Spiritual direction and help with ethical decisions in our everyday living.
Doing What Jesus Did
- A Fresh Look at the Gifts of the Spirit
by Alison Morgan
The Rev. Alison Morgan in her new book examines the world of the Spirit, that is the Third Person of the Trinity, “the orphan of theology” as it has been called. She describes the coming of the Holy Spirit, that powerful force which inspired the first followers of Jesus and became such a transforming influence on their lives and on the Church. She details the gifts and the fruits of the Spirit and insists that they are just as relevant today. She devotes a whole chapter to what St Paul says about the Spirit in lst Corinthians. She then retells many true stories of the Spirit at work in her own parish ministry and finishes with a group Bible study as an aid to gaining a deeper understanding of the Holy Spirit. She writes clearly and engagingly of a much neglected part of Christian living. Available only from www.resource-arm.net
Review by John Irvine(08/03/10)
Paperback Price: £5.00
Publisher: ReSource Published: December 2009
ISBN: 978-1-906-36316-1
This is a practical and helpful book for all who juggle with employment and homelife/churchlife balance. We often get a lot of books on this subject which have started life in the States, but this one is based on the British rationale which makes the case studies given immediately relevant. Most of us work within the secular society and find there are often difficult choices and decisions to be made. Paul Valler looks at, among other things, how we can live authentically in the workplace as Christians, how we can make decisions about work/home balance, time management issues and money matters. The author has gone through many of the issues that most of us face and has given a Christian perspective that is measured and well argued. All of the chapters are based around the premise that there are three key dimensions to our work/home life – Purposes, Choices and Identity all of which need to be integrated and the final section of the book looks to God and his purpose for our life to see how we can achieve this integration. An inspiring read.
- When the Empty Promises of Love, Money and Power Let You Down
by Timothy Keller
A study of the idols people put in place of God – not carved images, but things like money, love, politics, power and success, even religion. Many of these are good things in themselves, until we make them the be-all and end-all of our lives. The Bible teaches that the main problem with the world is sin and the only remedy is Jesus – when we substitute something else for either problem or remedy, when we seriously believe that the end we desire justifies the means, then we have an idol problem. The book explores each area in depth, revealing how subtly these idols conceal themselves and how easily we are deceived – definitely a book to come to with an open mind and a humble spirit! The author draws on both Old and New Testaments, primarily on the accounts of Jacob and Jonah, as well as using modern examples and experiences to demonstrate the ultimate despair and destructiveness of centring our lives on anyone or anything other than God. He does not pretend that there is any ‘quick fix’ answer to the problem – all discipleship is a life-long process – but healing cannot begin until the sickness is diagnosed, and this is an authoritative and illuminating tool to that end.
This is an enjoyable book, written in an accessible and engaging style. I particularly enjoy Reed’s use of everyday examples to illustrate deeper theological points – something that has been carried over from the lecture series on which this volume is based. What has also been carried over is the occasional tenuous connection between Church life and the world of work, and readers might find this irksome. That said, there are great riches in this book, and one’s thinking about work and faith is deepened by reading it.
Till now I have learnt all I know about the Amish from the very enjoyable Christian Fiction published by Bethany House. If fiction is not for you, this is the perfect way to learn more about them and to absorb some of their philosophy into your own life. At this time of economic crisis they have so much to teach us about living simply.
I would not wish us all to live exactly as the Amish do, but we could learn so much from them and their attempt to live Godly lives. Time spent reading this will be well worth while and a pleasure not a chore.
This book compliments the 18-part Living the Life DVD series which comes in a 6-disc boxed set. A sample disc of which is included with each copy of the book.
I was pleased to find that although the DVD is very similar, the book it is not a transcript and stands alone as an excellent teaching tool for an individual or group. Peter Horrobin speaks and writes well, addressing readers and audience with equal clarity and assurance. He stresses the importance of accepting Christ into our lives as the starting point for a changed life and then teaches us how we can become what God intended; a life long growth. A quick look at the contents page shows the areas of life he is addressing, and on reading through you will find his personal anecdotes, relevant Bible quotations and straightforward teaching a rewarding and life changing exercise.
Review by Mary Bartholomew(27/01/10)
Paperback Price: £9.99
Publisher: Sovereign World Published: December 2008
ISBN: 978-1-852-40489-5