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Books for £5 or less

£3.99 - The church has an image problem. It is widely viewed in the world at large as being outdated, boring, irrelevant and filled with backbiting hypocrites. How different that picture is to how the Bible talks about the new family that Jesus has gathered. It is a precious bride, a sparkling jewel, a lifeboat for forgiven sinners that is precious and holy; nurturing and warm; filled with truth, friendship and all embracing, forgiving love. Sam Allberry understands the collision between these two views, and how, even as Christian believers, we can lose sight of how truly wonderful church is and should be, and what a privilege it is to be part of, and to serve. In this brief accessible but thorough guide to church, Sam outlines what church is and why we need it. And how, when we have got it wrong, we can move closer to what a true church should be.

£3.99 - A key current issue. Christians, the church and the Bible seem to be out of step with modern attitudes towards homosexuality. And there is growing hostility towards those who hold a different view. So is God homophobic? And what do we say, and how do we relate to to both Christians and non Christians who experience same-sex attraction. In this short, simple book, Sam Allberry wants to help confused Christians understand what God has said about these questions.

£3.99 - This is a warm, pastorally hearted guide to the Bible's teaching on God's sovereignty. When a disaster happens; when personal tragedy strikes; when we are perplexed by world events, Christians can begin to doubt that God is either truly good, or truly in control. Christopher Ash faces these questions head on, without flinching at any of the difficulties. First he looks at six different ways people have answered this question — both as Christians and from other religions and none. He then reveals the Bible's answer: the revelation of God's character and purposes throughout history.

£3.25 - Written in Carl Beech's own inimitable style, The Manual for New Christians offers 30 days of undated Bible reading notes, introducing readers to the basic tenets of their new belief and presenting foundational truths for those starting out on their Christian journey. By encouraging people to engage with Scripture, The Manual for New Christians will help readers to grow a relationship with God.

£4.99 - In the midst of bad news, can there be any hope? The story of Ruth takes place when the Israelites are living in the Promised Land. But instead of obeying God, they are rebelling against his rule. When they cry for deliverance, God sends them a judge. The judge dies, and the people become even more corrupt than their ancestors. Brutality and immorality abound. We focus on an ordinary woman called Naomi and her family. We witness her joys and her sorrows, but more importantly, God's amazing providence in her situation. The book of Ruth is written into a whirl of social, religious, and moral chaos. It is a reminder that there is hope, that a remnant of true faith remains and the God continues to work in the lives of ordinary people. The book points forward to King David who would lead the people wisely. But ultimately it points to Jesus, the great Son of David - the hope of the nations, the light of the world and the prince of peace.

£3.49 - Each of these 30 days of readings includes an action point and explores how King David in the Bible discovered authentic prayer through the good times, the bad times and the even the ugly times. Fears, doubts, questions, plans, hopes and dreams… even frustrations, epic failures and glorious wins can be used as prayers. God wants to hear about this stuff because it’s us and our lives – its real and He loves that. This book will help men discover a life of prayer – using the example of the Psalms in expressing the stuff that really matters.

£1.99 - For millions today a cross has become little more than a charm or good luck bracelet, tattooed on their bodies or worn as jewellery. The huge gap between the original event and the current symbol therefore raises some massive questions: - Why has the symbol remained so universally popular? - Was there anything unique about the crucifixion of Jesus? - Why was he put to death? - What difference can it make to me today? Here is a booklet that answers all these questions – and many more – and makes it crystal clear that in the death of Jesus lies our only hope of the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

£4.99 - Beginning with Genesis, the Bible is the story of God pursuing his people. In this study guide, you'll explore how God reaches out--through Jesus and through human ambassadors like us. You'll discover that the call to "missions" is not for a select group but is a part of God's call to every Christian. And you'll begin to understand your own part in God's plan. This LifeBuilder Bible Study features questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection.

£4.99 - Putting Jesus in his place. This was the issue with which the church at Colossae wrestled. There was a plethora of other gods and spiritual beings to worship. The city was rife with syncretism, the belief that you can worship Jesus but need to supplement your faith by turning to other powers and authorities. If you got sick or wanted your business to flourish, surely it was expedient to pay allegiance to these other powers and not just Jesus? In Colossae Jesus was eminent. He had status. The fundamental question was: Is he pre-eminent? Jesus was important, just not all-important; adequate but not totally sufficient for every need. Writing from a prison cell in Rome, Paul warns these new believers of the danger of turning to another Jesus. If they failed to heed his warning, their faith would unravel. This letter has much to say to Christians today. It will provide challenge, inspiration and a renewed focus to keep on living for Christ in our generation.

