Free/Bargain Christian Interest, May 2014

[GtrsRGr8]

H. Norman Wright is a well-known, highly-respected psychologist who has written many popular-level books on psychologically-related topics, from a Biblical perspective.

Helping Those Who Hurt: Reaching Out to Your Friends In Need. By H. Norman Wright. Digital list price $10.99; Kindle price $0.99. Five stars from 4 reviews at the present moment. http://www.amazon.com/Helping-Those-...riends+In+Need.

This is a "newly revised" edition.

What Do You Say to a Friend When...
-His child is killed in an accident?
-Her husband has filed for divorce?
-She is diagnosed with cancer?

Throughout our lifetimes, we'll find ourselves in the uncomfortable position of not knowing what to say to a friend suffering a loss or trauma. But not doing anything brings more harm than good. As Christians, it is not a question of whether or not to help, but how and when to lend a hand. In the newly revised Helping Those Who Hurt, H. Norman Wright offers practical and sensitive ways to help friends suffering a divorce, the loss of a spouse, a diagnosis of cancer, and other traumas. Specific suggestions tell you not only what to do but what not to do.

Norm is not only a licensed therapist and certified trauma specialist, he also suffered loss with the death of his son at a young age. He writes this guide as a person who knows firsthand about helping others through trauma.

[GtrsRGr8]

Basics for Believers: An Exposition of Philippians. By D.A. Carson. Print list price $16.00; Digital list price $15.99; Kindle price now $2.99. A Kindle link: http://www.amazon.com/Basics-Believe...of+Philippians. It is $2.39 at Christianbook (in the epub format, DRM protected). A link is http://www.christianbook.com/basics-...94/pd/38975EB?. I did not check elsewhere.

Amazon's price, at least, is supposed to be good through Monday (May 19).

D.A. Carson is a well-known biblical scholar and is well-respected among fellow "evangelicals." In a poll undertaken by Logos Bible Software around the end of last March he was voted the favorite writer of those responding to the poll.

Carson has written gazillions of books, most, if not all, of them written on a level that the average church member can understand. I have not read this commentary, but in skimming over the preview, this work appears to be no exception. I know this: it is rated 5 stars from 16 customer reviews at Amazon at the present moment and was given 5 stars in the single review of it at Christianbook.

My posting of this ebook does not necessarily mean endorsement of any doctrinal positions taken in this work.

Book Description:
An exposition of Philippians that considers Paul's instruction on consistent integrity and the cross as the center of life.

[GtrsRGr8]

I ran across this one yesterday, but didn't have time to post it. It was 99 cents then and is 99 cents now, but I don't know how long that it will stay that price.

I'm a male, but this looks like a good one to me.

Girl Talk: Mother-Daughter Conversations on Biblical Womanhood. By Nicole Mahaney Whitacre, C.J. Mahaney. Five stars from 15 reviews at the present moment. Print list price $12.99; current Kindle price $0.99. http://www.amazon.com/Girl-Talk-Moth...ical+Womanhood.

Mothers and daughters have a lot to talk about. That's how God designed it. A mother is her daughter's first role model, teacher, and friend, and she carries the responsibility of passing on to her daughter a legacy of biblical womanhood.

Join mother-daughter team Carolyn Mahaney and Nicole Whitacre as they give you insights and suggestions on how to talk-really talk-to each other about what it means to become a godly woman. Tips and study questions make it easy for moms and their pre-teen and teenage daughters to read, share, discuss, and grow.

[GtrsRGr8]

Happiness Is a Choice: New Ways to Enhance Joy and Meaning in Your Life. Rated 3 stars from 5 reviews at the present moment. Print list price $14.99; Digital list $14.99; Kindle price now $0.99 (I didn't check elsewhere). http://www.amazon.com/Happiness-Is-C...N%3DB00AHY0RMU.

This is the new, revised edition of the book.

Whether depression is felt mildly or acutely, temporarily or persistently, it strikes just about everyone at some point. Drs. Minirth and Meier believe, however, that the emotional pain of depression can be overcome and avoided. Drawing from their professional training, counseling experience, and biblical knowledge, they explore the complex relationship between spiritual life and psychological health and then spell out basic steps for recovering from depression and maintaining a happy, fulfilling life.

[GtrsRGr8]

1-2 Timothy and Titus (ESV Edition): To Guard the Deposit (Preaching the Word series). By R. Kent Hughes; Bryan Chapell. Rated 5 stars at Amazon, but from only 1 review. Print list price $26.99; Digital list price $19.99; Kindle price now $4.39. http://www.amazon.com/1-2-Timothy-Ti...rd+the+Deposit. You can save 40 cents (making the price $3.99) if you purchase the epub at Christianbook (http://www.christianbook.com/timothy...G&view=details). It may be marked down elsewhere; I didn't check elsewhere.

