This is the 32-page introductory booklet to the Treasures of John Owen box set.

‘When you are a new user of any library, however small, it is always helpful if one of the librarians gives you some idea of what you can expect to find, or perhaps recommends a book that you will appreciate, or tells you about a new author you might enjoy.’ — SINCLAIR B. FERGUSON

In this booklet, Sinclair Ferguson introduces the reader to John Owen and prepares us for reading.

If you purchase the Treasures of John Owen box set, this booklet will be included in your shipment.

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This is the 32-page introductory booklet to the Puritan Classics box set.

‘When you are a new user of any library, however small, it is always helpful if one of the librarians gives you some idea of what you can expect to find, or perhaps recommends a book that you will appreciate, or tells you about a new author you might enjoy. Here, then, in chronological order, are brief introductions to the eleven authors whose works are included in the Puritan Classics box set.’ — SINCLAIR B. FERGUSON

If you purchase the Puritan Classics box set, this booklet will be included in your shipment.

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‘Many people “go to church.” Sinclair Ferguson, with his typical gentleness and wisdom, teaches us how to ‘be the church’ as Christ defines it. This simple, clear, and moving book will be great help for people interested in learning more about becoming members of a church. It is also a good tool for those who wish to inject fresh zeal and joy into the membership they already possess.’ — JOEL BEEKE

Book Description

Being a Christian is not an individualistic or isolated activity. Believing also involves belonging. Being a Christian, by definition, involves belonging to the church.

This is not a book full of ideas about how your church ought to change or what it needs to do in order to grow or to be successful. Rather it is about how we fit into our own church. There are hallmarks of church life that should be stamped on all our churches because they are applicable everywhere and anywhere — New Testament values for any size of church, in any part of the world, at any time.

Devoted to God’s Church will serve to help new Christians understand what it is to be part of a church, and will also be a refreshing reminder to every Christian of what it should look like to belong to the family of God.

Reviews

• Book review by Aaron Lee
• Book review by Mark Redfern (9marks)

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‘Sinclair Ferguson is the purest kind of theologian. He draws doctrine from the text of Scripture. This, of course, gives confidence to the reader that the doctrines he explains are the ones that come correctly from the mouth of God. Nothing is more important for the believer than getting the doctrines related to sanctification and spiritual maturity right. This book is a treasury of those truths – I highly recommend it.’ — JOHN MACARTHUR

‘As Christians, we have a great need to be continually growing into spiritual maturity. But how do we realize such a worthy goal? In large measure, the answer is found in this new book by Sinclair Ferguson, Maturity. This master theologian and nurturing pastor gives us a comprehensive overview of this vitally important subject. Profound in its strategic grasp, yet easily read and digested, this is a rare book that every believer—whether new to the faith or a seasoned saint—should live with and live out.’ — STEVE LAWSON

Book Description

What are the most important lessons the New Testament has to teach us about being a Christian?

Sinclair Ferguson shows that a deep-seated concern of the writers of the New Testament was to see Christians grow to spiritual maturity—and if that was the concern of the first believers, then it should be our concern too.

In clear and logical chapters that are rooted in the reality of the Christian life, the author, who has had long experience in pastoral ministry and seminary teaching, seeks to show what Christian maturity is, and how it is to be obtained.

It was the apostle Paul’s desire to present those to whom he ministered ‘mature in Christ’—for such a maturity would lead to stable, servant-hearted Christians, and healthy, fruit-bearing churches.

All those who desire to live useful, mature, and consistent Christian lives will gain much wisdom from reading and reflecting upon the contents of this book.

The Story Behind Writing Maturity by Sinclair Ferguson.

Podcasts

• • Interview with Dr. Sinclair Ferguson on Media Gratiae’s Behold Your God Podcast

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Throughout the centuries, the Letter of James has proved to be an excellent refresher course in what it means to live the Christian life. It is only a few pages long. It can be read out loud in twenty minutes. It is very direct and extremely practical. Several themes run through the Letter of James and make clear what his burden is. He writes about suffering and joy, riches and poverty, faith and works, the tongue and speech, and about wisdom and folly. In a word, he writes about the heart and life of the Christian believer. James’s bête noire is false and hollow piety; pious platitudes are anathema to him. Faith that does not issue in good works, a holy life, concern for the needy, and a disciplined use of the tongue, is for James no faith at all. As with other volumes in the Let’s Study series, the value of Let’s Study James is enhanced by the Group Study Guide which follows.

