BOOKS
OCTOBER 2014
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Your special supplement to the latest best reads
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FOUR PAGES OF BRAND NEW BOOKS, BIBLES & ACCESSORIES with REVIEWS, NEWS & PREVIEWS for you
Real life devotion ESV Women’s Devotional Bible (Tutone) Crossway 9781433538216 $64.95 Reviewed by Stephanie J. Judd Let me start with a confession: I am a full-blown women’s devotional Bible cynic. I can happily report to my fellow cynics out there: fear not! Against the odds, this Women’s Devotional Bible has won me over! Instead of encouraging me to ground my identity in womanhood, this devotional Bible has assisted me to ground my identity in my union with Christ, which, in turn, informs not only my womanhood,
but every other aspect of who I am. Confidence in the centrality of Christ to the Word of God shapes each of the 365 devotions. The gendered target audience does not distract the 50 different contributors, who are both men and women from around the globe, from letting the text speak for itself. As I journeyed through the key events in the narrative of salvation history, unpacked over the 365 devotions, I found myself delighting in the fulfilment of prophecy, grieved by the sin that so arduously characterises the people of God, driven to thanksgiving for the extraordinary grace that characterises God’s relations with his beloved people, and celebrating that in Christ, there is freedom from sin, guilt, and the hope of eternal life. Specific applications to women
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Though you may be reading alone, you are also reading within a worldwide community of Christian women.
were mostly drawn only when the text itself invited it. Simplistic caricatures of the docile Christian woman and her activities are
not found in the pages of this devotional Bible. Rather, a robust image of a faithful, God-seeking, transformed Christian individual (who is also a woman) is developed and encouraged. There were no flowers or cupcakes (okay, maybe some subtle leaves) and no pink (just soothing green). A unique feature of this devotional Bible was an appendix which contained a number of thoughtful essays, addressing issues such as the importance of doctrine; how to share the gospel with unbelievers; the Christian community’s responsibility to care for orphans; raising children with disabilities; how to be a wife who submits to and honours her husband. So what is the benefit of calling this devotional Bible a Women’s Devotional Bible at all, if its greatest strength as a woman’s devotional Bible is that
its devotional content isn’t overly directed to women? Perhaps, for the reader of such a devotional Bible, it is the encouragement of knowing that your own personal Bible reading, though personal, is not individual – it is done in community. Though you may be reading alone, you are also reading within a worldwide community of Christian women. And as you study the Word of God as a member of this community, without being distracted by flowers and cupcakes, you may just delight all the more in those occasional moments when a writer addresses an aspect of your particularities as a woman in a way that you hadn’t considered before. So whether you’re a cynic like me, or if pink is your favourite colour, if you are a Christian woman, then I commend this devotional Bible to you – that as a child of God, you might delight ultimately in Christ!
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Twelve Unlikely Heroes
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The Big Rescue NEW Bible
This Bible for kids contains all new full colour modern cartoon illustrations of 20 of the stories found in the Bible, from Noah and Moses to Peter and Jesus walking on water. Revised cover and illustrations.
$29.95
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by John MacArthur Paperback 9781400206117 Our Price John MacArthur illustrates how the men and women in the Bible are $17.95 rrp unnervingly real. They faltered. They struggled. And at times they fell short. Yet God worked through them in surprising and incredible ways to accomplish His purposes.
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by Christine Caine Paperback 9780310341178
Christine Caine helps us discover just how important it is to ensure that no runners stop running the divine relay and walk off the field, but that every runner becomes unstoppable in their dedication to carry their baton of faith to the next runner.
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What’s Your Worldview? by James Anderson 9781433538926 Crossway
What’s Best Next by Matt Perman 9780310494225 Zondervan
$12.95 Reviewed by John Sandeman
$19.95 Reviewed by Guan Un
Worldview is an elusive beast. As the underlying framework of beliefs, assumptions and philosophies that helps us navigate the world, it’s vitally important to think about for any Christian who relates to non-Christians in any way. However, it’s also difficult; how do you discern someone’s worldview? And more importantly, how can you change it? Here’s one interesting tool to help: What’s your Worldview? takes its format from an unlikely source, the Choose Your Own Adventure book. For example, one page asks: “Do you believe in objective truth? If yes, turn to page 22, if no, turn to page 91.” And then it asks you, “Is it possible to know the truth?” and diagnoses you with the “relativist” worldview, depending on your answer. Anderson writes from a Christian viewpoint, and as a professor of theology and philosophy he is adept at simplifying concepts without dumbing them down. It’s an innovative, playful book that is well worth a look, especially for teachers, but also for Christians who want a bit of help in tracking down and taming the elusive beast.
