For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth. (Romans 10:4)It is absurd to imagine that God should justify a people and not sanctify them, He should justify a people whom He could not glorify. -- Thomas Watson (1620-1686)
God loves adverbs better than nouns; not praying only but praying well; not doing good but doing it well. -- Thomas Brooks (1608-1680)
Combined Interactive Contents for The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/combtoc.html
He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5:12,13)Because I live, ye shall live also. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:19)
And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. (1 John 2:25)
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:3)
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:24, 25)And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:42)
The things which make us spiritual are Bible study, fellowship, and prayer.Question. What is the chief end of man?
Answer. Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever. -- Westminster Shorter Catechism, 1648, Question 1This is the foundation of our religion, the Rock whereon the church is built, the ground of all our hopes of salvation, of life and immortality: all is resolved into this, -- namely, the representation that is made of the nature and will of God in the person and office of Christ. -- John Owen (1616-1683)
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 22:38-40)
See the Theological Note at 1 Corinthians 13:13, "Love" in The Reformation Study Bible.
But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. (Acts 17:28)
Nothing will keep the heart tender so much as cultivating the spirit of filial awe. Alas that this is now so rarely insisted upon. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil (Proverbs 8:13). Necessarily so, for God is ineffably holy, and where He is revered sin is loathed. By the fear of the LORD men depart from evil (Proverbs 16:6), for two cannot walk together except they be agreed. The more concerned I am not to displease my Master, the more shall I eschew that which He forbids. Be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long (Proverbs 23:17), for Happy is the man that feareth always (Proverbs 28:14). We must strive to be in the fear of God not only in the first hour of devotion, but throughout the day. The more we live in the conscious realization that the eyes of the Holy One are upon us, the more will our hearts be kept truly tender. -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), A Tender Heart
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. (1 John 3:18)
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (James 1:17)
But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. (1 Corinthians 11:28)
Put on: Examine yourself and restructure your life.See the Theological Notes: "Illumination and Conviction," at 1 Corinthians 2:10 in The Reformation Study Bible.
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. (1 Corinthians 2:10,11)See the Theological Notes: "God's Covenant of Grace" at Genesis 12:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "The Law of God," at Exodus 20:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Regeneration: The New Birth," at John 3:3 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "God is Light: Divine Holiness and Justice" at Leviticus 11:44 in The Reformation Study Bible.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5,6)
See the Theological Notes: "The Local Church," at Revelation 2:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.
It was John Calvin's case for church attendance, found in Institutes of the Christian Religion, (Battle's translation), Book IV, Chapter 1, 1-19 (and context), that finally helped the compiler over the hurdle of erroneously forsaking the assembly of ourselves together ostensibly because of hypocracy, faults, impurities, and minor scandals within the church.
Book Four. The External Means or Aids by Which God Invites us Into the Society of Christ and Holds us Therein Chapter I. The True Church With Which as Mother of all the Godly we Must Keep Unity
(The Holy Catholic Church, our mother, 1-4)
1. The necessity of the church
We need outward helps to beget and increase faith within us, and advance it to its goal.
2. What is the relationship of church and creed?
But because a small and contemptible number are hidden in a huge multitude and a few grains of wheat are covered by a pile of chaff, we must leave to God alone the knowledge of his church, whose foundation is his secret election.
3. The communion of saints
Finally, we feel that these promises apply to us: There will be salvation in Zion [Joel 2:32; Obadiah 17, cf. Vg.]; God will abide in the midst of Jerusalem forever, that it may never be moved. [Psalm 46:5]. So powerful is participation in the church that it keeps us in the society of God. In the very word "communion" there is a wealth of comfort because, while it is determined that whatever the Lord bestows upon his members and ours belongs to us, our hope is strengthened by all the benefits they receive.
4. The visible church as mother of believers
On the other hand, those who turn to the cultivation of true godliness are said to inscribe their names among the citizens of Jerusalem [cf. Isaiah 56:5; Psalm 87:6]. For this reason, it is said in another psalm: Remember me, O Jehovah, with favor toward thy people; visit me with salvation: that I may see the well-doing of thy chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the joy of thy nation, that I may be glad with thine inheritance. [Psalm 106:4-5; cf. Psalm 105:4, Vg., etc.]. By these words God's fatherly favor and the especial witness of spiritual life are limited to his flock, so that it is always disastrous to leave the church.
(Her ministers, speaking for God, not to be despised, 5-6)
5. Education through the church, its value and its obligation
We must observe that God always revealed himself thus to the holy patriarchs in the mirror of his teaching in order to be known spiritually. Accordingly, the Temple is called not only the face of God [cf. Psalm 42:2] but (to remove all cause for superstition) his footstool. [Psalm 132:7; Psalm 99:5; 1 Chronicles 28:2]. Happy indeed is that attainment of unity of faith [cf. Ephesians 4:13] when all -- from the highest to the lowest -- aspire toward the Head!
6. Meaning and limits of the ministry
Moreover, it is clear from other passages how he leaves nothing to ministers by themselves. Neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but it is God alone who gives the growth. [1 Corinthians 3:7]. Likewise: I worked more than all; not I, but the grace of God which was with me. [1 Corinthians 15:10]. Surely we ought to remember those statements in which God, ascribing to himself illumination of mind and renewal of heart, warns that it is sacrilege for man to claim any part of either for himself.
(The visible church: its membership and the marks by which it is recognized, 7-9)
7. Invisible and visible church
In this church are mingled many hypocrites who have nothing of Christ but the name and outward appearance. There are very many ambitious, greedy, envious persons, evil speakers, and some of quite unclean life. Such are tolerated for a time either because they cannot be convicted by a competent tribunal or because a vigorous discipline does not always nourish as it ought.
Just as we must believe, therefore, that the former church, invisible to us, is visible to the eyes of God alone, so we are commanded to revere and keep communion with the latter, which is called "church" in respect to men.
8. The limitation of our judgment
Therefore, according to God's secret predestination (as Augustine says), "many sheep are without, and many wolves are within." For he knows and has marked those who know neither him nor themselves. Of those who openly wear his badge, his eyes alone see the ones who are unfeignedly holy and will persevere to the very end [Matthew 24:13] -- the ultimate point of salvation.
9. The marks of the church and our application of them to judgment
Wherever we see the Word of God purely preached and heard, and the sacraments administered according to Christ's institution, there, it is not to be doubted, a church of God exists [cf. Ephesians 2:20]. For his promise cannot fail: Wherever two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them. [Matthew 18:20].
(A church with these marks, however defective, is not to be forsaken: the sin of schism, 10-16)
10. Marks and authority of the church
For the Lord esteems the communion of his church so highly that he counts as a traitor and apostate from Christianity anyone who arrogantly leaves any Christian society, provided it cherishes the true ministry of Word and sacraments. He so esteems the authority of the church that when it is violated he believes his own diminished.
11. The inviolable validity of the marks
If in Word and sacraments it has the order approved by the Lord, it will not deceive; let us, then, confidently pay to it the honor due to churches. But again, if, devoid of Word and sacraments, it advertises the name of church, we must just as scrupulously beware such deceits, as we must avoid rashness and pride on the other side.
12. Heeding the marks guards against capricious separation
The pure ministry of the Word and pure mode of celebrating the sacraments are, as we say, sufficient pledge and guarantee that we may safely embrace as church any society in which both these marks exist. The principle extends to the point that we must not reject it so long as it retains them, even if it otherwise swarms with many faults.
13. Scandal in the church no occasion for leaving it
In bearing with imperfections of life we ought to be far more considerate. . . . For there have always been those who, imbued with a false conviction of their own perfect sanctity, as if they had already become a sort of airy spirits, spurned association with all men in whom they discern any remnant of human nature. . . .
There are others who sin more out of ill-advised zeal for righteousness than out of that insane pride. When they do not see a quality of life corresponding to the doctrine of the gospel among those to whom it is announced, they immediately judge that no church exists in that place. . . . But on their part those of whom we have spoken sin in that they do not know how to restrain their disfavor. For where the Lord requires kindness, they neglect it and give themselves over completely to immoderate severity. Indeed, because they think no church exists where there are not perfect purity and integrity of life, they depart out of hatred of wickedness from the lawful church, while they fancy themselves turning aside from the faction of the wicked.
