Buried in the back catalogue

Christian Focus Publications have often been the butt of my jokes and
this post was originally going to be called ’15 Books CFP Don’t Want You to
Know About’ but, having thought about it, even I realise that would be an
unhelpful title for them.  I am a huge fan of CFP. They produce
masses of material and their  range of children’s books is fantastic.
If you are looking for books to give away have a look at their catalogue. They
really do the Church a huge service in the children’s material they are
producing.

You might be
thinking ”Has Levy been paid to write this post?” but if you know anything of
William Mackenzie you’ll also know that’s an impossibility.  So, I am
giving you 15 excellent books published by CFP that you’ve probably never
heard of. There was a time when CFP weren’t the best with a spellchecker
but who am I to judge?  I think it would be fair to say that they don’t
market like some other publishing houses but we must remember they are based to
the North of Inverness; a place which, though beautiful, is the British
equivalent of Alaska. Nice pictures but you don’t really want to go there. I
preached once in Inverness and when the plane door opened it was like stepping
into the fridge. Never again. It took me 6 weeks to get warm. It’s also
the home of various Presbyterian turf wars and so, at least for the next
while, I need to stay away.

Here are 15
books you might not have heard of. For those in the UK –  Evangelical
Bookshop in Belfast have lots of these at really reduced prices, some less
than half price, so do give them a ring or email here and they’ll do you a deal. I understand WTS Books
have nearly all of them in stock in the US.

15. Bible
Overview – Steve Levy – OK it’s written by my brother, let’s get that out of
the way. I recently saw it on sale for 50 pence in a Christian Book Shop in the
reduced to clear bucket alongside works by TD Jakes and Benny Hinn which
brought a great deal of joy to me as hislittle brother. It’s a readable,
Christo-centric introduction to the Bible.

14. Reformed
Theological Writings – RA Finlayson – A classic. 32 articles in 3 sections
on General Theology, Issues Facing Evangelicals and the Westminster Confession.
Finlayson was Professor of Systematic Theology at the Free Church College. Alec
Motyer calls him ‘a giant’. The chapter on the ‘Holy Spirit in the life of
Christ’ is worth buying the book for.

13. If I Die
Before I Wake – Sinclair Ferguson and Scott Oliphant – a very helpful book
to use with those nearing death, we’ve used it lots in church life.

12
Reformation – As much as it pains me to recommend this book by Trueman it is
quite good. Very guilt inducing on the need for the original languages.

11. Daniel –
Sean Lucas – Really encouraging expositions which model how to handle the text.
Handling a book in big chunks with Christo-centric application.

10. Rich –
Peter Dickson and David Gibson – this is a terrific book preaching parts of
Luke’s gospel. The authors have also developed this into a course. It’s full of
great insights into the text and wonderful fodder for sermons.

9. Alien
Nation – Melvin Tinker – how on earth this book isn’t better known I don’t
know. Anything Melvin Tinker writes is worth reading. He’s fresh and thought
provoking. This small book of sermons looking at how we live out the Christian
life in exile is terrific.

8. God’s
People in the Wilderness: The Church in Hebrews – Palmer Robertson – masterful
and you should buy it.

7. Lamp unto
my feet – Peter Barnes – see here.

6. Matthew –
Volumes 1 and 2 – Knox Chamblin –  see here.

5. Iron
Sharpens Iron – Orlando Saer – I recently used this book on Bible study leader
training course. I wouldn’t agree with everything in it; at times you feel like
you’re being treated like a small child, but chapters 3 and 4 are particularly
helpful for Bible study leaders.

4. Roots –
Alec Motyer – Alec Motyer on every book on the Old Testament. Need I say more?

3. A
Christian’s Pocket Guide to Jesus Christ – Mark Jones – Clears up a lot of
nonsense on Christology. Vital reading for all ministers and elders and leaves
you wanting more.

2. And Then
There Were Nine – David Searle – the title is a bit disconcerting but this
little book is a wonderful exposition of the 10 commandments; the introduction
is worth the price of the book alone.

1. God of
all Grace – Douglas Macmillan – A man mountain of a preacher who deserves to be
better known than he was. See here and here