‘Devoted to God is a brilliant work and one that I think is fit to enter the rare company of the Christian classics. It is an advanced work, perhaps overwhelming for the newest Christians, but challenging for even the most seasoned. It displays a deep knowledge of Scripture, a penetrating understanding of the human heart, and a great longing to “be holy, because I am holy.” There is not a Christian alive who will not benefit from reading and re-reading it. Not surprisingly, then, it receives my very highest recommendation.’ — TIM CHALLIES

‘This is not a PHD dissertation on sanctification. This is written in everyday English, with sentence structures and vocabularies that would fit any person who reads in your congregation. Excellent in the area of sanctification, it’s penetrating, it’s profound, it is easy to read.’ — TOM RICHWINE

Book Description

Christians are transformed by the renewing of their minds. They understand that in large measure how they think about the gospel will determine how they will live for God’s glory. They learn to allow the word of God to do its own work, informing and influencing the way they think in order to shape the way they live.

In a series of Scripture-enriched chapters Sinclair B. Ferguson’s Devoted to God works out this principle in detail. It provides what he describes as ‘blueprints for sanctification’—an orderly exposition of central New Testament passages on holiness. Devoted to God thus builds a strong and reliable structural framework for practical Christian living. It stresses the foundational importance of fundamental issues such as union with Christ, the rhythms of spiritual growth, the reality of spiritual conflict, and the role of God’s law. Here is a fresh approach to an always relevant subject, and a working manual to which the Christian can turn again and again for biblical instruction and spiritual direction.

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REVIEWS

• Review by Tim Challies

• Review by Paul Alexander (9Marks)

• Review by Dave Jenkins

• Review by Pastor Jimmy Reagan

• Review by Justin Dillehay

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‘That man of granite with the heart of a child.’ — F. J. CHAVASSE

‘Ryle was at heart an evangelist.’ — MARCUS LOANE

‘Famous, outstanding and beloved exponent of the evangelical and reformed faith.’ — D. M. LLOYD-JONES

‘A single-minded Christian communicator of profound biblical, theological and pastoral wisdom, a man and minister of giant personal stature and electric force (‘unction’ was the old name for it).’ — J. I. PACKER

‘Bold as a lion for the truth of God’s Word and his Gospel.’ — RICHARD HOBSON

Book Description

The life of J. C. Ryle has only to be heard once to be remembered. His 84 years (1816–1900) included remarkable contrasts—the promise of a fortune, then the poverty of a bankrupt; a Suffolk country pastor, then bishop of the leading seaport of the British Empire. But there was a still greater change—from the successful youth at Eton and Oxford, who did not pray or read his Bible till he was 21, to become a Christian ‘bold as a lion for the truth of God’s Word and his Gospel’.

Although one of the most widely read evangelical authors of the nineteenth century, Ryle’s writings lost influence after his death. The world had moved on, as was supposed. Then, fifty years later a ‘rediscovery’ began. Research on his life was accomplished by able authors, and from a new wealth of material Iain Murray has put together a compelling biography. Ryle believed in definite doctrine, in a message which does not adjust to the times, in revival, and in the living Christ. He knew that all the great turning points of church history have been attended with controversy, and that ‘there are times when controversy is not only a duty but a benefit’.

J. C. Ryle’s life is convincing evidence that Christianity stands or falls depending on its relation to the word of God and to the Holy Spirit. That he is being read widely again at the present time gives hope of better days.

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REVIEW

• Review by Ben Rogers
• Podcast from Reformed Forum with Iain H. Murray
• Review by Nate Pickowicz from 9Marks
• Review by Tim Challies

The post J.C. Ryle appeared first on Banner of Truth UK.

‘Pastoral, but also theological, and gives answers to many of the questions that people have about the person and work of Christ. A great book for evangelism.’ — JEFF KINGSWOOD

Book Description

Ichthus is the Greek word for a fish. Its five Greek letters form the first letters of the early Christian confession that ‘Jesus Christ is the Son of God and Saviour.’ To draw a fish sign meant: ‘I am a Christian.’

To be a Christian, according to the New Testament is to know Christ. But who is he, and what is the meaning of his life? In Ichthus Sinclair Ferguson and Derek Thomas answer these questions by taking us on a tour of nine key events in Jesus’ life and ministry. Their aim is to help us both understand and share the confession of those early Christians who drew the fish sign.

Ichthus is a book for everyone and anyone. It will help readers who are already Christians because of what it says about their Master. Those who are wondering exactly what it is Christians believe about Jesus should find many of their questions clearly answered. And those honest enough to admit that they have ignored, or even rejected Christianity but really could not explain what Christians believe about Jesus, will find these pages both clear and challenging.

Written by two friends who, between them, have been following Jesus Christ for a total of almost a hundred years, Ichthus will encourage you to share their faith in him.

SHORT: Derek Thomas on Ichthus

FULL: Derek Thomas on Ichthus

INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR

• Interview of Derek Thomas with Iron Sharpens Iron Radio

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‘[Ryle’s writings are] a distillation of true Puritan theology presented in a highly readable and modern form.’ — D. MARTYN LLOYD-JONES

‘I see [Ryle] as a single-minded Christian communicator of profound biblical, theological, and practical wisdom, a man and minister of giant personal stature and electric force of utterance that sympathetic readers still feel…Ryle is magnificent! There’s no other word for it. Do yourself a favor and read this wonderful book, and think about what you read.’ — J. I. PACKER

‘Thoughts For Young Men abounds in reliable counsel and says — with a rare combination of seriousness and graciousness — the very things we need to hear. Young men, for whom it was written, will find it invaluable; but all Christians, men or women, young or old, can read it with lasting benefit. It deserves to be widely read and circulated, and will do spiritual good to every reader.’ — SINCLAIR B. FERGUSON

Book Description

Thoughts for Young Men is practical, spiritual, and lively. Abounding in advice and good sense, it is still as relevant and helpful in the twenty-first century as it was when it was first published in 1865.

