• Searchlight Christian Resources •
• 884 Division Street, Cobourg, Ontario •
• 905 372 5519 •
Calling outside regular hours? You’re encouraged to EMAIL us: searchlightbooks@gmail.com
It’s a small town.
It’s a crowded store.
But we have lots of inventory and we know books.
Plus, nearly 1,000 Bible products in-stock.
Page updated April, 2024. We’re still in business! There are now fewer than 60 Christian bookstores in Canada. If it’s been a long time since you shopped a store like ours, come and stroll through a memory lane of great resources, plus new things you haven’t seen before.
The hours below are accurate. If the line is busy (or you get what sounds like the fax machine we don’t actually own) please keep calling. Trust our website for hours; Google is simply not always accurate.
Also note that we get this page for free. Advertising may appear in the middle of what’s below. We use Ad-Block so we’re not aware of what it is, nor do we benefit from it.
We’re back to regular winter hours
Monday – CLOSED –
Tuesday – 10:30 – 4:00
Wednesday – 10:30 – 4:00
Thursday – 10:30 – 4:00
Friday – 10:30 – 4:00
Saturday – 10:30 – 4:00
Email is constantly monitored even when the store is closed. Send to searchlightbooks@gmail.com
Are you a frequent visitor to this page who wishes we’d change it up more often? The real action is in our weekly newsletter. See next section…
Our weekly email newsletter is the best way to keep in touch with what’s happening in our store and the community. Now released on Tuesdays. Click the most recent one below.
April 23: Click Here
April 16: Click Here
April 9: Click Here
Subscribe to our email newsletter, just click this link to our new sign-up form
WELCOME to Searchlight Christian Resources. We’re located at 884 Division Street in Cobourg (a town about halfway between Oshawa and Belleville) just 2 minutes (three quick traffic lights) south of the 401. Our store is a full service Christian Bookstore, that is, we carry everything the big stores have, maybe just not so many copies. We’ve been 28 years in Cobourg, but the business history of Searchlight goes back another 20 years before that.
We’re also a Christian book outlet store. Many of the books we receive are red-tagged bargain books, consisting of a mixture of publisher overstock and remainders. These are all new books, not used. To make the deal even sweeter on those red-tagged titles, we offer an instant rewards program of Buy-4-Get-1-Free (lowest price items in each grouping of five drops out.)
What to expect: Cobourg is a small town so we’re a small town store. Two aisles at the front, three in the middle and one at the back. However, our store is packed with Bibles and books. Specialty areas include fiction, family life, apologetics, classic writing, academic, prayer, children’s picture books; and we also have giftware, DVDs, greeting cards, boxed cards and a now-limited selection of Christian music on CD. Our sideline is jigsaw puzzles — like you’ve never seen anywhere else.
Health info:
- Masks optional, hand sanitizer available
- If you are in contact with someone who is self-isolating, please postpone your visit to another day
PHONE: Give us a call at 905 372 5519 during business hours and we’ll tell you more. Out of area call us at 800 210 5661.
CAN’T GET TO COBOURG? You’d be surprised how many of your friends pass by here from Toronto/Durham on their way to Belleville, Kingston, Ottawa or Quebec. Or conversely, people from those areas driving to Toronto, Hamilton, Kitchener, etc. Place an order and then, find a friend passing through here during our business hours, and pay by e-transfer.
For those who came looking for directions to the bookstore, or were re-directed from Searchlightbooks.ca here’s a map showing where we are at 884 Division Street (on the east side) in Cobourg. We’re at the front of the building.
Taking the 401? From points west (Port Hope, Bowmanville, Oshawa, etc.) take exit 474-A. From the east (Brighton, Trenton, Belleville, Kingston, etc.) take exit 474 and turn left. Baltimore road becomes Division Street. The bright yellow line on the map below is Highway 401.
Google and Facebook almost have the pin in the right place, we’re actually at the front of the building
3 traffic lights south of westbound 401; 3 traffic lights south of eastbound 401; on left side: 884 Division Street, Unit 102, Cobourg K9A 5V3 Note to website readers in the GTA: Cobourg is about 70 minutes east of the DVP/404 and Highway 401. Searchlight offers more maps per website than any other bookstore.
Limited handicapped access due to the building age and design; ramp at north end of sidewalk then please knock on the front window for assistance.
For breaking info visit us on Facebook
if you’re not on Facebook, click “Not Now” when prompted to login
905 372 5519 or email searchlightbooks@gmail.com
Our new bestsellers chart is complete!
We have devotionals, Bibles, gift items, and women’s interest books that moms love. And did we mention devotionals? Yes! Lots of those!
