New book - Jesus and His Family by Robert Solomon

Jesus and His Family: Portraits from the Bible by Robert M. Solomon - Though fully divine, Jesus was also fully human and had an earthly family. In fact, for most of his earthly life, He lived at home in Nazareth and fitted into the routines of family life. Yet, not much is written on this, partly because of limited references to the family of Jesus in the Bible. But there is sufficient information that offers various interesting family portraits. Carefully examining these biblical texts, Bishop Solomon makes use of reliable extra-biblical texts and reflective imagination to read 'between-the-lines ' on possible conversations and motives. The result is a fascinating glimpse of Jesus and His family, and how He related to His parents, siblings and cousins. The reader will note the implications for contemporary families. The book has an unexpected and inspiring conclusion that invites the reader to make the most important decision in life.

Book information:
Title: Jesus and His Family: Portraits from the Bible
Author: Robert M. Solomon
Call number: 109 SOL

New book - book on John Newton, Charles Simeon, and William Wilberforce by John Piper

The Roots of Endurance: Invincible Perseverance in the Lives of John Newton, Charles Simeon, and William Wilberforce by John Piper - John Newton, Charles Simeon, and William Wilberforce suffered lifelong opposition and endured for the causes of gospel truth, missionary zeal, and political justice. They found, in solid doctrine and humble joy, the tough roots for habitual tenderness in response to their adversaries-without doctrinal or moral flinching. They are examples of remarkable grace.

In Book 3 in The Swans Are Not Silent series, best-selling author John Piper looks at the lives of these three great men and focuses on how they not only endured great opposition, but that they did so with joy and without bitterness. Their lives exemplify how to set a pace and finish the race before us, encouraging every heart that it is possible to jump the hurdles in our paths.

Featured library items for Aldersgate Day

“In the evening I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate Street, where one was reading Luther’s preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ alone for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.” John Wesley - May 24, 1738

Wesley: A Heart Transformed Can Change the World (DVD) 

John Wesley: From a person who questioned his own faith to one whose spiritual legacy includes over 70 million Christians of the Wesleyan/Methodist tradition, the movie shows the power of a transformed heart that has been touched by God.

A Heart Set Free: Charles Wesley (DVD)

Charles Wesley broke many barriers of 1700’s England not only to become "the most gifted and indefatigable poet and hymnwriter that England has ever known," but also to give music, heart and soul to the Methodist movement that he and his brother John led.

Recapturing the Wesleys' Vision: An Introduction to the Faith of John and Charles Wesley

Scholar and teacher Paul Wesley Chilcote provides a full and clear introduction to the dynamic faith of John and Charles Wesley. The vital theology of John is skillfully gleaned from his voluminous writings. The corresponding faith of Charles is culled from his enduring hymns.

New book - Book on Augustine, Luther and Calvin by John Piper

The Legacy of Sovereign Joy: God's Triumphant Grace in the Lives of Augustine, Luther, and Calvin by John Piper - Augustine. Luther. Calvin. We read their books, their commentaries, their sermons, and we admire them for their greatness. We think of them as nearly perfect giants of the faith--locked peacefully inside their studies, relentlessly writing, rarely disturbed--who enjoyed a mystical union with God that they alone could know.

But John Piper records the truth: Their experience of God's majesty and grace in their weaknesses--and in the face of countless injustices and adversities--made all the difference. It led Augustine to abandon trifling, worldly joys, Luther to study the Word continuously, and Calvin not only to unwearied biblical preaching, but also to proclaim, " I should rather die a hundred times than subject Christ to... foul mockery." And it can have the same effect in your life.

If ever you are complacent about sin, if ever you lose the joy of Christ, if ever you are dulled by the world's influence, the lives of these men can help you recapture the wonder of God. And so John Piper takes you to the time of Augustine, Luther, and Calvin, inviting you to look at their imperfections, read of their transformations, and behold the reflection of God in their lives so that a greater passion for God's glory may be inspired in your own.

New book - The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel

The Case for Christ: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus by Lee Strobel - Is there credible evidence that Jesus of Nazareth really is the Son of God? Retracing his own spiritual journey from atheism to faith, Lee Strobel, former legal editor of the Chicago Tribune, cross-examines a dozen experts with doctorates from schools like Cambridge, Princeton, and Brandeis who are recognized authorities in their own fields. Strobel challenges them with questions like; How reliable is the New Testament? Does evidence for Jesus exist outside the Bible? Is there any reason to believe the resurrection was an actual event? Strobel's tough, point-blank questions make this award-winning book read like a captivating, fast-paced novel. But it's not fiction. It's a riveting quest for the truth about history's most compelling figure. What will your verdict be in The Case for Christ? 