At first glance, a book on Christian productivity may seem like an odd duck. Do we need a book on productivity that’s distinctly Christian? Matt Perman’s answer is an unequivocal yes. He believes that behind a lot of modern productivity practices is a wrong worldview, centered on how I can be more productive, and achieve my goals. Instead, he argues, we need to first look to God as the centre of life, and thus, productivity. His aim is large: if we do this we can change the world by being more effective in the goal of loving one another and thus, transforming the world. His theology hews close to John Piper and Desiring God, with whom he shares a love for the works of the Puritans. This book is full of pithy chapters, summaries and interview excerpts. I found the acronym-heavy, blogready style slightly wearing in the long run, but I suspect this will also make it reference-ready long after first reading. As a book with a good theological foundation, a perspective of honouring God and loving others, and a literacy in modern productivity practice, this book is in a distinct field of its own.
The Pastor’s Kid: Finding Your Own Faith and Identity by Barnabas Piper 9780781410359 $14.95 Reviewed by Karl Grice
The WonderWorking God by Jared C. Wilson, 9781433536724 Crossway
Pastors’ kids are normal kids. The problem, according to Barnabas Piper, is that we expect them to be mini-superheroes. Barnabas is a Pastor’s Kid (PK), John Piper’s son. He makes it clear that he is neither a social scientist nor an expert in pastoral care. He is a PK baring his soul. Barnabas reveals how easily we can know about someone without actually knowing them, especially PKs. The more false assumptions we make, the easier it is for a PK to project a self-image that meets our expectations while concealing their true identity. PKs quickly learn to give all the right answers while secretly wrestling with personal sins and doubts. This often leads to legalism and hypocrisy, or to PKs walking away from the faith. Pastors may try to be the expert on all matters in the home. Barnabas felt as though his father listened and gave advice, whereas he just wanted to know his struggles were normal, and that he would survive. In raising our awareness of the unique pressures faced by PKs, Barnabas is hoping we can ditch some of our false assumptions and offer PKs authentic grace-filled friendships.
Since the 18th Century, miracles have been thought of as an intellectual weakpoint in the Christian faith. Today, they are often a target of attacks of the New Atheists, with the result that we feel a bit awkward about defending a God who stopped the sun, or a Jesus who walked on water. However, in The WonderWorking God, Jared C. Wilson writes that the “weakness” of miracles should be a strength of our faith: “the miracles in the Bible never appear to serve God proving himself so much as God showing himself.” The book covers the categories of miracles performed by Jesus, finishing with a chapter on the greatest miracle: the fact of Jesus’s incarnation, death and resurrection. Wilson’s a great writer, somewhat reminiscent of C.S. Lewis in his knack for memorable phrasing, and his sheer joy about what he’s writing. Throughout it, he reminds us that miracles point us to the God of the universe, and that is the best part of the biblical miracles, and that is also the best point of this book.
NEW NIV BIBLES!
Aqua/Gray
$11.95 Reviewed by Hannah Upson (Year 10 student)
For more book reviews, visit biblesociety.org.au/bookreviews
Jesus had about three years to mould a dozen fearful, faithless men into the pillars of a worldwide movement. Time in Jesus’ presence had a transforming effect on each of them. This study of Jesus’ first followers will transform you too.
each
9780647518748
GREAT BIBLES FOR PERSONAL STUDY Enhance your time reading and exploring God’s Word with the end-of-verse references and larger print of this Bible. Font size:13
KJV Personal Size Giant Print End-of-verse Reference Bible
This Bible is a valuable resource for strengthening women in their walk with God.
AS REVIEWED!