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‘This is a work that will serve the church permanently in helping readers “to know”, whether much better or for the first time, “the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge”. I commend it most highly.’ — RICHARD B. GAFFIN, JR.

‘Knowing Christ is a majestic gem. Its author takes the reader by a loving pastoral hand into depths and riches, exhorting us to know Christ better and to love him more.’ — ROSARIA BUTTERFIELD

Book Description

From the foreword by J.I. Packer:
The Puritans loved the Bible, and dug into it in depth. Also, they loved the Lord Jesus, who is of course the Bible’s focal figure; they circled round him, centred on him, studied minutely all that Scripture had to say about him, and constantly, conscientiously, exalted him in their preaching, praises, and prayers. Mark Jones, an established expert on many aspects of Puritan thought, also loves the Bible and its Christ, and the Puritans as expositors of both; and out of this triune love he has written a memorable unpacking of the truth about the Saviour according to the classic Reformed tradition, and the Puritans supremely. Knowing Christ is a book calculated to enrich our twenty-first-century souls, and one that it is an honour to introduce.

A Conversation with J.I. Packer & Mark Jones: Cultivating Awe, Christian Meditation and Knowing Christ

Mark Jones on Knowing Christ

• Read a short article from Knowing Christ

PODCAST

• Listen to an interview with Mark Jones about Knowing Christ

REVIEW

• Review by Justin McLendon

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‘A true gem. It deserves to be the standard reference book for any pastor seeking to use the Westminster Standards in his ministry. It should be the first volume for which any Sunday School teacher reaches when asked to do a class on the Confession. It should be the constant companion of all elders… Enjoy, and learn.’– CARL TRUEMAN

‘Dr Van Dixhoorn is a pastor-professor in the Presbyterian and Reformed tradition who knows and appreciates the theology of the Assembly and of its writings. It is therefore something to be welcomed and celebrated that he has produced a commentary on the Westminster Confession of Faith. To all who are interested in understanding the ­Confession’s theology better, I commend this book enthusiastically.’– LIGON DUNCAN

Book Description

In Confessing the Faith, Chad Van Dixhoorn offers a fresh look at a classic statement of the Reformed faith. The Westminster Confession of Faith finds itself in the first rank of great Christian creeds. Presbyterian and Reformed churches employ its doctrine for instruction; others acknowledge few texts to be so useful in the Christian’s quest to glorify and enjoy God.

This accessible, biblical, and thoughtful work digests years of study and teaching into bite-sized sections. Van Dixhoorn’s work is historical and practical in its focus. It deliberately presents readers with more than another survey of Reformed theology; it offers a guide to a particular text, considers its original proof-texts, and seeks to deepen our understanding of each paragraph of the Confession.

Challenging hearts and minds, Confessing the Faith hopes to edify and instruct both advanced and general audiences, as the authors of the Confession of Faith surely hoped their magnum opus would do.

A Readable Introduction to the Theology of the Westminster Standards

Podcasts

• Discussion with the Van Dixhoorns about Confessing the Faith and the
  accompanying study guide — from Mortification of Spin
• Interview with Camden Bucey from Christ the Center
• Interview with William Hill on Confessing Our Hope

Review

• Review by Barry Shucksmith

Good for …

• Teaching theology, says Nate Claiborne

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‘To read the work of a Puritan doctor of the soul is to enter a rich world of spiritual theology to feed the mind, heart-searching analysis to probe the conscience, Christ-centred grace to transform the heart, and wise counsel to direct the life. This series of Pocket Puritans provides all this in miniature, but also in abundance.’– SINCLAIR B. FERGUSON

Book Description

The Puritan preacher Richard Sibbes (1577-1635) really knew how to awaken and invigorate faith, love and joy in Christ in the hearts of his hearers. Taking Paul’s words in Philippians 1:23,24, Sibbes ably shows that we will only begin to desire Christ above all else when we sense how much he loves us sinners, how much he has suffered for our forgiveness, and how unfathomably kind and merciful he is and has been. We love him, because he first loved us (I John 4:19).

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Jeremiah Burroughs is worthily reckoned as belonging to the front rank of English puritan preachers. As such he played a prominent part in the Westminster Assembly of divines, but died prematurely before the Assembly’s work was concluded.

Burrough’s writings, some published before and others after his death, were numerous, but The Rare-Jewel of Christian Contentment is one of the most valuable of them all. Its author was much concerned to promote (1) peace among believers of various ‘persuasions’ (2) peace and contentment in the hearts of individual believers during what he describes as ‘sad and sinking times’. The Rare Jewel concentrates upon this second aim. It is marked by sanity, clarity, aptness of illustration, and warmth of appeal to the heart. ‘There is an ark that you may come into, and no men in the world may live such comfortable, cheerful and contented lives as the saints of God’. Burroughs presses his lesson home with all the fervour and cogency of a true and faithful minister of God.

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REVIEW

• Review by John Piper

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In this abridgement of a classic work, the famous Puritan John Owen shows the need for Christians to engage in a life-long battle against the sinful tendencies that remain in them, despite their having been brought to faith and new life in Christ.

Owen is very insistent that believers cannot hope to succeed in this battle in their own strength. He sees clearly that the fight can be won only through faith in Christ, and in the power of the Spirit. Fighting sin with human strength will produce only self-righteousness, superstition and anxiety of conscience. But with faith in Christ, and with the power of the Spirit, victory is certain. The temptations in times like Owen’s and ours are obvious on every side; the remedy to them is clearly pointed out in this practical and helpful book.

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Few preachers in the Puritan era (or any other period of church history) match Thomas Watson for his ability to combine rich spirituality, nourishing doctrine and sane wisdom with fascinating illustration and a pleasant style. Watson is remembered chiefly for his posthumously published Body of Practical Divinity (reprinted by the Trust in three volumes). But his extant sermons also include this marvellous series on the character of the Christian. It is, as C.H. Spurgeon said of his other work, ‘a happy union of sound doctrine, heart-searching experience and practical wisdom’.

