‘Flockdown’ by Steve Maltz (Saffron Planet Publishing, 2020)

In typical fashion, Maltz has responded to the Covid crisis forced upon the Church with a small book exploring the pros and cons of the current situation. Is God’s flock simply waiting to return to ‘normal’, or can it adapt and become more effective as a result?

Always keen to write about the Church, the current circumstances have provided Maltz with a further chance to explain his vision of what church could be like, bringing to bear his Hebraic perspective on the Church’s Greek-based faults and weaknesses. During this time when we can no longer meet in buildings under the control of a hierarchical leadership, the true flock has been granted a God-given opportunity to rediscover the Hebraic mindset and a new way of life together.

In his book Maltz refers repeatedly to Haggai, drawing inspiration from what the Prophet said in his own day. In that sense ‘Flockdown’ is more of a Bible study than Maltz’s usual books. But the author also refers to the experience of his latest Foundations conference which, rather than being abandoned when lockdown hit, was quickly adapted to taking place entirely online.

In particular, Maltz explains how a new form of church can emerge as we come out of lockdown. This ‘hybrid church’ will combine old-style meetings with the newfound freedoms and benefits of meeting virtually for fellowship, teaching, pastoral support and even worship and evangelism.

This encouraging and forward-looking book encourages the flock to find a new lease of God-given life during this strange season.

‘Flockdown’ (paperback) is available from the publisher for £5 + P&P, with a discount on bulk purchases.

Review by Paul Luckraft

‘Approaching an Open Gate’ by Stephen Bishop (Bible-Bish-Books, 2020)

Stephen Bishop’s latest book follows his usual format of many short chapters on a common theme, providing material for daily devotions or group discussion. In this book the theme is ‘gates’ and the 35 chapters fall into four sections which reflect the book’s subtitle: ‘Facing God’s invitations, opportunities and pathways’.

The first section, ‘Recognising ‘gates’ as God’s invitations’, explores the times when Jesus said “Come”, but also includes other familiar passages such as the invitation in Isaiah 55 to “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters”. Each chapter in the book quotes a verse such as this, then suggests we read the passage from which it is taken. At the end are three or four questions for further reflection on both the biblical passage and the author’s comments.

The second section invites us to consider the opportunities presented by God’s ‘gates’. Here we are reminded of the need to protect our personal gates, otherwise the world will infiltrate our thinking and values. We are also encouraged to draw closer to God by entering his gates with thanksgiving and to allow him to break down the barriers which stifle our spiritual life.

The other sections focus on finding God’s pathways that lie beyond the gates and accepting the challenge that often gates need a firm push before they open. It seems that the main point of these later chapters is that a gate in itself is not a destination, rather it gives access to something more.

Once you get into the book you realise just how much God has to say on the theme of ‘gates’ – there is plenty of material to explore. Of course, one of Jesus’s great ‘I am’ statements describes himself as The Gate for his sheep to enter into eternal life, a truth that each one of us should never forget.

‘Approaching an Open Gate’ (paperback, 132pp) is available from Amazon for £5.99. Also on Kindle.

Review by Paul Luckraft

‘God’s Word on Israel’ by Melanie Moscovich (Life Publications, 2016)

Melanie Moscovich has compiled a useful and very readable compendium of topics to help us understand what God says in his word about Israel. The book arose out of questions people have asked her over many years concerning the salvation of the people of Israel, how Israel relates to the Body of Christ, what God is doing in Israel today and what he will do, according to biblical prophecies.

Before tackling these, Melanie shares her personal background and conversion experience. From the start of her walk with the Lord, Israel was placed on her heart and she began to experience how God felt about his ancient people. Married to an Israeli and having lived in Israel for some years, she is well placed to share what she has learnt.

The book consists of ten short chapters, each of which has several pages of scriptures to back up the main points. Two chapters tackle the covenants and another looks at the special significance of Jerusalem. The final chapter outlines how we can pray for Israel more effectively. It is immediately followed by an appendix on using scriptures in prayer for Israel.

There is also a topical index and a biblical index, which are both extensive but perhaps not that necessary, as the book will probably be read through in one or two sittings without the need for treating it as a future reference.