Though a part of a commentary series aimed at preachers, and this volume being on epistles in the New Testament which were written to preachers (Timothy and Titus, respectively) this book is suitable for "all who teach or study God's word." Reviews are hard to come by with this book being on a specialized topic and it having been published less than 2 years ago. However, the writings of R. Kent Hughes and Bryan Chapell are generally, if not always, excellent.

My posting of this ebook does not necessarily mean endorsement of any doctrinal positions taken in this work.

Preaching the Word Commentaries are written by pastors for pastors, as well as for all who teach or study God’s word. With pastor R. Kent Hughes as the series editor, these volumes feature an experienced pastor or teacher who models expository preaching and practical application. This series is noted for its steadfast commitment to biblical authority, clear exposition of Scripture, and readability, making it widely accessible for both new and seasoned pastors, as well as men and women hungering to read the Bible in a fresh way.

This volume explores 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus to help us better understand what God requires of those who lead in the local church, as well as of those who would be led.

[GtrsRGr8]

One Bible, Many Versions: Are All Translations Created Equal? By Dave Brunn. Rated 4 1/2 stars from 26 reviews at the present moment. Print list price $18.00; digital list price $14.99; Kindle price now $2.99. http://www.amazon.com/One-Bible-Many...eated+Equal%3F. Spring for the ebook in the epub format, and you can get it at Christianbook for $2.39, saving 60 cents. http://www.christianbook.com/bible-v...G&view=details. The ebook is available at Kobo, discounted, but is much more expensive. It may be available elsewhere, I did not check any other places.

Granted the Digital Book World QED seal for quality in ebook design

What makes a Bible translation faithful? Is one version superior to others? Do we really need more than one translation? How can answering these questions help us become better Bible readers?

Dave Brunn has been involved in Bible translation work around the world for many years. From the perspective of this on-the-ground experience in different cultures he helps us sort out the many competing claims for various English Bible translations.

By giving us a better understanding of the process of translation, Brunn helps us read and understand Scripture more clearly. He demonstrates how the variety of translations enables us to grasp more fully the meaning of the biblical text.

This clear, readable and informative work will be of special interest to pastors, undergraduate and seminary students, missionaries, Bible translators, Bible study leaders and anyone involved in Christian ministry.

[BelleZora]

This free novel from Bethany House Publishers won the Christy Award for Contemporary Standalone (2007): Winter Birds by Jamie Langston Turner

From Publishers Weekly:
Starred Review. With this fictional octogenarian's rich reflection on her disappointing life, Christy Award–winner Turner pens her best novel in years. Bitterness over her late husband and his secret addiction to pornography has colored Sophia Hess's view of everything she's trusted and held dear. Dangling the promise of leaving her money to whichever distant relative cares for her, "Aunt Sophie" takes up residence in the spare room belonging to her loquacious, pontificating nephew, Patrick, and his diffident wife, Rachel, in Greenville, Miss. They collect a ragtag group of acquaintances, including an ex-con and a severely disabled four-year-old who flit in and out of the story. Sophie, a former English teacher, passes her days mostly by reading obituaries, watching television and learning about the birds outside her window. Turner brilliantly weaves together the threads of Shakespeare's plays, sitcoms, birds and their habits, and the deaths of celebrities gleaned from Time magazine's obituary section as she unfolds the story. As she did in Some Wildflower in My Heart, Turner shows how even the most awkward and imperfect love, care and attention can yield meaningful results. Readers may find the present tense narration mechanical at times, and the story begins slowly, but this helps form an impression of the protagonist and her dull marking of days. Genuine humor and well-crafted characters make this a memorable and inspiring novel.

Amazon UK
Amazon US
B&N
Kobo

[GtrsRGr8]

Jay and Laura Laffoon have taught and worked with thousands of couples throughout North America with their "Celebrate Your Marriage" conferences. In addition to this book, they also are the authors of The Spark (4 1/2 stars at Amazon) and Make Love Every Day (5 stars at Amazon).

He Said. She Said.: Eight Powerful Phrases That Will Strengthen Your Marriage. By Jay and Laura Laffoon. Rated 4 stars, but from only 1 review at the present moment. Print list price $15.00; Digital list price $15.00; Kindle price now $0.99. http://www.amazon.com/He-Said-She-Po...+said.+laffoon.

We all have experienced the power of words. Hurtful words can do irreparable damage, while encouraging words can set our hearts soaring. In He Said. She Said. authors Jay and Laura Laffoon show readers how to access this power to bring strength and vitality to a marriage.

Practical and fun, He Said. She Said. explores the different inherent needs of men and women and empowers wives and husbands to meet those needs using eight phrases that will revolutionize their communication. By explaining how to use phrases such as "I respect you," "I desire you," and "I believe in you," the Laffoons equip couples with the tools they need to nurture one another.

