There is a crying need in the church today for men to be men. But competing visions for what a man is to be —some growing out of popular culture and others arising from flawed teaching in the church—are exacerbating the problem. Rev. Richard D. Phillips believes it is possible to cut through all of this confusion by consulting the Bible. Only in the pages of Scripture, he asserts, can men find a clear explanation of their God-given roles as leaders, husbands, fathers, and churchmen.

Beginning in Genesis, Rev. Phillips shows that God commissioned Adam to “work” and “keep” the Garden of Eden. In these twin tasks, he perceives a template for manhood, one that, when carried out with diligence, provides dignity to men, service to mankind, and glory to God. He then goes on to show that men are called to lead, to love their wives, to discipline their children, and to serve the church of Jesus Christ. Here is biblical exposition of the most practical sort—teaching that reveals not only what men are to think but what they are to be.

(Publisher)

Available Now: $24.95 (Free Postage on this Title)

In the 36 hours between Jesus’ death and resurrection, Joanna, the sister of Mary, plumbs her own grief and loss by listening to the voices of the generations of women before her who have clung onto the promises of God. From the time of Noah, through Sarah, Leah, Miriam, Rahab, Deborah, Hannah, Abigail, Huldah, Esther and more, Joanna listens to the women who would speak to her of the faithfulness of God. And in hearing their stories, she prepares herself to experience the impossibility of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

This is Naomi Reed, doing what she does best – storytelling. In a single volume she captures the entire sweep of God’s plans and purpose for the world. And she does it through the voices of women, which is exactly why it works. Women all over the world gain strength through hearing each other’s stories. They listen to different versions of longing and fear and grief and joy, and they identify with them. But when the stories point to the way God is at work, revealing himself and his plans and purposes in the world – ultimately through his son Jesus Christ, the hearer is strengthened as well as comforted. In catching a glimpse of what God is like, his sovereignty and loving kindness, the hearer begins to believe that God’s promises of forgiveness and relationship are for them also. They too can believe that somehow, in the midst of their own trial, God is present and at work to bring about his purposes on this earth and in our lives, until he comes again. And that’s wonderful, astounding news, that’s a promise for me.

[Publisher]

Following on from the successful Christ Files documentary, The Life of Jesus was screened on Good Friday, 2009 (Channel Seven). The full length documentary and bonus interviews are available at the Orange Christian Bookshop. A guidebook is also available, and can be used to turn the DVD into a six week course.

DVD Pack (2 Discs): $29.95 | Guidebook: $9.95

CompassionArt involves some of the world’s best Christian musicians and provides income for mission projects around the world. Here’s how CompassionArt explain their CD…

In January 2008 – after a year and a half of planning – Martin and Anna Smith were joined by 11 other songwriters for the first CompassionArt retreat. Next to a Scottish Loch a few hours north of Glasgow were these dozen writers who between them had written pretty much every song the church has been singing over the last decade.

A week later and the group emerged with a whole load of new songs that are bound to provide the soundtrack for the coming years; songs that answered the question ‘what’s faith got to do with poverty?’

Four weeks later and the writers were gathered in Abbey Road to record the best fifteen tracks from the retreat.

And as the music took shape so too did the plot; each of the twelve writers nominated a charity to which 1/24th of CompassionArt royalties will go to. The remaining 50 per cent of the funds raised will be distributed among projects that CompassionArt wants to give extra support – such as the Watoto community in Uganda. There, orphaned children are given food, shelter, education and a loving, caring home as they rebuild their lives. CompassionArt will provide funding for a series of music and arts centres that support the world-famous Watoto Children’s Choir, as well as offering essential training for those wanting to pursue a future in the arts.

The involvement of the twelve writers; Michael W. Smith, Israel Houghton, Darlene Zschech, Matt Redman, Tim Hughes, Stu G, Chris Tomlin, Graham Kendrick, Stephen Curtis Chapman, Andy Park and Paul Baloche didn’t just guarantee plenty of exposure. Their skills have combined to make an album that pushes, inspires and challenges in all the right places.

The story has covered so many pages already, yet in many ways it has yet to really begin. This first album – as well as the book that partners it – will generate income for years to come, giving compassion and art a more meaningful way of working together.

For more information visit: www.compassionart.tv

Although affluence and opportunities are at their peak many are falling under the weight of life’s pressures.

