#alabster

Commission for @kurtaztrophe of their kobold Alabaster

“salt + gems”

• Salt + Garnet

• Salt + Pearl

• Salt + Lapis

• Salt + Jasper

How do the four Gospels connect as one beautiful story? See for yourself with the Gospels in Hardcover by Alabaster.

Iconic Visuals

The Gospels in Hardcover presents all four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) in one 480-page book, hardcover smyth-sewn bound, and printed in full color on uncoated paper in Canada. With Alabaster’s iconic visuals paired alongside the Biblical text, you will have a Gospel encounter that is unparalleled in regards to art and design.

Because the book is available in the NIV, ESV, NKJ, and NLT, you can choose a familiar translation to enjoy or a different one to experience. This hardcover edition makes it one you will want to treasure and revisit to read the multiple perspectives of the Gospel writers.

God’s Plan for Redemption

In Matthew, I felt the scope of God’s plan and his hand in history as the Messiah entered into the world. Blues and cool tones gave me a bold and strong impression. In Mark, I saw the humanity of Jesus as he became the suffering servant. Reds and earth tones helped me the reality of the story. 

Alabaster highlights the liberation themes in Luke, as well as focusing on women. Yellows and sweeping photos taken during golden hour brought to mind the kingship and justice of Christ. In John, Christ is seen as the ultimate source of creation. The grey colors and minimalist photos evoke a blank canvas, slowly revealing God’s plan for redemption.

Come and See

This is the must-have book from Alabaster. It comes just in time for the Christmas season. It is absolutely stunning. You will be amazed and in awe. Come and see what Christ came for.

How can you grow in your relationship with God? The Book of Mark by Alabaster and IVP is the perfect way to grow in God’s Word this season. Edited by Brian Chung and Bryan Ye-Chung, with contributions by Tracey Gee, this book will take you into the story of Mark.

Disciples of Jesus

Mark means to make us disciples of Jesus. You are invited to read, reflect, respond, and rest throughout the text -- and this book does that by incorporating the church's ancient lectio divina and visio divina traditions. These devotionals ask you to reflect on the pictures in the book, and they do an excellent job of pointing you to Christ.

The Kingdom of God

The Gospel of Mark shows that the kingdom of God is at hand. The New Living Translation Bible passages, matched perfectly with Alabaster’s signature photo style, make the claims of Jesus come alive. I saw the intimacy of Christ and his disciples, matched against the epic backdrop of the entire Biblical narrative. This book is bold and bathed in beautiful imagery and truth.

Grow in Gospel

The color red is all over this book, and it reminds me that true life is found in Christ. The photos get gradually darker as Christ makes his way to the cross. There is a cost to discipleship, but we seek a heavenly reward. One of the final images is of a young woman looking out. We must look towards Heaven and pursue it with all of our might. I am inspired to make real sacrifices for my relationship with Christ and the goals of his kingdom. This book will help you grow in the Gospel.

The Book of Luke by Alabaster and IVP is the perfect way to stay grounded in God’s truth this season. Edited by Brian Chung and Bryan Ye-Chung, with contributions by Jan Johnson, this book will transport you into the story of Luke.

Certain of Truth

By incorporating the church's ancient lectio divina and visio divina traditions, you are invited to read, reflect, respond, and rest. I felt calm, relaxed, and peaceful as I sat with the text, looked at the pictures, and followed the prompts. Luke wrote to make us certain of truth, and I believe this book joins him in this endeavor.

God’s Sovereign Rule

The New Living Translation Bible passages paired perfectly with Alabaster’s signature photo style. Luke wrote to show God’s sovereign rule over history, and the photos caused me to see how this Gospel story reaches us today. I saw the reality of Gospel truth, and the impact that Jesus has on our daily lives.

Good News Worth Trusting

There was a photo, laid out in a full two-page photo spread, that really spoke to me. It was a broken tree, in the middle of slightly foggy forest. The photo was placed toward the end of the narrative, and I was reminded of Christ’s body -- broken for us. But there was also a sense of fresh starts and new beginnings, and a promise of resurrection hope. This is Good News that is worth trusting, remembering, and sharing.

How can we remain faithful in this fallen world? In The Book of James, Alabaster presents a beautiful, captivating and fiery exhortation -- inviting humans to live with wisdom and endurance in the world.

Clear and Direct

James is a short 5 chapters, so there is ample white space throughout the 120 pages, allowing the text to stand out while you are enveloped in the imagery. I appreciate the New Living Translation, which reads as clear and direct given the context of this book. James 1:22 shows the frankness of the NLT: “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves”

Suffering and Perseverance

Red, orange, and yellow colors accent the photographs, evoking suffering and perseverance. Matches, flames, and dry landscapes evoke an urgent and attentive atmosphere. Grainy and dark photos alongside bright and detailed high-res photos made me feel the reality of tests and trials, with the understanding that God is still sovereign.

Wisdom and Prayer

This book is impacting my faith by challenging my authenticity as a Christian. Will I remain steadfast as it becomes increasingly difficult to be a man of faith in this fallen world? Can I courageously lead my family to follow God? This book inspires me to live out my faith with wisdom and prayer. There is still some beauty that remains. My hope is in a God who is good, and a Savior who is strong.

The book of Job is both cosmic and grounded. We see behind the scenes of suffering, and we get a better glimpse of God. In The Book of Job by Alabaster, my eyes have been widened and my heart has been captivated to find faith in the face of trials.

Serious Suffering

Job is a dark book, and Alabaster does amazing work to combine the full text of the Biblical book with captivating photography. It’s moody and atmospheric, yet felt grounded in the seriousness of suffering.

Majestic and Epic

Job is also an epic book, and I sensed the majesty of God and his unfathomable mind. God is wise and reigns over all. He sees the smallest details and moves the mightiest of men. He is to be respected and feared.

Love and Trust

But God is also to be loved. And when Alabaster combines their art with God’s Word, it can be a deeply emotional experience. My faith is strengthened after reading this book. It helped me move my heart towards God. And to trust him through the trials.