14. Paul and the needs of his congregations
Yet the church abides among them [the Corinthians and Galatians] because the ministry of Word and sacraments remains unrepudiated there.
15. Fellowship with wicked persons
Indeed, I do not deny that it is the godly man's duty to abstain from all familiarity with the wicked, and not to enmesh himself with them in any voluntary relationship. But it is one thing to flee the boon companionship of the wicked; another, in hating them, to renounce the communion of the church.
For when Paul urges us to a holy and pure partaking of it [Communion], he does not require that one examine another, or every one the whole church, but that each individual prove himself [1 Corinthians 11:28]. If it were unlawful to partake of communion with an unworthy person, surely Paul would bid us investigate whether there is anyone in the multitude whose uncleanliness pollutes us.
16. The false claim of perfection comes from distorted opinion
Puffed up with pride, mad with obstinacy, deceitful in their slanders, troublesome in their seditions, these evil persons feign a rigid severity so they cannot be shown to lack the light of truth. Holy Scripture bids us correct our brothers' vices with more moderate care, while preserving sincerity of love and unity of peace.
Finally, let them realize that, in estimating the true church, divine judgment is of more weight than human.
(The imperfect holiness of the church does not justify schism, but affords occasion for the exercise within it of the forgiveness of sins, 17-22)
17. The holiness of the church
And although there are oftentimes few evidences of this sort of sanctification among men, still we must hold that from the creation of the world there was no time when the Lord did not have his church; and even until the consummation of the age, there will be no time when he will not have it. For even though the whole human race has from the very beginning been corrupted and vitiated by Adam's sin, from this polluted mass, as it were, He ever sanctifies certain vessels unto honor [cf. Romans 9:23 ff.] that there may be no age that does not experience his mercy.
18. The example of the prophets
But if the holy prophets had scruples against separating themselves from the church because of many great misdeeds, not of one man or another but of almost all the people, we claim too much for ourselves if we dare withdraw at once from the communion of the church just because the morals of all do not meet our standard or even square with the profession of Christian faith.
19. The example of Christ and of the apostles
Let the following two points, then, stand firm. First, he who voluntarily deserts the outward communion of the church (where the Word of God is preached and the sacraments are administered) is without excuse. Secondly, neither the vices of the few nor the vices of the many in any way prevent us from duly professing our faith there in ceremonies ordained by God. For a godly conscience is not wounded by the unworthiness of another, whether pastor or layman; nor are the sacraments less pure and salutary for a holy and upright man because they are handled by unclean persons. -- John Calvin's case for church attendance, found in Institutes of the Christian Religion, Battle's translation, Book IV, Chapter 1, 1-19 and contextHe [David] mentions also as another qualification, that he shunned the wicked in such a manner as not on that account to forsake the congregation of God, or withdraw himself from the company of those with whom he was commanded by divine appointment to associate. Many err in this way grievously; imagining when they see the evil mingled with the good, that they will be infected with pollution, unless they immediately withdraw themselves from the whole congregation. . . . David, therefore, prudently moderates his zeal, and while separating himself from the ungodly, ceases not to frequent the temple, as the divine commandment and the order prescribed in the law required. When he denominates them the assembly of the ungodly, we may unquestionably conclude, that their number was not few; nay, it is probable that they flaunted about at that time, as if they alone were exalted above the people of God, and were lords over them: yet this did not prevent David from coming as usual to the sacrifices. Public care, indeed, is to be used that the Church be not defiled by such wickedness, and every man ought privately to endeavor, in his own place, that his remissness and forbearance do not cherish the disorders which these vices occasion. Although, however, this strictness should not be exercised with that care which is necessary, there is nothing in this to hinder any of the faithful from piously and holily remaining in the fellowship of the Church. It is to be observed, in the meantime, that what retained David, was his communion with God and with sacred things. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 26:5
See the Theological Notes: "God's Pattern for Worship," at 1 Chronicles 16:29 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Prayer," at Luke 11:2 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Gifts and Ministries," at Ephesians 4:7 in The Reformation Study Bible.
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power. (Colossians 2:8-10)
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)
Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. (Hebrews 1:3)
For I do not seek to understand so that I may believe; but I believe so that I may understand. For I believe this also, that "unless I believe, I shall not understand." -- Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109)
Son, whatever weakens your reasoning, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, or takes away your relish for spiritual things; in short, if anything increases the authority and power of the flesh over the Spirit, then that to you becomes sin, however good it is in itself. -- Susanna Wesley's answer to her son, John Wesley, who asked her to define sin. -- cited in Sherwood Eliot Wirt (editor), and Kersten Beckstrom (editor), Topical Encyclopedia of Living Quotations
The State, considered in its corporate character, is A MORAL PERSON, with a moral standing and responsibility. It is not the creation of the so-called social compact or of the popular will, but a divine institution based on natural religion. It coheres by a moral and religious bond; and its rulers are the lieutenants of God. If the State is a moral person, capable of performing duty, of committing sin, and suffering punishment, which every one must own who traces the fate of nations according to the divine word, it follows that a nation, acting by its rulers, can accept Christianity and make a public profession of it as the national rule and guide. It had been held together previous to the recognition of Christianity by some form of religion however impure, without which it could not have existed. And the first duty of the civil ruler when brought in contact with Christianity and persuaded of its divine origin is to RECEIVE THE BIBLE AS A REVELATION in a national way. The immediate effect of this is that it constitutes the State a Christian State, and pledges it to purge out its previous religion in the same way as Pagan and Mahommedan nations constituted themselves, according to their false religions, or as the atheistic state was constituted, or rather attempted to be constituted, by the French Convention. A nation must have a religion, and the only question is, which it will adopt. And when Christianity comes to the nation, or to the family, it does not frown on either of these institutions, which also are divine in origin, but enters into them with an elevating purifying power, and sweetly coalesces with all that is purely human in both. These ordinances of God now became vessels by which Christianity is diffused. The national recognition of the Bible as a revelation subjecting the nation to its authority, though a great step gained, does not exhaust the nation's duty, as widely diverging views prevail upon the right interpretation of the Bible. The State must by the necessity of the case ADOPT A CREED which will commonly be prepared by the Church. The same duty that devolves upon an individual Christian confronts a Christian State, and it naturally appends the civil sanction to the Church's creed. It must distinguish between scripture truth and its perversion. The State, by the adoption of a creed, gives utterance to the self-consciousness of a Christian community. It confesses the Christianity it has adopted. . . . The nation, acting by its rulers, must needs adopt a creed, and so distinguish between truth and error in the confession which it makes. It must be Trinitarian or Unitarian, Protestant or Popish, Calvinistic or Arminian, by the necessity of the position. These diverging lines of profession cannot be ignored. More than that; the responsible rulers must proclaim a Christian constitution and adopt a legislation all through the nation's history upon the principles of revelation. A Christian State is competent to make the same confession of its faith that an individual makes. -- George Smeaton, The Scottish Theory of Ecclesiastical Establishments, pp. 4-6
As the apostle says to Timothy, so also he says to every-one, Give yourself to reading. [1 Timothy 4:13] . . . He who will not use the thoughts of other men's brains proves that he has no brains of his own . . . You need to read. Renounce as much as you will all light literature, but study as much as possible sound theological works, especially the Puritanic writers, and expositions of the Bible . . . the best way for you to spend your leisure is to be either reading or praying. -- Charles Spurgeon
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), A Consumer's Guide to Preaching, ISBN: 0896933989 9780896933989.
"Among all the books on preaching, here is one that turns the tables and deals with how to listen, not how to preach: 'The Scriptures themselves say more about the listener's responsibility to hear, understand, and implement the message than about the preacher's obligation to faithfully preach it.' Gives practical advice on how to discover God's message to you in what is preached. Closes with 31 one page 'sermon slices' on which to sharpen your listening skills." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Grist From Adams Mill, ISBN: 0875520790 9780875520797.