Now in-store
Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies
by N. T. Wright and Michael Bird
How should Christians engage with today’s politically fractured world? Wright and Bird argue biblically that we should pursue active involvement that encourages free democratic societies—while opposing totalitarianism and nationalism. They reflect throughout on their approach’s relevance to current world events, including the Russia/Ukraine conflict, Chinese/Taiwanese tensions, and more. 208 page paperback from Zondervan. $28.50 list price; website visitors ask for a $3 discount.
Amir Tsarfati – Discovering Daniel: Finding Hope in God’s Prophetic Plan Amid Global Chaos.
Reg. $23.99 – Pre-order this week: $19.99 for pickup on or after May 7th.
A sequel to Revealing Revelation which was a bestseller in our store.
Got a friend who is standing at the edge of faith in Jesus? Here are four books which might interest them. Can you think of others you would recommend?
■ In the heart of Manhattan, Tim Keller‘s church attracted people from the film, finance and fashion industry, and is weekday office hours often involved them and their questions. He was 51 years old when The Reason for God, his first book was published.
■ The Case for Christ is the story of Chicago Tribune reporter Lee Strobel who, hot on the heels of a career-defining article about defective automobiles sets out to prove Christianity untrue. It’s also a movie.
■ Vancouver pastor Mark Clark follows in the steps of C.S. Lewis, dealing with objections to faith one-by-one with The Problem of God, and since wrote a second volume entirely about Jesus.
■ N.T. Wright’s book Broken Signposts is subtitled, How Christianity Makes Sense of the World. It’s written for skeptics and seekers and tied for 4th place on here with another of his books, Simply Christian.
The Bible Recap series of books by Tara-Leigh Cobble has exploded on the scene and is being used by individuals and churches across North America. Shown are just six of about 12 titles/formats available.
Now in-store
Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies
by N. T. Wright and Michael Bird
How should Christians engage with today’s politically fractured world? Wright and Bird argue biblically that we should pursue active involvement that encourages free democratic societies—while opposing totalitarianism and nationalism. They reflect throughout on their approach’s relevance to current world events, including the Russia/Ukraine conflict, Chinese/Taiwanese tensions, and more. 208 page paperback from Zondervan. $28.50 list price; website visitors ask for a $3 discount.
New Coffee House style mugs from DEXSA; 6 different designs. $19.99. In stock now. See one you like? Call and ask us to hold it for you.
Other recent book releases
Joseph: A Story of Love, Hate, Slavery, Power, and Forgiveness by John Lennox. In a book industry project I was working on this week that’s unrelated to the store, I discovered that Christian apologist John C. Lennox has actually written three books about key Old Testament personalities. This one was immediately available (the other two are a challenge in Canada). Reg. $27.99; ask for a website discount of $3.00 off. In Stock
Praying Through Infertility: A 90-day Devotional for Men and Women. Unfortunately, there are certain topics which we know resonate with some readers, or their family and friends. This book contains 90 two-page readings from mostly UK writers, although you might recognize the editor’s name, Sheridan Voysey, who contributes regularly to Our Daily Bread in North America. In Stock
365 Prophetic Revelations from the Hebrew Calendar by Candice Smithyman (I checked her name spelling) was $31.99, but with 400 pages and the option of doing an “our price” as we do with hardcovers from select publishers, we decided to order with this one. Coming soon.
Strange Religion by Nijay Gupta — I’ve noticed increased awareness of this author and listened to his podcast interview with N.T. Wright last month. The subtitle is “How the first Christians were weird, dangerous and compelling.” In stock.
Bible Prophecy Under Siege by Ron Rhodes — the subtitle is “Responding Biblically to confusion about the end times;” and Rhodes is a frequently-requested author. In stock.
The Barbour Bible Atlas — One of my favourite Bible reference experts, Christopher Hudson worked on this project. In-stock.
Previously announced; in stock:
- The Devil Shall Not Prevail – another part of a continuing series of previously unreleased manuscripts by A. W. Tozer. (waiting for more stock to arrive)
- Just Be Honest : How to Worship Through Tears and Pray without Pretending by Clint Watkins, a missionary to college students
- Gratitude Jar Cards – This is a great way to obtain a set of 100 scripture cards at a super-low price; designate a Mason jar as your own gratitude jar.
- NLT Compact Giant Print Bible in a new sage design for women that includes both a zipper and tab indexing
- Breaking Demonic Cycles in the Courts of Heaven – another in the growing “Courts of Heaven” series by Robert Henderson
- The Bible Memory Plan and Devotional for Men: 365 Readings for Morning and Evening
Available to order — books we initially didn’t stock, and why:
Pathway to Success by Joyce Meyer. We’ve noticed a serious waning in Joyce’s sales over the past year, and while we’re grateful for all the past titles — about 50 currently in stock — we decided to make this one an order item. Order item.