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Endorsements

‘Sinclair Ferguson is undoubtedly one of the premier Reformed theologians in our generation. This impressive book, Some Pastors and Teachers, is solid gold, mined from the rich quarries of his many years of scholarly studies and trusted writings. Whenever a weighty volume like this appears from a man of this stature, you should put aside whatever else you are reading and pick this up. This “must read” tome is destined to become an instant classic.’ — STEVEN J. LAWSON

‘Some Pastors and Teachers will bring Sinclair Ferguson into your life as an inspiring teacher and at times as a gentle goad, helping you fan into flame the gift of God which is in you, so that you fulfill your ministry (2 Tim. 1:6; 4:5).’ — RAY ORTLUND

‘Sinclair Ferguson’s Some Pastors and Teachers is a feast for the soul.’ — WILLIAM BARCLEY

‘A treasure trove of wisdom from a seasoned pastor-professor! A book I will be returning to in ministry year after year.’ — JONNY GIBSON

Book Description

Some Pastors and Teachers is a volume for every minister’s study and indeed for the bookshelves and bedside tables of everyone who has a concern for the ministry of the gospel and the well-being of the church in the twenty-first century. In many ways, it reflects the biblical vision of what every minister is called to be: pastor, teacher, counsellor, and example—but also a man who is growing spiritually, both in understanding and in character, before the eyes of his congregation.

In five sections and thirty-nine chapters, Sinclair B Ferguson writes on pastor-teachers whose life and work have left an indelible mark on his own life, and then leads us in a series of chapters on the teaching of John Calvin, John Owen and the seventeenth century Puritans. This is followed by studies of Scripture, the ministry of the Spirit, the nature of Biblical Theology, the work of Christ, adoption, the nature of the Christian life and other important doctrines. The final section discusses various aspects of preaching, including preaching Christ from the Old Testament, the importance of theology, reaching the heart, and concludes with a decalogue for preachers. All this, as the epilogue makes clear, is set within the context and goal of doxology.

Here is a book to return to again and again, for instruction, for challenge, and also for enjoyment. While written particularly with ministers in view its style makes it accessible to all. Dr Ferguson describes Some Pastors and Teachers as a series of small gifts for fellow-ministers and others, written as an expression of the love of Christ. It is calculated to help both ministers of the gospel and entire congregations to realize Paul’s vision of churches growing up into Christ as they are nourished and taught by their pastors and teachers.

Reviews

• Review by Ray Ortlund from The Gospel Coalition
• Review by William Barcley from Tabletalk Magazine
• Review by Mike McGregor from 9marks
• Review by Ryan McGraw from Books at a Glance

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REVIEWS

• Review by Ray Ortlund (TGC)

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‘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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What is Christmas? For many it is a time for holidays, parties, family gatherings, gifts, meals together, music, and special events. For others it can mean unwanted pressure, an increased sense of loneliness, family squabbles, and crowded shops. For those living in the Northern Hemisphere, Christmas takes place at the onset of winter with its cold weather and short days. There are more incidents of depression at Christmas time than at any other time of the year. It is the best of times for some, but the worst of times for others to borrow a phrase from Charles Dickens.

But Christmas is a very elusive thing, isn’t it? We may look forward to it. But what exactly is ‘it’? ‘A time for children’; ‘It’s about peace’; ‘It’s about family’; ‘It’s about gifts, but it’s a pity it has become so commercialised’ – these are a few of the popular answers to the question, ‘What does Christmas mean to you?’

But what is Christmas really all about? Does it actually have any ‘meaning’? Child in the Manger – The True Meaning of Christmas sets out to explore that question. When we find the answer we realise that it isn’t only for Christmas time. So these pages are an invitation to explore what that meaning is. And if this book has come into your hands around Christmas time, may it help you to enjoy it in a new way!

The birth of Jesus divided history into two major epochs. Until the dawn of our hyper-sensitive age, even the way we dated events underscored this. From time immemorial every day, every week, every month, every year has been described as either ‘B.C.’ (‘Before Christ’) or ‘A.D.’ (Anno Domini, ‘in the year of our Lord’). Even the modern, pluralistic style abbreviations, B.C.E. (‘Before the Common Era’) and C.E. (‘Common Era’), cannot obliterate the indelible impress of Jesus’ birth. For what makes the ‘Common Era’ so ‘common’? And what explains the dividing line date? The answer is the same: the birth of Jesus. At the very centre of history stands the person of Jesus Christ. And he does so because he is at the centre of God’s story.

Alistair Begg on Child in the Manger

Reviews

• Review by Bill Pence

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‘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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内容简介

智者有两个问题:
第一个问题：日光之下，生命的本质是什么？
第二个问题：日光之下，生命的意义是什么？
倘若尘土是我们的归宿，那么，有什么目标是真实而恒久的？古老的著作《传道书》中说了哪些深刻而隐密的真相？

人从哪里来？要到哪里去？人生的意义是什么？人一切的劳碌，就是他在日光之下的劳碌，有什么益处呢？
古往今来，无数的人生故事不断上演。或富或贫，或天赋异秉，或资质平平，每个人的结局殊途同归，那就是：“归于尘土”。世上的生命是短暂的，然而，在日光之上有永恒的生命。

傅格森博士是一位巨匠，他用平实又充满睿智的语言，展现永恒真理的魅力。在本书中，他跟随一卷名为《传道书》的古老著作，逐一审视人生各个重要命题，带领读者认真探寻生命的真正意义。

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THE BIBLE,

• Why should we believe, as Jesus did, that it is ‘the mouth of God’?
• When did it come into existence?
• Is it inerrant?
• What do we need to learn in order to understand it better?
• How does its teaching change our lives?