"Contains 27 two to four page essays on a wide range of topics: 'tracts for the times.' How does God guide? Where do you get peace? How do you handle interruptions? Dealing with church hoppers? Think: does God hate the sin but love the sinner? Are you clear about the Gospel? How do you handle the influence -- for bad or good -- that people have on one another? How do you deal with differences on biblically debatable matters? What is good music? How can you be professional in your ministry, in the best sense of the word? How do you judge success and failure?" -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
*Anselm, Saint, Archbishop of Canterbury (1033-1109), On Truth, in ANSELM OF CANTERBURY: THE MAJOR WORKS, pages 151-174.
In his definition of Truth Anselm includes rectitude, that is, righteousness. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6)
Beza, Theodore (1519-1605), John Foxe (1516-1587), and Anthony Gilby, The Treasure of Truth, Touching the Ground Work of man, his Salvation, and Chiefest Points of Christian Religion: With a Brief sum of the Comfortable Doctrine of God, His Providence, Comprised in 38 Short Aphorisms. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Gylbie, Anthony, A Brief Treatise of Predestination
http://www.truecovenanter.com/gospel/gylbie_predestination.html
*Binning, Hugh (1627-1653), and Patrick Gillespie (1617-1675), The Common Principles of Christian Religion Clearly Proved and Singularly Improved, or, A Practical Catechism: Wherein Some of the Most Concerning-foundations of our Faith are Solidly Laid Down, and That Doctrine, Which is According to Godliness, Sweetly, yet Pungently Pressed Home and Most Satisfyingly Handled. Available (THE WORKS OF THE REVEREND HUGH BINNING), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE WORKS OF THE REVEREND HUGH BINNING), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #8.
Binning, Hugh (1627-1653), Lectures on Principles of the Christian Religion. Available in THE COMMON PRINCIPLES OF CHRISTIAN RELIGION CLEARLY PROVED AND SINGULARLY IMPROVED.
Lectures on Principles of the Christian Religion.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/binning/binninglectures.html
Blanchard, John, Learning and Living the Christian Life, ISBN: 0854795413 9780854795413.
"This book is designed to answer two basic questions: How does a person become a Christian, and What is involved in living the Christian Life?" -- GCB
Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), The Christian Life Delineated, in the principal lines thereof, both as to its rise and progress. In several practical discourses: . . . by . . . Thomas Boston, . . . Edinburgh, 1775. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Bridges, Jerry, True Community: The Biblical Practice of Koinonia, a revised edition of TRUE FELLOWSHIP, ISBN: 9781617471759 1617471755. Alternate title: THE CRISIS OF CARING: RECOVERING THE MEANING OF TRUE FELLOWSHIP.
"The word 'fellowship' has become so watered down in our Christian culture, it no longer carries anything near the weight of intimate meaning it conveyed to the 1st-century Christian. But there is no reason that, 2000 years after the book of Acts, the depth of relationship meant by koinonia can't be realized in our relationships. It is the inheritance of the body of Christ, from our Savior's work. When fellowship is understood as a ministry of caring shared between all of us, it can make your church a life-changing blessing. Jerry Bridges is author of many books, including THE PURSUIT OF HOLINESS, TRANSFORMING GRACE, TRUSTING GOD, and THE JOY OF FEARING GOD." -- Publisher
Bridges, Jerry, True Fellowship: A Bible Study on (Leader's Guide).
"First published in 1983, this book was written to help Christians not only accept the fact that God is in charge, but also to see and apply the implications of that fact. An honest book which gives straight, Biblical answers to the tough question we all ask." -- GCB
*Calvin, John (1509-1564), Epistle to the Faithful Showing That Christ is the end of the law. Alternate title: CHRIST IS THE END OF THE LAW; CALVIN'S PREFACE TO OLIVETAN'S NEW TESTAMENT; PREFACE TO THE GENEVA BIBLE OF 1550; or, informally, CALVIN ON THE GOSPEL. (Not to be confused with Calvin's "The Argument on the Gospel of Jesus Christ According to Matthew, Mark, and Luke," in the front matter of CALVIN'S COMMENTARIES: MATTHEW, MARK AND LUKE [volume 16 of the Baker edition], which is [THE ARGUMENT], also sometimes referred to as CALVIN ON THE GOSPEL).
Calvin wrote "Christ is the end of the law," in 1534, "about the year of his conversion. . . . It is his first statement of faith as a Protestant, and an eloquent defense of it." -- Joseph Haroutunian
Therefore, it is sometimes thought of as Calvin's testimony.
Available in Desideius Erasmus, Robert Olivetan, and John Calvin (reviser and preface), OLIVETAN'S NEW TESTAMENT.
"The New Testament in the Latin of Erasmus' version, and in the French of Olivetan, revised by Calvin."
Also available in English and somewhat abridged in Jean Calvin (1509-1564), and T. Weedon (translator), Christ the end of the law: Being the Preface to the Geneva Bible of 1550.
Calvin (1509-1564), Jean, and T. Weedon (translator), Christ the End of the Law: Being the Preface to the Geneva Bible of 1550 (1850)
https://archive.org/details/christendlawbei00calvgoog
Also available in another English translation in John Calvin (1509-1564), and Joseph Haroutunian (editor, translator), CALVIN: COMMENTARIES. This is a single volume in the Library of Christian Classics Series (Volume 23). It is composed of "Extracts from Calvin's commentaries topically arranged."
"The present text, from the Opera, C.R. 9, pp. 791 f., contains additions Calvin made after 1534."
John Calvin (1509-1564), and Joseph Haroutunian (translator), Epistle to the Faithful Showing that Christ is the end of the law
http://books.google.com/books?id=NJ7UJGX8otkC&pg=PA58&dq=calvin+preface+Pierre+Robert+Oliv%C3%A9tan%E2%80%99s+French+translation+of+the+New+Testament#v=onepage&q=calvin%20preface%20Pierre%20Robert%20Oliv%C3%A9tan%E2%80%99s%20French%20translation%20of%20the%20New%20Testament&f=false
*Calvin, John (1509-1564), Sermons on the Beatitudes, ISBN: 0851519342 9780851519340.
Calvin, John (1509-1564), Stuart Olyott, and Banner of Truth Trust, Truth for all Time: A Brief Outline of the Christian Faith, ISBN: 9781848710221 1848710224.
"This work provides a light and fundamental overview of some of the central doctrines of Christianity. Using the Apostle's Creed as this outline for the majority of the book, Calvin gives a brief insight concerning each of the truth claims found within the creed. This would probably be a good foray into the writing of Calvin for someone who is not quite ready to dive into THE INSTITUTES just yet. All in all this is a solid work and worth the time for someone who is looking to begin the process of studying theology." -- Reader's Comment
De Witt, John R., What is the Reformed Faith? ISBN: 0851513263 9780851513263.
"A professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Seminary in Jackson provides a short, insightful look into the major truths of the Reformed Faith." -- GCB
Dickinson, Jonathan (1688-1747), and Thomas Foxcroft, The True Scripture-doctrine Concerning Some Important Points of Christian Faith, Particularly Eternal Election, Original Sin, Grace in Conversion, Justification by Faith, and the Saints Perseverence: Represented and Apply'd in Five Discourses. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
A Discourse on Justification by Faith, Jonathan Dickinson
http://www.truecovenanter.com/sermons/dickinson_justification.html
Ellul, Jacques (1912-1994), and Geoffrey William Bromiley, What I Believe, ISBN: 0802836585 9780802836588 0551019409 9780551019409.
"One of the most powerful Christian voices in the 20th century, Jacques Ellul here summarizes his beliefs concerning humanity, history, and the Christian faith."
Fowler, Christopher, How a Christian may get Such a Faith That is not Only Saving, but Comfortable and Joyful at Present, 1674. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #20.
*Henry, Matthew (1662-1714), The Young Christian, ISBN: 0906731569 9780906731567.