Are We Living in the Last Days by respected author Bryan Chapell. I like that it carries four balanced end-times views, but at $28.99 for 256 pages, decided that would have to be a custom order as well, as this section in our store can become quickly saturated. Order item.
We have a very price-conscious market, and the same logic had to be applied to John H. Walton’s latest in a series, The Lost World of the Prophets. InterVarsity Press (my former employer) has become a very inflationary publisher and I couldn’t picture our customers shelling out $31 when so many other costs are hitting hard. Order item.
The kids book 365 Talks with Jesus by Amy Parker looked like something we’d stock, but I realized that people would see the “365” and think of this book of prayers as a devotional, when it’s actually a devotional supplement. To keep the focus on better 365-day products, I decided to make this one an Order item.
Stephen Furtick‘s latest, Do The New You — Again, our customers balk at hardcover prices and with other publishers, this would have been an International Trade Paperback Edition. Customers will wait a year for the softcover unless they wish to make it an Order item.
Here’s one that will surprise you, We’re passing on the new edition of The Action Bible, called Faith in Action. This publisher offers no room to give relief on the $51 list price, at least not to common stores like ours who don’t do the expensive glossy flyer packages. If you want it, feel free to order.Otherwise, just stick with the regular Action Bible edition. Order item.
The book Loving Adopted Children Well by Gary Chapman is based on Five Love Languages content. We have very few families here who are big on adoption and fostering (which should have been worked into the book’s title) but not enough for an automatic inclusion. Order item.
Christine Caine
How Did I Get Here? — Finding Your Way Back to God When Everything is Pulling You Away
Caine shares nine habits to help you feel anchored in an ever-changing world; be empowered to go after your purpose; break through disappointments; press beyond your comfort zones; and more!
Special hardcover offer: Reg. $33.50; sale $15.99
From the authors of Boundaries
God Will Make a Way: What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
Reg. $24.99; sale $18.99
There are times in life when you’ve felt lost or hurt and find yourself asking “Where is God in all of this?” The road gets rough, you don’t know which way to run, and it can feel like God is distant. Yet, that’s exactly when He can step in and move as you’ve never seen Him do before. In this best-selling, award-winning book, Drs. Cloud and Townsend introduce eight persuasive principles demonstrating how God enters both the heart-breaking situation and the life of someone looking for more.
Save 60% on two titles by Washington, DC pastor Mark Batterson. Reg. $22.99; sale $8.99.
■ IF: Wrestling with regrets? Let God take your “if onlys” and use them as a springboard to a future filled with great possibilities! With his trademark enthusiasm and joy, Batterson helps you embrace a confident, ready-to-conquer attitude based on the astounding question posed in Romans 8: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” 304 page paperback from Baker.
■ GRAVE ROBBER: Batterson believes you need to better understand the one who healed the sick, calmed the storm, and raised the dead! In this look at eight miracles unique to John’s Gospel, he explains what Christ’s miracles mean for his 21st-century disciples. 288 page paperback from Baker.
Two great books from Barbour Publishing with full colour graphics throughout. Reg. $17.99; sale $6.99
■ Short Prayers of Strength for Women
■ Short Prayers of Wisdom of Men
Searchlight Christian Books is a member of the Cobourg Christian Network (CCN).
Make us your jigsaw puzzle headquarters and tell your friends!
Love 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles? We have one of the best selections in the county. Even if you’re not a regular Christian bookstore shopper, drop in to see our puzzles from two dozen different manufacturers. Approx. 120 to choose from, including some you’ve never seen elsewhere.
New cover; same great content:
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
Look who’s all decked out in a new paperback edition. This is an all-time bestselling Christian book, but take it slow. Lewis has rich ideas and makes use of language in a way you can’t speed-read. The book consists of four parts: the first presents Lewis’s arguments for the existence of God; the second contains his defence of Christian theology, including his notable “Liar, lunatic, or Lord” trilemma; the third has him exploring Christian ethics, among which are cardinal and theological virtues; in the final, he writes on the Christian conception of God.
C.S. Lewis – Always in stock: The Screwtape Letters and The Problem of Pain.
Other Sale Titles:
■ David Jeremiah – Everything You Need – reg. $33.50; sale $13.49 (save $20)
■ Thomas A Kempis – The Imitation of Christ – (St. Martin’s edition) reg. $19.99; sale $13.99
■ Dietrich Bonhoeffer – The Cost of Discipleship – reg. $25.99; sale $17.99 – limited stock
■ Katherine Hayhoe – Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World – reg. $25.99; sale $18.99
■ various authors – One Word for Today for Spirit Filled Living: A 90-Day Devotional (small hardcover) reg. $20.99; sale $13.99
Devotional Bibles for Kids
4 New Life Version Devotional Bibles
Kids struggling with the translation they’re using? Try a fresh approach.