‘God’s Word on Israel’ (136pp) is available from the author's website in paperback (£8 + P&P) and from the author This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Also on Kindle (£3.99).

Review by Paul Luckraft

‘Through the Tunnel’ by Daniel Holland (PUSH Publishing, 2010)

“Staggering across my bedroom I opened the cupboard, and lifting another hidden bottle of vodka I took a huge slug. The feeling of being out of my depth was overwhelming but I thought I knew what I must do. The wedding must be cancelled, there is no other way; tomorrow I must tell Beck”. The words on the back cover naturally draw the reader in. As you look at this book you know you have in your hands something of considerable value – a real man’s flesh-and-blood story – and a story that ends in blessing and the glory of Jesus. Jennifer Rees Larcombe calls it “a vital resource for people in the Christian healing ministry”. But what a journey to get there!

Daniel Holland is quite clear that this journey has been through an emotional, mental and spiritual tunnel, which in places has been very dark. Holland, who is today a full-time evangelist with Through Faith Missions, enjoyed a conventional Christian upbringing and a happy childhood. Yet at the age of nine, his life course was altered irrevocably and thereafter he underwent a number of emotional and spiritual convulsions. Hurts that needed healing were instead buried deep within – only to manifest later in life as emotional and mental torment.

Holland is a gifted writer and the book is not a taxing read – but it is immersive and an emotional rollercoaster. The reader treads through some of Holland’s tunnel with him (albeit vicariously), reflecting deeply on God’s purposes amid difficult circumstances. Only in the last chapter, through painstaking prayer and deliverance ministry, does Holland find freedom and the book make good on its subtitle: “free at last”.

I commend this book to serious Christians, to those involved in healing ministry, and to those in leadership – as so many folk in our flock bring with them emotional and spiritual baggage that they are unable to ‘leave at the door’. Some definitely need determined and persistent healing and deliverance ministry.

Holland’s story helps to underscore the truth of the Scripture; “in all things God works for the good of those who love him” (Rom 8:28). Each reader will be blessed by our healing Saviour as they engage with it.

‘Through the Tunnel: Free at Last’ (159pp, paperback) is available from Christian Publications International by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. only, for £9 + P&P. Also available on Amazon.

Review by Peter Sammons

‘Give Up the Purple’ by Julyan Lidstone (Langham Global Library, 2019)

Julyan Lidstone and his wife ministered to Turks, Iranians and Arabs for nearly 40 years, first in Turkey then in the UK, working as church planters and evangelists. He wrote this book because he was concerned by the way poor leadership hinders the progress of the gospel. The book focuses especially on the way that ‘shame cultures’, where honour and reputation are valued above all else, create particular problems in leadership for Muslim-background believers. However, Lidstone also recognises that godly leadership is contested in any culture and the problem of dominant leaders lording it over their flocks is certainly not confined to the Middle East.

The book searches for a biblical understanding of leadership which is right for all cultures, drawing lessons from Jesus and the Apostles, who subverted the dominant cultural values of their day to raise up servant-hearted leaders, who turned their backs on worldly authority and honour. With evident sensitivity to cultural difference, Lidstone contrasts the humility of Christ with leaders from honour-driven backgrounds, who show early fruitfulness but later became dominant, controlling or even abusive.

Lidstone’s intriguing title, ‘Give up the Purple’, refers to the purple toga – a symbol of worldly power, worn only by the Roman Emperor and the cream of aristocracy. Despite his conversion to Christianity, Constantine would not give up this symbol of worldly supremacy. From then on, church leaders began to wear gaudy robes of office.

Despite its Middle Eastern focus, this would be a good book for leaders from all cultural backgrounds, as well as those who are struggling under ungodly authority. It might also inspire specific prayer for the burgeoning numbers of Muslim-background believers and their leaders, as well as for church leaders of other cultural backgrounds, to help them exercise their authority in a godly way.

‘Give Up the Purple’ (106pp) is available from Amazon for £7.99 (paperback). Also available on Kindle.

Review by Jackie Jones