"Using Paul's letter to Titus, Henry shows us in practical way how best to live as a Christian." -- GCB
Holmes, Arthur Frank, Shaping Character: Moral Education in the Christian College, ISBN: 0802804977 9780802804976.
*Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), The New Man (Romans 6).
Mack, Wayne A., To God be the Glory: A Study in the Biblical Doctrine of Particular Redemption, 18 pages.
"An essay on the doctrine of particular redemption: Christ died to save His people, not simply to make salvation possible. Scripture mandates the understanding that God's love is particular and personal. This truth magnifies God in His wisdom, power, justice, and love. This truth magnifies the person and work of Jesus Christ. This truth is a strong motivating force unto praise, humility, obedience and boldness." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
Mack, Wayne A., The Sabbath, 8 pages.
" 'There are clear biblical reasons for asserting that the fourth commandment is a perpetual obligation,' as opposed to Christians who do the same things on Sunday as non-Christians. Gives practical suggestions for observing the Sabbath so that it will be a day of joy and glory to God." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
Mack, Wayne A., and Joshua Mack, The Twin Pillars of the Christian Life: Effective Prayer and Disciplined Bible Study, ISBN: 1930133022 9781930133020.
Marshall, Stephen (1594?-1655), The Sinne of Hardnesse of Heart: The Nature, Danger, and Remedy of it. Opened in a Sermon, Preached to the Honorable House of Commons, July 28. 1648. being the day of their solemne monethly fast. By Stephen Marshall, B.D. minister of Gods Word at Finchingfield in Essex. Published by order of that House, 1648. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Marshall, Walter (1628-1680), The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification: Growing in Holiness by Living in Union With Christ (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, Inc., 2005, 1999), ISBN: 189277724X. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Reformation Heritage Books edition is a reprint of the 1954 edition set by Oliphants and includes an introduction by Joel R. Beeke. Also includes the author's famous sermon on "The Doctrine of Justification Opened and Applied."
See the WorldCat record for various foreign language editions.
Other editions:
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, (Wipf & Stock Publishers, January 2005), 270 pages, ISBN: 1597520543 9781597520546.
"This is by far the best book on the doctrine of Sanctification in print. It was originally written in the 17th century, but has been put into modern English with this edition. This book will help you better understand the Gospel and its power not only for our Justification, but our Sanctification as well." -- Reader's Comment
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, ISBN: 1589600630 9781589600638.
"Here you will read the most closely reasoned defense of scriptural sanctification to be found anywhere. . . . Fourteen directions are given to the reader, all perfected with the aim of explaining to sincere souls what sanctification is, what it is not, and how to attain a holy walk before God. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-mystery of Sanctification, Opened, in Sundry Practical Directions: Suited Especially to the Case of Those who Labor Under the Guilt and Power of Indwelling Sin. To Which is Added a Sermon on Justification (1859)
http://archive.org/details/gospelmysteryofs02mars
Martin, Albert N., Living the Christian Life, ISBN: 0851514936.
"This 30-page pamphlet by pastor Martin has been a great help to thousands over the years." -- GCB
*Miller, C. John "Jack" (1928-1996), Finding Healthy Self-Esteem Through Being Completely Forgiven (Quality Living Series. Jenkintown, PA [World Harvest, Box 2175, Jenkintown, 19046]: World Harvest, 1987).
"Do you feel inadequate? That you need to do more or be better in order to be happy and fulfilled? You may not realize it, but your biggest problem is . . . you don't feel completely forgiven."
World Harvest Mission
http://www.whm.org/home.htm
Orr-Ewing, Amy, Is Believing in God Irrational? e-book, ISBN: 9780830833535 0830833536.
"Amy Orr-Ewing addresses key questions and objections that many people today have about God. As the European training director for Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, Orr-Ewing answers these questions with clarity and insight. For your non-Christian friends or for yourself IS BELIEVING IN GOD IRRATIONAL? is an encouraging resource." -- Publisher
*Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), Concise Theology, ISBN: 9781433569548 143356954X.
"This book sets out in short compass what renowned theologian J.I. Packer perceives to be the permanent essentials of Christianity, viewed as both a belief system and a way of life. Packer concisely treats topics that run the gamut from knowing God as he has revealed himself in Scripture and nature to recognizing our desperate state in sin; from celebrating the joy of redemption in Christ to living in obedience, grateful for the Holy Spirit's enabling grace; from ordering our lives, families, churches, and governments in this sphere to anticipating the hope of eternal life and joy in God's presence. In this book Packer seeks to present theology with an eye toward both doxology and devotion -- that is, the praise of God and the practice of godliness." -- Publisher
Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), English Puritan Theology, John Owen: Basics of the Christian Life, 2 audio cassettes [audio file].
*Perkins, William (1558-1602), The Foundation of Christian Religion Gathered Into Fixed Principles (1608). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Interestingly, just below the title on the front cover of this 756-page book we find the words: 'And it is to be learned of ignorant people, that they may be fit to hear sermons with profit, and to receive the Lord's Supper with comfort.' Called 'the principal architect of Elizabethan Puritanism' and 'the most important Puritan writer, Perkins was the first theologian of the reformed English church to gain an international reputation,' writes McKim. (Encyclopaedia of the Reformed Faith, p. 274)
"This hefty tome contains the following works by Perkins:
'A Golden Chain: or, The Description of Theology, Containing the order of the causes of Salvation and Damnation . . . Hereunto is adjoined the order which M. Theodore Beza used in comforting afflicted consciences;' 'An Exposition of the Symbol or Creed of the Apostles;' 'An Exposition of the Lord's Prayer, In the Way of Catechizing Serving for Ignorant People;' 'A Treatise Tending Unto a Declaration Whether a Man Be in the Estate of Damnation, or in the Estate of Grace: And if He Be in the First, How He May in Time Come Out of it: If in the Second, How He May Discern It, and Persevere in the Same to the End;' 'A Case of Conscience, the Greatest that Ever Was: How a Man May Know Whether He Be the Child of God, or No (Whereunto is added a brief discourse taken out of H. Zanchius);' 'A Direction for the Government of the Tongue According to God's Word;' 'Two Treatises: 1. On the Nature and Practice of Repentance; 2. Of the Combat of the Flesh and the Spirit;' 'A Treatise How To Live Well, In All Estates and Times, Specially When Helps and Comforts Fail;' 'The Treatise of Dying Well;' 'A Discourse of Conscience Wherein is Set Down the Nature, Properties, and Differences Thereof: as Also the Way to Get and Keep a Good Conscience;' 'A Reformed Catholic: Or, A Declaration Showing How Near We May Come to the Present Church of Rome in Sundry Points of Religion; and Wherein We Must For Ever Depart From Them -- With an Advertisement to all Favourers of the Roman Religion, Showing How the Said Religion is Against the Catholic Principles and Grounds of the Catechism;' 'A Declaration of the True Manner of Knowing Christ Crucified;' 'A Grain of Mustard Seed: Or, The Least Measure of Grace that is or Can Be Effectual to Salvation;' 'The True Gain, More in Worth then All the Goods of the World;' 'A Warning Against Idolatry of the Last Times and an Instruction Touching Religious Divine Worship;' 'A Treatise of God's Free Grace and Man's Free Will;' 'A Treatise of the Vocations, Or Callings of Men, With the Sorts and Kinds of Them, and the Right Use Thereof.'
"Several of Perkins' works have been translated into Latin, French, Dutch, and Spanish." (Darling, Cyclopaedia Bibliographica, p. 2337) -- Publisher
*Pink, Arthur W. (1886-1952), The Sovereignty of God, ISBN: 0801068649 9780801068645. A Christian classic. Available (the original, unrevised, unabridged text), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Be sure to read the original, unrevised, unabridged edition, not the Banner of Truth edition (see the Marc Carpenter article below).