- Brave Boys Devotional Bible; reg. $41.99; sale $26.99
- Courageous Girls Devotional Bible; reg. $41.99; sale $26.99
- A-Z Devotional Bible for Brave Boys; reg. $34.99; sale $24.99
- A-Z Devotional Bible for Courageous Girls; reg. $34.99; sale $24.99
The first two titles are specially for 8- to 12-year-olds, The second two are for age 5 and up. These Bibles combine the easy-to-understand New Life Version scripture text with age-appropriate devotions sure to challenge and encourage.
Greeting Card Customers:
New cards are arriving all the time!
Our greeting card section has finally been updated. Over 50 captions are now new and fresh and featuring great designs with captions and categories you won’t see in regular card stores.
Stock up on the cards you send most often. We won’t always be here so keep some on hand for when you might need them in the future.
Let us know what we’re missing. We have this window of opportunity to stock up our racks for a final time.
Best Family Devotional Offer of the Season
One Year Book of Family Devotions – Volume 2
One Year Book of Family Devotions – Volume 3
classic covers • reg price up to $19.99 CDN
sale price 2 for $19.99 or $10.99 each.
Bibles on Sale – Updated as of April 22, 2024
■ NIV Quickview Bible hardcover with infographics, regular $44.99, sale $34.99; save $12
■ NLT Christian Basics Bible hardcover, regular $55.99 sale $33.99; save $22
■ NLT Premium Value Slimline large print two-tone brown leather, regular $28.99 sale $23.99; save $5
■ The Message Slimline charcoal diamond*, regular $55.99 sale $33.99; save $22
■ The Message Slimline Brown and saddle tan*, regular $55.99 sale $33.99; save $22
■ ESV Single Column Wide Margin hardcover, regular $48.99, sale $35.97; save over $13
■ NIV The People’s Bible, hardcover, with key verses in larger fonts, regular $24.99 sale $18.99; save $6
■ TNIV Today’s Devotional Bible, regular $35.99, sale $23.99; save $12
■ NIV Worship Together Bible hardcover, regular $45.99 sale $29.99; save $16
■ NIrV Under the Sea Bible for children, hardcover, regular $31.99 sale $18.99; save $13
■ CEB Deep Blue Bible for children, hardcover, regular $32.99 sale $22.99; save $10; leatherflex, reg. $29.99 sale $19.99; save $10.
■ NIrV Once Upon a Time Bible for children, hardcover, regular $31.99 sale $17.99; save $14
■ NLT Uncensored Truth Bible, hardcover compiled by Jud Wilhite, regular $33 sale $16.49; save over 50%
■ Amplified Bible, Battlefield of the Mind New Testament, compiled by Joyce Meyer, leather look peach, regular $30.99 sale $20.99; save $10
■ ESV Journal Bible calfskin regular $98.99 sale $47.77; save over $51
■ ESV Double Column Wide Margin Reference hardcover, regular $41.99 sale $29.97; save $12
■ NLV (New Life Version), two-tone brown leather, regular $27.99 sale $22.99; save $5 (only 2 copies left)
■ TPT New Testament w/ Psalms and Proverbs, Youth Kevlar edition, regular $41.99 sale $35.99; save $6
■ NLT Economy edition paperback, feature price $5.49
■ NIV Economy edition paperback, feature price $3.99
*scroll further down for pictures of these two Message editions
Remember our motto:
Information you need,
by authors who are proven,
from publishers we trust,
at prices you can afford.
Books We Sell: An Overview/Sample
Here’s a list of everything in our New Releases and Bestsellers section that we have in multiple copies listed alphabetically by author. This is about one quarter of the titles in the section.
Bevere, John – The Awe of God
Brierley, Justin – The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God
Cahn, Jonathan – The Josiah Manifesto
Claiborne, Shane – Rethinking Life
Cymbala, Jim – Fan the Flame
Eldredge, John and Stasi – Captivating
Farley, Andrew – The Perfect You
Grady, J. Lee – Let’s Go Deeper
Greig, Pete – God on Mute
Hansen, Brant – Life is Hard. God is Good. Let’s Dance.
Hansen, Brant – The Men We Need
Hansen, Colin – Tim Keller (biography)
Idleman, Shane – When Your Way Isn’t Working
Jeremiah, David – Great Disappearance
Jeremiah, David – Revelation (study guide)
Lewis, Beverly – The Heirloom
Loftis, Larry – The Watchmaker’s Daughter
Lucado, Max – God Never Gives Up On You
Lucado, Max – He Gets Us
McDowell, Josh + Williams, Thomas – How to Know God Exists
Payleitner, Jay – The Next Verse
Sobel, Jason – Signs and Secrets of the Messiah,
Stanley, Andy + Stanley, Sandra – Parenting
Stanley, Charles – Trusting God with Today,
Staton, Tyler – Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools
Strobel, Lee – Is God Real?
