Christian Focus

One Thing

Developing a Passion for the Beauty of God

Sam Storms

"This book will waken your heart to the treasure of Christ who is in the image of the Beauty of God. This is a mind expanding book. He gives content to our fuzzy notion of infinity and helps us the scientific layman to grasp how the immense scale and complexity of our universe declare the glory of God. Thank you Sam Storms, reading your book has changed me. What more can I say?

Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People

Biblical Look at the problem of suffering

Melvin Tinker

"...not only an apologetic and a pastoral help but also puts the reader into immediate contact with Job and the Psalmists as they struggle with the issues for real. The book is a deceptively easy read, written in an everyday style with biblical and contemporary illustrations. It is well worth a read."

New Life in the Wasteland

2 Corinthians on the Cost and Glory of Christian Ministry

Douglas F. Kelly

"The book is written in a simple, straight-forward style, without the use of technical terms. It is rich in vivid illustrations and is easy to read."

Wisdom From Heaven

The Message of the Letter of James for today

Derek Tidball

'The book is suitable for any Christian who wants to take a careful look at James's letter. The author's style is straightforward and friends, with generous use of illustration, but not superficial.'

More Miracles from Mayhem

The Continuing Story of May Nicholson and the Preshal Trust

Irene Howat and May Nicholson

"This easy to read book will doeart good! It is full of real life stories of people who go in and out of Preschal, a Christian project in Linthouse, a deprived area of Glasgow..it will remind you of the reason Jesus came and give you cause to rejoice in the fact that our Lord Jesus is alive and at work today."

Glory in the Glen

A History of Evangelical Revivals in Scotland 1880–1940

Tom Lennie

The Christian Church is much indebted to Tom Lennie for the years of patient research that must have gone into compiling such a record. Packed with first-hand accounts from eye witnesses, testimonies from those deeply affected, and newspaper reports, Lennie's material is well documented and authentic. He describes localised works of God, many in out-of-the-way places from Galloway in south to the Orkneys in the North, from Lewis in the West to the East coast...the main thrust of this thrilling account can only leave us all with longing hearts and a desire to see such works of God again in our day.

Systematic Theology (Volume 1)

Grounded in Holy Scripture and understood in light of the Church

Douglas F. Kelly

"This is the fruit of decades of research, thought and teaching. Kelly's procedure is entirely sound; Scripture is his basis, the primary authority, but he engages throughout the past teaching of the church.. In this he follows in the footsteps of Calvin and the Westminster and the Westminster Assembly. His breadth of coverage is wide."

Joseph

The Hidden Hand of God

"Taking care to retell Joseph's story as originally set out by the divine author, this book is a gripping read. But, of course, it is so much more than that. It is very encouraging to read from his real-life drama, how God achieved his purpose by using members of a highly dysfunctional family..This book is easily accessible to someone with little or no biblical knowledge, and is also stimulating to others who have travelled this way many times before."

Digging Ditches

The Latest Chapter of an Inspirational Life

Helen Roseveare

'Thousands have been mobilised to serve, to give and pray, because of Helen Roseveare's ministry. I have already lent my copy of this book to a friend, and ordered stocks for the church bookstall.'

Wisdom to Live By

Living Biblically in a Complex World

Melvin Tinker

What a joy to read a book so full of biblical wisdom! Melvin Tinker, a vicar from Hull, has done us a treat in expounding various Bible passages and applying them to contemporary issues such as abortion, euthanasia, education, self-worth, time, marriage and parenting. The book demonstrates that to live according to God's pattern as laid down in Scripture is the very best and truest way to live. Each chapter is based on one or more biblical passages, beginning with an explanation that God must be at the centre of all of life.

The exposition from Psalm 139 on the sanctity of life and moral absolutes is really full of good insights, and the chapter dealing with our self-image and self-worth is first-class material. However, I did wonder why there was a chapter on spiritual warfare, and a extract from a previous book by the author.

But as a working pastor (!) I found some splendid quotes, lots of great exposition, and really helpful application. This is well worth a read and study for small group leaders, pastors and all thinking Christians.

The Diamond Marriage

Have Ultimate purpose in your marriage

Simon Vibert

"With endless reports on divorce rates, it is heartening to read a book which seeks to raise our sights - to appreciate the great purposes of God in our marriages, to understand how God first created marriage and to see how he will bring it to completion in heaven. A book to be bought, read and lent."

