters, Christian voices now seem to be increasingly prominent in the green movement. This short volume firms a good introduction to both current environmental issues and to reading the Bible from within a 'green' hermeneutic. It makes no pretence to be a work of serious academic scholarship, although the authors, a plant scientist and a vicar in rural Buckinghamshire, clearly have a deep understanding of the material. Its audience is the individual Christian and the church community who wish to begin to see the links between scripture and the environment and put some of the ideas into practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors are both very involved in A Rocha, the evangelical environmental NGO which began in Spain and Portugal, and each chapter begins with a personal account of visits to both A Rocha and other Christian projects. These are clearly designed to be a gentle scene-setting introduction to the more in-depth material which follows; but after several chapters, they begin to read somewhat like a US style 'informercial' with unsubtle product placement. The content of each chapter is much better, however, with the authors' scholarship coming through.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe chapters take each one of the global environmental challenges in turn and analyse clearly and succinctly the problems and their possible solutions. These are biodiversity, climate change, water, human population and consumption, energy, soil, food and development. The second part of each chapter looks at related biblical material, and this too is confidently handles. The connections made are apposite and well-drawn. For example, the climate change section leads on to look at the biblical covenants, made not just with humans, but also with the creation. Analysis of the importance of soil and its erosion and contamination is neatly linked with the biblical material on exile. They rightly criticise the traditional reading of scripture that 'God's creation is assumed to be a kind of wallpaper, his real interest being people'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRefreshingly, the authors do not shy away from any of the big issues and they are unapologetic about coming down on a particular side. So there is no concession to the nonsense of young earth creationism or US promoted dominionism, and the discussion on human population growth and development advocates the provision of widely available contraception across the globe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticularly striking and creative is the analysis of the 2008 crash, caused by excessive risk-taking and borrowing without foundation - short-term thinking which has clear parallels in environmental destruction. As they point out, 'finances are recoverable; if the ecology of the planet crashes, it would not be quickly reparable'. Fracking is another issue that is fairly debated, with both sides being given a hearing: they acknowledge the difficulty in getting impartial facts on the environmental impact, but point out the basic problem with using another source of fossil fuels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is clear analysis on the use of GM crops: Martin Hodson rightly, in my view, sees the problem as being less about the actual science of modification, about which there is much Luddite scare-mongering, and more about issues of patenting and ownership, allowing a few companies to exert a near monopoly on seed production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe recent flooding in Britain and Ireland comes of course too late for the book to analyse, but there is good discussion of the 2009 disaster in Somerset and criticism of the short term solutions being advocated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter finishes with a bible study with questions for group discussion and a brief practical 'eco-tip'. The final chapter 'A Covenant for Hope'. Looking at the eschatological material, is a call to action undergirded by a realistic hope for the future, acknowledging that much has been lost, but much still can be remedied.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are some quibbles and omissions: The authors' emphasis on the biblical material (the book is published by the Bible Reading Fellowship) means that some of the writers from the wider tradition are ignored: there is little from Teilhard de Chardin for example. The book must have been published before \u003cem\u003eLaudato Si,\u003c\/em\u003e but given the build up to the encyclical in recent months, it seems churlish to have omitted any reference to its likely significance. The 'Deep Green' movement, which sees humans as part of the creation, not separate from it, is too briefly and easily dismissed. Perhaps more seriously, it betrays its middle class English origins with little discussion of perspectives and theologies from the Global South, or indeed from eco feminist writers such as Anna Primavesi or Sallie McFague.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNevertheless, as an introduction to the issues and a 'green' reading of scripture it is a very worthwhile volume: indeed for those with no knowledge of the subject, it would be my recommendation for a place to begin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAndrew Orr\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEvangelical Times - December 2015\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEveryone says it! One of the biggest challenges the church in the rich Western world faces today is a consumerism that damages our spiritual lives, God's creation and the lives of the poor in many parts of the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is one of a growing number describing the impact our lives are having on the earth God created: how we are destroying biodiversity, producing energy in a way that is damaging our climate, using water irresponsibly, growing food in a way that threatens the soil, and creating an economic system that creates inequality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is well structured around an analysis of each of these challenges. After looking at the scientific facts, it provides biblical reflection on the issues. Each chapter ends with 'eco tips', notes for group Bible study and references for follow-up reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterspersed are personal reflections from the authors about their experiences in Spain where they spent a sabbatical writing this title. They are well qualified to write on this topic. Martin Hodson lectures on Christianity and the environment at Oxford Brookes, and has a background as a soil scientist. His wife Margot ministers among rural churches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors set themselves a tough challenge, putting scientific information, theology, action and fellowship into one book. While the mix doesn't quite come off, it is a worthy read. On the plus side, it is environmentally sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe short, readable chapters are packed full of facts about the different issues and the 'eco tips' range from the small-scale and do-able to the more thoughtful and comprehensive. Having said this, the information is sometimes presented in a rather dull and academic way. I would have liked a bit more passion!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the theological side, all the right messages are given. The backdrop is that God has made a covenant with his people to care for creation. However, the theological aspects are less well organised and harder to follow than the environmental information.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI was also disappointed that the authors did not stress that we are commanded by God to care for creation in Genesis. For me, care for creation is all about obedience. I feel that Christians need to wake up to this aspect of our discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMargot Hodson remembers, as I do, the excitement she had when reading Ronald Sider's Rich Christians in an age of hunger, a title that got Christians talking and acting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe evangelical church needs another book like that one to change our behaviour towards the environment. Although this is probably not the one, it is a sound and encouraging read for those wishing to start thinking more deeply about environmental issues in relation to their faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJames Hindson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMartin and Margot Hodson's deep commitment to the critical issues that their timely book addresses shine through each chapter. It is very comprehensive and we are all the beneficiaries of their years of educated engagement at both personal and professional levels with the challenges faced by God's good earth and so by us all.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThameshead Benefice Gloucestershire November 2015\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:33+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:34+00:00","vendor":"Martin Hodson","type":"Paperback","tags":["Sep-15"],"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":21769258926180,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857463838","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"A Christian Guide to Environmental Issues - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":190,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857463838"}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857463838-l.jpg?v=1549043162"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857463838-l.jpg?v=1549043162","options":["Format"],"content":"\u003cp\u003eEnvironmental sustainability is a major issue in society today. While Christian response was generally slow in the 1980s and 90s, concern has grown rapidly in the 21st century across the Church. In this book two environmental experts consider eight of the key contemporary issues, offering eco-tips to enable practice response as well as Bible-based reflections to deepen understanding. Among the issues covered are climate change, food, biodiversity, and population - and the relationship between environmental problems and issues relating to world development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMartin and Margot Hodson's deep commitment to the critical issues that their timely book addresses shine through each chapter. It is very comprehensive and we are all the beneficiaries of their years of educated engagement at both personal and professional levels with the challenges faced by God's good earth and so by us all. We belong to a human community which must now come to terms with new ways of living: extremely rapid environmental changes now impact us ever more directly, and in this book we have a comprehensive guide us towards some of the ways forward we must take. It is accessible, practical, even hopeful, and its biblical wisdom means it is indeed a Christian guide to environmental issues.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Peter Harris, Founder of A Rocha \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA valuable resource to help understand how we can live together for the good of all creation on this one planet with its finite resources. As such this book looks straight in the eye of the most serious set of environmental challenges humanity faces. Drawing together in accessible ways scientific evidence, biblical reflection and practical ideas it will provoke you to better think, act and pray for the renewal of creation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e The Rt Revd Graham Usher, Bishop of Dudley \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMargot and Martin Hodson combine their biblical and scientific expertise to give us an engaging study-to-action guide. They explain the big environmental issues simply, illustrate the solutions with inspiring vignettes from around the world, point us to the biblical view for reflection and empower us with practical tips for the next steps we can take. As a Christian activist for social justice and a healthy environment, I long to see Christians everywhere demon - strating their love of God by standing up for the environment in their communities and globally. This book will help to fire up that movement. I'm praying for a Christian philanthropist to donate a boxful to every church in the UK. That might be the single most important thing they could do for God and humanity!