Drawing from fourteen years of marriage ministry, the Laffoons tell numerous stories about married couples, provide excerpts of interviews, and report survey results from over two thousand couples. The book also includes probing discussion questions for church classes and small groups.

[GtrsRGr8]

Since my post on 5/19 of one volume in the Preaching the Word commentary series (1&2 Timothy/Titus), I learned of three more of the series which have been put on sale. One has just been increased in price, so I won't post it. If you think that you want one of these following volumes, you need to hurry and purchase before the prices increase.

I'm sure that these are available in other places besides Amazon, and in other formats, but I'm only giving information for Amazon/Kindle/mobi.

As with the 1&2 Timothy/Titus volume, these other volumes are useful not just to preachers, but to "all who teach or study God's word."

In the interest in limiting usage of space, I have not given book descriptions. It is easy to click on the links provided and read those at Amazon.

My posting of these ebooks does not necessarily mean endorsement of any doctrinal positions taken in these works.

Matthew: All Authority in Heaven and on Earth (Preaching the Word). By Douglas Sean O'Donnell. Rated 4 1/2 stars, but only from 2 reviews at the present moment (the book only recently has been published). Print list price $54.99; digital list price $19.99; Kindle price now $4.99. http://www.amazon.com/Matthew-Author...ng+the+Word%29.

Isaiah: God Saves Sinners (Preaching the Word). By Raymond C. Ortlund. Rated 5 stars from 20 reviews at the present moment. Print list price $34.99; digital list price $23.99; Kindle price now $4.99. http://www.amazon.com/Isaiah-Saves-S...ng+the+Word%29.

[KyBunnies]

Free - The Soul of the Rose by Ruth Trippy

Published by Abingdon Press

After the tragic death of her closest friend, 20-year-old Celia Thatcher is sent to work in the bookstore of family friends. Hoping the new surroundings in Massachusetts will help her regain a happy outlook on life, Celia catches the eye of not one, but two men: the elite, but unkempt Bostonian-turned-hermit, Edward Lyons, who is clearly trying to run from his past and from God, and Charles Harrod, a charming Harvard law student who promotes a religious belief Celia has never before considered.

With both men vying for her attention, Celia’s world is again turned upside down when one of her beaus is accused of murder. Suddenly realizing where her heart lies, Celia is now challenged with a choice bigger than man: should she follow her heart or her God?

cross posting this from romance

[KyBunnies]

Free - Letters to a Young Pastor by Calvin Miller

Publisher: David C. Cook (September 1, 2011)

Calvin Miller has long been one of the most creative voices in the church. As a best-selling author and poet he has enabled believers to flourish. As a pastor and educator he has equipped countless thousands to know and serve God more fully. And he’s got the battle scars to prove it.

Having survived these tumultuous decades, Dr. Miller now shares his well-earned wisdom with the next generation of pastors—including you, or someone you know.

Miller acknowledges much has changed over his years of ministry, as we’ve moved from switchboards to smartphones and from big-haired evangelists to cigar-smoking emergents. But two truths remain the same: God is love and people are broken. In this honest, engaging, and humorous collection of letters, he encourages you to fight the good fight, stay the course, and keep your eye on the Author and Finisher of the faith … to serve well every Sunday so you’ll never feel the urge to resign on Monday.

[GtrsRGr8]

No snarky comments this time, just a post.

How We Got the Bible. By Rose Publishing. Rated 4 stars from 13 reviews at the present moment. Retail $3.49; Kindle price now $.99 (I checked Christianbook--this pamphlet is $2.99 there (epub) at the present moment). http://www.amazon.com/How-Got-Bible-...+Got+The+Bible.

How We Got the Bible - increase your faith in the reliability of the Bible
Few stories in history are as amazing and as touching as the story of how the Bible was written and became the book we have today. How We Got the Bible will take you through the remarkable story that shows the faithfulness, courage, and sacrifice that was required to make the Bible available to us today.

How We Got the Bible eBook can be read in 30 minutes or less and includes:
• A time line of events and people in the history of the Scriptures
• Examples and illustrations of ancient writing materials
• A look at the variety of Bibles available today
• Inspiring stories of early translators who gave their lives to translate and print the Bible, including William Tyndale, John Wycliffe, King James, Erasmus, and Johann Gutenberg
• Why the Dead Sea Scrolls give evidence that the Old Testament was transmitted accurately through the years

How We Got the Bible provides:
• Ten key points on how we got the Bible
• Illustrations of ancient documents created on papyrus and fine animal skins, as well as the first printing press
• A time line that follows the emergence of the Scriptures, beginning in 2000 BC, and each major step taken in publishing the Bible through 2000 AD

How We Got the Bible will encourage every believer and will increase your faith in the reliability of the Bible. The eBook reveals how the Old and New Testaments were communicated through a variety of forms, beginning as early as 1500 BC when they were written on stone, clay and leather, and later on papyrus and fine animal skins. How We Got the Bible presents solid reasons we can trust the reliability of the Bible: for example, how earliest Bible manuscripts were intricately copied by hand and how ancient texts, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, validate the earliest manuscripts.