ESV Women’s Devotional Bible Green Hardcover 9781433538162
Turquoise 9780718013998 Chocolate Imitation Leather 9780718014001
$44.95
$39.95 getics HCSB Apolo dents Study for Stu Paperback 5 83 9781433614
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Bible NIV StudenYat ncy with Philip Hardcover 6 24 9780310437
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day went reflects how God feels about us. That if I just find the right internet site, the solution to any problem I encounter can be found. That all my efforts to be a “supermum”, when realised, will result in the joy and satisfaction I crave. And it is about how the truth of
$ 8.95
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NIV Gli Bible Pin tter 978031 k Hear t 0744047
$27.95 save $2 God is Always Good 9780718011451
$14.95 by
Tama Fortner
It’s a scary world, and sometimes kids feel frightened and alone. Featuring sweet illustrations and comforting Scriptures, this soothing book will reassure your little ones of God’s presence. 32 pages, padded hardcover.
$18.95
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A hardcover study Bible for students with notes and articles written by Philip Yancey and Tim Stafford. Includes the full text of the NIV Bible (2011 update).
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Paperback
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$22.95 Hardcover
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e NLT Teen Lif n Applicatio s Study Bible 3 editions
$29.95 Compact Pink Love
9781414387543
$44.95
This Bible is packed with features designed to meet the challenges and needs of today’s high school students, to help teens understand and apply God’s Word to all areas of their lives and encounter God in an authentic way.
GREAT READS! by Jared Wilson (Paperback) 9781433536687
er NIV Glitt wl eO Bible 3B10lu733270
by Bill Hybels & John Ortberg Paperpack 9780310820024
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challenges all our deep insecurities. Furman points out that we are often tempted to consider our lack of time, and even our children as obstacles to our communion with God. We feel our spiritual lives languishing and assume that it is only when we have a quiet moment that we will be able to properly
connect with our heavenly Father. Yet in reality, he is with us in every moment, wanting to fellowship with us right where we are, even in the most hectic, frazzled meltdowns. This book is full of reminders of how wonderful our God is, how we can rest in him, find our joy in him, hand all our deepest struggles and fears to him and trust that as we do this his goodness abounds. It is full of truths we know intellectually but fail to really believe in our deepest being. I really appreciated the constant use of scripture that feeds a hungry mum’s soul and brings about a peace that all the parenting courses and self-help books in the world fail to give. This book did not make me feel as though I need to do more of x, y & z (insert your own personal struggles). Indeed our own strength will never be enough. But the joy of knowing Christ is that his strength is always sufficient and freely available. This book is a blessing for a busy, overwhelmed mum. Every page is a reminder of the biggest blessing – the glorious risen Lord Jesus who is ever with us, even to the very end of the age. Michelle is mum to dominofanatic Micah (4) and walking sandpit Evie (2).
The Story Telling God
by Douglas Connelly Paperpack 9780830831470
When Jesus was walking the earth, everyone had a theory about who he was--healer, revolutionary, king, friend, humble carpenter. But out of the vast complexity of characteristics and ideas there emerges one simple word that no one can deny: ‘Rabbi.’ These 36 Bible studies capture the heart of Jesus the Rabbi.
the gospel teaches us something radically different. That not only can we acknowledge but boast in our shortcomings and weaknesses. Because it is in these very things that Christ’s glory and power is revealed. And we are reminded of the permanent reality of our eternal security in Christ that
BOOKS & BIBLES FOR KIDS!
Lifeguide: The Twelve Disciples
Life Lessons from Jesus
FANTASTIC BIBLES FOR STUDENTS This Bible anchors younger Christians in the truths of Scripture by equipping them with thoughtful and practical responses for whenever the core issues of their faith and life are challenged.
Encouragement for those with a mountain of dirty washing
STUDY MUST HAVES
$34.95
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Inspiring mothers
I’m a mum. I talk to a lot of mums. And I have to be honest: when first asked to read a book about Christ and motherhood, one of my first thoughts went along the lines of “Not another ‘supermum’ making me feel guilty about all the things I don’t do.” You see, many of us mums are very good at wallowing in guilt and self-criticism because we know that being a mother isn’t just about us. And we fail at times. All the should-have-done, is-this-theright-thing-for-my-child, how-doI-get-the-balance-right thoughts often sit at the back of our minds, weighing us down. Yet this book is about freeing yourself of these thoughts and embracing the wondrous grace freely available in Christ. It is about the lies we believe – that somehow, the way the
Grey/Dark Green Green/Burgundy
9870647518717 9780647518724 9780647518731
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Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full by Gloria Furman Crossway 9781433538889 $12.95 Reviewed by Michelle Parton
So Not Okay addresses the issue of pre-teen bullying within a school environment. It follows the story of a girl called Tori who overcomes bullying and learns to accept herself. This book is aimed at 10-13 year olds and is easy to relate to due to the age of the main characters. One of the issues the book raises is that parents do not comprehend the types of bullying their children may be exposed to. So, I think it would be valuable for parents to also read this book, to understand any potential bullying situations that their child may face. My first impressions of the book were that it was aimed at a young audience and simple to understand. This made the book engaging and easy to relate to. I would recommend this book to any pre-teen who wants to understand how to be empowered to overcome bullying. Hannah is in Year 10 at her school in the Central West of NSW. She is 15 and loves reading, playing sport and spending time with friends.