Watson is always the essence of sanity and reliability. But in addition, this work shows how attractive the grace of God is. Christians of all stages, reading it for the first time, will feel as if they have entered the gallery of a great portrait painter. As his sub-title suggests, Watson works with ‘a Scripture pencil’ in this priceless sketch of the true believer.

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The post The Godly Man’s Picture appeared first on Banner of Truth UK.

‘Wolfe is two for two. He is not a one-book wonder. He tackles the question of heaven in a down-to-earth fashion that steers clear of the sentimentalism and vague theology so often associated with the subject. This book helps me not only to fulfil my pastoral duty in preparing my people for death but, more importantly, to prepare myself. I am more interested in going to heaven now having read this book!’ — ALISTAIR BEGG

Book Description

In Setting Our Sights on Heaven, Paul Wolfe brings out the Bible’s teaching about heaven, addressing the various factors that tend to push heaven out of our minds, and provides gospel remedies that help us push it back to where it belongs.

A Guided Book Tour of Setting Our Sights On Heaven

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Review

• Review by Harold Cameron
• Review by Greg Metcalf
• Review by Alan Hill

The post Setting Our Sights on Heaven appeared first on Banner of Truth UK.

‘Offers the perfect blend of scholarship and inspiration…a truly valuable book.’ — BOOK JOURNAL

Book Description

The Sermon on the Mount answers some of the most pressing questions that every Christian encounters: What is a Christian? Does the law of God still have a place in the Christian life? How can I learn to pray? How can I learn self-discipline? Why am I a prisoner to anxiety?

The Sermon on the Mount deals with these issues in a crisp, concise, and readable way. It provides an ideal introduction to Jesus’ great manifesto for life in his kingdom.

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Just as Berkhof’s Systematic Theology is outstanding in its own field, his Summary of Christian Doctrine is unequalled as a popular handbook of Christian doctrine, written from an evangelical and reformed standpoint.

Systematically arranged and helpfully sub-divided, A Summary of Christian Doctrine has proved ideal for church study-groups. Passages for memorization and questions for review at the close of each chapter enhance the book’s value for the student.

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While much is known about Susannah Spurgeon’s famous husband C.H. Spurgeon, comparatively little is known about the woman who supported the great preacher through the many years of his long and fruitful ministry at the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London.

Brought together in a single volume for the first time are two titles that will help to address this imbalance. Mrs. Spurgeon’s A Carillon of Bells consists of twenty-four daily meditations on selected texts of Scripture. Full of spiritual devotion to Christ, her words ring out ‘the old truths of free grace and dying love’ on every page. The Life of Susannah Spurgeon by Charles Ray is an affectionate love story that also supplies a fascinating record of the work of Mrs. Spurgeon’s Book Fund. Many thousands of pastors, preachers, and missionaries were generously helped through this agency. Susannah Spurgeon’s life is also a testimony to the all-sufficient grace of God- in the midst of a debilitating chronic illness she was enabled to do a great work for God. Her inspiring example continues to bear fruit to this day in the work of the Banner of Truth Trust Book Fund.

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‘If you’re the kind of person who has never read a book on church history, this should be your first one. . .It’s clear, it goes through everything, he picks up edifying accounts, it’s reliable.’ — MARK DEVER

Book Description

This book outlines the thrilling story of the onward march of the Church of Christ from the earliest times to the end of the nineteenth century. It is not a dry-as-dust account of long-forgotten events and controversies, but rather a moving record of those who undertook the adventure of faith before us and through their courage and steadfastness, left an example for the church in every age.

Reading of the exploits of those who have gone before us, through times of prosperity and times of persecution, should stimulate, warn and encourage the church in our own age to persevere in the same path, and obtain the same everlasting reward.

Ian Hamilton on Sketches From Church History

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Review

• Review by Catherine Dickie

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Differences between much of today’s preaching and that of Jesus are not petty; they are enormous. The chief errors are not in emphasis or approach but in the heart of the gospel messages. Were there a deficiency in one of the areas mentioned in these pages, it would be serious. But to ignore all- the attributes of God, the holy law of God, repentance, a call to bow to the enthroned Christ, as well as a perversion of assurance- is the most deadly mistake.’

This powerfully written book has a message which goes to the heart of the contemporary problem in a way that conferences and commissions on evangelism have failed to do. Its expository approach is particularly valuable.

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‘When used slowly, for meditation and prayer, these pages have often been used by God’s Spirit to kindle my dry heart.’ — MARK DEVER

‘The prayers in The Valley of Vision are steeped in Scripture, yet never succumb to mere formula. They are theologically fresh and vibrant, yet they are rooted in confessionalism. They range over a huge sweep of Christian experience and devotion, but they are never merely esoteric or cute. They brim with deep emotion and transparent passion, but they carefully avoid mere sentimentalism. This is a book that teaches readers to pray by example.’ — D. A. CARSON

Book Description

The strength of Puritan character and life lay in prayer and meditation. In this practice the spirit of prayer was regarded as of first importance and the best form of prayer, for living prayer is the characteristic of genuine spirituality. Yet prayer is also vocal and may therefore on occasions be written. Consequently in the Puritan tradition there are many written prayers and meditations which constitute an important corpus of inspiring devotional literature.

Too often extempore prayer lacks variety, order and definiteness. The reason for this lies partly in a neglect of due preparation. It is here that the care and scriptural thoroughness which others found necessary in their approach to God may be of help. This book has been prepared not to ‘supply’ prayers but to prompt and encourage the Christian as he treads the path on which others have gone before.

The author was a Canon of St. Albans Cathedral, sometime Rector of Little Munden and Sacombe, Hertfordshire, and was for seventeen years a tutor in Biblical Theology and Christian Doctrine at All Nations Christian College. He died in October 1994 aged 79.