The time line in How We Got the Bible shows the remarkable and fascinating history of the Bible, beginning in 2000 BC with Old Testament writers. The time line captures key moments in the creation of the Bible, including:
• The translation of the Septuagint, the Hebrew Old Testament, translated into Greek in 500 BC
• The collection of the 27 Books of the New Testament and formal confirmation of the Canon in 300 AD
• The first English translation of the Bible by John Wycliffe in 1300
• The King James Version of the Bible written in 1611
• The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947
• The creation of dozens of modern versions of the Bible through 2008

How We Got the Bible is a fascinating eBook that will solidify your trust in God’s word and increase your faith in God.

[GtrsRGr8]

Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air. By Francis J. Beckwith; Gregory Koukl. Rated 4 stars from 65 reviews at the present moment at Amazon. Print list price $17.00; digital list price $17.00; Kindle price now $2.99. http://www.amazon.com/Relativism-Fee...ted+in+Mid-Air.

Christianbook and Kobo have this book (both in the epub format, of course) marked down as well, and there may be other ebook sellers which have done that, too. At Christianbook it's $2.39 (DRM protected). If money is extra tight, you might want to get it at Kobo, where it is $2.99, but discountable. There are 30% off codes readily available (see the Mobileread thread on Kobo discount codes) right now, which will bring the total down to $2.09.

"An extremely well researched, intellectual approach to the problem of relativism and its effect on education, public policy, and our everyday lives." Youth worker

[GtrsRGr8]

H. Norman Wright is a well-known, highly-respected psychologist who has written many, many popular-level books on psychologically- and relationship-related topics, from a Biblical perspective.

This book was published recently and so has not yet received ratings at Amazon. However, Dr. Wright's books consistently receive very high ratings. See, for example, those sold by Amazon, at http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...orman+h+wright.

Loving Your Rebellious Child. List price $9.99; Kindle price now $1.99. http://www.amazon.com/Loving-Rebelli...bellious+Child. Christianbook has the book (in epub, DRM protected) for $1.59. http://www.christianbook.com/loving-...G&view=details. It is not marked down from the usual price ($7.69) at Kobo; I did not check elsewhere.

What to Do When Your Child Strays It often begins with a phone call. It may be from a police officer, teacher, pastor, friend, or even from your son or daughter. Whoever it is, they are telling you something you never wanted to hear, something that causes you to go weak with shock, disbelief, and dismay: "I'm moving out, I can't stand you or your religion anymore." "I'm pregnant." "I'm living with my girlfriend." "Mom, Dad, I'm gay." "Your son has been arrested for selling drugs." Such words shake the very foundations of a home and family. Everything you've worked for, prayed for, and sacrificed for has just crumbled. Where do you go from here? "Loving Your Rebellious Child" is not a "how-to" quick fix for parents of prodigals; rather it reads more like a wise companion coming alongside to bear the pain, understand the struggle, and to offer insights gleaned from the kiln of experience.

[GtrsRGr8]

I keep seeing ebook bargains that I think might be of interest to one or more people in the various forums, and think "I've got to post that" . . . . I hope to publish a poll soon so that I can get a better idea about what you find useful and what you do not find as useful, so that I can adjust the number and types of my posts accordingly.

God's Not Dead: Evidence for God. Rated 4 1/2 stars from 111 reviews (I find this high of a rating on such a polarizing religious subject on the secular site of Amazon.com to be very unusual) at the present moment. Print list price $19.99; digital list price $12.99; Kindle price now $2.99. Whispersync enabled ($12.99). http://www.amazon.com/Gods-Not-Dead-...of+Uncertainty.

The Evidence Behind the Hit Movie

The goal of God’s Not Dead: Evidence for God in an Age of Uncertainty is straightforward: to help readers develop “a faith that is real and credible—and strong enough to help others find faith in God.” To that end, Rice Broocks outlines a roadmap that guides seekers to acknowledge the most basic truths of Christianity:
-There is overwhelming and exciting evidence for God’s existence
-The God who exists is indeed the God of the Bible
-God has revealed his nature through his Son, Jesus Christ

As shown during the movie, this is the original book on which the main character bases much of his debate points with the atheistic professor. Persuasive arguments crafted with tools borrowed from logic, science, and philosophy, as well as scripture, solidify the faith of the Christian reader and provide starting points for discussions with skeptics. With clear, easy-to-follow explanations of key concepts and controversies, God’s Not Dead is apologetics for the twenty-first century, presented in layman’s terms. Readers will be empowered not only to talk about their own faith with confidence but to lead others to a relationship with Jesus.