Candles in the Darkness

Jim Eldergill

"These are stimulating testimonies from men and women who found Christ and the lived by faith in the God of the Bible. They are short and to the point, and I found them a healthy balance to the Bible Study - here because the Word comes alive in the lives of people with very different backgrounds...The book spotlights the important work Scripture Readers undertaken at home and abroad. Compelling reading - thoroughly recommended."

Proverbs

Everyday Wisdom for Everyone

Eric Lane

"Here is a book which is orthodox, evangelical and reformed. It is characterised throughout by a profound sense of seriousness - manifestly written from a depth of personal experience and written not simply to inform the mind but to transform life... useful material for discussion and for study groups as well as for personal thought and meditation...I warmly commend this book."

Partnership

Philippians: Concise, portable spiritual food

William Taylor

Who should this book be given to? Give it to a new Christian, and they will delight to find they really can understand a whole book of the Bible. Give it to a growing Christian, and they will have a model of how the Bible should be handled. Give it to an experienced Christian, and they will be reminded of how refreshing Bible Study can be. Most of all, give to a preacher and we'll all be a good deal better off!

Teaching Acts

Unlocking the book of Acts for the Bible Teacher

David Cook

"The material is excellent and will encourage readers to grapple with what the passage under construction is intended to teach; it also points the way to relevant applications."

Truth and Love

In a Sexually Disordered World

David Searle

This book would be well suited for the student market or anyone who is trying to make sense of the biblical Theology of relationships within a sex obsessed society.

Life 2: The Sequel

What happens when you die?

Alec Motyer

"A most readable book and is accessible even to those who may not be habitual readers . . . This is a book to read and re-read. It is worth its weight in gold . . . a must for every library!"

Living Faith

Willing to be Stirred as a Pot of Paint

Helen Roseveare

"Drawing on her long experience as a Christian, the author challenges us to deeper faith and more sacrificial service, a call which is encouraging to read and hard to answer."

1 Kings

The Wisdom And the Folly

Dale Ralph Davis

"No preacher should be without them. No thoughtful Christian can fail to be excited and edified by them. Hence I hurried to get a review copy of his work on 1 Kings. As with his other Old Testament commentaries, the author is able to mix page-turning writing skills which make for easy reading, with the most rigorous and orthodox scholarship."

Tell Me the Story

The Carpenter

Alex MacDonald

"In this book Alex MacDonald retells the story of 12 people who were eyewitnesses to the life of Jesus. The style of the book is compelling and biblical and background material is helpful. The author is an engaging storyteller and manages to captivate heart, mind and imagination of the reader. The book is an easy read...I would certainly give this book to an unbeliever to whet their appetite for the gospel"

You’ll Go to London

The Autobiography of Lionel Ball

Lionel Ball

"This is an encouraging book to read and reflect on. Many Christian workers face the awesome challenge of evangelising London, and to read this autobiography is to be refreshed and reminded of what God can do by sacrificial and committed service undertaken in his name."

Preaching With Balance

Achieving and Maintaining Biblical Priorities in Preaching

Donald Hamilton

"The book is written from an evangelical standpoint and contains much of help to all who preach. It also presents many challenges with respect to our heart attitudes and motives."

Killing Fields Living Fields

Faith in Cambodia

Don Cormack

"This book is a tremendously worthwhile voyage of discovery. It is emotional, even traumatic, yet inspiring and surprising, as one sees both human suffering and capacity for evil alongside tremendous courage, faithfulness and hope. It will make you think. And it is a timely reminder that the version of world events we first hear - the one reported in the media - is often not the full story. What God is doing, in growing his kingdom, is much more hidden and yet all the more glorious."

The Goodnight Book

Richard Bewes

"The Goodnight Book is helpful in using phrases and words that sharpen the mind to be more God-focused in times of adversity and it provides plenty of opportunity for self-reflection. It also gives practical suggestions on how to cope with the stresses and strains of postmodern life."

The Marrow of Modern Divinity

Edward Fisher

"The Marrow addresses issues which are vital for evangelism and for the health and vitality of the Christianity and the church."

Teaching Romans

Volume 2: Unlocking Romans 9–16 for the Bible Teacher

Christopher Ash

... the structure of each chapter is extremely helpful. After analysing and explaining the meaning of the text, the author moves from text to teaching. In this section the basic theme and aim are clarified and pointers to application made. This is perhaps what lifts these volumes beyond the limits of a normal commentary. It is also what Bible teachers and study leaders will find most attractive about them.