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Andy Atkins, Chief Executive, Friends of the Earth (2008-2015) and Advocacy Director, Tearfund (2000-2008)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDr Martin J. Hodson is a plant scientist and environmental biologist, who writes and speaks widely on environmental issues. His recent publications include Climate Change, Faith and Rural Communities (with Margot Hodson) and Functional Biology of Plants (with John Bryant).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Revd Margot R. Hodson ministers in rural Buckinghamshire. She has taught Environmental Ethics at Oxford Brookes University and has written several books including Cherishing the Earth (with Martin Hodson), and Uncovering Isaiah's Environmental Ethics, as well as writing for BRF's Guidelines notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Green Christian September 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA church Bible study group would find this book a very user-friendly basis for ten sessions. It focusses on key issues for environmental sustainability and provides up to date information in an accessible form. At the end of each section a practical 'ecotip' is offered and then some Bible study notes. Equally it would repay careful use by an individual.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book assumes a mainstream, biblically-founded Christian perspective, but examines the issues honestly and realistically. Martin Hodson is a plant scientist and environmental biologist who writes and speaks widely. Margot is now vicar of St Mary's Haddenham but has herself taught environmental ethics at Oxford Brookes University. Together they have co-authored previous books and were well placed to produce this informed introduction for the sort of groups and readers whose needs they understand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReferences to the Hodsons' own personal experiences make the book a thoroughly accessible and enjoyable read. They wrote most of it while enjoying a time of sabbatical leave together in 2014 visiting Spain and Portugal as supporters of A Rocha. They also tell us about their involvement with the John Ray Initiative, for whom Martin is the Operations Manager in the UK. A few years ago they spent four weeks on the road together as part of the Share Jesus International initiative headed by the Methodist evangelist Rob Frost. They spoke to thousands of adults and children at twenty venues. This energised them. Now we picture them taking the ferry to Spain. The beauty of its geography shines through, sweetening the serious data and hard questions posed. So, for example, in reflecting on the hopes we might have for environmental development, the Hodsons vividly describe amazing sunrises in the Alpujarra Mountains. The sun's rising in autumn to make a constantly changing pink and golden backdrop to the mountains, seeming to set the whole sky on fire, connected for them with Christ's resurrection and the hope they feel we must yet have for our environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis hope they cherish is striking. In a prologue they tell how one day walking through an Andalucian chestnut forest the wind made it sound as if the trees truly 'clapped their hands' (Isaiah 55:12). Others might rather expect signs of mourning, looking for indications of disease and stunted growth in any European forest. Yet here we are reminded that Creation is good, for the Bible affirms it. There is a strong biblical optimism here. 'The present threat of out-of-control climate change comes from the actions of humans and not God', while assuredly God himself 'is moving creation towards an ultimate fulfilment' (p 58). This may make us wonder. Yet we are left with the challenge that God 'does not expect humanity to take a 'passive role'', and the 'gospel imperative to active engagement with the world' (p 96).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinally, Margot and Martin admit to a time when they lost hope, but end:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e't\u003c\/em\u003ehe beginning of real hope is the surrendering of unrealistic hope. The beginning of hope is to have a positive realism about what can be achieved'. (p 195)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAndrew Norman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiocese of St Albans E-News August 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClimate Change is a shared cultural and spiritual crisis which at heart is 'a loss of a sense of what life is'. The book's quotation from Rowan Williams goes to the heart of this thoughtful and practical guide to environmental issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHumanity cannot exist outside ecology, yet the world seems hell-bent on destroying life in the name of economic progress, without stopping to think what happens when the last tree is felled in the Amazon rainforest and we don't succeed in limiting global warming to less than two degrees centigrade. Using their combined scientific and biblical expertise, the authors guide us through the major issues facing the planet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe books ends with a warning - and a message of hope. The warning is that we have lost 50 per cent of our wildlife population in 40 years. The hope is that our faith will inspire us to acknowledge the sacredness of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHelen Hutchison - Diocesan Environment Officer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 22 April 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDr Martin and the Revd Margot Hodson have been a husband-and-wife team leading the way in Christian environmental studies for some years. He is an academic plant biologist, she a 'busy vicar' in rural Buckinghamshire, having previously been a college chaplain and lecturer at Oxford Brooks University. Both are closely linked with the Christian environmental organisations A Rocha and the John Ray Initiative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA Christian Guide to Environmental Issues\u003c\/em\u003e is an accessible pocketbook providing a basic Christian perspective on many of the issues of concern to environmentalists today: how are we going to reverse the damage that human life and consumption is doing to the earth - and, therefore, to our own livelihood and that of other creatures?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book uses autobiographical anecdotes from the Hodsons' joint travels on sabbatical in Spain, and individually in various other countries. It includes short stories from colleagues and friends. There are biblical reflections on nature, covenant, salvation, God's sovereignty and human responsibility, sabbath and sustainability, exile, incarnation, and resurrection and hope. It says very little on human sin and selfishness, and divine judgement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe biblical reflections (together with some usable 'eco-tips' for sustainable living) are woven into scientific and historical material on great issues in sustainability: biodiversity, climate change, water, population and consumption, energy, soil, food, and development. Each chapter ends with some resources and questions for group Bible study, and leaders' notes are provided at the end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hodsons' book will be a most valuable resource for congregational use. It could go a long way to making unnecessary the question that, puzzlingly, I have been asked too often: 'Why have we never heard anything like this before?' And not only that: it could re-excite enthusiasm, joy, delight, and action in our Christian responsibility and privilege of caring for God's earth and giving a voice to all creation to sing God's praise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDavid Atkinson, Honorary Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Southwark.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Christian Guide to Environmental Issues is a modestly sized book, equipping readers to grapple with big issues, working well for an inquiring individual who seeks to connect faith with environmental concerns, and also as a good resource for church-based discussion groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne author, a plant scientist and environmental biologist, the other is a Church of England priest who ministers in a rural setting. Together they explore several pressing environmental issues, using a combination of personal experiences, local stories from across the worldwide church, and scientific and theological insights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe environmental topics covered include the pressing, the popular, the less usual, and one that is often avoided in this sort of literature. The urgent question of climate change is addressed; so too are the popular topics of energy and biodiversity. Questions about water, food and soil are each given a chapter, as is population, a topic where controversy looms large and relatively little appears from environmental writers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter begins by using story and science to explore the topic. Helpfully, science is regarded as resource, not a threat, and it is presented in a basic, balanced and accessible style. Then follows a biblical or theological reflection. The chapter on water, for example, is a way into considering salvation; God's sovereignty and our responsibility informs the exploration of population; incarnation and food are explored through ideas of local community and the building of relationships.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter concludes with some simple material for use in Bible studies; the Ten Commandments and biodiversity, climate change and Jesus' Parable of the Talents, soil as seen through prophetic visions of figs and vineyards. Refreshingly, scripture passages are not approached with the intention of uncovering some 'true', but previously overlooked (environmental) interpretation of the text. Rather, readers are invited to revisit some familiar (and less familiar) texts, ready for them to spark new ideas, insights and commitments, relevant to today's world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThroughout, he authors' specific setting, experiences, and theological and organisational commitments are apparent but presented positively, hospitable to other perspectives; all part of what makes this an accessible resource for different people and settings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrevor Jamison, Environmental Chaplain, Eco-Congregation Scotland\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.kouya.net\/?p=7305\" title=\"Read a review from Eddie Arthur\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eRead a review Eddie Arthur, Director of Strategic Initiatives with Global Connections\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCountry Way magazine - January 2016\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book that should be read by all Christians who don't feel particularly clued up on key environmental issues. Drawing on their Biblical and scientific expertise, Margot and Martin Hodson have produced a straightforward and highly readable introduction. They combine stories and personal insights with up-to-date information, Bible-based reflections and practical eco-tips. It can be read individually or used by a group. Topics covered include climate change, food, water, soil, biodiversity, population and the relationship between these issues and world development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe see God's love for the natural world throughout the Bible narrative and it is clear that care for creation in central to the Christian faith. As we edge towards potential 'tipping points' on climate change - where a rise in temperature sets off changes that cause further temperature increases - we need to be aware of issues, the impact on the poorest communities on earth, and how we can be part of bringing change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJerry Marshall, CEO The Arthur Rank Centre,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTogether; March-April 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a very helpful, informative and intelligent book that, in 10 easy-to-read but detailed chapters, considers the main environmental issues in such a way as to inform, engage and encourage change and understanding. There are so many ways this book can be helpful either to individuals or, more importantly, at a group level. Each chapter gives enough detail to highlight the issues without complicating them through confusing jargon. It offers a practical 'ecotip' that can be picked up by church and individual to make change that is not too onerous for anyone to be discouraged. The Bible study at the end of each chapter really makes this an easy to use church or small group resource. You could do the whole 10 sessions or just use certain ones at certain times, for instance just use the food section if starting a food bank scheme; at harvest use the soil section etc. This is a good starter into a very topical and important subject.