Michael Wests’ book Gospel Stories are stories that provide an easy and accessible way for folk who don’t know much about Christianity to get a better understanding of who Jesus is, and the love he has for everyone.

The stories try and imagine what was going through the minds of various people who had met Jesus and experienced his ministry, with the hope that it will allow the reader to be ‘in their shoes.’

Here is an extract from the book:

Free at last!

I can’t get him out of my mind. A few days ago I was out when I saw this crowd standing around a man talking to them. Curious, I made my way to the edge of the crowd and listened. After a few minutes, I tried to push in a bit to hear him more clearly. There was something captivating about him. He spoke with authority, but without a trace of arrogance; so gracious. I could see by his face his commitment to the crowd, and that he was sharing his heart with them … with us. As he spoke on, I began to feel ashamed. It wasn’t anything he said to condemn me … it was … I don’t know … his … purity; his holiness I suppose. In him was a different sort of life. Mine by contrast was tiny and shabby. I’d never met a man like him. The men I met were after only one thing, for which they paid; not well, and certainly it was no compensation, but it gave me enough to live on … but I paid too. After each encounter, I felt used and diminished. Eventually I became numb to it all, but there was a constant, quenching dullness in my life. Oh I could put on a bright face. If you met me in the market, you would never know. But inside I was empty. As I listened on, a tear fell down my cheek. I wanted to stay, but I couldn’t. I had to get back; I had a client coming that evening and had to get ready.

Each day since, I’ve thought about him, and about what he said about turning from our old ways and seeking God. I can’t get him out of my mind. I didn’t know what to do. I wanted to see him but where could I see him alone – he was often with crowds and his disciples would be around him? I dithered for so long. Would I even be able to get near him, and if I did, what was I going to say? More than that, what did I hope from him? I thought of a hundred reasons why it would be stupid to go. Who was I, that he should be bothered with me, especially as he was usually surrounded by folk with greater needs? What if he ignored me, or worse, rebuked me in front of everyone – I would feel so ashamed?  I agonised for a long time, part of me wanting to see him and try and put things right, and part of me very fearful of what might happen. I had no peace. Eventually, after a real struggle, I decided I was going to try and see him, and somehow tell him I was sorry. And if I left humiliated … well then … at least I tried. I left the house to look for him and began asking folk, “Do you know where Jesus is?” Most folk knew about him – everyone was talking about his healings and miracles – but no one could tell me where he was, or how to find him. – Written by Michael West

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Here is a preview of The Realities of the Endtime by Freeman Johnson. This book is a determined and fervent work to bring to the understanding of believers the revelation that is necessary to keep alive both their physical and spiritual alertness towards the Endtime. The reader will get to understand the signs and the period of the end time through the scriptures which Freeman explains further. A must read!

Here is a excerpt:

Let us consider the account of Lazarus and the rich man.

There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Luke 16: 19-26

This is a well known portion of the Scripture narrated by Christ himself while on earth. Lazarus, although poor, loved the Lord and the rich man who had all at his will, lived without faith in God. After death, both Lazarus and the rich man found themselves within the realm of the departed spirits called Sheol in Hebrew and Hades in Greek but their destinies there were quite different.

The rich man’s spirit was in a place of torment; the spirit of Lazarus was in a place of rest. Between these two places was fixed an impassable gulf that could not be crossed from either side even by the spirits. The place of rest, set apart for the departed spirits of the righteous, here is called, Abraham’s bosom. This title indicates that this place is ordained for the spirit of all those who, in their earthly pilgrimage, followed in the footsteps of faith and obedience marked out by Abraham, who for this reason, is called the father of all those who believe.

Apart from the rich man episode in the Bible, there were men who lived Christless lives and died. Before their death, they testified of their impending doom to perdition and total separation.

On the other hand, we can imagine the joy that believers of Jesus Christ experience when they are called to rest from their labour. This joy is overwhelming, and the state of abode of the believers is the opposite to that of the unbelievers. – extract from Chapter 1, The Realities of the Endtime, Freeman Johnson

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Loneliness versus Being Alone, the Journey from Isolation to Beautiful Solitude by Julie Porter explores in the Bible, what it says about the topic and how it can help you overcome loneliness and be content in solitude.

Split in two parts, the book helpfully dissects:

Part One – Loneliness: What is its definition? Why do people succumb to it? How do we overcome it?

Part Two – Being Alone: What does ‘being alone’ mean? Is there really any good reason for choosing solitude?

Here is an extract from the book by Julie Porter:

CHAPTER TWO – BEING ALONE: Why?