In From the Mouth of God, Sinclair B Ferguson answers these and other important questions about trusting, reading, and applying the Bible.

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Reviews

• Review by David Murray
• Review by Derek Brown
• Review by Fred G. Zaspel
• Review by Joey Parker
• Review by Stephen Tracey
• Review by Nate Claiborne

Interview

• Interview with Sinclair B. Ferguson (Part 1) from Books at a Glance
• Interview with Sinclair B. Ferguson (Part 2) from Books at a Glance

Extract

• ‘Epistles’ – Extract from Chapter 7

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Si Romanos es, humanamente hablando, la más impresionante de las epístolas de Pablo, entonces Efesios probablemente sea la más elegante. En la doxología que da comienzo a la epístola, las bendiciones caen en cascada sobre el lector. En sus versículos finales, el olor del campo de batalla se halla fuertemente en el aire y, entremedias del humo de la guerra, vemos a los cristianos, totalmente vestidos de la armadura de la guerra espiritual, aún en pie. Desde el comienzo hasta el final. Efesios presenta ante nostros la maravilla de la gracia de Dios, el privilegio de pertenecer a la Iglesia, y el patrón de transformación de vida que produce el Evangelio.

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‘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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Jonah is not a book about a great fish! It is really a book about God, and how one man came, through painful experience, to discover the true character of the God whom he had already served in the earlier years of his life. He was to find the doctrine about God come alive in his experience. It is this combination of doctrine and experience that makes Jonah such a fascinating, instructive and practical book.

The teaching of Jonah searches our hearts and consciences in a special way because it is the story of a man who was on the run from God. It traces not only the path of his journey, but unravels the inner workings of his heart- his fears, motivations, and passing moods. Christians today still experience these ‘Jonah syndromes’.

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Reviews

• Review by Barry Vendy

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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.

There are currently three volumes in the series: Ignatius of Antioch, Irenaeus of Lyons, and Polycarp of Smyrna. Each of these hardback books for children, from the pen of Sinclair Ferguson, is beautifully illustrated by Alison Brown.

Review

• Review by Guy Davies

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The world is a sea of glass: a pageant of fond delight, a theatre of vanity, a labyrinth of error, a gulf of grief, a sty of filthiness, a vale of misery, a spectacle of woe, a river of tears, a stage of deceit, a cage full of devils, a den of scorpions, a wilderness of wolves, a cabin of bears, a whirlwind of passions, a fained comedy, a delectable frenzy; where is false delight, assured grief; certain sorrow, uncertain pleasure; lasting woe, fickle wealth; long heaviness, short joy.

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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

Written to the congregation which Paul probably held nearest to his heart, the letter to the Philippians is full of Christ and overflows with a contagious sense of great joy. And no wonder. For among the members of this congregation were such diverse Christian friends as Lydia, the businesswoman whose heart the Lord had gently opened and the local jailer, who, on the night of his conversion, had tenderly cleansed the lash-wounds which covered the apostle’s back.

The church at Philippi was Paul’s ‘crown and joy’. But now, in the apostle’s absence, problems had arisen among these new Christians, threatening their fellowship and witness.

How did Paul respond? What did he say to anchor these young Christians in the truth and guide them in Christian living? In Let’s Study Philippians, Sinclair B. Ferguson leads us through Paul’s memorable answers.

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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

When John Mark wrote out his ‘good news’ about Jesus two thousand years ago, his Gospel was a completely new kind of book. No one had ever written one before. In fact no one would have known what a Gospel was…What made the Gospel of Mark unique was this: it was not written merely as the memoir of Jesus as a great man, not even as the greatest man who had ever lived. Rather it was meant to persuade its readers that Jesus was the Son of God…Who is Jesus of Nazareth? What is the good news (gospel) about him?…This book presents us with Mark’s answer.’

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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

If Romans is, humanly speaking, the most impressive of Paul’s letters, then Ephesians is probably the most elegant. In its opening doxology blessings cascade down upon the reader. In its closing verses the smell of the battlefield lies heavily in the air and through the smoke of war we see Christians, fully clad in the armour of spiritual warfare, still standing. From beginning to end Ephesians sets before us the wonder of God’s grace, the privilege of belonging to the church, and the pattern of life-transformation the gospel produces.