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMelanie Carroll\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSearch; A Church of Ireland Journal Spring 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving been, for forty years, very much behind the curve on environmental matters, Christian voices now seem to be increasingly prominent in the green movement. This short volume firms a good introduction to both current environmental issues and to reading the Bible from within a 'green' hermeneutic. It makes no pretence to be a work of serious academic scholarship, although the authors, a plant scientist and a vicar in rural Buckinghamshire, clearly have a deep understanding of the material. Its audience is the individual Christian and the church community who wish to begin to see the links between scripture and the environment and put some of the ideas into practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors are both very involved in A Rocha, the evangelical environmental NGO which began in Spain and Portugal, and each chapter begins with a personal account of visits to both A Rocha and other Christian projects. These are clearly designed to be a gentle scene-setting introduction to the more in-depth material which follows; but after several chapters, they begin to read somewhat like a US style 'informercial' with unsubtle product placement. The content of each chapter is much better, however, with the authors' scholarship coming through.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe chapters take each one of the global environmental challenges in turn and analyse clearly and succinctly the problems and their possible solutions. These are biodiversity, climate change, water, human population and consumption, energy, soil, food and development. The second part of each chapter looks at related biblical material, and this too is confidently handles. The connections made are apposite and well-drawn. For example, the climate change section leads on to look at the biblical covenants, made not just with humans, but also with the creation. Analysis of the importance of soil and its erosion and contamination is neatly linked with the biblical material on exile. They rightly criticise the traditional reading of scripture that 'God's creation is assumed to be a kind of wallpaper, his real interest being people'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRefreshingly, the authors do not shy away from any of the big issues and they are unapologetic about coming down on a particular side. So there is no concession to the nonsense of young earth creationism or US promoted dominionism, and the discussion on human population growth and development advocates the provision of widely available contraception across the globe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticularly striking and creative is the analysis of the 2008 crash, caused by excessive risk-taking and borrowing without foundation - short-term thinking which has clear parallels in environmental destruction. As they point out, 'finances are recoverable; if the ecology of the planet crashes, it would not be quickly reparable'. Fracking is another issue that is fairly debated, with both sides being given a hearing: they acknowledge the difficulty in getting impartial facts on the environmental impact, but point out the basic problem with using another source of fossil fuels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is clear analysis on the use of GM crops: Martin Hodson rightly, in my view, sees the problem as being less about the actual science of modification, about which there is much Luddite scare-mongering, and more about issues of patenting and ownership, allowing a few companies to exert a near monopoly on seed production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe recent flooding in Britain and Ireland comes of course too late for the book to analyse, but there is good discussion of the 2009 disaster in Somerset and criticism of the short term solutions being advocated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter finishes with a bible study with questions for group discussion and a brief practical 'eco-tip'. The final chapter 'A Covenant for Hope'. Looking at the eschatological material, is a call to action undergirded by a realistic hope for the future, acknowledging that much has been lost, but much still can be remedied.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are some quibbles and omissions: The authors' emphasis on the biblical material (the book is published by the Bible Reading Fellowship) means that some of the writers from the wider tradition are ignored: there is little from Teilhard de Chardin for example. The book must have been published before \u003cem\u003eLaudato Si,\u003c\/em\u003e but given the build up to the encyclical in recent months, it seems churlish to have omitted any reference to its likely significance. The 'Deep Green' movement, which sees humans as part of the creation, not separate from it, is too briefly and easily dismissed. Perhaps more seriously, it betrays its middle class English origins with little discussion of perspectives and theologies from the Global South, or indeed from eco feminist writers such as Anna Primavesi or Sallie McFague.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNevertheless, as an introduction to the issues and a 'green' reading of scripture it is a very worthwhile volume: indeed for those with no knowledge of the subject, it would be my recommendation for a place to begin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAndrew Orr\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEvangelical Times - December 2015\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEveryone says it! One of the biggest challenges the church in the rich Western world faces today is a consumerism that damages our spiritual lives, God's creation and the lives of the poor in many parts of the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is one of a growing number describing the impact our lives are having on the earth God created: how we are destroying biodiversity, producing energy in a way that is damaging our climate, using water irresponsibly, growing food in a way that threatens the soil, and creating an economic system that creates inequality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is well structured around an analysis of each of these challenges. After looking at the scientific facts, it provides biblical reflection on the issues. Each chapter ends with 'eco tips', notes for group Bible study and references for follow-up reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterspersed are personal reflections from the authors about their experiences in Spain where they spent a sabbatical writing this title. They are well qualified to write on this topic. Martin Hodson lectures on Christianity and the environment at Oxford Brookes, and has a background as a soil scientist. His wife Margot ministers among rural churches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors set themselves a tough challenge, putting scientific information, theology, action and fellowship into one book. While the mix doesn't quite come off, it is a worthy read. On the plus side, it is environmentally sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe short, readable chapters are packed full of facts about the different issues and the 'eco tips' range from the small-scale and do-able to the more thoughtful and comprehensive. Having said this, the information is sometimes presented in a rather dull and academic way. I would have liked a bit more passion!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the theological side, all the right messages are given. The backdrop is that God has made a covenant with his people to care for creation. However, the theological aspects are less well organised and harder to follow than the environmental information.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI was also disappointed that the authors did not stress that we are commanded by God to care for creation in Genesis. For me, care for creation is all about obedience. I feel that Christians need to wake up to this aspect of our discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMargot Hodson remembers, as I do, the excitement she had when reading Ronald Sider's Rich Christians in an age of hunger, a title that got Christians talking and acting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe evangelical church needs another book like that one to change our behaviour towards the environment. Although this is probably not the one, it is a sound and encouraging read for those wishing to start thinking more deeply about environmental issues in relation to their faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJames Hindson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMartin and Margot Hodson's deep commitment to the critical issues that their timely book addresses shine through each chapter. It is very comprehensive and we are all the beneficiaries of their years of educated engagement at both personal and professional levels with the challenges faced by God's good earth and so by us all.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThameshead Benefice Gloucestershire November 2015\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e"}
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A Christian Guide to Environmental Issues
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{"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":["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"}],"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"],"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"}
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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":[],"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":true,"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":null,"barcode":"Down3596"},{"id":24423795163236,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841013596","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"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"}],"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"],"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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{"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\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\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":["Oct-18"],"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"}],"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"],"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\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\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"}
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Really Useful Guides: Psalms
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Each Really Useful Guide focuses on a specific biblical book, making it come to life for the reader, enabling them...