"Present-day conditions call loudly for a new examination and new presentation of God's omnipotence, God's sufficiency, God's sovereignty. From every pulpit in the land it needs to be thundered forth that God still lives, that God still observes, that God still reigns." -- Arthur W. Pink
"This is the best contemporary book explaining the foundations of Calvinism and God's sovereignty (as revealed in Scripture). It is like a key that, by God's grace, opens the door of understanding to some of the most blessed truths in Scripture. From the myriad of testimonies that we have heard concerning how God has used this book, we think that we can safely say that this is also the best book to pass on to those that you want to introduce to Calvinism." -- Publisher
The Banner of Truth edition removed three chapters, "The Sovereignty of God and Reprobation," "God's Sovereignty and Human Responsibility," and "Difficulties and Objections." It also removes four appendices that "deal with the false distinction between decretive and permissive will, the foreordaining of the Fall, and treatments of John 3:16 and 1 John 2:2 to show that there is not a universal love or propitiation. . . ."
The Banner of Truth versus Calvinism, Marc D. Carpenter, an article.
http://www.trinityfoundation.org/journal.php?id=160
*Piper, John, Justin Taylor, Ben Patterson, David Powlison (1949-2019), and Albert Mohler, et al., Sex and the Supremacy of Christ, ISBN: 9781433512278 1433512270.
Amazon reviews are 79 percent five stars as of 4/27/2022.
"Really impressed by the wealth of writers in this book. I have quoted from it and bought it both in Kindle and paperback versions. The five parts cover a wide range of subjects: 'God and Sex,' 'Sin and Sex,' 'Men and Sex,' 'Women and Sex,' and 'History and Sex.' That final part changed my thinking both on Luther and on the Puritans, as they really restored good biblical understanding on sex. The fact that God created sex is often lost in today's society, and this book helps focus on its positive view of a subject often spoiled by the world today." -- Reader's Comment
"The second section deals with 'Sin and Sex.' The highlight of the entire book is David Powlison's chapter on 'Restoring Pure Joy to the Sexually Broken.' He provides biblical wisdom and encouragement for people who have abused sex, or who have been sexually abused. His counsel is loving and pastoral, and will surely bring a glimpse of light to many for whom sex has become darkness." -- Reader's Comment
*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon.
A sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day morning, September 9, 1888, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 2043.
"This is the way in which you should use this plea. Say, 'My God, I am utterly unworthy, and I own it; but, I beseech thee, hear me for the honour of thy dear Son. By his agony and bloody sweat, by his cross and passion, by his precious death and burial, I beseech thee hear me! O Lord, let the blood of thine Only-begotten prevail with thee! Canst thou put aside his groans, his tears, his death, when they speak on my behalf?' If you can thus come to pleading terms with God upon this ground, you must and will prevail. Jesus must be heard in heaven. The voice of his blood is eloquent with God. If you plead the atoning sacrifice, you must overcome through the blood of the Lamb." -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon
Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), The Mediator -- Judge and Saviour, a sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day morning, May 30, 1880, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 1540.
Spurgeon carefully analyses Peter's sermon at Pentecost that brought about the visitation of the Holy Spirit.
http://www.spurgeongems.org/vols25-27/chs1540.pdf
*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), The One Foundation, a sermon by C.H. Spurgeon
Preaching on the text For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:11)
Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, 1879, Sermon 1494.
"As churches we are not legislators, but subjects; it is not for us to frame constitutions, invent offices, and decree rites and ceremonies, but we are to take everything out of the mouth of Christ, and to do what he bids us, as he bids us, and when he bids us. Parliaments and kings have no authority whatever in the church, but Christ alone rules therein. If any portion of a church be not based upon Christ it is a mere deforming addition to the plan of the great Architect, and mars the temple which God has built, and not man. What a blessed thing it is to feel that you belong to a church which has a rock under it, because it is constituted by Christ's authority. We feel safe in following an ordinance which is of his commanding, but we should tremble if we had only custom and human authority for it. . . .
"When sermons are preached without so much as the mention of Christ's name, it takes more than charity, it requires you to tell a lie to say 'That was a Christian sermon;' and if any people find their joy in a teaching which casts the Lord Jesus into the background, they are not his church, or else such teaching would be an abomination to them. . . .
"All the decrees of popes and councils, all the resolutions of assemblies, synods, presbyteries, and associations, and all the ordinances of men as individuals, however great they be, when they are all put together, if they at all differ from the law of Christ, are mere wind and waste paper, nay, worse, they are treasonable insults to the majesty of King Jesus. Those who build apart from the authority of Christ build off of the foundation, and their fabric will fall. There is no law and no authority in a true church but that of Christ himself; we who are his ministers are his servants and the servants of the church, and not lords or lawmakers. To his law a faithful church brings all things as to the sure test. As churches we are not legislators, but subjects; it is not for us to frame constitutions, invent offices, and decree rites and ceremonies, but we are to take everything out of the mouth of Christ, and to do what he bids us, as he bids us, and when he bids us. Parliaments and kings have no authority whatever in the church, but Christ alone rules therein.
"Let us put this, our first point, in a few sentences. It is not the union of men with men that makes a church if Jesus Christ be not the centre and the bond of the union. The best of men may come into bonds of amity, and they may form a league, or a federation, for good and useful purposes, but they are not a church unless Jesus Christ be the basis upon which they rest. He must be the ground and foundation of the hope of each and of all." -- C.H. Spurgeon
http://www.spurgeongems.org/vols25-27/chs1494.pdf
Traill, Robert (1642-1716), The Throne of Grace Discoursed of From Heb. IV, 16 [Hebrews 4:16] / by Robert Trail, 1696, ISBN: 085151393X. Available (THE WORKS OF ROBERT TRAILL), on Puritan Hard Drive. Available (SELECT PRACTICAL WRITINGS OF ROBERT TRAILL), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.
Traill, Robert (1642-1716), Twenty Nine Sermons, viz. XIII. On the Throne of Grace, . . . and XVI. On the Lord's Prayer, . . . Together with the Protestant Doctrine of Justification Vindicated. All by the Late Revd. and Learned Mr. Robert Trail . . . 1731. Available (THE WORKS OF ROBERT TRAILL), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Warfield, B.B. (1851-1921), Biblical Doctrines, ISBN: 0851515347 9780851515342.
"No theological writings are so intellectually satisfying and so strengthening of faith as those of Warfield. He shirks no issue and evades no problems, and never stoops to the use of subterfuge. One is impressed by his honesty and integrity as much as by his profound scholarship and learning. The result is that there is a finality and authority about all that he wrote." -- D. Martin Lloyd-Jones
Zacharias, Ravi (1946-2020), The Christian Privilege, a series of five audio files [audio file].
"Do you think your life is random, or do you believe that you are unique, having been designed by a loving God?
"Why do we turn away from God when we have a better alternative? Instead, we can enjoy a rich connection with Him in the fullness of our humanity.
"Why are we here on earth? Is there some higher purpose that we might not have guessed? Our purpose on earth is completely intertwined with the One who created us.
"What is the goal of your life? Where do you expect to be 20 years from now? These are hard questions, but important ones for those who want to finish life well.
"Do you need God? There's never been a better day to find Him, especially since He wants to be found." -- Publisher
https://www.christianbook.com/the-christian-privilege-ravi-zacharias/pd/DA21164-CP?event=ESRCG
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, The ten commandments: the moral law, The lord jesus christ, The sermon on the mount, The shorter catechism, The westminster standards and family of documents, Bible promises, Discipleship, Loving and obeying God, Bible reading and devotions, Basics of the christian faith, Systematic theology, Christian fellowship, Prayer, Intercessory prayer, Spiritual warfare, Christianity and the workplace, Apologetics, Follow-up, Christian life, Biblical counsel by subject, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Christ our example, Affliction, adversity, trials, suffering, chastisement, Bible reference works, Christian biography, Discipleship, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Fruit of the holy spirit, Gifts of the holy spirit, The doctrine of redemption, Predestination, election, efficatious grace, The holy spirit, The lord jesus christ, The person and work of the lord jesus christ, Manhood, Immanuel, christ's presence, christ in you, Eternal life, immortality, Christian biography, Manhood, Parenting, Christianity and the workplace, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenanted reformation of scotland, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Apologetics, Follow-up, Christ's influence on western civilization, Christian life, The sabbath, Bible reference works, Biblical counsel by subject, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Discipleship, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Fruit of the holy spirit, Gifts of the holy spirit, Parenting, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 414-445, 677-723, 725, 4139, 4219, 4301-4306, 4308, *4312 (Practical Helps for Young People and Christian Workers Generally)
Reconciliation of Relationships
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#reconorel
The most important relationship is, of course, vertical, between the individual and God.