Swaboda, A.J. – After Doubt,
TerKeurst, Lysa – Goodbyes and Good Boundaries
Tsarfati, Amir – Has the Tribulation Begun?
Tsarfati, Amir – Revealing Revelation
Warren, Rick – Created to Dream
Wilson, Rod – Thank You, I’m Sorry, Tell me More
Permanently: All red-tagged fiction titles are Buy-2-Get-1-Free! Pick two, then choose one more!► This is sale has no end-date; this is the new normal.
► Pricing applies to books, not Bibles. Free item is lowest in grouping of 3 books. On items marked “net” or “net price;” those items cannot be a free selection. If you have one in your grouping of three, the lowest price item becomes half price (or second-lowest if the one which would be free is marked “net.”) (“Tagged” means 1¼ x 1¼ price tags, not 4¼ x 2 red signs.)
Bestselling author Charles Martin:
They Turned the World Upside Down
save 53%; reg. $33.50; sale $15.74
In the aftermath of Jesus’ resurrection, the testimonies of those who had followed him were so bold and powerful that they turned the world upside down. What would happen if we lived with that same kind of faith today? In this follow-up to What If It’s True? Martin blends storytelling and teaching to explore this provocative question. 304 pages, hardcover from Nelson. In-stock.
The story behind The Hiding Place revisited
The Watchmaker’s Daughter is one of the greatest stories of World War II that many readers haven’t heard: the remarkable and inspiring life story of Corrie ten Boom—a groundbreaking, female Dutch watchmaker, whose family unselfishly transformed their house into a hiding place straight out of a spy novel to shelter Jews and refugees from the Nazis during Gestapo raids. Even though the Nazis knew what the ten Booms were up to, they were never able to find those sheltered within the house when they raided it. New York Times bestselling author and master of nonfiction espionage thrillers Larry Loftis. Always in-stock.
Joe Amaral Books – in stock
Joe Amaral has been a featured speaker in Cobourg on many occasions, but this year his schedule takes him a different direction. We wanted to support his ministry so we’ve purchased these books. Each of the books below is $21 retail.
Get Off Your Ash — Ashes are all that remain after something is completely burned and destroyed by fire. For some, it’s a relationship, for others it’s your self-worth which was destroyed because of what somebody said or did to you.
In ancient times, ash was used as the international symbol for loss, pain and suffering. People would cover themselves in it to let others know what they were going through. We may not wear ash on our bodies today, but we sure do carry it around with us.
Jesusly: The Act of Being Like Jesus — As we follow Jesus through the Gospel of Luke, we discover the often hidden and deeper meaning behind many of his teachings and actions. As followers of Jesus, it’s important to know which Jesus to follow. Hollywood has portrayed him one way and modern Christianity showcases a completely different Jesus than we find in the Scriptures.
Luke shows us a Jesus who has no problem breaking barriers and going outside of the accepted social norm if it means meeting the needs of a person who has felt abandoned and rejected. Imagine a world where people loved people the way Jesus did.
In store now.
When Your Way Isn’t Working: Finding Purpose and Contentment through Deep Connection with Jesus by Kyle Idleman
When you struggle with doubt, when you feel unworthy, when you are sure you don’t have what it takes to live out your purpose, what is the one thing that Jesus wants you to never forget? When Your Way Isn’t Working equips you to discover authentic connection to God and others so you are free to live the life you long for. Based on the powerful sermon series, “Be the Branch.”
Mention or show this section on your phone for $2.00 off.
Has the Tribulation Begun?: Avoiding Confusion and Redeeming the Time in These Last Days.
As local and international events and news reports become more troubling, interest in Bible prophecy continues to grow. Cultural anxiety is reaching unprecedented highs, and many Christians have begun to wonder if the tribulation described in Revelation is already upon us. Amir Tsarfati has emerged over the past few years as a leading voice on the subject of end-times Bible prophecy. Amir is married to Miriam, and together they have four children. Their home overlooks the valley of Megiddo (Armageddon) which is a constant reminder of the call that the Lord has placed on him to teach from the Bible what God’s plans are for the end of times.
► Also available to order: Study Guide, $14.99
S A L E B O O K L I S T
More titles — Previously advertised:
■ The Chosen – Jerry Jenkins (novelization of the television series) hardcover; reg. $38.99; Sale $18.99 (save $20.00)
■ The Bible and Borders (Christian perspective on immigration) reg. $18.99; super-sale $6.99
■ Where is God When it Hurts – Philip Yancey (in a larger size paperback); Reg. $23.99; Sale $11.99 (half price)
■ Jesus: 365 Day Devotional (for kids 7-12) hardcover; Reg. $19.99; Sale $12.99 (save 35%)
■ Follower – Kyle Idleman (hardcover condensation of Not A Fan; makes a great gift); hardcover; Reg. $15.99; Sale $9.99
■ Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire – Jim Cymbala (story of the Brooklyn Tabernacle); Reg. $23.99; Sale $16.99
■ Poverty, Riches and Wealth – Kris Vallatton; Reg. $19.99; Sale $6.99 (save 65%) (priced cheap ’cause it’s about money!)