{"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":["May-18"],"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"}],"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"],"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
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{"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":["Mar-14"],"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"}],"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"],"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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{"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":["Oct-18"],"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"}],"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"],"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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Each Really Useful Guide focuses on a specific biblical book, making it come to life for the reader, enabling them...
{"id":2439795015780,"title":"God Among the Ruins: Trust and transformation in difficult times","handle":"god-among-the-ruins-trust-and-transformation-in-difficult-times","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere do we turn when our world is falling apart?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt takes courage to hope; to stand in our confusion and grief and still to believe that 'God is not helpless among the ruins'. Guided by Habakkuk and his prophetic landmarks, we are drawn on a reflective journey through the tangled landscape of bewildered faith, through places of wrestling and waiting, and on into the growth space of deepened trust and transformation. As you read, discover for yourself the value and practice of honest prayer, of surrender, of silence and listening, and of irrepressible hoping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt's a long and winding road\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWounded ragings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt wasn't meant to be like this\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDon't just do something, sit there!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOf plastic bottles, empty tin cans and trust\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrom the back door to the barn door - and beyond\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat's in a name?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWalking with the wounded\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wonder of this book is its searing honesty. Through the lens of her own life-changing loss and learning from Habbakuk's journey through profound pain, Mags helps us see how we might come to trust the goodness of God amidst heart-rending devastation and chaos. This is gentle, biblically-rooted, and carefully crafted wisdom that faces difficult questions and emotions of suffering head on yet persists in seeking God amongst it all. This is wisdom that has been lived. I trust that many might discover this book.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Tracy Cotterell, London Institute for Contemporary Christianity \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn 9\/11 when I saw the Twin Towers in New York, one after the other, pancake to the ground in a deafening explosion of devastation and heart-wrenching tragedy, it was hard to imagine God among those ruins. When I walked beside a couple whose only child had died at 10 months on Thanksgiving Day, they found it hard to imagine a God among their ruins. When my own hopes and dreams collapsed after trying everything imaginable to keep them alive, I too struggled with finding God in the ruins. In this beautifully written book and with a careful study of Habakkuk, Duggan unfolds the story of her own journey through haunting loss to the transforming comfort of God. So if you have struggled with believing in a loving God when your own world collapses, this book will serve you well. It certainly guided and helped me. Dr.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e MaryKate Morse, professor, author and spiritual director \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf only I had had this book when I looked for help with my own experience of deep and all-pervading disappointment with God in 1983 and could find nothing written on the subject! An interaction with the words of the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk based on Mags's own devastation, it is totally authentic in declaring the pain each of them went through and the ways in which they related to God in and through it. It is totally practical as well in offering guidance through activities that help one to recognise one's own difficulties and bring them before God. And, through it all, no matter how horrible the circumstances and the experience, Emmanuel, the God who is with us. It is wonderful to have such a resource available to those who are going through pain and anger with God.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Dr Colin Bulley, Pioneers UK, Member Care Consultant, Spiritual Director \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI was eagerly anticipating the release of 'God Among The Ruins', having sat under Mags Duggan's teaching on a number of occasions, and I was not disappointed. Although the book was birthed in the author's own journey of suffering, that does not become the main focus. Each chapter gently and compassionately brings the reader to God Himself through the faith journey of Habakkuk. Mags has not avoided the problems that suffering brings, nor has she offered trite answers where there are none. Rather she helps us learn to walk with the questions as we move towards God. The practical reflections suggested at the end of each chapter are so helpful for readers wanting to apply the truths they are encountering. So helpful. So good.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Valerie Murphy, Coordinator of Women's Bible Teaching Ministry, Crescent Church Belfast, Retreat Leader, Bible Teacher \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncisively yet simply written, there are lessons for us all, not just those who have suffered grief or earthquake.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Revd Canon Dr Steve Davie, Principal of the Bradford Hub of the Leeds School of Ministry \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags Duggan has worked with the Navigators for 35 years, many of these as a cross-cultural missionary in East Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan. More recently, she was on the faculty of Redcliffe College, Gloucester, where she lectured in two areas she is passionate about: Spiritual Formation and Soul Care. Currently, she is engaged in providing spiritual nurture and pastoral care to a diverse group of cross-cultural missionaries and ministry leaders, both here in the UK and around the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Winter 2018. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an honest and moving book, with a message for everyone who has struggled or suffered. It is based on the book of Habakkuk, whose short prophecy tells of the prophet's despair, questioning and wrestling with God, and emergence as a wiser, more peaceful person. Duggan tells her own story of despair, questioning, wrestling and her emergence as a wiser, more peaceful person. God Among the Ruins is honest and gently emotive. It is not intended to be a happy story, but it is a tremendously encouraging one. Duggan's chapter on 'Walking with the wounded' is particularly moving. The writing is warm and compelling. It could suit a home group as well as an individual. Each chapter contains simple but practical suggestions to help the reader put the message into practice. It is a book of hope, which nearly everyone would benefit from. I recommend it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e_____________________________________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Baptist Times, August 2018. Reviewed by David Stuckey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I was a lot younger my mum gave me her copy of God in The Slums written by Hugh Redwood in the 1930s. It was not an easy read for a young lad but I have revisited it several times in the intervening years and have come to appreciate its sincerity and its poignancy. It told of finding God's presence in unlikely places, in the midst of trial and tribulation, and at times it could be an achingly poignant read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have come across few accounts of loss and despair over the years to come close to Redwood's image of abiding faith - until now. Mags Duggan has similarly identified God's goodness and guidance in times of trial and torment. 'Trust and transformation in difficult times,' she suggests, as her opening reflection in God Among the Ruins repeats familiar words from Habakkuk: 'Even though ... even here ... Emmanuel'. At times when God seemed distant, when crops failed, when death and devastation abounded, Habakkuk was able to declare 'Yet I will rejoice'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags gives her readers an achingly personal reflection of coming to terms with the death of her young niece from cancer, and those words she found which resonated with her in these circumstances came from another who clung to his faith in God in harrowing circumstances. The words of Eric Liddell, the Olympic runner and missionary who died in a Japanese prisoner of war camp came to her, 'sparking the hope of healing and new life,' she writes. Liddell had declared 'Circumstances may appear to wreck our lives and God's plans, but God is not helpless among the ruins.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book to savour, to dip into for comfort and support, to reflect on personal circumstances and to appreciate the rewards of faith and Christian support. And having unwrapped and dissected Habakkuk in many helpful and meaningful ways, the author then reveals that she too was diagnosed with breast cancer on the day she submitted the manuscript for publication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book to make you weep and wonder, as it gives the reader fresh insight not only into living with cancer but also submitting one's life into the caring arms of the Almighty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDavid Stuckey is a journalist and member of Maghull Baptist Church, Merseyside\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e_____________________________________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Mike Treneer, International President Emeritus, The Navigators (8 March 2018)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are many reasons to commend Mags Duggan's beautifully written book 'God Among the Ruins'! I will mention just three:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis meditation on the Old Testament book of Habakkuk in the light of Mags' own experience of grief for her niece, powerfully brings Bible and life together in ways that help us to understand both.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags combines profound insights into some of life's most challenging questions with simple practical suggestions for growing in our relationship with God through them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile Mags opens up her own process of grief, she helpfully illustrates and guides us in how we too can 'comfort others with the comfort we too have received from God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Mike Treneer, International President Emeritus, The Navigators.