Mirror Image reveals the origins of stress and invites us on a journey where we discover our true worth.

Join new Australian author Jenny Marsland on a journey to unlock the dungeon and come into the light.

See your true self in God’s mirror – by listening to His voice and reading His Word.

OCBC Price: $19.95

]]> http://www.ocbc.net.au/2008/08/24/mirror-image/feed/ 5 http://www.ocbc.net.au/2008/04/11/total-church/ http://www.ocbc.net.au/2008/04/11/total-church/#comments Fri, 11 Apr 2008 11:39:14 +0000 Karl http://www.ocbc.net.au/2008/04/21/total-church/ Total Church: A radical reshaping around gospel and community
By Tim Chester and Steve Timmis

The 21st Century church is pulled in different directions by external and internal pressures. Total Church clearly identifies the foundation of the church and gives practical suggestions for fulfilling the mission of the church.

Chester & Timmis explain that while the gospel must be proclaimed in words, Christian community provides the context in which those words can be properly understood. They encourage Christians to share their whole lives with each other and to offer a place of belonging to unbelievers.

The principles of being word-centred and community-centred are applied to church planting, evangelism, apologetics, social involvement, leadership, discipleship, pastoral care, world mission and notions of success.

Highly recommended read for people involved in church leadership.

OCBC Price: $19.95

]]> http://www.ocbc.net.au/2008/04/11/total-church/feed/ 0 http://www.ocbc.net.au/2008/04/10/no-ordinary-view/ http://www.ocbc.net.au/2008/04/10/no-ordinary-view/#comments Thu, 10 Apr 2008 01:03:55 +0000 Nathan http://www.ocbc.net.au/2008/04/20/no-ordinary-view/ From the author of My Seventh Monsoon…

“The Himalayan view from our back porch was normally breathtaking but that day I sat there and wondered. Ten years of civil war, a deteriorating health system, an economic crisis and a political stalemate.

It was a background of hopelessness for the lives of our Nepali friends and the community that we lived in. In such a setting of pain and darkness, how could God reveal his nature? And how could he call me by name? I wasn’t sure. I didn’t think it was possible.”

From within the uncertainty of Nepal’s civil war, Naomi Reed continues the story of her family’s desire to train Nepali physiotherapists and share God’s love in word and action. Her honesty and genuine longing to see God’s purposes and sovereignty make this unforgettable reading.

While we as readers don’t all live through times of war, we all need to grow in our dependence on God in the hard times that we face. Through reading this story, we too will be inspired to trust “the Lord, the God of Israel who summons you by name.”

(Publisher)

OCBC Price $22.95

]]> http://www.ocbc.net.au/2008/04/10/no-ordinary-view/feed/ 0 http://www.ocbc.net.au/2008/03/13/the-christ-files/ http://www.ocbc.net.au/2008/03/13/the-christ-files/#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 03:45:50 +0000 Nathan http://www.ocbc.net.au/2008/03/13/the-christ-files/ The Christ Files: a full-scale historical documentary based on the book of the same name by Dr. John Dickson (book pictured). A TV version of the documentary was aired nationally on Good Friday, 2008, on Channel 7.

Shot in seven countries the documentary reveals the earliest and most important manuscript evidence for Jesus of Nazareth, including the writings of Josephus, Mara bar Serapion, the apostle Paul and the controversial Gnostic Gospels. Interviews with a dozen of the world’s leading New Testament historians and access to some of Israel’s most important archaeological sites give this work a unique authority.

Neither a work of fanciful scepticism nor of Christian propaganda, The Christ Files provides viewers with front row seats to the facts behind the Western world’s most influential story.

The Book and the DVD are available at the Orange Christian Book Centre.

OCBC Prices:
Buy the book $14.95
Buy the full length DVD documentary $24.95

Enjoy Colin’s selection of brand new kid’s songs. Super Saviour is available now! To get your copy, please come in ask for Super Saviour today!

OCBC Price: $24.95

IN THE BEGINNING there was nothing. Nothing to hear. Nothing to feel. Nothing to see. Only emptiness. And darkness. And… nothing but nothing. But God was there. And God had a wonderful Plan…

Beautifully written and illustrated, The Jesus Storybook Bible invites children to discover for themselves that Jesus is at the centre of God’s great story of salvation. Suggested age 3-7.

OCBC Price: $22.95