Teaching Romans

Volume 1: Unlocking Romans 1–8 for the Bible Teacher

Christopher Ash

Personally, I found the structure of each chapter extremely helpful. After analysing and explaining the meaning of the text, the author moves from text to teaching. In this section the basic theme and aim are clarified and pointers to application made. This is perhaps what lifts these volumes beyond the limits of a normal commentary. It is also what Bible teachers and study leaders will find most attractive about them. Applying the ancient text to the modern listener isn't always an easy thing to do. Under pressure to seem practical and relevant, preachers are often tempted to the sin of 'false application' by which the instructions they give are forced onto, rather than derived out of, the text.

The Mystery of the Holy Spirit

R. C. Sproul

"A very solid biblical and practical guide to the Holy Spirit."

War Child

Memories of a World War II Childhood

Maurine Murchison

"These stories are told vividly and engagingly so that our attention is held throughout. Part of each story is a spiritual application arising naturally and helpfully from what Maurine has related. She then gives us a biblical reference which is well worth looking up to see the truth in Scripture which has been shown in the story."

New York City Adventures

Donna Vann

"It is written in a colourful way, giving a real picture of the sights and sounds that would greet one in New York. The themes covered range from slavery, immigration, sweatshops, street gangs, wildlife in Central Park and the terrorist attacks of 9/11, to name a few. The reader is introduced to many characters, some famous and others unsung heroes who quietly trusted God and tried to make a difference in the lives of others. The challenge is made to the reader to reach others with the good news of Jesus too. The best praise for this book comes from my eight-year-old, who said: 'I think it's a very good book and it's always pointing to Jesus'."

David Brainerd

A Flame for God

Vance Christie

"The poor man was sick, and his devotion to Christ and his self-sacrificial labours among indigenous Americans stand as a testimony to what God can do through weak and damaged people. And the story is not by any means all bleak; Brainerd certainly knew times of real closeness to God, and saw touches of revival in his ministry."

Creation, Fall, Restoration

A Biblical Theology of Creation

Andrew Kulikovsky

The grand themes that should enliven our thinking are Creation, the Fall and Restoration. In each of these areas, the author discusses the views of scholars, explains their often conflicting perspectives, and shows that biblical theology provides a sure guide for those seeking answers...It is highly recommended to anyone seeking to engage with these issues in greater depth.

Unity and Diversity

The Founders of the Free Church

Sandy Finlayson

"The variety between these men, in gifts, interests, influence, attitudes, and even theological emphases, is laid out very clearly through the book. But equally clear, against that very background, is the unity they upheld in the church, at the heart of which was their common insistence on the final authority of the Bible as God's Word. As such, there is something here for readers in every church, whether or not they are 'in ministry' or not - it is very readable, hardly seeming to run to around 300 pages."

Teaching Isaiah

Unlocking Isaiah for the Bible Teacher

David Jackman

"One of the great strengths and advantages of a help like this for preachers and Bible study leaders is that it enables us to get a handle on the big picture of how Isaiah fits together before we dive into all the wonderful details, and to see how each part contributes to the whole. David Jackman is a master at never losing the plot."

Feminine Threads

Women in the Tapestry of Christian History

Diana Lynn Severance

"Fascinating book for bible college students and Christian women of all ages."

Planting for the Gospel

A hands–on guide to church planting

Graham Beynon

"an extensive section of case studies (mostly Uk-based) which I found interesting as well as enlightening. This feature alone is enough to commend the book to those interested in church planting in the United Kingdom."

Finding God in the Darkness

Twelve accounts of God's care through difficult times

Irene Howat

One after another, they share how God spoke to them through their regular reading of his Word, as particular verses of Scripture took on a new reality for them. A lesson to us all perhaps, that it is the habits of listening to God established in our everyday routines that enable us to hear his voice clearly when we are in greatest need.

Living Sacrifice

Willing to be Whittled as an Arrow

Helen Roseveare

Drawing on her long experience as a Christian, the author challenges us to deeper faith and more sacrificial service, a call which is encouraging to read and hard to answer.

Pleased to Dwell

A Biblical Introduction to the Incarnation

Peter Mead

...does a remarkable job of introducing us to the vast sweep of the Bible's story and reminds us that the heart of the Bible is not a what, but a who- a person: Jesus Christ, the word became flesh. As I read this book I was pointed to Jesus Christ and led to marvel once again at the wonder of the incarnation.