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_____________________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:29+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:31+00:00","vendor":"Mags Duggan","type":"Paperback","tags":["Feb-18"],"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":21769678848100,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465757","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"God Among the Ruins: Trust and transformation in difficult times - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":162,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465757"}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465757-l.jpg?v=1549043139"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465757-l.jpg?v=1549043139","options":["Format"],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere do we turn when our world is falling apart?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt takes courage to hope; to stand in our confusion and grief and still to believe that 'God is not helpless among the ruins'. Guided by Habakkuk and his prophetic landmarks, we are drawn on a reflective journey through the tangled landscape of bewildered faith, through places of wrestling and waiting, and on into the growth space of deepened trust and transformation. As you read, discover for yourself the value and practice of honest prayer, of surrender, of silence and listening, and of irrepressible hoping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt's a long and winding road\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWounded ragings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt wasn't meant to be like this\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDon't just do something, sit there!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOf plastic bottles, empty tin cans and trust\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrom the back door to the barn door - and beyond\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat's in a name?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWalking with the wounded\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wonder of this book is its searing honesty. Through the lens of her own life-changing loss and learning from Habbakuk's journey through profound pain, Mags helps us see how we might come to trust the goodness of God amidst heart-rending devastation and chaos. This is gentle, biblically-rooted, and carefully crafted wisdom that faces difficult questions and emotions of suffering head on yet persists in seeking God amongst it all. This is wisdom that has been lived. I trust that many might discover this book.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Tracy Cotterell, London Institute for Contemporary Christianity \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn 9\/11 when I saw the Twin Towers in New York, one after the other, pancake to the ground in a deafening explosion of devastation and heart-wrenching tragedy, it was hard to imagine God among those ruins. When I walked beside a couple whose only child had died at 10 months on Thanksgiving Day, they found it hard to imagine a God among their ruins. When my own hopes and dreams collapsed after trying everything imaginable to keep them alive, I too struggled with finding God in the ruins. In this beautifully written book and with a careful study of Habakkuk, Duggan unfolds the story of her own journey through haunting loss to the transforming comfort of God. So if you have struggled with believing in a loving God when your own world collapses, this book will serve you well. It certainly guided and helped me. Dr.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e MaryKate Morse, professor, author and spiritual director \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf only I had had this book when I looked for help with my own experience of deep and all-pervading disappointment with God in 1983 and could find nothing written on the subject! An interaction with the words of the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk based on Mags's own devastation, it is totally authentic in declaring the pain each of them went through and the ways in which they related to God in and through it. It is totally practical as well in offering guidance through activities that help one to recognise one's own difficulties and bring them before God. And, through it all, no matter how horrible the circumstances and the experience, Emmanuel, the God who is with us. It is wonderful to have such a resource available to those who are going through pain and anger with God.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Dr Colin Bulley, Pioneers UK, Member Care Consultant, Spiritual Director \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI was eagerly anticipating the release of 'God Among The Ruins', having sat under Mags Duggan's teaching on a number of occasions, and I was not disappointed. Although the book was birthed in the author's own journey of suffering, that does not become the main focus. Each chapter gently and compassionately brings the reader to God Himself through the faith journey of Habakkuk. Mags has not avoided the problems that suffering brings, nor has she offered trite answers where there are none. Rather she helps us learn to walk with the questions as we move towards God. The practical reflections suggested at the end of each chapter are so helpful for readers wanting to apply the truths they are encountering. So helpful. So good.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Valerie Murphy, Coordinator of Women's Bible Teaching Ministry, Crescent Church Belfast, Retreat Leader, Bible Teacher \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncisively yet simply written, there are lessons for us all, not just those who have suffered grief or earthquake.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Revd Canon Dr Steve Davie, Principal of the Bradford Hub of the Leeds School of Ministry \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags Duggan has worked with the Navigators for 35 years, many of these as a cross-cultural missionary in East Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan. More recently, she was on the faculty of Redcliffe College, Gloucester, where she lectured in two areas she is passionate about: Spiritual Formation and Soul Care. Currently, she is engaged in providing spiritual nurture and pastoral care to a diverse group of cross-cultural missionaries and ministry leaders, both here in the UK and around the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Winter 2018. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an honest and moving book, with a message for everyone who has struggled or suffered. It is based on the book of Habakkuk, whose short prophecy tells of the prophet's despair, questioning and wrestling with God, and emergence as a wiser, more peaceful person. Duggan tells her own story of despair, questioning, wrestling and her emergence as a wiser, more peaceful person. God Among the Ruins is honest and gently emotive. It is not intended to be a happy story, but it is a tremendously encouraging one. Duggan's chapter on 'Walking with the wounded' is particularly moving. The writing is warm and compelling. It could suit a home group as well as an individual. Each chapter contains simple but practical suggestions to help the reader put the message into practice. It is a book of hope, which nearly everyone would benefit from. I recommend it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e_____________________________________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Baptist Times, August 2018. Reviewed by David Stuckey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I was a lot younger my mum gave me her copy of God in The Slums written by Hugh Redwood in the 1930s. It was not an easy read for a young lad but I have revisited it several times in the intervening years and have come to appreciate its sincerity and its poignancy. It told of finding God's presence in unlikely places, in the midst of trial and tribulation, and at times it could be an achingly poignant read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have come across few accounts of loss and despair over the years to come close to Redwood's image of abiding faith - until now. Mags Duggan has similarly identified God's goodness and guidance in times of trial and torment. 'Trust and transformation in difficult times,' she suggests, as her opening reflection in God Among the Ruins repeats familiar words from Habakkuk: 'Even though ... even here ... Emmanuel'. At times when God seemed distant, when crops failed, when death and devastation abounded, Habakkuk was able to declare 'Yet I will rejoice'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags gives her readers an achingly personal reflection of coming to terms with the death of her young niece from cancer, and those words she found which resonated with her in these circumstances came from another who clung to his faith in God in harrowing circumstances. The words of Eric Liddell, the Olympic runner and missionary who died in a Japanese prisoner of war camp came to her, 'sparking the hope of healing and new life,' she writes. Liddell had declared 'Circumstances may appear to wreck our lives and God's plans, but God is not helpless among the ruins.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book to savour, to dip into for comfort and support, to reflect on personal circumstances and to appreciate the rewards of faith and Christian support. And having unwrapped and dissected Habakkuk in many helpful and meaningful ways, the author then reveals that she too was diagnosed with breast cancer on the day she submitted the manuscript for publication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book to make you weep and wonder, as it gives the reader fresh insight not only into living with cancer but also submitting one's life into the caring arms of the Almighty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDavid Stuckey is a journalist and member of Maghull Baptist Church, Merseyside\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e_____________________________________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Mike Treneer, International President Emeritus, The Navigators (8 March 2018)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are many reasons to commend Mags Duggan's beautifully written book 'God Among the Ruins'! I will mention just three:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis meditation on the Old Testament book of Habakkuk in the light of Mags' own experience of grief for her niece, powerfully brings Bible and life together in ways that help us to understand both.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags combines profound insights into some of life's most challenging questions with simple practical suggestions for growing in our relationship with God through them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile Mags opens up her own process of grief, she helpfully illustrates and guides us in how we too can 'comfort others with the comfort we too have received from God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Mike Treneer, International President Emeritus, The Navigators.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_____________________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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God Among the Ruins: Trust and transformation in difficult times
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Where do we turn when our world is falling apart? It takes courage to hope; to stand in our confusion...
