Despite this being the age of the internet, books still hold a great appeal to most of us. There are so many good books on Christian subjects, that it is hard to know where to begin.
We have a book lending library, located at the front left of the church, which you are welcome to use. There is a wide range of books; biographies, books to assist with spiritual life, evangelism and discipleship, books on doctrine and Bible study, and all aspects of family life.
Just 5 minutes away, at 11 St Thomas Street, is The Ark, a not-for-profit Christian Bookshop that will either have copies of these books in stock, or can normally get them in - often within 24 hours. Ring them on 01590-675588 to check. They also do great tea/coffea and snacks!
We hope that these will help people to grow in their understanding and experience of Jesus as well as equipping them with practical skills to help them live His way.
Remember the thrill of winning at checkers or Monopoly? You become the Master of the Board, the victor over everyone else, but what happens after that?, asks bestselling author John Ortberg. You know the answer; it all goes back in the box. You don't get to keep one token, one banknote, one game card. In the end, the spoils of the game add up to nothing.
Using popular games as a metaphor for our temporal lives, 'When the Game is Over...' neatly sorts out what's fleeting and what's permanent in God's kingdom. Being Master of the Board is not the point; being rich toward God is. Winning the game of life on Earth is a temporary victory; loving God and other people with all our hearts is an eternal one.
Using humour, terrific stories, and a focus on winning 'the right trophies', Ortberg paints a vivid picture of the priorities that all Christians will want to embrace.
Buy it from The Ark - your local not-for-profit Christian Bookshop at 11 St Thomas Street. They'll probably have it in stock (ring 01590-675588 to find out) or they'll get it in for you - probably quicker than Amazon!
Find out more, or buy it here on Amazon UK .
Sometimes the most important truths are the easiest to forget. It's time to get back to the starting point of the Christian life - the cross of Christ. Jesus' work on your behalf must be the central motivation for your life and faith - the main thing.
"Never lay it aside. Never move on," says C.J. Mahaney, who shows you how to center every day around the cross of Calvary and how to escape the pitfalls of legalism, condemnation, and feelings-driven faith. Find out more, read a few pages on Amazon US
Buy it from The Ark - your local not-for-profit Christian Bookshop at 11 St Thomas Street. They'll probably have it in stock (ring 01590-675588 to find out) or they'll get it in for you - probably quicker than Amazon!
or buy it here on Amazon UK .
Recommendations from our Pastors, Dave Gooderidge and Nigel Bayley
In THE PRODIGAL GOD, New York pastor Timothy Keller uses the story of the prodigal son to shine a light on the central, beautiful message of Jesus: the gospel of grace, hope and salvation. Keller argues that the parable of the prodigal son, is also his least understood. He introduces the reader to all the characters in this timeless story, showing that it concerns not just a wayward son, but also a judgemental older brother and, most importantly, a loving father. This short but powerful book is a reminder to the faithful, an explanation to the seeker, and finally an invitation to all, both older and younger brothers, to enter in to the "unique, radical nature of the gospel": the reckless, spendthrift love of God.
This presentation of the Good News of Jesus is life-giving; if there is one book you are going to read about the gospel make sure it is this one.
Find out more, read a few pages on Amazon US
Buy it from The Ark - your local not-for-profit Christian Bookshop at 11 St Thomas Street. They'll probably have it in stock (ring 01590-675588 to find out) or they'll get it in for you - probably quicker than Amazon!
or you can buy it here on Amazon UK
'Many books are written by experts. This book isn't one of them,' admits Tim Chester. 'It was written out of my own struggle to change. My long battle with particular issues set me searching the Bible as well as writings from the past. This book shares the amazing truths I discovered that now give me hope.'
'For years I wondered if I'd ever overcome certain sins. And while I can't claim to have conquered sin - for no one ever can do - here are discoveries that have led to change in my life and in the lives of others.'
You may be:
- A new Christian, struggling to change the habits of your former way of life
- An older Christian, you grew quickly but now you Christian life is much of a muchness
- A Christian who's fallen into sin in a big way, wondering how you'll ever get back on track
Other books describe how we should live, but this book outlines how we can change. It's about hope: the hope we have in Jesus, hope for forgiveness, and hope for real and lasting change. God promises liberating grace and transforming power to his people.
Buy it from The Ark - your local not-for-profit Christian Bookshop at 11 St Thomas Street. They'll probably have it in stock (ring 01590-675588 to find out) or they'll get it in for you - probably quicker than Amazon!
Or you could Buy it on Amazon
Do you say 'yes' to requests when really you mean to say 'no'- Do you feel permanently trapped by your 24/7 lifestyle. While offering practical help to busy Christians, Tim Chester also opts for root-and-branch treatment: you need to deal radically with the things that are driving you.
Buy it from The Ark - your local not-for-profit Christian Bookshop at 11 St Thomas Street. They'll probably have it in stock (ring 01590-675588 to find out) or they'll get it in for you - probably quicker than Amazon!
Or you could
In this timely and challenging book, New York pastor Timothy Keller uses classic Bible stories to look at the issue of idolatry from the worship of actual idols in the Old Testament, to the idolatry of money by the rich young ruler when he was challenged by Jesus to give up all his wealth. Keller cuts through our dependence on the glittering false idols of money, sex and power to uncover the path towards trust in the real ultimate which is God.
Read a few pages first
Then why not buy it from The Ark - your local not-for-profit Christian Bookshop at 11 St Thomas Street. They'll probably have it in stock (ring 01590-675588 to find out) or they'll get it in for you - probably quicker than Amazon! Or you could always Buy it on Amazon
A stirring book for new and established Christians about what it means (and what it's like) to live the Christian life ... to live 'right side up'. Here's a bit to read.
Then why not buy it from The Ark - your local not-for-profit Christian Bookshop at 11 St Thomas Street. They'll probably have it in stock (ring 01590-675588 to find out) or they'll get it in for you - probably quicker than Amazon! If you want to get it on-line, go to The Good Book Shop.
Read the first part here... Then why not buy it from The Ark - your local not-for-profit Christian Bookshop at 11 St Thomas Street. They'll probably have it in stock (ring 01590-675588 to find out) or they'll get it in for you - probably quicker than Amazon! Or you could buy it online here from buy from Amazon.