■ The Case for Christ for Kids – Lee Strobel; hardcover Reg. $21.00; Sale $13.99
■ Look Up: 200 Prayers (for women); hardcover; Reg. $13.99; Sale $7.99
■ Trials – June Hunt (one of 50 books in the Hope for the Heart series of pocket books); This title, sale $4.99
The Ten Million Club – How Many of These Have You Read?
Only a few select titles have reached this milestone. Ten million copies sold. In addition to a number of Bibles, the books include:
- The Five Love Languages – Gary Chapman
- Purpose Driven Life – Rick Warren
- The Shack – Paul Young
- Prayer of Jabez – Bruce Wilkinson
- The Power of a Praying Wife – Stormie Omartian
- Heaven is for Real – Todd Burpo
- Jesus Calling – Sarah Young
- More than a Carpenter – Josh McDowell
- The Bible Promise Book (Barbour)
Source: Evangelical Christian Publisher’s Assocation (ECPA)
DVD Department
On the one hand…
We’re recognizing that DVDs are a dying medium and are selling most of our existing stock at 40% off.
On the other hand…
We want to be able to continue to supply movies for people who have working DVD players and want to own the latest Christian films. Feel free to order.
Blu-Ray Sale
All our Blu-Ray discs are now 50% off.
About 12 titles remaining.
Ukrainian Large Print New Testaments. $25.99 softcover. Please share this information with people you think might be interested.
Where Is God When it Hurts? — One of Philip Yancey‘s earliest books in a new full size paperback edition and half-price:
Reg. $23.99; Sale $11.99.
“If there is a loving God, then why… ?” No matter how the question is completed, at its root lies the issue of pain. Does God order suffering? Or did he simply wind up the world’s mainspring and now is watching from a distance? Yancey looks at pain—physical, emotional, and spiritual—and helps us understand why we suffer.
GREAT BIBLE OFFERS on THE MESSAGE
This is a great gift idea for someone who might be overwhelmed by the wording in a regular Bible. Both retail for $55.99, and our price is $33.99 or $22 off.
- The Message Slimline Bible in saddle tan and brown
- The Message Slimline Bible in gray and charcoal diamond
Note:
For featured offers, use the tabs below. Remember, this is a non-transactional, non-searchable website; if you don’t see what you’re looking for please phone 905 372 5519 or email searchlightbooks@gmail.com
■ New to the area and interested in local churches? Visit our Local Church Directory. Or tell us a bit about yourself and previous churches you attended.you have questions, drop by the store and ask!
Our ongoing charity project
We need your help in creating awareness for an ongoing fundraising project to benefit the Welcome Home Children’s Centre, located 2 hours north of Port-Au-Prince, Haiti especially at this critical time in that country’s history. We’d also like to ask everyone reading this to please consider making a donation no matter how small. Find out more and contribute at this Canada Helps page.
Hardcover Discount Prices
Increasingly, when you visit our store, you’ll see the handwritten words “Our Price” on hardcover (and sometimes other) books. These discounts are either offered by the store or supported by some of our publishers. They’re not red tags because they’re not part of the Buy-4-get-1-Free offer but they represent our best attempt to remain competitive and save you money.
Libros en español vendidos aquí.
Heading to Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, or any other Spanish-speaking country?? Turn your vacation trip into a mission trip by leaving Spanish New Testaments and Bible promise books for hotel housekeeping staff; tour guides; and people you meet at local markets. We keep about 20-30 of these on hand at any given time; more can be easily ordered.
Not going anywhere? Remember the migrant workers on local farms. (Make sure ahead of time that Spanish is their first language!)
Bibles in many Languages:
We don’t have all the languages in the above image, but we do have in stock Bibles and/or other Christian literature in Spanish, Arabic, German, Chinese (trad.), Chinese (simplified), Italian, French, Tagalog, Persian, Korean, Greek (contemporary), Greek (classical), Japanese, Hindi and others, with access to about 100 more.
- Ukrainian hardcover New Testaments still available.
Support Independent Bookstores
Did you know that getting the cheapest deal sometimes isn’t the best deal? At Searchlight, we work hard to keep prices low, but we work even harder to ensure you have an amazing experience with us. We want to see your life changed by God’s power and that’s why we run this bookstore; that’s something online vendors can never offer.
Corporate retailers offer convenience and low cost, but there are some incredible things that happen when you shop locally. Consider the following:
- We are passionate about transformation and have become experts in the varieties of teaching that points people to Christ and can bring change in your life.