{"id":2439751630948,"title":"Deep Calls to Deep: Spiritual formation in the hard places of life","handle":"deep-calls-to-deep-spiritual-formation-in-the-hard-places-of-life","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs there a positive purpose to suffering?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eHow many times have you heard that question? \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAnd how many times have you felt that the answers are too simple - perhaps even naive? \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBut what if suffering actually has a positive purpose? \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhat if suffering is the only state in which humans stand empty enough before God to learn and grow?\r\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePopular author and retreat leader Tony Horsfall turns his attention in his latest book \u003cstrong\u003eDeep calls to Deep\u003c\/strong\u003e, to the raw pain and honesty of suffering found in the Psalms of Lament, psalms that show the psalmist daring to be real and straight with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThese 'sad songs' make up nearly a third of all the psalms and yet they are mostly neglected by the church today. Much of our spirituality is geared toward relieving our pain and finding ways to ensure happiness, success and well-being... Anything that contradicts this rosy picture of cheerful certainty is ignored, denied or avoided... Yet struggle and challenge are necessary for authentic spiritual growth. The reality is that God sometimes does lead us down difficult paths as he seeks to draw us closer to himself and form his life within us. Far from being an invalid expression of the Christian life, suffering may well be an inescapable part of the journey of knowing God more intimately.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eTony shapes his work by using the process pioneered by Old Testament scholar Walter Brueggemann, of orientation - disorientation - new orientation. \r\n\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBrueggemann's approach regards the Psalms as a whole as wrestling with the answers to two key questions:\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhy do the unrighteous seem to prosper and the righteous suffer?\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eHow can Israel be defeated, given that God has chosen Jerusalem and made a covenant with David?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThey speak, as a result, to the eternal human struggle over where our allegiance lies, who is in control of our lives and whether or not we truly believe that God is sovereign.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBrueggemann's scheme identifies psalms that reflect these movements in the life of faith and the seasons of life they represent: seasons of well-being when everything is smooth and we can see that God is in control (orientation); seasons of hurt, alienation, suffering and death when we feel anger and resentment towards God, expressed in the cry of lament (disorientation); and seasons of surprise when joy breaks through the despair, and light replaces the darkness (reorientation). This movement between the seasons is transformational, though never easy and always involving pain and surprise.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eTony selects psalms that develops Brueggemann's process showing how the Psalmist can guide our present-day spiritual formation. Psalm 145 is used to describe the settled situation of orientation. He then considers four psalms that describe different types of disorientation (Psalms 130, 42, 43 and 69). Finally he explores Psalm 30, a prayer written from the perspective of reorientation, where lessons have been learned and the blessing of God has been clearly distinguished from the God of the blessings. A liberating place where the psalmist has accepted and embraced the fact that God is beyond our comprehension and that it is all right to live without having an answer for everything. He now trusts God to be God, recognising that to understand with the heart of trust is better than to understand with the mind. Only this place of understanding will deliver a surge of resurrection life. \r\n\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eUnderstanding the life - death - resurrection principle will mean that we are not taken by surprise when we find ourselves in a period of disorientation. Rather, we will have an inkling of what God is about and may be better equipped to come through these times as stronger people, more Christ-like and more effective in our service for God.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.aslanchristianbooks.co.uk\/finding-hope-in-the-psalms\/\" alt=\"Interview with Tony Horsfall with Aslan Christian Books\"\u003eInterview with Tony Horsfall\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview from the Methodist Recorder 17 July 2015\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn this short book, Tony Horsfall, a Yorkshire-based 'international freelance trainer and retreat leader', examines the book of Psalms with a view to helping readers to recognise the place of 'the depths' in our own journeys. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe book begins with two introductory chapters, which provide an accessible beginning for anyone, placing the psalms in their biblical and emotional context. The reader is reminded that here we are dealing with poetry, not doctrine, yet it is poetry which seeks to address two critical doctrinal questions - 'Why do the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer?' and 'How can God's chosen people experience defeat?' \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAny attempt to systematise poetry is bound to be inadequate, but within the third chapter I found the summary of Brueggeman's analysis of the book of Psalms very helpful. He classifies each psalm as either a song of orientation, a song of disorientation or a song of reorientation. Horsfall takes up these terms for the remainder of the book. most of which is devoted to detailed studies of six psalms, one representing the songs of orientation, four examples of songs of disorientation and finally one song of reorientation (Psalm 30). \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn the first of these (Psalm 145), which he subtitles 'An alphabet of praise', the author says: 'It describes what we might call the 'normal' experience of God's people when they live under his bountiful care and protection and life is good and as it should be.' \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the foundation of the book, that most of the time most people are experiencing the goodness of God in straightforward blessing. If that is not your experience, you may find the book's approach irritating. Moving on to the chapters on disorientation (Psalms 130, 42\/43, 69 and 88), there are some powerful quotations from other writers and some valuable initial thinking about what may be the 'treasures of darkness' (Isaiah 45. 3). The chapter on Psalm 88, one of the darkest psalms of Scripture, is particularly searching.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eEven here, though, I found it difficult to swallow the author's conviction that we are 'led' into such times of trial for the express purpose of deepening our walk with God; readers will have their own theological stance on the purpose of suffering and I recognise that many will identify with the sentiments expressed in the book. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBetween these study chapters, personal testimonies are included. These touch upon the depths of sorrow and depression which may be experienced as a result of divorce, childlessness, chronic illness, disability and bereavement. Probably because the author is keen to demonstrate that hard times ultimately benefit us, each of these stories ends on a hopeful note, but many do contain accounts of the ongoing raw pain and hopelessness which is, I believe, the real experience of many. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOf course, it is an almost impossible challenge to write about 'spiritual formation in hard places': if you are in those hard places as you write, you will probably not be able to say anything at all; if you are not, your words may sound glib to someone who is. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhile there is much here that is helpful (the questions for group discussion are particularly well-worded), I think those who are themselves in the depths would find this does not go deep enough. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Jill Baker, local preacher in the Thames Valley circuit.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the Church of England Newspaper April 2015\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDeep Calls to Deep is a run through the Psalms and a look at how they can help us in hard places of life. It begins with some solid stuff on how psalms are constructed and how they work. It moves on to looking at specific Psalms in detail and how they can help us in tough times. This isn't a self-help book, but it is a very valuable contribution to the subject. If you have a friend going through tough times or are in a trough then this will do no harm at all.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Steve Morris\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003cp\u003eI have enjoyed the psalms for 30 years, since I sang them as a teenager, with Ian White who had put them to modern music. But this book by Tony Horsfall has opened up a new world of understanding to me, and helped me to appreciate the psalms in a fresh way.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eI don't remember singing the gruesome bits of psalms. Tony Horsfall does not ignore the difficult parts. He explains that the psalms are poetry, not doctrine, and he guides us through seven of these poems. After each, Tony shares a true testimony from someone, which relates to the psalm. These are moving and honest accounts of coping with grief; divorce; depression; chronic illness; childlessness, and the suffering of a child. The psalms have something to say to those who are struggling.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs a psychologist reading this book, I have discovered new insights which I have already started to share with some of the people who consult me. This book contains something for all of us. The excellent discussion questions can facilitate individual reflection or honest, helpful discussion in a group. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Dr Debbie Hawker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 15 January 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTony Horsfall's book, also aimed at the general reader, is focused on the ways in which psalms may help us see how God is at work in 'the hard places of life', longing to shape the mystery of our unfolding lives. Only when we are out of our depth, he claims, will we learn true dependency on God; and only when we have lost our way can we find the path of our own journey with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAfter three preliminary chapters to help the beginner understand psalms, the book of the psalms, and psalms of lament, Horsfall offers reflections on a selection of those psalms that contain the phrase 'out of the depths'. Interspersed are true personal stories that give a contemporary human face to the message of the book.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDeep Calls to Deep\u003c\/em\u003e is a useful study book for individuals or groups. It ends with questions for discussion on each of the chapters, a classification of various psalms, and a helpful bibliography.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanon Bruce Duncan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:45+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:47+00:00","vendor":"Tony Horsfall","type":"Paperback","tags":["Feb-15"],"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":21769098166372,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841017310","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Deep Calls to Deep: Spiritual formation in the hard places of life - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":116,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841017310"}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781841017310-l.jpg?v=1549043171"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781841017310-l.jpg?v=1549043171","options":["Format"],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs there a positive purpose to suffering?