PREMIUM GOATSKIN and GENUINE LEATHER EDITIONS

The Genuine Leather Gift Edition comes with a Genuine Leather cover, and a single ribbon marker. It has a Smyth Sewn binding, and comes in a protective case. This edition is a nice step up from the bonded leather edition.

The Premium Goatskin Gift Edition is our top-of-the-line, hand-finished edition, with a goatskin leather cover, gilded filigree edging, and two ribbon markers. It has a Smyth Sewn binding, and comes in a protective case. This edition is noticeably more supple than the Genuine Leather.

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Ligon Duncan on The Valley of Vision

Mark Johnston on The Valley of Vision

Reviews

• Review by Joey Cochran
• Review by Kevin Halloran
• Review by John MacArthur
• Review by Cam Hyde

The post The Valley of Vision appeared first on Banner of Truth UK.

You are standing on a narrow quay-side waiting to board a small sailing ship. You are about to make an exciting but dangerous and uncomfortable voyage…’

So begins the racy and imaginative account of the voyage of the Mayflower which David Gay exciting historical narrative follows the nine week passage for the Pilgrims though the eyes of an imaginary family, Matthew and Martha Lovelace, with their typical children, Justice and Prudence. They encounter such fascinating characters as Master Reynolds, John Howland and William Butten- all of whom really took the Mayflower’s historic voyage. Here are three thousand miles of adventure, written with a sensitive appreciation of God’s care for his people, and of young people’s love for adventure.

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Thomas Watson, the 17th century minister of St. Stephen’s Walbrook, believed he faced two great difficulties in his pastoral ministry. The first was making the unbeliever sad, in the recognition of his need of God’s grace. The second was making the believer joyful in response to God’s grace. He believed the answer to the second difficulty could be found in Paul’s teaching in Romans 8.28: God works all things together for good for his people.

First published in 1663 (under the title A Divine Cordial), the year after Watson and some two thousand other ministers were ejected from the Church of England and exposed to hardship and suffering, All Things For Good contains the rich exposition of a man who lived when only faith in God’s Word could lead him to such confidence.

Thomas Watson’s exposition is always simple, illuminating and rich in practical application. He explains that both the best and the worst experiences work for the good of God’s people. He carefully analyses what it means to be someone who ‘loves God’ and is ‘called according to his purpose’.

All Things For Good provides the biblical answer to the contemporary question; Why do bad things happen to good people?

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Reviews

• Review by Brian Garrard
• Review by Joey Cochran

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‘I shall never cease to be grateful to. . .Richard Sibbes who was balm to my soul at a period in my life when I was overworked and badly overtired, and therefore subject in an unusual manner to the onslaughts of the devil. I found at that time that Richard Sibbes, who was known in London in the early seventeenth century as “The Heavenly Doctor Sibbes” was an unfailing remedy. . . The Bruised Reed. . . quietened, soothed, comforted, encouraged and healed me.’ — D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Book Description

Richard Sibbes (1577-1635), one of the most influential figures in the Puritan movement during the earlier years of the seventeenth century, was renowned for the rich quality of his ministry. The Bruised Reed shows why he was known among his contemporaries as ‘the sweet dropper’.

The Bruised Reed is now issued for the first time in a smaller format in the Puritan Paperbacks series. Some of the language and punctuation have been modernized to make the work more accessible.

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Reviews

• Review by Nick Roark
• Review by Derek J. Brown (TGC)

The post The Bruised Reed appeared first on Banner of Truth UK.

‘The Doctrine of Repentance is probably one of the most needed books, not only for us as ministers, but for our people, because repentance is so trivialized today. [This book] stresses the need for ongoing repentance, a daily repentance, a lifestyle of repentance. Like Luther said, “God will have his people repenting all life long.” Watson shows you how to do that.’ — JOEL BEEKE

Book Description

A good case could be made out for believing that ‘repentance’ is one of the least used words in the Christian church today. In a world that will not tolerate the mention of sin, and in churches where it has been defined only in sociological terms, the biblical teaching on repentance has inevitably been ignored.

Knowing what repentance is, and actually repenting are essential to true Christianity. Jesus Christ himself said that if we do not repent, we will perish! It is vital, therefore, to read and study what Scripture has to say about this theme.

Few better guides have existed in this or any other area of spiritual experience than Thomas Watson. He was a master of both Scripture and the human heart, and wrote with a simplicity and directness that keeps his work fresh and powerful for the twenty-first century.

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Reviews

• Review by Mike Leake
• Review by Guy Davies

The post The Doctrine of Repentance appeared first on Banner of Truth UK.

‘These pages are indeed – as we sense from Owen’s preface and from the work itself – his own “last will and testament” – an heirloom to those fellow believers and close friends who, in turbulent times, gathered together under his ministry. It remains an encouragement to us to “consider Jesus” (Heb. 3:1).’ — SINCLAIR B. FERGUSON

Book Description

In The Glory of Christ, here abridged and made easy to read, we have the great Puritan pastor and theologian John Owen at his richest and most mature. Here he writes about Jesus Christ, the heart of the gospel. Owen himself tells us that the substance of the work began in his own private meditation and study and only later was shared with his congregation. Here, then, is a master theologian writing about the things, or better, the person, nearest to his heart. The work itself was composed almost at the end of Owen’s life and first published in 1684, the year after his death. Indeed, the material in chapters fifteen to seventeen of this abridgement appeared for the first time in the second edition of 1696, having been found among Owen’s papers only after his death but clearly intended as the closing section of the work.

On the day of Owen’s death (24 August 1683) William Payne, a minister in Saffron Walden who had accepted responsibility for seeing the manuscript of this work through to publication, visited him in Ealing (now part of London) to share the good news that Meditations on the Glory of Christ was now going through the press. Owen’s biographers record his memorable and beautiful reply:

I am glad to hear it; but, O brother Payne! the long-wished-for day is come at last, in which I shall see that glory in another manner than I have ever done, or was capable of doing in this world.