NIV Thinline Deluxe Bibles
These New International Version Thinline Bibles feature quality paper and bindings and at a great value price. A Thinline style that can be taken anywhere. Each edition contains over 100 pages of extra Bible study resources. 2011 Updated NIV Text. Tan/Brown
So Not Okay by Nancy Rue, 9781400323708 Thomas Nelson
$16.95 Reviewed by John Sandeman
BOOKS
OCTOBER 2014
OCTOBER 2014
These were created to be a portable and child-friendly text Bible. ESV Kid’s Compact Bible (Pretty Pink) 9781433543937
$24.95 ESV Kid’s Compact Bible (Silver Sword) 9781433543913
$24.95
Pastor Jared Wilson dispels the widespread notion that Jesus’ parables are moralising fables, and highlights how they reveal profound spiritual truths about God, humanity, the world, and the future.
Taking God At His Word
Kevin DeYoung has written an introduction to the Bible that answers important questions and helps you understand what the Bible says about itself. This book will encourage you to read and believe the Bible— confident that it truly is God’s Word.
Dear Son by Dave Bruskas (Paperback) 9781414389714
ONLY $2.00 each Noah & the Flood
by Sophie Piper 9780745963556
$2.50 Great value little paperbacks recounting Bible stories. Perfect for use in groups and classes or for award-giving. For ages 1-4.
$17.95
Two decades ago, Dave lost his only infant son to a congenital heart defect. That devastating loss fuelled his desire to provide effective mentoring to young men. This book contains heartfelt wisdom for life’s journey, especially for guys—and for those who want to strengthen them.
by Randy Singer (Paperback) 9781414348605
Perfect End of e Y ar Gift!
$19.95
by Kevin DeYoung (Hardcover) 9781433542404
The Advocate
In The The Good Jesus & Beginning Samaritan The Storm 9780745963044 9780745963129 9780745963112 Written by Lois Rock & Alex Alyiffe
$16.95
$17.95
Randy Singer brings to life the biblical world with this fictionalised account of the biblical character Theophilus. This novel recounts what the life of Theophilus may have been, and paints a historically vivid picture of the trial of the apostle Paul in Nero’s deranged court. Can Theophilus mount a defence that will keep him innocent man from execution?
Saving Amelie by Cathy Gohlke (Paperback) 9781414383224
$16.95
A dramatic World War II narrative following the life of Rachel Kramer, who strives to rescue Amelie, the deaf daughter of a Nazi officer. As she encounters the resistance and controversial theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, this novel depicts how Rachel’s every ideal is challenged as she risks her life for those she barely knows but comes to love.
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BIBLES
This Bible Society edition includes a full year of daily devotions, and additional devotional features on life issues that women face today NIV all written by Australian Christian women. irit-filled New Sp le Text is the NIV 2011. ib B e if
NIV irit-filled New Sp le Life Bib 9
NIV d pirit-fille S w Ne le ib B e Lif 78210
7927 97814016
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This study Bible sets issues of Spirit-filled living in the context of solid biblical scholarship. Includes detailed book introductions and verse-by-verse study notes. Hardcover 9780647518793
NIV 2011 Womens Devotional & Study Bible Deluxe with magnetic flap closure 9780647518816
$44.95
NIV 2011 Womens Devotional & Study Bible
This personal-size Bible includes a topical concordance with more than 80 topics. Size 38 x 139 x 212 mm.
Enjoy a close-up view of the Scriptures without straining your eyes. This easy-to-read Bible invites you to explore God’s Word with clarity and comfort in a crystal-clear 16-point type.