£4.99 - As leader of the Jerusalem church, what words of encouragement would James write to these persecuted Christians? Perhaps a little surprisingly, his key message was: faith works. Genuine belief inevitably transforms our speech, suffering, compassion for the poor, humility, prayers, priorities, and, frankly, every other aspect of life. In 5 chapters James introduces and briefly touches upon a whole variety of issues that concern the new believers. In a simple, forthright style he urges them to live out their faith, knowing that God's grace is sufficient for every trial and that there us a value and purpose to their suffering.

£2.99 - With hindsight, key moments in history that seemed momentary at the time can come to be incredibly iconic. Luther’s nailing of the 95 Theses to a church door in Wittenberg 500 years ago is such a moment. In Luther and the 9.5 Theses, Kenneth Brownell explains how Luther came to write the 95 Theses and why making them public was such a turning point in church history. Kenneth also encourages us to recognise that the church today faces challenges that call for a similar return to biblical truths. He draws out 9 (and a half!) key points from the 95 Theses that are crucial for us to uphold if we want to be faithful to Christ and His gospel. This is a fast paced look back at one of the defining moments of Christian history, and a challenging look ahead to show how we can stand for the truth of the Bible.

£3.49 - At a time when the first-century church had been invaded by false teachers, the apostle John knew that Christians who are not sure of God s truth can wander away, never to return. He wrote to them, not only to make them know the real truth, but to be confident of it, and to rest upon it. If then, why not today? We all urgently need to hear and obey God's loving message in this letter of John's.

£4.99 - Wouldn't you just love to grab a Christian, sit them down in the hot seat and grill them mercilessly on the tough questions about God, the Bible and the world? There are the tricky questions that everyone asks, like Why does God allow suffering? and How can a God of love send people to Hell? Or perhaps you have more specific ones, such as Who did Cain marry? Roger Carswell gives straightforward, no-nonsense answers from the Bible to these burning questions and many more.

£3.99 - So you’re about to begin your first year at uni. But are you ready? In this book Matt Carvel will help equip you to face the distractions and temptations that you’ll find at university which could pull you away from Jesus. He uses biblical wisdom, humour and personal experience to practically explore how you can live for Jesus in a university culture. He tackles different areas of pressure and temptation including sex, relationships, drink, work and church life.Living wholeheartedly for Jesus at uni isn’t easy. But walk the road less travelled and you’ll find that putting Jesus first will bring you satisfaction and joy that will last far beyond your university years.

£2.99 - In just a few years, Facebook has gone from nothing to a major feature of modern life. There are over 500 million users, half of whom use it on any given day. There is much that is good about this…social networking brings many benefits…but what about the dangers? Image, identity, idolatry and self–promotion are just some of the challenges that social networking can present. Dr Tim Chester looks at these issues pastorally and biblically, in his usual clear and candid manner. He asks pertinent questions to help us tackle them head on.

£2.25 - It can sometimes be difficult to see the link between our Sunday worship and the Monday morning grind. How can our relationship with Jesus impact how we live and serve in our daily lives? Tim Chester unpacks how we can relate the Holy to the everyday. He explores how seemingly inconsequential tasks can point us to Jesus. This detailed exploration considers how even washing the dishes can be done to the glory of God as part of a whole life lived in sacrifice to Him. Wonderfully, this doesn't have to be a depressing or dismal thing, but can leave us marvelling again at God's goodness and grace.

£3.99 - Many people find it easy to understand about God and Jesus, but struggle to understand quite how and where the Holy Spirit fits into the picture. Who exactly is he? And how does he work in our lives? This book cuts through the confusion and looks at what the Bible says about the Holy Spirit. Suitable for all Christians, and especially those who are struggling with questions about who the Holy Spirit is.

£4.99 - Do angels have wings and fly? Do they protect us from accidents? Will we become angels? Stories featuring angels are becoming increasingly popular. Angels are a hot commodity! This study shows what the Bible says about God's angels and fallen angels. New Testament writers confirm their existence, and Jesus himself referred to angels as real beings involved in every realm of human activity. 8 studies for individuals or groups. Session 1 covers Isaiah 6; Session 2 Angels among us discusses Genesis 18,19; Session 3 Jesus and the angels visits Hebrews 1; Other sessions cover The battle against us; Angels and guidance; Guarded by angels; the last session is entitled Discerning the spirits and examines part of 1 John Chapter 14.