- The products we sell are filtered before they hit our shelves, and if something isn’t right for your doctrinal perspective, we’ll let you know ahead of time.
- You get to see, touch, feel; interact with the product before you buy.
- We’re also customers. Our staff are readers and music buyers.
- We refer people to local churches and parachurch organizations. We promote their activities.
- We support the local economy, and we hire local staff and use local tradespeople.
- Surprise! You never know who you’ll meet at the store. You never know what resources you’ll find.
- The owners don’t take a salary. No one’s pockets are being lined when you shop here.
Please consider supporting Searchlight as your regional Christian bookstore, and encourage others to think about the many benefits of buying local.
| SEARCHLIGHT CHRISTIAN BOOK OUTLET | The outlet-priced titles are NOT previously enjoyed (used) books, but rather, publisher overstock or recently discontinued titles. Most are 30% to 40% off with free books available on multiple purchases. |
How to Browse a Bookstore
Increasingly, browsing is becoming a lost art as computer algorithms and bots tell us what we like and what we should buy based on previous purchases. Remember that often, certain authors and publishers paid for their titles to come to the top of the list, and in the case of Christian books, sometimes the content of the book doesn’t reflect your beliefs at all.
Here’s a better way:
- Allow 25 minutes. Yes, there’s such a thing as the “seven-minute quick-browse,” and some have this mastered and can rush in and walk out with some good reading, but for the most part give yourself the better part of a half hour.
- Check out the new releases. If you’ve been part of the capital “C” Church for awhile, there should be names you recognize, or if you’re active online, there should be issues of which you’re aware. The bestsellers and new releases represent the cream of the crop.
- Find an area of the store which interests you. Classic authors. Commentaries on a particular book of the Bible you’ve wanted to dig deeper into. Biographies on significant Christian people, both dead and living. Books by the top Christian authors who have proven the worth of their writing over the years. Books to deepen your prayer life. Books by younger authors or writers who appeal to next-generation readers. Books which break down the Bible into manageable units to help us see the big picture. Audio books for those who do a lot of driving.
- Look at the cover. Yes, you can tell some things about a book by the cover, the title and the subtitle.
- Look at the back cover. This is called the “blurb.” (Say that word out loud, and if there’s children in the room, they should laugh or at least stare at you.) The blurb is a summary of what the book has to offer. (On hardcovers it might be on the inside front flap or back flap of the dust jacket.)
- Walk to the checkout and say, “I would like to buy this book.” If we know you, and we honestly think it’s not a good fit for you, we’ll tell you. You don’t get that human touch shopping online. Also, we may pause to tell you about similar titles. We’re not trying to run up your bill, we just want you to know your options.
- Set aside a time and place to read good Christian books. Some recommend always having a particular chair. With a cup of coffee nearby and your Bible at the ready in case you want to further check something out, you’re ready to embark on a journey which we believe enhances and enriches Christian living.
- When you’re finished reading, return to the store and repeat starting at step 1.
We match online pricing on request.
Ask for more details about WebMatch and similar programs designed for church libraries.
Despite making careful and discerning choices, there isn’t an author we carry, a product we sell, a music artist we play in the store, or a Bible translation that’s on our shelves that somewhere, someplace on the internet, there are articles condemning that person or item. (Well, maybe Bible highlighters; I’ve never seen an article denouncing pencils.)
Many of these find their way to the top of search engine results, and therefore become topics of conversation at the store. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to see at Searchlight.
① Things we wholeheartedly endorse. That’s about 88% of everything in the store right there.
② Things we wholeheartedly endorse but they’re not for everyone. If we know you, we’ll caution you on purchasing something that is more ideally suited to someone from a different doctrinal tradition.
③ Things carried to satisfy particular people interested in particular fields of studies. Again, if you’ve *never* read your Bible from cover-to-cover, please don’t ask to purchase The Book of Enoch. It’s not there for you.
④ Things that Christian leaders are reading that are not by Christian authors. This isn’t a problem since we usually place a sticker next to the price tag saying it’s a “general market title;” i.e. from the wider book market. And there are only 2 or 3 of these in stock at any given time.
⑤ Authors whose approach in their books or preaching style is a bit different. But if you’re asking for that author you already know that, right?
⑥ Things which are justifiably controversial. For example, some of the issues with the English Standard Version (ESV) are worth considering, and The Passion Translation (TPT) was recently removed from Bible Gateway, but we’re continuing to very minimally stock copies until we run out. Our “Bible and Science” shelf mixes authors who subscribe to three very different creation viewpoints.
⑦ We made a mistake. It doesn’t happen often. Maybe .001% of the time. But sometimes a customer will present us with information we didn’t have when we ordered the resource in question, and as a result of our investigation into what you share with us, the item is quietly relocated to the back stockroom.