It is clear from these pages that Owen had already seen the glory of Christ from afar and pondered long on its significance. His teaching is well-suited to bring us to share in his longing to know Christ better, to see his glory more clearly and to serve him more faithfully. It is the conviction of the publisher that many readers will discover this book to be one of the hidden treasures of Christian literature and will return to it again and again for instruction and spiritual refreshment.

Reviews

• Review by Joshua Mills

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The Heart of Christ in Heaven towards Sinners on Earth was first published in 1651, and it soon became Thomas Goodwin’s (1600-1680) most popular work. It is a fine example of his Christ-centredness and his mix of theological rigour and pastoral concern. In it he aims to show from Scripture that, in all his heavenly majesty, Christ is not now aloof from believers and unconcerned, but has the strongest affections for them.

Goodwin begins with the beautiful assurances given by Christ to his disciples, taking as an example of that love Christ’s washing of his disciples’ feet (John 13). The heart of his argument, however, lies in his exposition of Hebrews 4:15, in which Goodwin shows that in all his glorious holiness in heaven, Christ is not sour towards his people; if anything, his capacious heart beats more strongly than ever with tender love for them. And in particular, two things stir his compassion: our afflictions and—almost unbelievably—our sins.

How we need Goodwin and his message today! If we are to be drawn from jaded, anxious thoughts of God and a love of sin, we need such a knowledge of Christ.

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Reviews

• Review by Wilfred Weale
• Review by Alan Gibbs

The post The Heart of Christ appeared first on Banner of Truth UK.

To Thomas Watson, the Lord’s Supper was a visible sermon, a mirror in which to gaze on the sufferings and death of Christ. ‘God, to help our faith, does not only give us an audible Word, but a visible sign.’ But more than this, the Supper was a time in which to partake of the benefits of Christ’s death by faith, to be fed and cherished by the Lord in his own banqueting house, and to obtain a foretaste of the glory which will be fully realized only in heaven. Watson’s aim was to stimulate greater love to Christ in His people, and to enhance their appreciation of the Supper as a spiritual feast for all believers. His fine exposition shows the rich provision made in the Supper for all who love the Lord, while it also lays bare the emptiness of all mere sacramentalism.

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‘It is a wonderful book, the Banner serves us all by keeping it in print. Flavel does a wonderful job of helping you to meditate on how God’s sovereign kindness is seen even in the strangest circumstances… he knew suffering himself, and he was faithful.’ — MARK DEVER

Book Description

First published in 1678, this little work is based on the words ‘God that performeth all things for me’ (Psalm 57:2). It shows us how providence works for us in every stage and experience of our lives. The book is richly illustrated from the lives of believers and from the author’s wide reading in church history. There are avenues of spiritual knowledge and experience opened to the Christian in this work which he probably never knew existed.

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Reviews

• Review by Brian Garrard

The post The Mystery of Providence appeared first on Banner of Truth UK.

Brooks treated the seductive influence and terrible power of Satan in a way greatly more full and suggestive than in the literature of the present day.

Brooks lists seven reasons for writing this book. The first reason is enough…Brooks says, “Satan hath a greater influence upon men, and higher advantages over them than they think he hath, and the knowledge of his high advantage is the highway to disappoint him, and to render the soul strong in resisting, and happy in conquering.

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Reviews

• Review by Megan Hill on The Gospel Coalition
• Review by Garry Geer
• Review by Brian Garrard
• Review by Terry Delaney

The post Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices appeared first on Banner of Truth UK.

‘If I might read only one book beside the Bible, I would choose The Christian in Complete Armour.’– JOHN NEWTON

‘Gurnall’s work is peerless and priceless; every line is full of wisdom; every sentence is suggestive. I have often resorted to it when my own fire has been burning low, and I have seldom failed to find a glowing coal upon Gurnall’s hearth.’– C.H. SPURGEON

‘A beautiful feature in Gurnall’s book is its richness in pithy, pointed, and epigrammatical sayings. You will often find in a line and a half some great truth, put so concisely, and yet so fully, that you really marvel how so much thought could be got into so few words. Solid scriptural theology, like that contained in these pages, should be valued and studied in the church. Books in which Scripture is reverently regarded as the only rule of faith and practice – books in which Christ and the Holy Ghost have their rightful office – books in which justification, and sanctification, and regeneration, and faith, and grace, and holiness are clearly, distinctly, and accurately delineated and exhibited – these are the only books which do real good. Few things need reviving more than a taste for such books as these among readers.’– J.C. RYLE

‘I believe The Christian in Complete Armour, should be in the library of every man and woman of God. No Christian leader, teacher, pastor, evangelist, or Christian worker should be without it.’– DAVID WILKERSON (author of The Cross and the Switchblade)

‘You could not buy a better work, nor get better value for your money.’– FREE PRESBYTERIAN MAGAZINE

Book Description

The Christian in Complete Armour is certainly one of the greatest of all the Puritans’ practical writings. This first volume in the 3-volume paperback set is a modernized abridgement of the Puritan Classic by William Gurnall.

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‘An evangelistic classic. It is meticulously biblical in both its arguments and its illustrations.’ — GRACE MAGAZINE

Book Description

This book is written for seekers – for people who want to give sensible and honest thought to the whole question of their relationship to God. It is not an examination of all the world’s religions which ends by saying, ‘Now choose the one you like best’. It is not a scientific text-book, which turns religion into equations and faith into a formula. It is not a vague and airy-fairy collection of various points of view.

It is a plain, straightforward book showing how a person who is honestly seeking for God can find him.

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Review

• Review by Bob Thomas (page 13)

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‘We shall do well to watch our habits of prayer with a holy watchfulness. Here is the pulse of our Christianity. Here is the true test of our state before God.’