£4.99 - Jesus made some sweeping claims for himself - outrageous but true! This study guide examines the 'I am' statements, mainly from the Gospel of John. But the eight sessions go beyond a study of ancient words to a consideration of how these claims can transform our lives today. What does it mean for Jesus to say he is the Bread of Life? That he is the Light? What do these dramatic claims tell us about the power and character of Jesus? And how might that impact our lives each day? The study guide is produced in a useful workbook format and includes helpful notes for group leaders.

£3.79 - From the Old Testament, Mary Davis. This book examines the lives and experiences of seven women from ancient Israel, highlighting their flaws and their faith, their struggles and solutions. Women who were wives, mothers and worshippers of God from a pagan prostitute to a prophetess waging war. Through the lives of these women we learn about God, ourselves, the great problem with this world, and what God is doing about it. This is not just a history course, it could change your life!

£2.49 - The conscience can be seen as something somewhat mysterious. We’re often not really sure how to listen to it, if we can trust it or what role it should play in our lives. Kevin De Young shows us it isn’t something to be puzzled over but rather shows from the Bible that conscience is something good, given by God. Kevin tells us that the secret to a life free from the low–level guilt and shame we so often experience is to listen to our consciences and turn to Christ. As you read this accessible book, you’ll discover that when we daily turn to Christ, we will experience the clear conscience that comes with knowing that Jesus’ blood covers all our wrong.

£4.99 - Many Christian young adults and teenagers have hard questions about their faith. Many non-Christians do, too. Michael and Carl take nine of the hardest, such as Doesn't Jesus ruin your fun? Why is there so much suffering? and Don't Christians hate gay people? These aren't questions with easy answers; but they do have good answers. Written for people of all backgrounds and beliefs, this book is short but not simplistic, and clear but not condescending

£4.99 - Do you long to experience God's presence in your life? In this study guide Stephen D. Eyre leads you to explore the story told in Deuteronomy--the story of God's people seeking after him. As you trace their journey, experiencing their forward progress, their detours and their obstacles, you, too, will learn to follow God more closely. This revised LifeBuilder Bible Study features additional questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, together with expanded leader's notes and a "Now or Later" section in each study.

£4.99 - With millions of copies in print, Foxe's Book ofMartyrs has become a classic of magnificent courage and faith. This unparalleled volume chronicles the tragic yet triumphant stories of men and women who faced torture and martyrdom rather than deny their vision of truth and of God. Beginning with Jesus Christ, this exceptional historical record traces the roots of religious persecution through the sixteenth century. It examines the heroic lives of great men and women such as John Hus, John Wycliffe, William Tyndale, Anne Askew, Lady Jane Grey, and Martin Luther. John Foxe also knew persecution. Forced to flee from his native England to Europe during Queen Mary's severe persecution of those holding Reformed views, he carefully compiled records of martyred Christians. His writings possess a sense of immediacy and insight into suffering that few "objective" church historians can match. This edition has been streamlined and reorganized by W. Grinton Berry to present work in today's language.

£4.99 - Ezekiel ben Buzi would never forget his thirtieth birthday. He had been trained as a priest and brought up to believe that at this age his life's work would begin. For years he had anticipated this moment when he would be ordained and eligible to serve in the temple. But instead of being in Jerusalem, he was a captive in Babylon. Instead of being a priest, he was called by God to be a prophet. Instead of serving in the temple, he was surrounded by a plethora of pagan gods. But on his thirtieth birthday, Ezekiel received a vision from God . . . This timely vision confronted the Jews with their sinfulness and the necessity of divine judgement. It also reminded them of God's sovereignty and the promise of future restoration. Our lives, like Ezekiel's, may have turned out differently from how we had expected they would. Can we keep on serving God in turbulent times, trusting God's sovereignty, and striving for holiness with the Holy Spirit's help and power?

£5 - Goodwin begins with the beautiful assurances given by Christ to his disciples, taking as an example of that love Christ's washing of his disciples feet. The heart of his argument, however, lies in his exposition of Hebrews 4:15, in which Goodwin shows that in all his glorious holiness in heaven, Christ is not sour twoards his people; if anything, his capacious heart beats more strongly than ever with tender love for them. And in particular, two things stir his compassion: our afflictions and- almost unbelievably- our sins.

£3.99 - The Bible has been described both as a manual for life and a love letter from God himself. But how should we read it? Where do we start? How is the Bible relevant to everyday life? Nicky Gumbel has selected thirty fascinating extracts from the Old and New Testaments to introduce reading the Bible and spending time with God. For each day, there is a passage from the Bible accompanied by an explanation of the passage, practical comments relating the Bible to your own life, and suggestions for what to pray in light of the passage. Ideal for those on an Alpha course and others who are interested in exploring the Bible, this book will teach you over thirty days how to get to know God through what he says in the Bible.

