Analog Christianity: Apr 1/25

Analog Christian
Author(s): Jay Y. Kim and Dan Kimball
Publisher: IVP
Price: $3.99       (Apr 1 – 30)

The Gospel Coaltion Award of Distinction—Christian Living

Outreach Resource of the Year

The digital age is in the business of commodifying our attention. The technologies of our day are determined to keep us scrolling and swiping at all costs, plugged into a feedback loop of impatience, comparison, outrage, and contempt. Blind to the dangers, we enjoy its temporary pleasures, unaware of the damage to our souls.

Jay Kim’s Analog Church explored the ways the digital age and its values affect the life of the church. In Analog Christian, he asks the same question of Christian discipleship. As the digital age inclines us to discontentment, fragility, and foolishness, how are followers of Jesus to respond? What is the theological basis for living in creative resistance to the forces of our day? How can Christians cultivate the contentment, resilience, and wisdom to not only survive but to thrive as we navigate the specific challenges of our age?

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Analog Church
Author(s): Jay Y. Kim and Scot McKnight
Publisher: IVP
Price: $4.99       (Apr 1 – 30)

Outreach Resource of the Year
The Gospel Coalition Book Award

What does it mean to be an analog church in a digital age?

In recent decades the digital world has taken over our society at nearly every level, and the church has increasingly followed suit—often in ways we’re not fully aware of. But as even the culture at large begins to reckon with the limits of a digital world, it’s time for the church to take stock. Are online churches, video venues, and brighter lights truly the future? What about the digital age’s effect on discipleship, community, and the Bible?

As a pastor in Silicon Valley, Jay Kim has experienced the digital church in all its splendor. In Analog Church, he grapples with the ramifications of a digital church, from our worship and experience of Christian community to the way we engage Scripture and sacrament. Could it be that in our efforts to stay relevant in our digital age, we’ve begun to give away the very thing that our age most desperately needs: transcendence? Could it be that the best way to reach new generations is in fact found in a more timeless path? Could it be that at its heart, the church has really been analog all along?

Our Great Redeemer

This e-book was chosen by our readers to be placed on sale.

Author(s): Bryan Schrank
Publisher: Reformation Heritage
Price: $2.99       (May 6-7)

Live as if you thought that Christ might come at any time.J. C. Ryle

J. C. Ryle knew that there was only one way to prepare for Christs return: to know Him as Our Great Redeemer. This compilation of 365 powerful readings from Ryles preaching and writing is rich with the grace, truth, and conviction that defined Jesuss ministry. Spend this year meditating on the glory of Christ with one of the great evangelical leaders of the nineteenth century in this new devotional.

Endorsements:

Ryle is one of the great evangelical authors of the nineteenth century. . . His own continuity with the past and his steadfast love for the gospel, both to be found in abundance in this devotional, are much needed in our day to shape both our minds and our hearts. This devotional is a great means toward that end.

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I Think I Was Murdered

Author(s): Colleen Coble and Rick Acker
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Price: $2.99       (May 12 – 18)

“It’s a high-octane thriller with the grounding touches of Katrina’s Norwegian heritage, the hygge of North Haven, and a very sweet romance between two likable, vulnerable people. Romantic suspense comfort food–just like waffles with cloudberry cream.” –KIRKUS

This timely, high-concept novel delves into the impact of AI on a grieving widow who uses a chatbot to “talk” to her dead husband. What she never expects is the response when she asks it to tell her something she doesn’t know: I think I was murdered.

Reading a novel from bestselling authors Colleen Coble and Rick Acker feels akin to watching a BBC mystery series: by the end of the first scene you can relax, knowing you’re in the capable hands of a story that will have a complex puzzle, character-driven plot, and satisfying reveal.

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A Theology of Play

This e-book was chosen by our readers to be placed on sale.

Author(s): Kevin Gushiken
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Price: $2.99       (May 12-13)

God encourages you to experience great joy in following Jesus

God has given humans freedom and permission to play–to fully enjoy life’s moments as he intended, with no ulterior motive. The Christian life without play becomes malformed, and believers can miss aspects of the abundant life Jesus came to give.

In A Theology of Play, Kevin Gushiken builds a case for getting serious about play as a vital element of being a Christian. “Play,” he writes, “is not merely an activity but a way of living.” Gushiken explores play from various biblical and theological lenses:
How an identity grounded in God’s good creation invites us to play

The connection between play and the biblical concept of Sabbath
Why past hurts don’t have to keep us from enjoying the present
Releasing false guilt and shame to find true freedom to Play
How to play in the midst of difficulty and pain

Ultimately, knowing and enjoying God brings freedom and pleasure. A Theology of Play helps Christian believers identify barriers to play in their day-to-day lives and offers faithful guidance in recapturing play within the rhythms of life.

 

Appalachian Song

Author(s): Michelle Shocklee
Publisher: Tyndale Fiction
Price: $2.99       (June 2-8)

Forever within the memories of my heart.

Always remember, you are perfectly loved.

Bertie Jenkins has spent forty years serving as a midwife for her community in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. Out of all the mothers she’s tended, none affects her more than the young teenager who shows up on her doorstep, injured, afraid, and expecting, one warm June day in 1943. As Bertie and her four sisters tenderly nurture Songbird back to health, the bond between the childless midwife and the motherless teen grows strong. But soon Songbird is forced to make a heartbreaking decision that will tear this little family apart.

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Mission Possible

Author(s): Tim Tebow
Publisher: WaterBrook
Price: $1.99       (June 13-19)

This 365-day devotional from the New York Times bestselling author and athlete reminds young Christians that no one can ever limit or define you once you know your God-given purpose (previously published as Mission Possible One-Year Devotional for Young Readers).

Life can be hard, and it’s tempting to settle for the path of comfort, ease, and conformity—just do as you’re told, be like everyone else, and lower your expectations.

But God has other plans for you! A bold, bright future of meaning and purpose awaits, and Tim Tebow is ready to help you step into it.

The two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner, first-round NFL draft pick, former professional baseball player, and bestselling author has spent his entire life beating the odds and achieving the impossible. Through 365 daily readings, Tim will help you . . .

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Tales from the Goose Creek B&B 5-in-1

Author(s): Virginia Smith
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
Price: $2.99       (Ends July 1)

Welcome to the quintessentially quirky town of Goose Creek, Kentucky!

In this exclusive, ebook-only bundle, fans of small-town, cozy fiction meet a colorful cast of characters and join in their day-to-day foibles.

Millie Richardson wants to open a B&B in a rundown Victorian “monstrosity,” as her husband Al points out. Will they succeed in this golden years venture? And will Creek newcomers such as massage therapist Tuesday Love, veterinarian Dr. Susan Jeffries, and handyman Justin Hinkle be run off or welcomed? Join these and other “Creekers” as polydactyl kittens begin appearing all over town, debate rages over the painting of the water tower, Main Street’s fate hangs in the balance, the stakes rise for a Fourth of July baseball game, and even more personal and town-wide drama ensues.

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