The second most important relationship is horizontal, between the individual and society.
How the individual handles these relationships determines the outcome of their life, both temporal and eternal, and is interrelated with all other spheres of life. Learn more about these interrelationships at the following website.
Repentance the Key to Salvation and Change
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#rtktsac
Justification
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr6ch.html#jstfctn
The Shorter Catechism With Scripture Proofs (Carlisle, PA [P.O. Box 621, Carlisle 17013, USA]: The Banner of Truth Trust).
Arguably the greatest tract ever created, all factors considered.
http://www.reformed.org/documents/WSC_frames.html
Westminster Shorter Catechism Project: Body of Divinity Contained in Sermons Upon the Assembly's Catechism by the Rev. Thomas Watson
http://www.shortercatechism.com/resources/vincent/wsc_vi_001.html?page_id=205
See also: The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), (The Westminster Standards), and Related Works: A Study Guide
http://www.lettermen2.com/suggest.html
Christian View of World and Life
Application of the Biblical View of HistoryThe Commandments of Jesus, J.S. McConnell (1925)
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Christian View of World and Life
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=1010264337How Modern Thinkers Deny the Scriptures: Hegel to Toynbee
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Christian View of World and Life
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=9240265910How They Deny the Scriptures: Greek Philosophers and the Renaissance
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Christian View of World and Life
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=9240265735Basic Theological Presuppositions for a Biblical View of History
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Christian View of World and Life
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=91602194326Introduction: A Span of History
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Decline of American Culture
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=72902195856Decline in Theology, #1
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Decline in American Culture
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=9902215956Decline in the 1830's: Philosophical Revolution in Political Thought
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Decline of American Culture
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=9202112722Decline Through the 1840's: Philosophical Revolution in Political Thought
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Decline of American Culture
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=9202112914The Departure From the Biblical View in Constitutional Government
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Decline of American Culture
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=82602124719Hegel and Marx
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, 56 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=9150393828Decline in Theology Since 1900
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Decline of American Culture
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=91602194147Decline in Education
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Decline of American Culture
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=9902215826Decline of Jurisprudence
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Decline of American Culture
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=82602124432Decline (Political, Economic, Cultural), Part 1
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Decline of American Culture
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=819021843Decline (Political, Economic, Cultural), Part 2
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Decline of American Culture
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=8190218822
The Fear of God (FGB #182)
Fearing God in His Sovereign Majesty, Pink, A.W. (1889-1952) | The Beginning of Wisdom, Bridges, Charles (1794-1869) | The Fear of God, A'Brakel, Wilhelmus (1635-1711) | Fear of God: Its Manifestation, Causes, Enjoyments, Gill, J. (1697-1771) | An Ungodly Fear of God, Bunyan, John (1628-1688) | A Fear to be Desired, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Let us Therefore Fear, Pink, A.W. (1889-1952)
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/fog2fg/fear-of-god-the
Westminster Shorter Catechism Project
"Click on any of the individual questions below to get the answer and Biblical references, as well as links to works by John Flavel, Thomas Watson, Thomas Boston, James Fisher, and John Whitecross, and others."
http://www.shortercatechism.com/
Westminster Shorter Catechism With Proof Texts
http://www.reformed.org/documents/WSC_frames.html
Words of Christ Appearing in The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappa.html
Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:9,10)Personally I find it helpful to begin each day by silently committing that day into God's hands [Matthew 6:5-13; Psalm 37:5,6; Proverbs 16:3; Romans 12:1,2; 1 Peter 2:23b; 1 Peter 4:19; ]. I thank Him that I belong to Him [Galatians 3:26; Galatians 4:4,5; Ephesians 1:5; Romans 8:14,16,17,38,39; John 1:12], and I thank Him that He knows what the day holds for me [Providence, omniscience]. I ask Him to take my life that day and use it for His glory [John 15:16,8; Philippians 2:13; Philippians 1:6; John 15:7,8; John 15:10; John 15:4]. I ask Him to cleanse me from anything which would hinder His work [sanctification] in my life. And then I step out in faith [trust, Matthew 6:25-34], knowing that His Holy Spirit is filling me continually as I trust in Him and obey [John 14:15-21; John 14:23; John 15:10; Matthew 16:24; Romans 8:37-39] His Word [Isaiah 11:2; John 15:26-27; John 14:15-17; 2 Timothy 1:7; Romans 8:11] -- Billy Graham, from The Holy Spirit: Activating God's Power in Your Life
Many marriages have been healed by a commitment to Christ first and to each other second. -- D. James Kennedy (1930-2007) and Jerry Newcombe, What if Jesus had Never Been Born, p. 140
Prior to the Fall in the Garden of Eden man was in perfect relationship with God and with woman, a heavenly existence. After the Fall man's relationships with God and men were broken. The only way for man and wife, and family, and society to live together happily is to pursue holiness through Christ Jesus. See: The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? Horatius Bonar.
You only have one life, it will soon be past. Only what is done for Christ will last. -- C.T. Studd
Make your life count for eternity.
Give up your small ambitions and follow Christ! -- Peter Hammond
Ashe (Ash), Simeon (d. 1662), Self-surrender Unto God: Opened and Applyed, in a Sermon Preached Before the Honourable House of Commons, at Margarets, Westminster, at Their Late Solemn Fast, February 23. 1647. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Clark, Gordon H. (1902-1985), Commitment to Biblical Authority. Available in CLARK AND HIS CRITICS, VOLUME 7 OF THE WORKS OF GORDON H. CLARK, ISBN: 189177722X 9781891777226 1891777238 9781891777233.
Kennedy, D. James (1930-2007), The Secret of Commitment, a sermon (Fort Lauderdale, FL: Coral Ridge Ministries).
"The life of David Livingston has had a greater affect on D. James Kennedy than any other person besides Christ."
