Books


Israel, Five views on People, Land and State	New Vision New Zealand Vol III (2008)	New Vision New Zealand Vol IV (2011)
Price $20.00 plus P&P Among the many controversial issues in the world today, the Middle East conflict undoubtedly ranks as one of the most important, involving elements of national and global security, terrorism, social justice, geopolitics, history and religion. But dialogue can increase understanding and vision, which in turn can open the way to solutions not visible previously. For this reason I am extremely grateful to the five people who have agreed to contribute to this book and worked hard to bring it to a successful conclusion. All of them are Christians with a special interest or connection to the topic of Israel. All of them present positions which they believe are firmly supported in the Bible. Although there are many views on the subject, these five are broadly representative of thinking within the Church, including among Christians who describe themselves as evangelical. To my knowledge there has been no previous publication that has attempted to air these diverse perspectives in one volume in this way. Most projects seem to be committed to one position in distinction from another. Contributors: Derek McDowell, New Zealand national director of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, focuses on God’s covenant promises relating to Israel, and how they are relevant today and being worked out in the current state of Israel. Dr Phil Church, biblical languages lecturer at Laid law College, considers what the New Testament says about the question of “land” and “rest” with particular reference to the book of Hebrews. Stephen Tollestrup, executive director of TEAR Fund NZ, focuses on peace and justice issues based on the Bible and his personal experience over many years in community development among Palestinians and engagement with Israeli and Palestinian peace groups. Sam Chapman, Director of Houhongo Rongo reconciliation ministries, considers the subject of land and the significance of indigenous Israel, Five Views on People, Land and State Vii people from a biblical perspective and Maori experience. Dr Rob Yule, a Presbyterian minister and former national moderator of the Presbyterian Church Aotearoa New Zealand, examines the past, present and future prospects of the Jewish-Christian relationship, with reference to what the Jewish and Christian Scriptures say about their mutual role in God’s purposes for the world. Part Two is essentially a dialogue as the contributors engage with each other’s positions, which were circulated after all the Part Ones were completed. A publication of Vision Network of New Zealand	Price: $29.95 plus P&P This book, produced for the 5th visionnetwork Congress in 2008, is a vital resource for all people wanting to understand the current state of New Zealand. 25 chapters by church experts and leaders cover topics from discipleship, theology, the mission of the church, and an account of the inaccurate history of secularism in New Zealand, through to statistics, theology, crime, and the environment. This is a comprehensive examination of faith in the New Zealand context and in relation to social issues. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to purchase a copy. $29.95 (+ $3.00 each P&P). Email for special rates for bulk delivery of 10+ copies. Chapter titles include: Secular NZ or God’s own country?; Christians as prophets; The authority and interpretation of scripture; Worldviews in conflict; The uniqueness and finality of Jesus Christ; Crime, Christians and the spirit of punishment; The church as a redemptive community; and Women and the Church. “Because the overall theme of Congress was “One Faith, One Head, One Voice”, I hope that as church leaders read this book we’ll come far closer together as one voice on many of these issues.” ~ visionnetwork’s National Director, Glyn Carpenter. Copyright 2008, Tabernacle Books	Price: $29.95 plus P&P This book, produced for the 6th New Zealand Christian Leaders' Congress in 2011, is a vital resource for all people wanting to understand the current state of New Zealand. In New Vision New Zealand Vol IV (2011), the first focus is on the roots of the European history of New Zealand including the Christian roots of the Treaty of Waitangi. This is then exemplified by the largely unknown but hugely inspirational story of probably our greatest pioneer missionary Octavius Hadfield, a man who came to be, like Henry Williams, revered by Maori and Pakeha alike. The second focus is on core ministries of local churches, ministries that will typify a lively New Testament church. All involved in producing this publication dedicate it to God for his use, for the encouragement of the people of God and for building up the whole body of Christ throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. “We must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knitted together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love” (Ephesians 4:15–16, NRSV). (From the Introduction) Copyright 2011, MissionKoru