The Lord’s Supper as a Means of Grace

More Than a Memory

Richard C. Barcellos

...offers a good explanation of a difficult doctrine. It would be great to see this book used to spread the good news of the rich blessings offered to us in the Lord's Supper!

Aren't they Lovely when they're Asleep?

Lessons in unsentimental parenting

Ann Benton

This little book is a very useful addition the array of Christian literature on the subject of bring up children.

Richard Baxter And Conversion

Timothy K. Beougher

This book echoes the high call from the 17th century to pray and work for conversions with evangelism our top priority.

Equipped to Serve

Richard Bewes

Equipped to Serve is a gift to the church. It is a very readable, practical and deeply Christ-centred book, the fruit of a lifetime of serving our Saviour. It is the sort of book that can be read in just a few sittings, but has a message that will take a lifetime to exhaust.

Heaven, How I Got Here

The Story of the Thief on the Cross

Colin S. Smith

This book takes the story of the thief on the cross and tells it from his point of view. He describes his last day on earth. In a lively, clear and readable way huge doctrines of scripture are explained: sin, repentance, faith, redemption, justification, substitutionary atonement, propitiation, heaven and hell. All are wonderfully unpacked from the point of view of a man who starts the day in the kingdom of darkness and ends it in the kingdom of light.
This book would be great, and different, to give to an interested non-Christian. But it makes an inspiring and stimulating read for any believer also, enabling the redeemed to ponder anew the glory and the shame of the cross.
Short on words; long on truth.

The Effective Pastor

Get the tools to upgrade your ministry

Peter White

... this book, though primarily for pastors, is of value to all christians. It is to be seriously hoped that this volume will be found not just on the library shelves of pastors, but also in their hands. If your minister does not have a copy, buy one for him.

Revealing Jesus As Messiah

Identifying Isaiah's servant of the Lord

Stuart Sacks

... a much needed antidote to man-centredness and truimphalism; provided in the best possible way- looking at Jesus the servant

Genius, Grief & Grace

A Doctor Looks at Suffering & Success

Gaius Davies

Gauis Davies has done us a great service in sketching the real lives of a number of great Christians.

Taking the Bible at its Word

Paul Wells

... this excellent book is a distillation of a lifetime of study and teaching and provides a comprehensive presentation of the doctrines of Scripture.

In Defense of the Fatherless

Redeeming International Adoption & Orphan Care

Sara Brinton and Amanda Bennett

... the inspiring and challenging stories of how the most vulnerable lives can be changed make this book well worth reading.

14 Words from Jesus

James Montgomery Boice

... a valuable gift to a Christian friend, and might well be read in a devotional manner with great enjoyment and benefit.

In Christ

In Him Together for the World

Thoroughly readable, highly practical volume on a vitally important subject... Highly recommended!

Backchat

Answering Christianity's Critics

Chris Sinkinson

... gives well informed answers to an impressive array of questions... his answers show us how to blend genuine respect with a boldness for truth.

1–2–1 Discipleship

Helping One Another Grow Spiritually

Christine Dillon

... biblical, easy to read, extremely practical, and has useful questions for reflection. It's enough to get your teeth into if you've been involved in discipling already, but not overwhelming if you're thinking of taking up the challenge and need some help.

A Christian's Pocket Guide to the Papacy

Its origin and role in the 21st century

Leonardo De Chirico

... a marvellous book which will serve you well in conversing with Roman Catholic contacts and in understanding a significant religious celebrity of the modern world

Safe?

How we can be sure of God’s love

Frank Retief

… recommend this book to any Christian, especially those who struggle with assurance.

A Kirk Disrupted

Charles Cowan MP and The Free Church of Scotland

A. Donald MacLeod

... this account of both Free Church and the individual man of business is both fascinating and sobering. This biography demonstrates that it is possible to be scholarly and also readable.

Coping With Change - Ecclesiastes

Walter C. Kaiser Jr.

... Kaiser is refreshingly positive in his approach to the book... I would heartily recommend this little volume to anyone who wants to get to grips with the message of Ecclesiastes

The Secret Life of a Pastor

(and other intimate letters on ministry)

Michael A. Milton

... full of wonderful nuggets... this short and readable book would obviously be an encouraging read for someone heading off to theological college or investigating pastoral ministry. However, there are also extremely helpful reminders for those already along the path of ministry... this book is a wondeful plea for the power of letter writing in ministry, which may find us reaching for our fountain pens!

Magnificent Obsession

Why Jesus is Great

David Robertson

... punchy, poignant and personal. Fresh, authentic and warm, and it made me want to meet the author for a macchiato!