*Kerr, James (1847-1905, editor), and et al., The Covenants and the Covenanters: Covenants, Sermons, and Documents of the Covenanted Reformation, 1895, ISBN: 9781406876109 1406876100. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"The Reformed Presbytery (in 1879), has well noted the following incongruity that is still with us today, 'We heard from various quarters the cry, 'maintain the truth, stand up for the principles of the Second Reformation:' and yet many of those who are the most loud in uttering this cry, appear desirous to bury in oblivion those imperishable national and ecclesiastical deeds, by which the church and kingdom of Scotland became 'married to the Lord.' (A Short Vindication of Our Covenanted Reformation, p. 20). This book should go a long way to remedying the above noted ignorance and hypocrisy among those who now call upon the name of the Lord especially those who claim a Reformation heritage and are still open to further growth as it spells out in no uncertain terms what lay at the heart of the Second Reformation. Moreover, these covenants (landmarks of the Lord), stand as beacons to all nations of their continuing moral duty to bind themselves to Christ (First Commandment), or suffer His avenging wrath. (Ps. 2 [Psalm 2]). And make no mistake about it, the Lord will utterly destroy all those who quarrel with His covenant bonds, whether individuals, churches or nations the mystery of iniquity will fall! The prefatory note to this magnificent volume well describes its value: The Covenants, Sermons, and Papers in this volume carry the readers back to some of the brightest periods in Scottish history. They mark important events in that great struggle by which these three kingdoms (England, Scotland and Ireland -- RB), were emancipated from the despotisms of Pope, Prince, and Prelate, and an inheritance of liberty secured for these Islands of the Sea. The whole achievements of the heroes of the battlefields are comprehended under that phrase of Reformers and Martyrs, 'The Covenanted Work of Reformation.' The attainments of those stirring times were bound together by the Covenants, as by rings of gold. The Sermons here were the product of the ripe thought of the main actors in the various scenes -- men of piety, learning, and renown. Hence, the nature, objects, and benefits of personal and national Covenanting are exhibited in a manner fitted to attract to that ordinance the minds and hearts of men. The readers can well believe the statements of Livingstone, who was present at several ceremonies of covenant-renovation: 'I never saw such motions from the Spirit of God. I have seen more than a thousand persons all at once lifting up their hands, and the tears falling down from their eyes.' In the presence of the defences of the Covenants as deeds, by these preachers, the baseless aspersions of novelists and theologians fade out into oblivion. True Christians must, as they ponder these productions, be convinced that the Covenanters were men of intense faith and seraphic fervour, and their own hearts will burn as they catch the heavenly flame. Members of the Church of Christ will be stirred to nobler efforts for the Kingdom of their Lord as they meditate on the heroism of those who were the 'chariots of Israel and the horsemen thereof;' and they will behold with wonder that 'to the woman were given two wings of And Statesman will discover how princes, parliaments, and peoples united in the hearty surrender of themselves to the Prince of the kings and kingdoms of the earth; and will be aroused to promote that policy of Christian Statesmanship which, illustrating the purpose and will of God, the Father, shall liberate Parliaments and nations from the bonds of false religions, and assert for them those liberties and honours which spring from the enthronement of the Son of man, and King of kings and Lord of lords. This volume of documents of olden times is sent out on a mission of Revival of Religion, personal and national, in the present times. It would do a noble work if it helped to humble classes and masses, and led them to return as one man to that God in covenant from Whom all have gone so far away. A national movement, in penitence and faith, for the repeal of the Acts Recissory and the recognition of the National Covenants would be as life from the dead throughout the British Empire. The people and rulers of these dominions shall yet behold the brilliancy of the Redeemer's crowns; and shall, by universal consent, exalt Him who rules in imperial majesty over the entire universe of God. For, 'The seventh angel sounded, and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the Kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ.' Here we have some of the most moving sermons ever addressed to a people and their nations, given before the most solemn of occasions national covenant renewal! Alexander Henderson, Andrew Cant, Joseph Caryl, Edmond Calamy and a host of other Puritan Covenanters (even the turncoat Independent Philip Nye), are included here in easy to read modern (1895) type. Anyone interested in seeing the royal prerogatives of King Jesus once again trumpeted throughout the nations, on a national and international scale, needs this book for these men 'were setting up landmarks by which the city of God will be known at the dawn of the millennial day'." (Thomas Sproull cited in the Reformed Presbytery's Short Vindication, p. 38) -- Publisher
"Contents: The national covenants: Introduction [Part One]. | The national covenant, or confession of faith | Exhortation to the Lords of Council | Sermon at St. Andrews / Alexander Henderson | Exhortation at Inverness / Andrew Cant | Sermon at Glasgow / Andrew Cant | Sermon at Edinburgh / Andrew Cant [Part Two]. | The solemn league and covenant | Act of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland | Exhortation at Westminster / Philip Nye | Address at Westminster / Alexander Henderson | Sermon at Westminster / Thomas Coleman | Sermon at Westminster / Joseph Caryl | Sermon at London [the first, of Sat., 30th Sept., 1643] / Thomas Case | Sermon at London [the second, of Sun., 1st Oct., 1643] / Thomas Case | An ordinance of the Lords and Commons | Exhortation by the Westminster Assembly | Sermon at London / Edmund Calamy [Part Three]. | The national covenants. Coronation sermon at Scone / Robert Douglas | Charles II, taking the covenants | The acts rescissory | The Torwood excommunication | Act against conventicles | The Sanquhar Declaration | Protestation against the Union | Secession from the revolution church."
The Covenants and the Covenanters: Covenants, Sermons, and Documents of the Covenanted Reformation. Introduction on the National Covenants by James Kerr, 1895
http://archive.org/details/covenantscovenan00kerr
The Covenants and the Covenanters
Project Gutenberg free e-text online.
http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/19100
Murray, Andrew (1828-1917), Absolute Surrender. Alternate title: ABSOLUTE SURRENDER: AND OTHER ADDRESSES, and ABSOLUTE SURRENDER; ADDRESSES DELIVERED IN ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND, ISBN: 1565639405 9781565639409. Available as a series of six MP3 files on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available also in Project Gutenberg.
*Orr, James Edwin, Full Surrender.
"A full discussion of the doctrine of sanctification." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life, ISBN: 0891078193.
"Packer is a well-known author, lecturer, and theologian. He is currently Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Regent College, Vancouver, B.C.
"Packer writes of that golden age of Christian theology, when giants of the faith pursued holiness in life and practice like a hound follows a scent. Those Puritans of the 17th century (a little before and a little after), had as their aim to be fully conformed to the image of God, and to be seen at home and abroad as close imitators of Christ Jesus. . . .
"There are lessons for us in their passion for effective action. They had no time for lazy or passive persons. They were men of action in the pure Reformed mold -- crusading activists without a jot of self-reliance; workers for God who depended utterly on God to work in and through them. . . . There are lessons for us in their program for family stability. It is hardly too much to say that the Puritans created the Christian family in the English-speaking world. The Puritan ethic of marriage was to look not for a partner whom you do love passionately at this moment, but rather one whom you can love steadily as your best friend for life, and then to proceed with God's help to do just that. . . .
"In the introduction Packer gives his personal testimony as to how much he owes to the Puritans for his depth of knowledge, firmness of purpose, his dedication to fulfilling God's purposes in his life, and his love of the truth as revealed in the Scriptures. Because of his appreciation of this background of Puritan influence on his life, he has often written and lectured on the subject of the importance of the Puritans. Many of our freedoms and just laws can be traced to their influence on all our lives. This book contains the following themes: The Puritans in Profile; The Puritans and the Bible; The Puritans and the Gospel; the Puritans and the Holy Spirit; The Puritan Christian Life; The Puritans in Ministry. . . .
"This reviewer would love to persuade every single reader of these words to read this book. You would get a view of Christians which would inspire you, which would perhaps lead you, which would perhaps lead you to repentance, but also to heights of spirituality you would not enjoy without them. What Packer has said about their influence on his life can be repeated almost word for word in a resume of this reviewer's life. If you want to grow in grace, and in usefulness to God's cause, read the writing of the Puritans.
"We will repeat what we said in reviewing John Owen's THE DEATH OF DEATH IN THE DEATH OF CHRIST, that Packer's well balanced definition of Calvinism in the introduction to that volume is by far the best we have seen in 42 years of intensive reading. And that superb piece appears in this volume in full, which alone is worth the price of this book.
"The book jacket has these words: 'Dr. Packer masterfully uncovers the hidden treasures of Puritan life and thought. With crystalline clarity he reveals the depth and breadth of Puritan spiritual life, contrasting it with the superficiality and deadness of modern Western Christianity. Drawing on a lifetime of study Dr. Packer takes the reader on a survey of the lives and teachings of great leaders such as John Owen, Richard Baxter, and Jonathan Edwards. He offers a close look at such subjects as the Puritan view of the Bible, spiritual gifts, the Sabbath, worship, social action, and the family. He concludes that a main difference between the Puritans and ourselves is spiritual maturity -- the Puritans had it; we do not. In a time of failing vision and decaying values, this powerful portrait of Puritans is a beacon of hope that calls us to radical commitment and action when both are desperately needed'." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
"Contrary to popular opinion, the Puritans were no dour lot of killjoys. In fact, Packer says, there's a lot we can learn from them about truly authentic and joyous spirituality. In this book Packer explores the Puritans' own writings on the Bible, the Gospel, the Holy Spirit, Christian life, and ministry. For each topic he beautifully demonstrates how the Puritans can help us press on toward godliness. If you're intrigued by the Puritans but don't know where to start reading them, this book will be a valuable guide!" -- CBD
"In a resounding call to deepen our Christian life, Packer reveals the strength of the Puritan system of spiritual maturity." -- Publisher
J.I. Packer's Introduction to The Death of Death in the Death of Christ by John Owen
http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/packer_intro.html
The Death of Death in the Death of Christ, by John Owen
http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/packer_intro.html
The Death of Death in the Death of Christ: Redemption and Reconciliation That is in the Blood of Christ (Limited Atonement), 1 of 33, [audio file]
An audio file reading by Still Waters Revival Books from THE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN. Currently (October 2018), there are 77 readings of John Owen by SWRB and Reformed Baptist of Holland (Michigan), (Thomas Sullivan), at SermonAudio.com available for listening online, downloading as MP3 files, [audio file], and listening on iPhone, mobile phones, and MPE players.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=47081639571
Robbins, John W. (1949-2008), The Biblical View of Truth.