In Let’s Study Ephesians Sinclair Ferguson skillfully leads us through this wonderful letter, explaining its teaching with masterful simplicity and showing its importance and relevance to the church today.

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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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Becoming a Christian is only the beginning of a process of spiritual growth that involves increasing in knowledge of God, obedience to his Word and understanding of his will. Yet some Christians’ lives seem to grind slowly to a halt, while others are disappointed because their spiritual progress has not been as straightforward or as rapid as they had hoped. The growth of others is stunted by a lack of proper spiritual nourishment. Yet others feel they do not understand how to become mature Christians.

Grow in Grace explains how God helps us to develop as members of his family. Taking Jesus himself as the model for our growth, it explains some of the biblical principles of spiritual development, and gives a number of ‘case histories’ to illustrate how God works in our lives to mature us as Christians. The biblical teaching in Grow in Grace will appeal to Christians at all stages, while its straightforward explanation of the patterns of God’s work in his people makes it deal for those who are just beginning.

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Review

• Review by Mark Tubbs

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Biblical guidelines for growing to Christian maturity. It explains the pattern of God’s work in the lives of his people and concludes with a brief spiritual check-up. Relevant to all stages of spiritual development, it provides a guide book that will be specially helpful to new Christians.

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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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Suffering, failure, sin, illness, loneliness, disappointment. They all come in a seemingly endless variety of shapes and sizes. At times there seems to be no way to turn, either backwards or forwards; there is no light at either end of the tunnel. For many people such experiences raise the question: Why has this happened to me? Has God abandoned me? Can nobody help? Is despair all that is left to me?

Large numbers of people today share such experiences and privately ask these very questions. But there is an answer. In fact there is a whole series of answers. Deserted by God? begins with the question ‘Can Anyone Help Me?’ and draws on the experience of the psalmists in the Old Testament to help us to being to understand the ways of God. It shows how others have walked the same pathway before us. They provide us with wisdom which will lead us to the conviction of the closing chapter that we are ‘Never Deserted’.

Reviews

• Review by Starr Meade from Ligonier.
• Review by Paul Tautges from.

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Sinclair Ferguson on Suffering and Depression

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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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Jesus Christ taught his disciples to call God ‘Our Father’, and to live as members of his family. Although simple enough for every Christian to understand this is also so profound that its implications take a lifetime and more to explore fully.

Yet, despite Christ’s words and example, Christians have frequently ignored or forgotten his teaching. In these pages, Sinclair B.Ferguson reminds us of its importance.

Children of the Living God takes as its starting point the wise and thought-provoking question of an old writer: ‘If the love of a father will not make a child delight in him, what will?’. It underlines that we were created for joyful fellowship with God, and explains how we enter his family by new birth and adoption. Its chapters show how the Spirit of sonship, Christian freedom, divine discipline, prayer and the sacraments all contribute to our experience of the love the Father has for his children.

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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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John Owen has long been recognized by evangelicals as one of the greatest of all English-speaking theological classics. Like Augustine, whom he so admired, Owen’s thinking touched both the depths of sin and the heights of grace. Many of his readers have come away from reading him on such themes as temptation, or indwelling sin, feeling that Owen knew them through and through.

The truth is that Owen had come-by intensive and constant study of both Scripture and the human heart- to know both himself and God. It was out of this rich experience that he preached and wrote on the loftiest themes of Christian theology.

Because of this background, Owen’s teaching was always pastoral in its concern. His aim, said his assistant David Clarkson, was ‘to promote holiness’. Consequently his work has survived through the centuries and is now more widely recognized and appreciated than it has been for many years. His writings address the fundamental issues Christians face in every age: How can I live the Christian life? How am I to deal with sin and temptation? How can I find assurance, and live for the honour of Jesus Christ?

John Owen on the Christian Life expounds Owen’s teaching on these and related themes. The first book-length study of any aspect of Owen’s thought, it also stands on its own as a study in pastoral theology. Ministers, Christian leaders, readers of Owen, and those who are daunted by the sheer voluminousness of his writings will find this book an ideal companion.

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Review

• Review by Erik Raymonde

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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.

Irenaeus of Lyons – the man who wrote books tells the story of a hero. He was a follower of Jesus Christ. He served him far away from home. And to help his fellow Christians – he wrote books. 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:

1. Ignatius of Antioch: The Man Who Faced Lions
2. Polycarp of Smyrna: The Man Whose Faith Lasted

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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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‘You are what you read’ suggests Sinclair B. Ferguson in this booklet about reading and using Christian books. The spiritual health of individuals or Christian fellowships is often related to their reading habits. Read Any Good Books? discusses the kind of books we should read and gives practical advice about the use of Christian literature. At a time when an abundance of good literature is available in the English-speaking world, Read Any Good Books? encourages Christians to use their privileges to the full.

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