£2.99 - As we walk through life, the painful reality of suffering becomes something we all experience. Tears, despair and hurt are commonplace in a broken world. So how do we even contemplate singing at a time like this? The writers of Psalm 44 were faithful men who were nearly overwhelmed by the pain of suffering. Why would God let them suffer so terribly yet undeservedly? John Hindley takes us carefully through the psalm teaching that ‘God has sent our suffering for his sake. Suffering is not a mark of God’s indifference towards us, or his hatred of us. Suffering is a mark of his love for us. It shows that we are his.’ We have a Saviour who is familiar with suffering, and we must run to him not from him. The storm can be troubling and dark, but this psalm will show you that even in the midst of the darkest times, God is working and you can trust and worship him.

£4.99 - God is loving and powerful. He is able to work against some of the strongest forces of hate in the world. You can imitate God's justice by fighting against these same powers in your own life and in the lives of those around you. Taking a fresh look at this theme throughout Scripture, Bob and Carol Hunter challenge you to love justice as God does. And they show you how to work for justice in your everyday life.

£3.99 - We're saved by the free gift of God- but how free is that gift when our lives are demanded in return? Many Christians are confused by the relationship between the Grace of God, and the role of laws and commands in the Christian life. What does it mean to live a life of grace? How does Grace help us grow? And are we "once saved always saved?" In this short book, the author explores the Bible's teaching on these important questions and delivers some surprising conclusions.

£2.99 - Every Christian wants to be more like Jesus—and, wonderfully, that's what God wants for us too: "It is God’s will that you should be sanctified" (1 Thessalonians 4 v 3). How will that happen? Only by asking God to transform us from the inside out—because real heart change comes not by our own willpower, but by the Spirit's power. Too often though our prayer lives are reduced to shopping-list-style-requests or desperate pleas to get through the day. But this little guide will help you to pray for genuine, deep and astonishing Christian growth, in your own life or somebody else's. These are prayers your heavenly Father loves to answer—because they're based on his word.

£2.99 - We long for God to be working in our church fellowship, and we know we're meant to be praying for our church. But often when it comes to it, we don't quite know what to ask for. Or we feel our requests to God are shallow, repetitive and stuck in a rut. That's where this little book is designed to help. It will equip you to pray powerful prayers for your church family—prayers that really change things, because they're based on God's word.

£2.99 - We love our friends and family, and we long for God to be working in their lives. But when it comes to praying for them, often we don’t quite know what to ask for. Or our requests to God on their behalf feel shallow, repetitive and stuck in a rut. That’s where this little book is designed to help. It will equip you to pray powerful prayers for the people you love—prayers that really change things, because they’re based on God’s word.

£2.99 - Our culture says that the most important things for children are education, good health, treats, entertainment, and material things. Yet as Christians, we know that children's spiritual health is the most important thing. So we need to pray for them, but where do we start? This little guide is both deep and do-able. Melissa Kruger takes us back to the Bible to show us what God’s will for children is, so we can pray in line with it. She selects 21 key areas of spiritual growth and character development. For each one, there are five short prayer prompts drawn straight from the Bible.

£1.99 - Do you look forward to getting to Christmas to give you a lift, or just aim to get through Christmas, without any family arguments? Often, we're so busy getting to or getting through that we don't actually get Christmas—and when we miss its meaning, we miss out on a joy that lasts. This book takes you on a journey to find a joy that continues through the ups and downs of life—and beyond.

£2.99 - We all need a spiritual healthcheck from time to time. These 16 devotions will help you to see where and how to grow in faith and joy. This book will: help you to diagnose how you’re (honestly) doing in your faith; give you the “vitamins” you need—God’s ways of helping you to thrive; and point you to the one who enables you to really grow—the Holy Spirit. Give yourself a spiritual healthcheck and ask for God's help to make you more like Christ. There's no better way to start the new year.