These words of J. C. Ryle are as true today as they were when they were first written over 150 years ago. Prayer matters, and Eric Alexander’s chief concern in this book is to remind Christians that prayer is fundamental, and not supplemental, both in the individual and in the corporate lives of God’s people. He shows that nowhere is this dependence on prayer more fully exemplified than in the life and teaching of Jesus himself, and in the ministry of the New Testament church.

Church leaders will find these studies a great spur to pray for the spiritual growth of their people, and church members will see afresh the urgent need to pray for their leaders.

For those who find it difficult to pray there is much encouragement here, as the author also addresses the common problems believers face when coming to pray. In short this is a book for all those who want to live nearer to God and to be refreshed in their communion with him.

Mark Johnston on Prayer: A Biblical Perspective

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‘The whole unfolding Let’s Study series is a must for every Christian home that is
serious about getting to know the Word.’ — COVENANTER WITNESS

Book Description

As we open the New Testament, Matthew, the first Gospel writer, immediately announces a new beginning. He declares that the day that has now dawned is the new age predicted by all the prophets, the time of the Messiah, the true son of David and of Abraham. This is the thrilling message Matthew brings to us. God has begun something new. Is it really possible that all things can be made new? Can our lives be made new? Can the world be made new? The answer of Matthew and the New Testament is a resounding ‘Yes!’

In this easy-to-understand book, Mark Ross guides the reader through the 28 chapters of Matthew’s Gospel and helps us to apply its teaching to our daily lives. He shows us that in the Person and work of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the long-expected kingdom of God has arrived, and life and salvation are offered to all the nations of the earth. As the writer says, ‘What a message this is – what drama, what pathos, what love, what glory, what longing fulfilled, what hope and promise for us today!’

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Review

• Review by Alan Hill

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A Heart For God is written out of the conviction that the world’s greatest need, and the contemporary church’s greatest lack is the knowledge of God. In a popular, readable style it draws us to an awareness of the character of God and the nature of his relationship to his people.

In these pages, Sinclair B. Ferguson guides us, step-by-step, to see the greatness of God in his majesty and creating power; to sense the tenderness of his care and the marvel of his love. A Heart For God is ‘practical, pastoral and profound’. It unfolds the grace of God with a simple clarity which should lead each reader to pray (with John Calvin, the reformer): ‘I offer my heart to you, Lord, eagerly and earnestly’.

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This book seeks to throw light on the reasons which have given rise to the superficial image of Spurgeon as a genial Victorian pulpiteer, a kind of grandfather of modern evangelicalism. Even before his death in 1892 newspapers and church leaders disputed over the features of his life which entitled him to fame. Not his ‘narrow creed’ but his ‘genuine loving character’ was most worthy of remembrance said one periodical, echoing the general view. When Joseph Parker contrasted the hard Calvinism preached at Spurgeon’s Tabernacle with the praiseworthy Christianity exemplified in his orphanage, The Baptist protested that the man about whom Parker wrote ‘is not the Spurgeon of history’. But the distortion continued and Spurgeon forecast how the position he held might fare in years to come: ‘I am quite willing to be eaten by dogs for the next fifty years but the more distant future shall vindicate me’.

This book traces the main lines of Spurgeon’s spiritual thought in connection with the three great controversies in his ministry– the first was his stand against the diluted gospel fashionable in the London to which the young preacher came in the 1850s; the second, the famous ‘Baptismal Regeneration’ debate of 1864; lastly, the lacerating Down-Grade controversy of 1887-1891 when Spurgeon sought to awaken Christians to the danger of the Church ‘being buried beneath the boiling mud-showers of modern heresy’.

Steve Lawson on Reading the Forgotten Spurgeon

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Reviews

• Review by Mike Leake
• Review by John Bird

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A friend once said to Archibald Brown that the sermons he found most helpful and enjoyable were simple sermons. ‘What do you mean by a simple sermon?’, his pastor replied. The answer was, ‘One that is all about the Lord.’ This book contains many of Archibald Brown’s outstanding sermons on the Person and Work of Christ. It takes the reader to the heart of Brown’s ministry with an attractiveness and relevance that will never dim.

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Review

• Review by Ben Ramsbottom
• Review by Jeremy Walker

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It was fitting that Dr. Arnold Dallimore, author of a two-volume Life of George Whitefield (and more recently of The Life of Edward Irving) should then give us a book on Charles Haddon Spurgeon. It was in 1962 that the four-volume Autobiography of Spurgeon was republished in two volumes, with considerable rearrangement, but, even so, the Autobiography is too long to serve as a popular introduction. Accordingly, Dr. Dallimore, using these two volumes and other dependable sources, produced a much more concise narrative of Spurgeon’s life. He also set out ‘to understand and present something of the inner man- Spurgeon in his praying, his sufferings and depressions, his weaknesses and strengths; in his triumphs, humour, joys, and incredible accomplishments’.

It is no easy task to depict ‘so tremendous a personality’ as that of Spurgeon in a brief volume, but in 250 pages it is here accomplished, and with a large measure of success. It will meet the need of those completely ignorant of Spurgeon and his vast achievements, but will stir also the interest of all who value a unique ministry, yielding 62 volumes of  ‘deathless’ sermons and many other highly valuable publications.

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Over the past fifty years there has been a great resurgence of interest in the writings of the Puritans. The reading of their works has brought great benefit to the people of God in many lands. Christians from many different backgrounds and cultures owe a great debt of gratitude to those faithful pastors and preachers who continue to speak through their writings even though they have long since entered into their heavenly reward. The Puritans really knew how to teach and apply God’s Word in the Spirit’s power!

Richard Rushing has compiled this book of daily devotional readings from his favorite Puritan authors because of the great help he has gained from their Works. ‘How thrilling it has been for me to read the Puritans on the glory and attributes of God, divine providence, fellowship with God, holiness of life and the mortification of indwelling sin, heavenly mindedness, prayer, evangelistic zeal, and trust in the Lord during times of affliction. At every turn these truths are eloquently taught, faithfully applied, and kindly offered as the subject of sweet spiritual meditation.’