Whatever the opportunity taken, eventually we have to be alone – what happens if we don’t find some ‘me’ time? We become stressed, overworked, pushed to the very limits of our human capabilities of trying to be ‘patient’ and ‘kind’; and like an overstretched rubber band we can snap with dire consequences not only for ourselves but for all others around us.

As it is a choice we make – then we are in a position to recognise that we need to make this decision now before we do ‘snap’.

On many occasions Jesus knew when he needed to be alone. He knew when he needed to re-connect with the Father and just take time out of his heavy schedule to re-energise himself. In Matthew 14 he tried to do this but met with opposition as the people still followed him, he had to forcibly send the disciples off so that he could go and pray.

So if Jesus took this method then I have to pose the question what are the benefits of being alone? I can only conclude that it has its joys – in setting yourself apart from others you can find respite from the crowds and from the noise. When we are alone we can make time to do what we want to do rather than what others want us to do.

You see, when Jesus prayed he always prayed alone – to get his focus on God to be away from the needy crowd and from teaching and leading his disciples. In fact when the disciples ask Him to teach them to pray he encourages them:

…when you pray go to your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Matthew 6:6

Jesus encourages them to go to their room, to their own personal space where they are comfortable and at ease. Then his next instruction is to close the door, i.e. to shut everything out – it’s you and God alone in prayer.  Then, finally pray to your Father who is unseen – not to an idol made of earthly materials and placed in front of you so you can look at it and focus on it, but to the Father who is unseen, i.e. you need faith and belief to pray.

Written by Julie Porter

Loneliness Versus Alone is available to buy now!

Ann Nunn’s book (assisted by Liz Leach Murphy), The Gift, takes a refreshing approach to painting an honest picture of the raw realities of being a Family Carer based on my first-hand experience, and explores how my Christian faith has been my lifeline and supported me through challenging times, whilst featuring practical teaching methods that can unlock the potential of a child living with learning difficulties. We have researched the market and have not found any other publication that features the range of issues that we overcame as a family; a son with a rare disability, a husband with significant mental health issues, home teaching, poverty and homelessness.

Here is an extract from her book:

A Threefold Cord: A story of faith and triumph

I have faced many challenges in my life with surprising twists and turns, always with interesting outcomes. My faith is really important to me and my family, and God has been the provider of the strength I have needed at difficult times. The Lord has always been there for me. I know that Simon’s future is in His safe hands. This is not easy, but I know (beyond all doubt) that GOD IS FAITHFUL.

Support

I attend a church fellowship on Tuesday evenings (bible class) and we are “family”. We pray for each other and our concerns. This mutual support means a great deal to me.

I have also found great strength in loud singing, “songs of deliverance”. These provide comfort and reassurance during difficult times.

In my times of desperation, I discovered for real that ‘God is my refuge, strength and a very present help in trouble’ (Psalm 46:1), a constant support and companion. I am repeatedly helped, strengthened and comforted when I call on the name of the Lord to help.

Through believing in the Lord and believing in His promises I have felt comforted about Simon, what he can achieve and his future.

The hymn “What a Friend we have in Jesus” states: ‘Take it to the Lord in prayer.’ (Hymnal.net, 2019a) and that is the best thing to do because we cannot cope on our own – but ‘What a privilege’! (Hymnal.net, 2019a).

This has given me a strength that has been invaluable, especially during times that have been very challenging when I have not been able to take the sorrows and burdens of the world upon me, but I have known who can.

By Ann Nunn

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Just published! Ahab, The Real Authority Behind Jezebel by Sandi Niven.

Fake news has become the order of the day as newscasters and journalists lie with impunity! I liken them to the false prophets of Baal who ‘divined’ during the reign of Ahab and Jezebel.

It is time for the Church to wake up to the fact that she is intended to affect the world positively around her. Once she does, only then will things begin to change.

Sadly, we are the reason for the season!

Excerpt from Ahab, The Real Authority Behind Jezebel

Never has it been more important to expose the Ahab spirit than at ‘such a time as this’. Whilst Ahab gives Jezebel authority, she will continue to hold open the door to Divination and every other demonic force the enemy can throw at us.

When the Lord recently spoke these words, “Divination is rife in the world today”, I realised that writing this book was all the more urgent!

Divination is rife in the church and therefore rife in the world around us. Just watch the ‘fake’ news in all forms of the media.

Not only is the Church playing Ahab to that Jezebel spirit but so is the world and while we sit in ignorance the enemy gains ground.

The false prophets are fomenting violence and, while the church allows them the platform by playing Ahab to that spirit, it will only get worse! – by Sandi Niven

Available to order now!