The First Chapters of Everything

How Genesis Chapters 1 to 4 Explains Our World

Alasdair Paine

... a helpful commentary, and a winsome evangelistic tool within a subject which has often been neglected by evangelicals.

Living by Revealed Truth

The Life and Pastoral Theology of Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Tom Nettles

Of the making of books about Spurgeon there is obviously no end, but this one enters the list as one of the best. This is a book to read and digest, to meditate and come back to- a monumental and well documented tome on one of the finest preachers.

How Church Can Change Your Life

Answers to the Ten Most Common Questions about Church

Josh Moody

... a book of great worth. It would make a helpful 'book of the month' on church bookstalls for church members to read and be reminded of what church is meant to be about, or to help non-Christians make progress as they consider the Christian faith.

Confident

Why we can trust the Bible

Daniel Strange and Michael Ovey

... the authors do a great job in bringing intelligent Christians up to speed so that they can confidently 'stand on every promise of your Word.'

And Then He Knew Her

A Biblical View of Sex

Adrian Reynolds and Celia Reynolds

Adrian and Celia Reynolds have clearly met their aim to introduce the subject of sex in a biblical, brief and direct way. It's a wonderfully logical and helpful book. It's easy to read, but certainly not lightweight in content.
In our sex saturated society this excellent little volume could be profitably passed on to those who want a clearer understanding of what the Bible teaches about God's good gift of sex ... it will encorage any reader, married or single, to think carefully about their own attitude to sex, ensuring that it's no more and no less than our Creator intends.

Mea Culpa

Learning from Mistakes in the Ministry

Kyle McClellan

... short, easy to read, with seven lessons that Kyle McClellan learned from four pastorates that lasted a total of just ten years ... writes with the maturity of a godly pastor who recognises where he (and sometimes where the churches he served) went wrong. Worth a read.

If It's Not Too Much Trouble - 2nd Ed.

The Challenge of the Aged Parent

Ann Benton

Here is an excellent primer for those who may have to care for an elderly parent. From her own experience of providing a secure and loving environment for her father-in-law in the last 18 months before he died, Ann Benton provides us with down-to-earth, biblically rooted, practical advice.

50 World Changing Events in Christian History

Earl M. Blackburn

This delightful and worthy book attempts to encapsulate 2,000 years of church history into 50 key events in a way that is accessible to the general reader. The writer describes it as 'an entry-level book on church history'.

Her–Story

366 Devotions from 21 Centuries of the Christian Church

Diana Lynn Severance

This is a daily devotional of astonishing scope. What you have is 366 bite-size biographical sketches of 366 Christian women. Collectively this book gives an overview of church history from NT times to the present day, through the eyes and stories of female believers.
It is a staggering accomplishment and would make the kind of gift one would return to again and again for reference and pleasure. If you like dipping into books, this
one is well worth a dip.

Style Or Substance?

The Nature of True Christian Ministry

William Taylor and David Dargue

This book is based on sermons by William Taylor on 2 Corinthians, and, as a weak pas­tor, a weak gospel proclaimer, leading a church that is weak by the world's standards, I found it a tremendous encouragement to 'be confident in the "weak" min­istry of gospel proclamation'. I would recommend it to anyone in ministry. The book confronts those who seek short­cuts, or those who look to methods rather than the gospel for transformation - but it also gets under the skin of those who already agree with its major premise that substance is more important than style.

Does Christianity Really Work?

William Edgar

Edgar approaches difficult questions with pastoral care and theological wisdom. He acknowledges the ongoing reality of sin as the reason behind personal and corporate failure. He also points out the many instances of good accomplished by those with an explicitly Christian worldview - the abolition of slavery, health care, women's rights, art, music, social reform and much much more. The book is very accessible and easy to read and it contains many great stories which illustrate and support his basic argument. This book would be great to hand out to friends who were perhaps interested but skeptical about the claims of Christianity and the record of Christians.

Lilias Trotter

Daring in the Desert

Irene Howat

You sometimes read or hear about people who give up something attractive and lucrative for the sake of pursuing their dream. Most worldly success is gained at some sacrificial cost. But the stories about those who pursue treasure in heaven are the most inspiring to the Christian reader. And for this reason I commend 'Daring in the Desert' by Irene Howat as a most encouraging read for anyone, although its intended audience, as part of the 'Trailblazer' series, is probably young teenagers. Read her story and, as the current saying is, get inspired.