This book is sent forth with the prayer that it will open a door to the vast stores of treasure to be found in the writings of the Puritans and that it will stimulate further exploration of this rich spiritual inheritance.

REVIEWS

Review by The Fight of Faith

Review by Zeteo 3:16

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Sorrow and suffering are unavoidable facts of life, but in our modern society they are so deeply feared that few of us ever think or talk seriously about them. Occasionally we may see someone show great faith in the face of severe trials, and yet never ask how that faith comes about.

Behind a Frowning Providence talks openly about these things. It shows why faith is able to triumph in the face of all obstacles: it is focused on God’s character and his promises to his people.

John J. Murray writes out of his years of experience as a Christian minister and counsellor, using the wisdom of God’s Word to give guidance and direction. But Behind a Frowning Providence also bears the marks of a precious stone, quarried from the deep and dark places of the author’s own experience of pain and sorrow. It speaks to the mind, giving wise counsel; it also speaks to the heart, and brings a message of encouragement which points to the way of true peace.

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According to J C Ryle, private prayer is the most neglected of all Christian duties. That is most unfortunate because private prayer is the true measure of a Christian’s walk before God and ‘the pith and marrow of practical Christianity’. To bestir his readers to the practice and privilege of private prayer, Ryle points out both the blessings of prayer and the grave dangers of prayerlessness.

Prayer under the blessing of God leads to the new birth, strengthens faith, moves mountains, and promotes spiritual growth and contentment that rises above circumstances. Prayerlessness, on the other hand, is the broad road leading to Hell for the unbeliever and the major cause of backsliding in the Christian. Ryle observes that ‘men fall in private long before they fall in public’. His warning is surely a word in season to our contemporary evangelical church, whose witness during the last generation to a lost and perishing world has been sorely compromised by scandals involving so-called Christian leaders.

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Coming to Faith in Christ presents a straightforward summary of the gospel for those who may be considering the Christian faith for the first time. Bible references are given throughout to encourage the reader to search the pages of Scripture and see for himself the message of Jesus Christ.

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It is a great thing to begin the Christian life by believing good solid doctrine. Constant change of creed is sure loss. If a tree has to be taken up two or three times a year, you will not need to build a very large loft in which to store the apples. When people are always shifting their doctrinal principles, they are not likely to bring forth much fruit to the glory of God. It is good for young believers to begin with a firm hold upon those great fundamental doctrines which the Lord has taught in his Word.

With his winsome style and customary mix of wit, wisdom, and warm devotion to his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, C. H. Spurgeon (1834-1892) explains and defends the Bible’s teachings about the grace of God in the gospel. In so doing he helpfully answers several important questions, which young believers sometimes struggle with, such as: How did I become a Christian? Did God love me before I was born? What did Jesus accomplish by his death upon the cross? What can overcome the wickedness of my sinful heart? Will a true Christian persevere in faith? What is the best way to be happy as a Christian? Will the doctrines of grace encourage me to sin or to live a holy life to God’s glory?

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What does the Bible mean by holiness and how can we attain it? This is an easily read and modern treatment of one of the most important teachings of Scripture. It shows that holiness is primarily a matter of relationships, that its power lies in the Holy Spirit within the believer, and that its fruit is of supreme importance for the progress of all true Christianity.

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Writing at the end of 1842, Robert Murray M’Cheyne, tells his flock: ‘It has long been in my mind to prepare a scheme of Scripture reading, in which as many as were made willing by God might agree, so that the whole Bible might be read once by you in the year, and all might be feeding in the same portion of the green pasture at the same time.’ The Calendar give four portions (usually four chapter) for each day of the year: two for family worship, morning and evening, and two for private reading, morning and evening. In this way, the entire Bible is read once and the New Testament and Psalms twice in the course of a year.

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In the opinion of B.B. Warfield, the Westminster divines left to posterity not only ‘the most thoroughly thought-out statement ever penned of the elements of evangelical religion’ but also one which breathes ‘the finest fragrance of spiritual religion’. Their most influential work, The Shorter Catechism, though more than 350 years old, is undoubtedly still one of the best introductions to the key doctrines of the Christian faith.

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‘He was a leader. He had initiative. He was original, and in certain ways had a touch of genius all his own.’ — H. H. TURNER

‘In addition to this pastoral work, Mr. Brown has probably done more service in preaching up and down the country than any other man.’– SIR ARTHUR BLACKWOOD, 1891

Book Description

Archibald G.Brown (1844-1922), instead of following his father to wealth in commerce and banking, built a church to hold 3,000 in the East End of London while still in his twenties. Five thousand eight hundred were to join in 30 years. Almost simultaneously he led mission work among the poor, being described by the Daily Telegraph newspaper as possessing ‘a larger practical acquaintance with the homes, and the social horrors of the foulest corners of the East of London than anyone who could well be cited.’

When his health demanded a change, AGB (as he was popularly known) served other churches, including the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London, before a last decade of extensive travel with a temporary home in South Africa. After Spurgeon died (1892), Brown was a foremost leader among those for whom Christian preaching still meant ‘love, blood, and power’. It was written of him in 1913 ‘No man of modern times, of his school of thought, can command larger audiences.’ Few spoke with more sympathy and tenderness, characteristics deepened by bereavements and the heart-felt realization that, ‘We have to perform our service in the same Spirit in which our Lord worked, and our measure of power will be according to the measure of Christ’s Spirit which we possess.’

After days of revival, AGB lived to see adverse changes in the churches. What a majority accepted as progress, he saw as apostasy, and as the Christian faith waned in Britain, his life came to be remembered by few. But truth that comes from Scripture cannot die. Those who read him today will find him alive, and his life opens a window on New Testament Christianity.

