Books by Derrick Phillips

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Still Digging
Still Digging - 'Scratching the surface and plumbing the depths of Prayer'


The essence of prayer is love. That's the fundamental premise and starting point for this book, which teaches techniques, but refutes obligation. We pray because we want to. But some people feel guilty or inadequate, because they don't pray in the way they've been told they should. But they may be praying in ways that perfectly suit their own personality. To give a comprehensive explanation of prayer could take several lifetimes, but this book's 80 compact chapters are wide ranging enough to provide a valuable overview. Each chapter starts with a poem or quotation that crystallises the subject. The chapters progress from simple beginnings to 'deeper' forms of prayer - but, to quote from Chapter 38: "Prayer is for all, but not all types of prayer are for everyone."
Let us pray as we are (not as we are not).
Let us pray because we want to.
Let us pray anywhere, anytime, anyhow.
But, however we do it - let us pray.
For a more detailed review of this book and how it came to be written, read the article The volume of silence.
The book Still Digging is available from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com in hardback, paperback or Kindle versions. ISBN Number 978-1542903868.


Pilgrims Rock!
Pilgims Rock! The true story of the first Christian rock group
Amplified music, electric guitars, drums, and songs with a beat are commonplace in 21st century churches, Christian conventions, and evangelistic events - though some people still deplore their presence. Before the 1960s such things were unthinkable. Times have changed. But how did it all start? The beginnings can be found in a suburban living room, where a young Bible student's short sermon produced 100% success. Everyone in the room was converted - all four of them. That night forms part of the history of the first Christian rock band - and the rest of the story is just as remarkable.
The book Pilgrims Rock! is available from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com in hardback, paperback or Kindle eBook format. ISBN: 172915199X




Shemayin: A world at peace


Danny, a software salesman on the way to a client, falls into a quantum event that transports him to Shemayin - an impossibly distant planet. His visit reveals a world that's physically quite like Earth, but morally and socially different in every way. This cashless society is mostly urban dwelling, but keenly protective of the natural world. Free from language or racial barriers, Shemayin's unified culture has no rules, but lives in peace, fairness, honesty and happiness. Could this be heaven? Back on Earth, he's soon reminded how violent it can be - but there's hope. Fantasy - Adventure - Romance - It's all there.
This book is available from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com in paperback or Kindle versions. ISBN Number 979-8365450547.
Search for Shemayin: A world at peace



My Goodness!
My Goodness! REASONABLE HOLINESS


Holiness isn't fashionable. Some people think it's scary/ risky/ uncool/ sanctimonious/ sad/ cranky... Think again! Holiness is at the core of Christianity. There's no stronger testimony for the Gospel than a transformed life. The New Testament teaches salvation by grace through faith, but repeatedly urges us to live righteous lives. Several of the epistles address ordinary church members as "saints". The world longs for us to live up to that title - but can we? And, if so, how? How does temptation work and how can we resist it? What difference will holiness make to our world?
For a more detailed review of this book read the Blog My Goodness!.
This book is available from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com in paperback or Kindle versions. ISBN Number 979-8499166444.
Search for My Goodness! REASONABLE HOLINESS



Little Church of Bethany
Little Church of Bethany - 'small village - big heart - huge influence'
In first century Palestine a little village called Bethany was home to two sisters and a brother whose lives of faith helped change history. In 20th century Britain an 800 year old village church went into decline, much like many at that time. But it reversed its decline and grew to become a force for change in the local community and beyond. Little Church of Bethany weaves together these two stories, focusing on Bethany's characters and events and showing the power of small churches to change themselves and their community.
The book Little Church of Bethany is available from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com in paperback or Kindle versions. ISBN Number 978-1530721610.

Bethany the Musical
Bethany
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Related to the above book, "Little Church of Bethany", this book provides the script and sheet music for Bethany the Musical, which tells the story of Bethany in moving drama, supported by 12 original songs.
The book Bethany is available from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com in paperback or Kindle versions. ISBN Number 978-1530924592

SOS
SOS - Stumbing Over Scripture - A journey from fundamentalism to faith
Fundamentalism is a risky strategy for maintaining faith. It can lead to arrogance or even cruelty and it doesn't cope well with doubts. This book records a one man's 20-year journey from fundamentalism to honest faith, facing the problems and questions that cause people to stumble over scripture. The author continues to read the Bible daily and gains strength from its teachings. But he is no longer a fundamentalist.
For a more detailed review of this book and how it came to be written, read the article Fundamental Relief
The book SOS is available from Amazon in paperback or Kindle versions.
ISBN Number 978-1519688064.

© Derrick Phillips - 2023