New book - The God You're Looking For by Bill Hybels

The God You're Looking For by Bill Hybels - Are You Looking For God?

That is, the God who can really make a difference in your life? Have you already found God...but are disappointed? 

Bill Hybels wants to introduce you to the God you’re looking for. Not only does this God exist, He passionately yearns to be in a relationship with you. In fact, writes Hybels, God is head over heels in love with you!

But in order to find God, you’ll first need to put aside the caricatures, the fears, the lies, and the misconceptions that have been gathered over the centuries about who God really is. Understanding the true personality and nature of God can make ordinary people extraordinary and weak people strong.

With penetrating insights and pointed anecdotes, Hybels reveals God for who He really is: a God who knows your every thought, who is always gracious, who always guides you, is always committed to you, and who is always there. A God who feels your joy and sadness, a God who doesn’t stop giving, a God who has your life in His loving hands.

Book information:

Title: The God You're Looking For

Author: Bill Hybels

Call number: 131 HYB

New book - God's Will by J.I. Packer and Carolyn Nystrom

God's Will by J.I. Packer and Carolyn Nystrom - Seeking God's guidance is a focus for many believers. We want to know what God has planned for our lives. Are we making the right decision? Are we in his will? For some people, knowing God is guiding their lives makes them relax and enjoy the ride. But others fear making the wrong choice and find themselves paralyzed as they wait for signs from above.

J. I. Packer and Carolyn Nystrom answer these fears with God's Will. With solid biblical footing, they shed light on the notion of God's guidance in response to the many misunderstandings well-meaning Christians can have. Readers seeking God's will in major life decisions, as well as anyone interested in understanding how God guides us, will welcome this practical and inspiring book.

Book information:
Title: God's Will
Authors: J.I. Packer and Carolyn Nystrom
Call number: 208 PAC

New book - Jesus our Jubilee by Robert Solomon

Title: Jesus Our Jubilee: Finding True Liberation, Perfect Justice, and Everlasting Peace
Author: Robert M Solomon










Every 50 years, Israel was to celebrate the year of Jubilee in the Promised Land, and give their land and people their rest. Laid out in Leviticus 25, the Jubilee laws reflected God’s love, freedom and compassion in His covenant with His people. Robert Solomon explores the celebration of Jubilee, and looks at how it is still relevant today and how we too can live the Jubilee experience.

Discover how the concert of Jubilee was embodied in Christ’s advent, and how it anticipates the future, as we wait for Jesus to return to give us true liberation, perfect justice and everlasting peace.

Call number: 201 SOL

New book - Orthodoxy

Title: Orthodoxy
Author: G.K. Chesterton











In Orthodoxy, G.K. Chesterton’s most enduring work, Chesterton argues that the drama and mystery of Christianity are sanity and that the naturalistic machinations of atheism are madness.

We've all heard common reactions to orthodox Christian belief: Antiquated. Unimaginative. Repressive. Even Christians themselves are guilty of discarding. As Charles Colson writes in the forward, "Evangelicals, despite their professed belief in the Bible, have not been exempt from the influence of the postmodern spirit."

This postmodern spirit is averse to Truth and the obedience that follows. People today, as in Chesterton's day, continue to look anywhere but heavenward for something to believe in.

Chesterton tells us why we simply must look heavenward, and why we’ll be glad we did.

Call number: 137 CHE

New book - Raising Great Kids

Title: Raising Great Kids: Parenting with Grace and Truth
Authors: Henry Cloud and John Townsend
Call number: 249.2 CLO









What does it take to raise great kids? If you've read any books on parenting, conflicting opinions have probably left you feeling confused. Get tough! Show acceptance. Lay down the rules. Lighten up, already! - There's got to be a balance -- and there is. Joining their expertise with the wisdom of MOPS International (Mothers of Preschoolers), Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend help you provide both the care and acceptance that make grace real to your child, and the firmness and discipline that give direction. Avoiding the twin extremes of permissiveness and over-control, Drs. Cloud and Townsend show how you can help your child cultivate six necessary character traits: attachment, responsibility, reality, competence, morality, and worship/spiritual life. - At last, here is an effective middle ground for raising up children who will handle life with maturity and wisdom. Raising Great Kids will help you equip your son or daughter to accept life's responsibilities, grow from its challenges, and freely and fully explore all that it has to offer.