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Reviews

• Review by Jeremy Walker
• Review by Alan Hill

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There are lots of ‘idols’ these days. But do you have any heroes? What’s the difference? Idols are people we say we ‘adore’ because they are famous, or rich, or good looking, or because they have amazing talents, or special abilities perhaps we wish we could have. Heroes are people who are willing to live and die for what they believe.

Ignatius of Antioch – The Man Who Faced Lions is the story of a hero. He was a follower of Jesus Christ. He was prepared to live and die for his Lord. And one day – he faced lions. This large hardback book for children, from the pen of Sinclair Ferguson, is beautifully illustrated by Alison Brown.

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Review

• Review by John Bird
• Review by Mary Bartholomew

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‘Surprising though it may seem in a world of large books, of all those owned by our family this may be the one we have most often lent or quoted to friends. It is full of rich spiritual wisdom and insight culled from the experience of a man who knew both the sorrows of life and the joys of faith in great abundance…. I pray that many readers will find here the help, comfort, wise counsel, and spiritual compass that we and our friends have so often discovered in meditating on these pages.’ — SINCLAIR B. FERGUSON

‘When we are dead and gone let the world know that Spurgeon held Rutherford’s Letters to be the nearest thing to inspiration which can be found in all the writings of mere men.’ — C.H. SPURGEON

Book Description

The Loveliness of Christ is a beautiful little gift book containing short extracts in which some of Rutherford’s most helpful thoughts are allowed to stand out in their unadorned wisdom and power. Those familiar with Andrew Bonar’s great nineteenth-century collection of the Letters of Samuel Rutherford will feel that this setting of brief quotations makes Rutherford’s words sparkle like diamonds on a dark cloth in a jeweller’s shop. It is not surprising then, that a hundred years ago, H. C. G. Moule, the Anglican Bishop of Durham, said in his simple but elegant commendation of the original edition of The Loveliness of Christ that it was ‘a small casket stored with many jewels’. It is the publisher’s wish that the reader, in meditating on these pages, will find here help, comfort, wise counsel, and spiritual compass, and to say with Rutherford, ‘Every day we may see some new thing in Christ. His love hath neither brim nor bottom.’

Reviews

• Review by Sinclair B. Ferguson
• Review by Terry Delaney
• Review by Mary Bartholomew

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There are lots of ‘idols’ these days. But do you have any heroes? What’s the difference? Idols are people we say we ‘adore’ because they are famous, or rich, or good looking, or because they have amazing talents, or special abilities perhaps we wish we could have. Heroes are people who are willing to live and die for what they believe.

Polycarp of Smyrna: The Man Whose Faith Lasted tells the story of a hero. He was a follower of Jesus Christ. He loved and served his Lord for over eighty years. And from the beginning to the end – his faith lasted. This large hardback book for children, from the pen of Sinclair Ferguson, is beautifully illustrated by Allison Brown. A wonderful start to a wonderful series that currently includes this, and two other titles:

• Ignatius of Antioch: The Man Who Faced Lions
• Irenaeus of Lyons: The Man Who Wrote Books

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Most evangelical Christians know of Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Bible, but few are as familiar with his A Method for Prayer, with Scripture Expressions Proper To Be Used Under Each Head. This work consists almost entirely of Scripture, arranged under various headings, to help Christians to pray in harmony with the truth of God, revealed in his Word. First published three hundred years ago, it has been revised and updated by O. Palmer Robertson to allow the language of prayer to be expressed in today’s idiom. It is sent out in the confidence that God will continue to honour his own Word, as it is redirected back to him in the form of heartfelt prayer.

Mark Johnston on A Way To Pray

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Review

• Review by Harold Cameron
• Review by Alan Hill
• Video Review by Matthew Everhard
• Helps For Reading from Ligon Duncan

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Theology that is ‘practical, applying Bible teaching with insight and wisdom to the condition of plain people. Christian beginners will get the benefit and the Lord’s older sheep, grown tough and stringy maybe, will find themselves edified and perhaps tenderised too’. — J.I. PACKER

Book Description

Christian doctrine matter for Christian living. This is ‘one of the most important growth points of the Christian life’, writes Sinclair B. Ferguson. From this starting point, The Christian Life expounds such key biblical themes as grace, faith, repentance, new birth and assurance with clarity and contagious enthusiasm. ‘Christian doctrines are life-shaping’, explains the author, because ‘they show us the God we worship’.

Widely used and appreciated since its first appearance, The Christian Life not only expounds the teaching of Scripture, but outlines its meaning for practical Christian living.

Reviews

• • Review by Spencer Robinson
  • Review by Erik Raymond from The Gospel Coalition
  • Review by Benjamin Montoya from Books at a Glance

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Alistair Begg on ‘The Christian Life’

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In an age which has seen an almost total collapse of marriage and when, in many cases, marriages end in divorce with children being raised in ‘broken homes’, Dr. Lloyd-Jones’ words speak powerfully into our present situation. It is a situation which may be seen as giving Christians, and especially Christian marriages, a valuable opportunity to bear witness to biblical truth. The way in which Dr. Lloyd-Jones, like the Apostle Paul, deals with marriage relationship, is extremely important — to attempt to deal with Christian practice apart from Christian doctrine is to tread a dangerous path. As these chapters on Ephesians make clear, the only Christianity powerful enough to penetrate and change society is that which is derived from the work of the Spirit of God.

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Review

• Review by Rebecca VanDoodewaard
• Review by Mary Bartholomew

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How do we discover the will of God for our lives? Sinclair Ferguson answers this question by showing how God’s will is shaped by his ultimate purposes for us. It is made known to us through his Word. At times discovering God’s will demands careful thought: it may require patience; it always demands a right attitude to God himself. Discovering God’s Will draws out fundamental principles by which God guides us, applies them to practical situations like vocation and marriage, and underlines many important biblical counsels. It shows that the guidance God gives comes primarily through knowing, loving and obeying him.

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