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eHow many times have you heard that question? \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAnd how many times have you felt that the answers are too simple - perhaps even naive? \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBut what if suffering actually has a positive purpose? \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhat if suffering is the only state in which humans stand empty enough before God to learn and grow?\r\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePopular author and retreat leader Tony Horsfall turns his attention in his latest book \u003cstrong\u003eDeep calls to Deep\u003c\/strong\u003e, to the raw pain and honesty of suffering found in the Psalms of Lament, psalms that show the psalmist daring to be real and straight with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThese 'sad songs' make up nearly a third of all the psalms and yet they are mostly neglected by the church today. Much of our spirituality is geared toward relieving our pain and finding ways to ensure happiness, success and well-being... Anything that contradicts this rosy picture of cheerful certainty is ignored, denied or avoided... Yet struggle and challenge are necessary for authentic spiritual growth. The reality is that God sometimes does lead us down difficult paths as he seeks to draw us closer to himself and form his life within us. Far from being an invalid expression of the Christian life, suffering may well be an inescapable part of the journey of knowing God more intimately.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eTony shapes his work by using the process pioneered by Old Testament scholar Walter Brueggemann, of orientation - disorientation - new orientation. \r\n\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBrueggemann's approach regards the Psalms as a whole as wrestling with the answers to two key questions:\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhy do the unrighteous seem to prosper and the righteous suffer?\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eHow can Israel be defeated, given that God has chosen Jerusalem and made a covenant with David?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThey speak, as a result, to the eternal human struggle over where our allegiance lies, who is in control of our lives and whether or not we truly believe that God is sovereign.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBrueggemann's scheme identifies psalms that reflect these movements in the life of faith and the seasons of life they represent: seasons of well-being when everything is smooth and we can see that God is in control (orientation); seasons of hurt, alienation, suffering and death when we feel anger and resentment towards God, expressed in the cry of lament (disorientation); and seasons of surprise when joy breaks through the despair, and light replaces the darkness (reorientation). This movement between the seasons is transformational, though never easy and always involving pain and surprise.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eTony selects psalms that develops Brueggemann's process showing how the Psalmist can guide our present-day spiritual formation. Psalm 145 is used to describe the settled situation of orientation. He then considers four psalms that describe different types of disorientation (Psalms 130, 42, 43 and 69). Finally he explores Psalm 30, a prayer written from the perspective of reorientation, where lessons have been learned and the blessing of God has been clearly distinguished from the God of the blessings. A liberating place where the psalmist has accepted and embraced the fact that God is beyond our comprehension and that it is all right to live without having an answer for everything. He now trusts God to be God, recognising that to understand with the heart of trust is better than to understand with the mind. Only this place of understanding will deliver a surge of resurrection life. \r\n\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eUnderstanding the life - death - resurrection principle will mean that we are not taken by surprise when we find ourselves in a period of disorientation. Rather, we will have an inkling of what God is about and may be better equipped to come through these times as stronger people, more Christ-like and more effective in our service for God.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.aslanchristianbooks.co.uk\/finding-hope-in-the-psalms\/\" alt=\"Interview with Tony Horsfall with Aslan Christian Books\"\u003eInterview with Tony Horsfall\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview from the Methodist Recorder 17 July 2015\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn this short book, Tony Horsfall, a Yorkshire-based 'international freelance trainer and retreat leader', examines the book of Psalms with a view to helping readers to recognise the place of 'the depths' in our own journeys. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe book begins with two introductory chapters, which provide an accessible beginning for anyone, placing the psalms in their biblical and emotional context. The reader is reminded that here we are dealing with poetry, not doctrine, yet it is poetry which seeks to address two critical doctrinal questions - 'Why do the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer?' and 'How can God's chosen people experience defeat?' \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAny attempt to systematise poetry is bound to be inadequate, but within the third chapter I found the summary of Brueggeman's analysis of the book of Psalms very helpful. He classifies each psalm as either a song of orientation, a song of disorientation or a song of reorientation. Horsfall takes up these terms for the remainder of the book. most of which is devoted to detailed studies of six psalms, one representing the songs of orientation, four examples of songs of disorientation and finally one song of reorientation (Psalm 30). \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn the first of these (Psalm 145), which he subtitles 'An alphabet of praise', the author says: 'It describes what we might call the 'normal' experience of God's people when they live under his bountiful care and protection and life is good and as it should be.' \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the foundation of the book, that most of the time most people are experiencing the goodness of God in straightforward blessing. If that is not your experience, you may find the book's approach irritating. Moving on to the chapters on disorientation (Psalms 130, 42\/43, 69 and 88), there are some powerful quotations from other writers and some valuable initial thinking about what may be the 'treasures of darkness' (Isaiah 45. 3). The chapter on Psalm 88, one of the darkest psalms of Scripture, is particularly searching.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eEven here, though, I found it difficult to swallow the author's conviction that we are 'led' into such times of trial for the express purpose of deepening our walk with God; readers will have their own theological stance on the purpose of suffering and I recognise that many will identify with the sentiments expressed in the book. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBetween these study chapters, personal testimonies are included. These touch upon the depths of sorrow and depression which may be experienced as a result of divorce, childlessness, chronic illness, disability and bereavement. Probably because the author is keen to demonstrate that hard times ultimately benefit us, each of these stories ends on a hopeful note, but many do contain accounts of the ongoing raw pain and hopelessness which is, I believe, the real experience of many. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOf course, it is an almost impossible challenge to write about 'spiritual formation in hard places': if you are in those hard places as you write, you will probably not be able to say anything at all; if you are not, your words may sound glib to someone who is. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhile there is much here that is helpful (the questions for group discussion are particularly well-worded), I think those who are themselves in the depths would find this does not go deep enough. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Jill Baker, local preacher in the Thames Valley circuit.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the Church of England Newspaper April 2015\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDeep Calls to Deep is a run through the Psalms and a look at how they can help us in hard places of life. It begins with some solid stuff on how psalms are constructed and how they work. It moves on to looking at specific Psalms in detail and how they can help us in tough times. This isn't a self-help book, but it is a very valuable contribution to the subject. If you have a friend going through tough times or are in a trough then this will do no harm at all.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Steve Morris\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003cp\u003eI have enjoyed the psalms for 30 years, since I sang them as a teenager, with Ian White who had put them to modern music. But this book by Tony Horsfall has opened up a new world of understanding to me, and helped me to appreciate the psalms in a fresh way.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eI don't remember singing the gruesome bits of psalms. Tony Horsfall does not ignore the difficult parts. He explains that the psalms are poetry, not doctrine, and he guides us through seven of these poems. After each, Tony shares a true testimony from someone, which relates to the psalm. These are moving and honest accounts of coping with grief; divorce; depression; chronic illness; childlessness, and the suffering of a child. The psalms have something to say to those who are struggling.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs a psychologist reading this book, I have discovered new insights which I have already started to share with some of the people who consult me. This book contains something for all of us. The excellent discussion questions can facilitate individual reflection or honest, helpful discussion in a group. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Dr Debbie Hawker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 15 January 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTony Horsfall's book, also aimed at the general reader, is focused on the ways in which psalms may help us see how God is at work in 'the hard places of life', longing to shape the mystery of our unfolding lives. Only when we are out of our depth, he claims, will we learn true dependency on God; and only when we have lost our way can we find the path of our own journey with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAfter three preliminary chapters to help the beginner understand psalms, the book of the psalms, and psalms of lament, Horsfall offers reflections on a selection of those psalms that contain the phrase 'out of the depths'. Interspersed are true personal stories that give a contemporary human face to the message of the book.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDeep Calls to Deep\u003c\/em\u003e is a useful study book for individuals or groups. It ends with questions for discussion on each of the chapters, a classification of various psalms, and a helpful bibliography.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanon Bruce Duncan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\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":["Jun-15"],"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"}],"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"],"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
£9.99
Do you know who wrote Mark's Gospel? At first glance, it may seem a ridiculous question. 'Mark, of course!' I...