The Message
Vibrant Colour
Raspberry Blossom 9781612914299
$44.95
Hardcover Green/White 9780529112187
Dark Blue 9780529112224
This Aussie published Bible includes a 228 page full colour Encyclopaedia along with the NIV 2011 text.
$29.95
$39.95
Brown/Brown 9780529112446
$39.95
Pink/Brown 9780529112484
In this Bible, the print is easy to read and the art is fun and will help kids better understand the stories in the Bible. The reading plan of 150 famous Bible stories gives a great overview of God’s Word. For ages 6-10. 9780310743569
A Great Starter!
$29.9ve5 r Hardco
Easy to Read
$29.95 Hardcover
Save $5
A great gift Bible! The Message paraphrase is in contemporary language that uses the words and phrases you might say when talking with a good friend.
The Message
$39.95
Numbered Harvest Wheat 9781612914305
BIBLES FOR KIDS TO DISCOVER NIrV Beginners Bible
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INSPIRING BOOKS China, Pakistan, Egypt, Iraq...God is at work. Christians are testifying. The gospel is advancing. In this captivating travelogue, a veteran missions mobilizer leads readers to experience global Christianity, exploring the faith and lives of Christians living in some of the world’s most perilous countries.
e by Tim Kees Paperback 1 69 9781433540
$16.95
NIrV Discoverer’s Bible Ideal for school, church, and home, this large print, easy-to-read Bible is perfect for kids receiving their first full-text Bible. 9780310743736 Was $3 9.95
ESV God Guy Bible This Bible was created to help you become the man God intended you to be. From devotionals to study helps, it has tons of features to get you into God’s Word. 9781433534713
Now $34.95
ESV God Girl Bible
This devotional Bible points girls to the Bible as the Was $39.95 foundation for all of life, fostering a love for God’s Word and a desire to know him better. It is packed with great features, including special prayers and character profiles of women in the Bible. The God Girl Bible is the perfect Bible for young women wanting to dive deeper into God’s Word. 9781433534676
Now $34.95
GREAT GIFTS TO GET READY FOR CHRISTMAS A fun-filled calendar with activities that will help children remember God’s Word.
$2.50
The Big Bible Calendar 2015 9780647519141
A beautiful calendar with peaceful images and Bible verses for each day of 2015. Makes a wonderful gift.
Great Gifts for Christmas!
GRE AT GIF T!
$54.95
Save $3
NIV 2011 Encyclopedia Bible Updated
ov
$ 3 4.9 e r 5
Hardcover 9780647518809
NKJV Super Giant Print Reference Bibles
$29.95
Hardc
Deluxe Updated
A devotional journal inviting women to be guided through pregnancy with Scripture devotions and questions for pondering deeper into their experiences. Includes journaling space for writing personal thoughts, prayers, dreams, even love letters to the growing baby.
Waiting in Wonder by Catherine Larson Hardcover Journal 9781400321070
r The Case fo y it n ia Christ
l by Lee Strobe Paperback 7 55 9780310339
NOW
$15.95
Unpacking the book of Proverbs, Lydia Brownback shows how the Bible speaks to real life issues such as money, purity, marriage, and the day-to-day grind.
$19.95
A great book for both newer and seasoned Christians alike. Lee Strobel offers biblically based answers to questions such as: Did God use evolution when He created the world? If God is loving, why is there so much suffering? Can you have doubts and still be a Christian?
A Woman’s Wisdom by Lydia Brownback Paperback 9781433528279
$16.95
$2.50
Refreshing Words from The Psalms Calendar 2015 9780647519158
This Bible cover includes a carrying handle, cross-adorned zipper pull, and interior pen and pencil holders.
$14.95
Inspiration Sparrow Large Bible Cover 978031052498
For mail order, please include the item numbers and titles of products requested, as well has your contact and payment details. Also add postage costs to your total order (Orders $0-$30 Postage $6.95; Orders $31-$60 Postage $7.95; Orders $61-$250 Postage $9.95). This book promotion is valid until December 31st, 2014 or while stocks last. All items in this catalogue are included in good faith from our suppliers. Any delays in supplier delivery may result in product being delayed or unavailable. While we endeavour to use correct illustration in this catalogue, final product delivered may have changeddesign without our notice. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars and include GST.