The books of the New Testament are some of the most extraordinary documents ever created, yet the picture they give of Jesus’ world is a partial one. Written 30-80 years after the events they describe and with very specific doctrinal aims they addressed a Greek-speaking audience when Christianity was at its most precarious. Vermes, paints a comprehensive and colourful picture of the world that Jesus knew. From detailed portraits of John the Baptist, Pontius Pilate, Herod, Jesus himself, and other key figures, to the Jewish and Hellenistic leaders often ignored in scripture, this is a critical, in-depth look at one of the most tumultuous eras in human history.

Also by Vermes:

•  The Passion: True Story of Event that Changed Human History $26.00
•  Authentic Gospel Of Jesus $29.99
•  Changing Faces of Jesus $26.95

Bonhoeffer’s writings are a treasure of spiritual wisdom, social conscience, pastoral care, and theological insights that are an inspiration to us all, no matter what challenges we face.

"Bonhoeffer was a Christian martyr whose life and death show us the road to faith. This collection of 365 road signs, one for every day of the year, is a wonderful way to begin again the journey for ourselves." Jim Wallis, author of God’s Politics

Choosing ten psalms, Sire offers background information that helps us read each one with deeper insight and then lays out a meditative, step-by-step approach to using the psalmists' words as a guide for our own personal conversation with God. A group study is also included in each chapter, along with a guide for praying through the psalm in community.

"At times intimate, at times pastoral, but always focused, Sire here creates a solid study of the Psalter for use in Christian devotion, be it private or corporate." Phyllis Tickle, author of The Divine Hours

These daily readings (for seven weeks) cover the whole arc of Scripture from the stories of creation and Israel through the life of Jesus and the New Testament letters. Newell provides a retelling of a Scripture passage and original prayers inspired by the Celtic tradition. Exquisitely illustrated throughout with images from the ancient Book of Kells and with children’s vibrant interpretations of Celtic art.

•  Can war ever be justified?
•  Is it ever right to help someone else to die?
•  Should we be worried about cloning?
•  Do we have a responsibility to the environment?

These are just some of the topics addressed in this accessible book. Anglican priest, Goddard gives an overview of the key issues to help readers think things through while offering his own perspective.

While the criminal justice system focuses on giving offenders "what they deserve," it does little to restore the needs created by crime or to explore the factors that lead to it. Toews, with years of experience in prison work, shows how people in prison can live restorative-justice principles. She shows how these practices can change prison culture and society.

Order these other Good Books titles:

•  Little Book of Biblical Justice, Christoher Marshall,  $15.95

•  Little Book of Conflict Transformation, John Paul Lederach,  $16.95

•  Little Book of Restorative Discipline for Schools, Lorraine St Amstutz,  $16.95

•  Little Book of Restorative Justice, Howard Zehr,  $16.95

•  Little Book of Trauma Healing, Carolyn Yoder,  $16.95

•  Little Book of Dialogue for Difficult Subjects, Lisa Schirch,  $15.99

•  Little Book of Family Group Conferences: New Zealand Style, Allan Macrae,  $15.99

•  Little Book of Strategic Negotiation, Jayne Semi Docherty,  $15.99

•  Little Book of Strategic Peacebuilding, Lisa Schirch,  $15.99

Baker provides a treasure trove of unique, ready-to-use children's sermons that require little or no preparation, helping to remove the panic from Sunday morning preparations. 52 new children's sermons, one for each Sunday of the year, plus a few extras for special occasions.

Includes suggestions for altering the sermon to suit different age levels, and ideas for props and visual aids. The talks are not lectionary based, instead a topic and scriptural index enables you to choose an appropriate subject for the day. The talks are all interactive, designed to fully involve the children.

Samson the hero; a brave warrior, leader of men and Nazarite of God? Or a lusty, whoring misfit who failed to fulfil his destiny? This book revisits Samson’s famous battle with the lion, his many women and his betrayal by them all – including the only one he ever loved. A provocative new take on the story and its climax.

More titles in this Myths Series:

•  The Helmet of Horror: The Myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. Victor Pelevin. Translated from the Russian by Andrew Bromfield. $25.00 (New)
•  Short History of Myth. Karen Armstrong. $25.00
•  Penelopiad: the myth of Penelope & Odysseus  Margaret Atwood. $25.00
•  Weight: The myth of Atlas and Heracles. Jeanette Winterson. $25.00

Do you long to slow down and be at peace? In this beautifully illustrated book, popular author and retreat leader Liz Babbs presents creative ways to help us do just that. She uses reflective text, quotation, beautiful landscape photo-graphy and music from Simeon Wood to invite us to find peace and rest in the midst of life’s busyness.

Order these other Lion book and CD packages:

•  Celtic Heart: reflections for life’s journey $24.99
•  The Pilgrim Heart $24.99
•  Celtic Spirit: poems prayers and music $24.99

Ready-to-use prayers for community and civic occasions. Pastors, expected to pray or preach at a moment’s notice, are often put into situations in which prayer is difficult. This book considers some ways of praying in these hard places and offers a beginning point for prayer which can be borrowed or modified.

When we think of the wilderness, we might think of difficult, barren times, perhaps even a time of testing. Yet the wilderness can also be a place to escape to, a place to be alone with God.

This journal considers these ideas through articles, prayers and reflections, and also has many ideas to live out our faith.