{"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-1","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\nTony 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.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\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\u003cstrong\u003eRona Orme. Children's Missioner Diocese of Peterborough\u003c\/strong\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\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Rev'd Dr Johnny Douglas\u003c\/strong\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\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Andrew Dotchin - March 2013\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-04-09T12:02:28+01:00","created_at":"2019-04-09T12:02:28+01:00","vendor":"Tony Horsfall","type":"Paperback","tags":["Jun-19"],"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":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":799,"weight":188,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857468864"}],"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"],"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\nTony 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.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\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\u003cstrong\u003eRona Orme. Children's Missioner Diocese of Peterborough\u003c\/strong\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\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Rev'd Dr Johnny Douglas\u003c\/strong\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\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Andrew Dotchin - March 2013\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Servanthood is something to which all believers are called, not just those in full-time ministry, and so understanding what servanthood...
{"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. Steve Brady, Moorlands College\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nTony 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.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\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":["Jun-19"],"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":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":699,"weight":141,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857468840"}],"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"],"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. Steve Brady, Moorlands College\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nTony 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.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\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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{"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","published_at":"2019-04-08T11:28:18+01:00","created_at":"2019-04-08T11:30:41+01:00","vendor":"Robert Willoughby","type":"Paperback","tags":["Oct-19"],"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":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":699,"weight":104,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857467515"}],"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"],"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"}
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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 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 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","published_at":"2019-04-08T11:23:39+01:00","created_at":"2019-04-08T11:26:37+01:00","vendor":"Rebecca Watson","type":"Paperback","tags":["Oct-19"],"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":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":699,"weight":104,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857467911"}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857467911-l.jpg?v=1554719201"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857467911-l.jpg?v=1554719201","options":["Title"],"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 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 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"}
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{"id":2439768834148,"title":"The Word was God: Short reflections for Advent","handle":"the-word-was-god-short-reflections-for-advent","description":"\u003cp\u003eHere is a gentle way of walking through the busy days leading up to Christmas.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHere is encouragement to slow down and savour the words of one of the best-loved of seasonal Bible readings.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHere is refreshment for heart and soul as well as inspiration for sharing the Good News of Jesus' birth with others.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/N09i5h9s0zg\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nAndy John has been Bishop of Bangor since 2008 and is a contributor to New Daylight. He has a particular interest in the relationship between the gospel and culture (especially art and music).\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book offers very brief reflections on the opening of John's Gospel for every day from 1 December to Christmas Eve. Not too many words, well chosen and thought provoking but will also lead beyond words I think. The simple, uncluttered presentation with only a line or so per page and the meditative style of the book will appeal to many.\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJulian meetings website Gail Ballinger. December 2015\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bishop of Bangor, the Right Revd Andy John, has published a small book for Advent.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eEntitled \u003cem\u003eThe Word was God\u003c\/em\u003e, Bishop Andy leads the reader through the Prologue to St. John's Gospel (John 1.1-18). He invites the reader to ponder on one sentence each day through the Advent season.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eReviewing Bishop Andy's book, the Spirituality Officer for the Diocese of Bangor - the Revd Janet Fletcher, said, 'It is a small book with few words. Yet, these few words bring to the reader the mystery of the Incarnation. With these few words there is an invitation to sit quietly and look into the depth of God's love brought to us in the Word, Jesus Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eEach day offers new insight with a prayer or question to ponder over.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eEach daily reflection could be read several times through the day, or could be used as a stilling prayer before praying the daily office, or the Diocesan Advent booklet 'To the ... Manger'.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBishop Andy, in the simplicity of a few words, will take all who pray through this book into the heart of Advent and Christmas. We will find ourselves drawn more deeply to God and pray 'so grow within us hearts that beat with your compassion.' (page 55)\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Janet Fletcher, Diocese of Bangor - October 2015\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:44+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:45+00:00","vendor":"Andrew John","type":"Paperback","tags":["Sep-15"],"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":21769307619428,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857464248","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Word was God: Short reflections for Advent - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":699,"weight":91,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857464248"}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857464248-l.jpg?v=1549043160"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857464248-l.jpg?v=1549043160","options":["Format"],"content":"\u003cp\u003eHere is a gentle way of walking through the busy days leading up to Christmas.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHere is encouragement to slow down and savour the words of one of the best-loved of seasonal Bible readings.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHere is refreshment for heart and soul as well as inspiration for sharing the Good News of Jesus' birth with others.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/N09i5h9s0zg\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nAndy John has been Bishop of Bangor since 2008 and is a contributor to New Daylight. He has a particular interest in the relationship between the gospel and culture (especially art and music).\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book offers very brief reflections on the opening of John's Gospel for every day from 1 December to Christmas Eve. Not too many words, well chosen and thought provoking but will also lead beyond words I think. The simple, uncluttered presentation with only a line or so per page and the meditative style of the book will appeal to many.\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJulian meetings website Gail Ballinger. December 2015\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bishop of Bangor, the Right Revd Andy John, has published a small book for Advent.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eEntitled \u003cem\u003eThe Word was God\u003c\/em\u003e, Bishop Andy leads the reader through the Prologue to St. John's Gospel (John 1.1-18). He invites the reader to ponder on one sentence each day through the Advent season.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eReviewing Bishop Andy's book, the Spirituality Officer for the Diocese of Bangor - the Revd Janet Fletcher, said, 'It is a small book with few words. Yet, these few words bring to the reader the mystery of the Incarnation. With these few words there is an invitation to sit quietly and look into the depth of God's love brought to us in the Word, Jesus Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eEach day offers new insight with a prayer or question to ponder over.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eEach daily reflection could be read several times through the day, or could be used as a stilling prayer before praying the daily office, or the Diocesan Advent booklet 'To the ... Manger'.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBishop Andy, in the simplicity of a few words, will take all who pray through this book into the heart of Advent and Christmas. We will find ourselves drawn more deeply to God and pray 'so grow within us hearts that beat with your compassion.' (page 55)\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Janet Fletcher, Diocese of Bangor - October 2015\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e"}
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The Word was God: Short reflections for Advent
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