Remember, that leaves about 88% of the merchandise good to go for your purchase. September marked 28 years of doing the store, and Donna has been with us now for almost 17 years. That’s a lot of experience and knowledge. Please, trust us to know what to include and what to exclude. And tell us a bit about yourself if you’re considering a purchase. (You won’t get that level of service online.) We’ll see to it that you and the resource are a good match.
For Paul’s devotional blog visit Christianity 201.
Although we follow a business model, we are one of several parachurch ministries operating in our community. PRAYER is always needed, and while you’re remembering us, pray for these ministries operating in our area:
* Northumberland Youth Unlimited (NYFC)
* Salvation Army Family Services Cobourg
* Salvation Army Family Services Port Hope
* Northumberland Christian School
* Northumberland Christian School Thrift Shop
* Northumberland Promise
* UCB Radio in Belleville and Cobourg
* Mission Canada (Jeff Snow) outreach to Ontario Tech University and Durham College
* Karis Disability Services; formerly Christian Horizons
* Lakeshore Pentecostal Camp
* Life 100 Radio in Peterborough and Barrie (Trust Communications)
* YFC National; Global Engagement (Daryl Stogryn and Michele Shutt)
* Redemption House of Recovery (Oshawa)
* Packed With Love (outreach of Ritson Road Alliance, Oshawa)
* Camp IAWAH
CELEBRATE RECOVERY – Ongoing program for people dealing with hurts, habits and hangups at The Salvation Army. Tuesdays at 6:30.
| Support These Locally Owned Businesses
We appreciate these local business for their continued assistance to Searchlight in various ways. ** Don Bickle Electric — For residential and commercial electrical needs — 905 342 3200 ** Penzoil & Skylight Car Wash — Home of the ten minute oil change! Division Street, Cobourg — 905 377 9632 ** Herb’s Plumbing — Multiple crews serving homes and businesses – Cobourg/Port Hope — 905 372-8344 |
RADIO GUIDE
88.3 — FAMILY LIFE NETWORK (Buffalo, NY)
89.3 — LIFE 100 (repeater of the main Barrie station 100.3 in Peterborough, ON)
90.7 — UCB COBOURG
99.5 — WDCX-FM (Buffalo, NY) *
100.3 — LIFE 100 (Barrie main signal)
100.5 — UCB (Kingston repeater station)
102.3 — UCB (Belleville, ON) **
102.5 — K•LOVE (Buffalo, NY/Toronto, ON now on the air!)
104.9 — K•LOVE (If you’re west of Belleville, try also 90.1 FM)
* Listing does not imply endorsement of WDCX. You may frequently hear statements of American Christian Nationalism in their station identification, i.e. “For God and Country this is WDCX.” No. Just no.
** UCB has two really interesting stations in the UK. If you’re into listening to online radio, check them out sometime.
K-LOVE has arrived at 102.5 FM
…broadcasting 24-hour Christian music into our part of the world from a powerful clear-channel station in Buffalo, New York.
S E A R C H L I G H T — Now in our 29th YEAR IN COBOURG — 75% of our book intake is (a) publisher overstock and (b) remainder books. Each title is hand-picked. Despite this, with the other 25% we’re still able to stock almost all of the Top 100 Christian Fiction and Top 100 Christian Non-Fiction titles.
Make a day of it in Cobourg: Here’s the town’s official tourism website, and the municipal website. (And two for neighbouring Port Hope: tourism, municipality.)
THRIFT SHOPS: Two of our many Thrift Stores in Cobourg have staff and volunteers who are also regular customers of our store:
- THRIFT AND THRIVE is an outreach of Northumberland Christian School on the west side of William Street in the same plaza as Cooperators Insurance and Play-It-Again Sports. (609 William Street; open Tues. – Sat. 9:30 – 4:30.) 289-252-1121 (Pricing similar to Salvation Army Stores, Vinnies, etc.)
- MISSION THRIFT STORE is at 975 Elgin Street West, in the plaza on the southwest corner of Burnham and Elgin St. W. (289) 252-2299 (Pricing similar to Talize or Value Village.)
► Want to start a Christian store in your town? If someone is serious about starting a store anywhere in Ontario, please talk to us. With 47 years Christian retail experience and 28 years of owning 3 bookstores, Paul can help turn a complicated process into a simple turn-key possibility. If he isn’t at the store that day, be sure to leave your contact information.
► Want to buy our store or our inventory? Seriously! If someone is truly aware of the challenges facing our industry but has both a passion for Christian books and a desire to take it to the next level, we’d love to talk.
We get this page for free, so occasionally you may see advertising on this page which does not originate with us…
Searchlight Christian Bookstore - Cobourg, Ontario 