£3.99 - One Saturday, less than a decade after the end of Jesus of Nazareth’s life, a man named Paul stood up in a Jewish synagogue with a mind-blowing message. “We tell you the good news,” he said. “What God promised our fathers, he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus” (Acts 13 v 33-34). In many ways, in these two sentences Paul was summing up the story of the whole of the Bible. God is a promise-making God. Throughout history, He has made huge, extravagant, wonderful promises to humanity. Crucially, God is also a promise-keeping God. What He says, He does. And at a particular point in history, He fulfilled all of His promises in the life, death, resurrection and rule of one human—Jesus, a carpenter from a small Jewish town. The good news is that God's promises are promises kept. This Good Book Guide will take you on a rapid tour of the whole story of the Bible. Over nine sessions, you’ll travel from the beginning of the past, through our present, to the future. Each session you'll discover one of God's wonderful promises, and see how He kept it in Jesus.

£4.99 - Who is in control? The sustained threat from rogue states, international terrorism, religious extremists, and moral confusion arising from liberal views of all kinds begs the question: what is happening to our world? Is no-one in control? This is a deep vulnerability that many people express. And not simply in global events. Our own personal world often seems out of control as we reel from suffering, family tragedies and unanswered prayers. The prophet Habakkuk knew that God was in control but, like us, his personal experience seemed to contradict this and he wrestled with the tension. This book is a dialogue between the prophet and God. Habakkuk confronts God with his confusion and, in doing so, he expresses the voice of the godly in Judah and he speaks for us. We join in the journey from 'why?' to worship.

£4.99 - Does the church have a future? Across the generations troubled Christians have often asked this question. To each of these churches Jesus says, ‘I know… I know your hopes and dreams, your faults and failings, your joys and sorrows, your temptations and frustrations.’ Jesus knew each church, and so he could speak wisely and truthfully into each circumstance. He said some hard things to shake the believers out of their apathy. He also spoke words of comfort. The letter ends by pointing the believers to heaven, a reminder that despite their present struggles, ultimately they are on the victory side. Today the church still faces internal division, opposition and persecution. It is understandable that some believers ask, ‘Does the church have a future?’ The answer is the same as it always has been. Absolutely.

£4.99 - Troubled. Confused. Uncertain. After 3 years with Jesus, there was so much the disciples didn't understand. They were still reeling from the news that someone in their inner circle would betray the Lord. Worse still was Jesus's prediction thatt their fiery and courageous friend Peter would deny him, and that his death was imminent. It seemed unthinkable. What would Jesus say to them? What comfort could he possibly offer? Reclining around the meal table, Jesus answered questions, taught and prayed for his disciples. In this final tutorial, he wanted to remind them of his love and faithfulness. Regardless of what was to come, he was in complete control, and events would unfold according to his sovereign plan.

£2.99 - Forgiveness is a familiar, loving and often liberating word, yet it can often be a confusing, unnatural or even painful action. While we may not always want to admit it, we all need forgiveness. Using a story Jesus told, this little book carefully reflects on what it means for us to be truly forgiven, at great cost, and how our response to this should in turn shape how we offer forgiveness to others. The message of this book shows how forgiveness can be freeing and positive.

£3.99 - An introduction to what the Bible says about the devil, evil spirits and demon possession. When Jesus walked the earth, he cast out demons and had powerful encounters with the devil. But who exactly is the devil, and where did he come from? And what is he up to in the world today? This short, readable book explains clearly and simply what we can say with certainty from the Bible about Satan, demons and evil spirits. Suitable for all Christians.

£1.99 - Most of us would like to believe that there is more to life than just what we can see or touch. The idea of living in a pointless universe without a personal God giving us purpose and protection is a frightening prospect to many. Whereas the possibility of belonging to and being loved by a caring God is absolutely thrilling. But how can we know the truth? In Essentials, Lee McMunn argues that to know the truth we need God to engage us in conversation. Lee looks at what Jesus says about God in the Bible and explores what it means to have a relationship with Him. This book includes helpful discussion questions and it is suitable to read alone or as a group.

£3.99 - Paul wrote the book of Galatians to Christians who were tempted to add good works to the gospel. They faced pressure to move on from Jesus and to live independently, following the law to secure their own salvation. Although we might not want to admit it, adding to the gospel is a great temptation for us too. Like the Galatian Christians, we sometimes live in a way that shows we think we can save ourselves and please God apart from Jesus. So be encouraged as Peter Mead takes us through 36 undated devotions; be reminded that Christ is everything, that the gospel is sufficient and that we have all we need for our lives now in Jesus.

£4.99 - As we spend 30 days in 1 Thessalonians with Alec Motyer, we hear the timeless encouragement to ‘keep on keeping on’, surely a message as relevant today as when it was first written. Paul writes to the new believers in order to fill in details and explain misunderstandings about the second coming, to urge the Christians to live well in community, and to give further instructions about godly living, all the while encouraging them to press on in holiness in spite of opposition.

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