"The view of truth that I wish to restate is this: Truth is propositional, and only propositional. To put it even more plainly, truth is a property, characteristic, or attribute only of propositions. This view is in stark contrast to views, both academic and popular, of truth as encounter, truth as event, truth as pictorial, truth as experiential, truth as emotive, truth as personal, truth as mystic absorption into or union with the divine.
"This last view, that truth is personal, not propositional, has led theologians to substitute the nebulous concepts of 'commitment,' 'personal relationship,' and 'union' for the clear and Biblical concept of belief, thus undermining the Gospel itself. The New Testament uses believe and its cognates hundreds of times, specifically with regard to believing the Gospel, believing Scripture, believing Christ, and believing God. (Incidentally, when Scripture uses the word believe followed by the name of a person or a pronoun, it always means believing the words spoken by or about that person. Using a noun or a pronoun is simply a shorthand way of referencing a proposition or collection of propositions). (4) On the other hand, commit and its cognates are used much less frequently, and almost always with regard to committing sins. Donald MacKinnon commented on this shift from belief to commitment, saying that the analysis of faith "in terms of self-commitment to a person leaves unanswered (or even deliberately seeks to evade), the distinction between such commitment and that involved in a Fuehrerprinzip. (5) To speak plainly, if commitment to a person is substituted for belief of propositional truth, then there can be no reason not to commit passionately to a demon. The very learned German society of the 1930s, with more Ph.D.'s per capita than any other nation on Earth, and the billion-member Roman Church-State, both governed by a Fuehrerprinzip, have done so."
http://www.trinityfoundation.org/journal.php?id=205
Sanders, J. Oswald, Shoe-Leather Commitment, ISBN: 0802431046 9780802431042.
"Each fast-moving chapter is packed with Scripture references establishing the essential elements of a disciple's life-style. Sanders spotlights 20 other of these elements, including the disciple's partnership with the Holy Spirit, his commitment to prayer and spiritual health, and his relationship to others and to Christ." -- GCB
*Schwertley, Brian M., and Westminster Presbyterian Church in the United States. Publications Committee, National Covenanting and Christ's Victory Over the Nations. Available at Reformed Online.
"This is the first book-length, scholarly exposition and defense of national covenanting since 1843. This comprehensive treatment includes the binding nature of covenants, covenant renewals under the godly kings of Israel, objections to covenanting answered, the unbiblical nature of the U.S. Constitution, the unscriptural alteration of the Westminster Confession of Faith in 1789, the necessity of the Old Testament moral law for a Christian nation and the biblical requirements for civil office. In the book, Rev. Schwertley not only sets forth the biblical case for social or national covenanting in a simple and organized manner but also critiques the modern pluralistic alternatives to the original Presbyterian teaching on this topic." -- Publisher
It was preceded by 'Social Covenanting,' a series of 31 sermons in MP3 format, given by the author starting in the summer of 2012.
Social Covenanting series of 31 sermons [audio files] by Brian Schwertley
http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?seriesOnly=true&currSection=sermonstopic&sourceid=ccc&keyword=National+Covenanting&keyworddesc=National+Covenanting
Spencer, Emalyn, With my Whole Heart: A Study of Whole-hearted Christian Devotion, Commitment and Service Based on Texts From Psalm One Hundred Nineteen.
Swindoll, Chuck, Commitment: The key to Marriage, ISBN: 0930014650 9780930014650.
Contains material useful in counseling.
We believe that desirelessness on the part of both man and woman are also an important ingredient to successful marriages.
But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (James 1:14,15)
See also: Discipleship, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, Sanctification, Loving and obeying god, Self-denial, Christ, our example, Humility, An introduction to the covenanted reformation, and so forth, and so on.
I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:4)That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. (Colossians 1:10)
That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24)
One of the most common and popular objections to the distinctive principles of Covenanters', and their singular position is, that they are impracticable. Indeed there is a sense, and a Scriptural sense too, in which this objection is true. Paul says. We are not sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves, 2 Cor. iii:5 [2 Corinthians 3:5]; and Christ himself says, Without [separated from], me ye can do nothing, John xv:5 [John 15:5]; and both speak of Christians. It was when we were without strength that Christ died for the ungodly, Rom. v:6 [Romans 5:6]. If these primary and fundamental principles of the Bible were more generally understood and believed, Covenanters' principles and position would cease to be peculiar. Indeed without a heartfelt and humbling sense of man's guilt, depravity and utter helplessness, neither Christ's death nor life has any rational significance.
The question, however, is not whether the distinctive principles of Covenanters be susceptible of application; but, are they Scriptural? If they are agreeable to the word of God, it is every one's duty to profess as well as to believe them. God does not anywhere promise to relax the claims of his law to accommodate it to man's inability. The Author of the law, well knowing that the convicted sinner would strive to stifle his convictions by a groundless hope of some relaxation of the law in his case, forever extinguished all ground of such vain hope when he publicly declared, I came not to destroy the law, but to fulfil, Matt. v:17 [Matthew 5:17]. Indeed to relax the law in accommodation to the necessities of either believer or unbeliever would involve its destruction. Who may not perceive the absurdity of this supposed accommodation of the moral law to the supposed ability of saint or sinner, when reflecting for a moment on the course of civil law. In vain would be the plea of any criminal that he could not refrain from theft, burglary, adultery, murder, &c., or that the law was too strict, the penalty too severe. To ask such questions is in effect to answer them. No, every genuine son of Abraham will concur in sentiment with his progenitor, that the judge of all the earth doeth right; that God is not unrighteous when he taketh vengeance, Rom. iii:5 [Romans 3:5]: that death eternal is the just wages of sin, Rev. xix:2,3 [Revelation 19:2,3]. It follows from these obvious principles that the "Governmental System," invented by some divines, and very congenial to many carnal minds -- that man's responsibility is limited to his ability, is a "delusion and a snare"; in its tendency subversive of all moral order, and at war with the incontestable sovereignty of the Most High -- He must reign, 1 Cor. xv:25 [1 Corinthians 15:25].
With sincere pleasure we admit that some other denominations agree with the Covenanters in adhering to the foregoing principles, -- "we differ only in applying them." That word, only, though small to the eye, is pregnant with meaning. The history of the church general, and especially of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, demonstrates the vast difference between a joint acknowledgment of the soundness of a principle and the mode of its application; and the vastness of the difference is comprised in the diverse interpretations given to this little word only. The import of this word may be largely and easily illustrated as follows: For hundreds of years Christians in surrounding communities while in social and friendly intercourse with Covenanters, have often made such concessions as these, "Your principles are right, only they do not suit these times; they are scriptural, and therefore we believe them ourselves as well as you, only in the present state of the churches and the world, we do not see how they can be carried out; just now they seem to be impracticable." Christian people who often make such concessions, will also express their joyful anticipations of the Millennium; and they will express their firm belief that "Covenanter principles will then be popular," &c. These and the like concessions from pious people have doubtless been all along very agreeable to the ears of Covenanters, and have contributed to confirm them in their position, as also to comfort them amid privations and reproaches; only they cannot but regret that such good people have not the fortitude to act out their acknowledged convictions.
How then is the millennium to be introduced? Must we await a new revelation? that "new law" of which we often hear? one accommodated to our weakness? No, we have no warrant to expect another law different from the decalogue, nor is any other demanded even by those who object to the position of Covenanters. They admit that the Bible we have, and the peculiar principles by which Reformed Presbyterians are distinguished from all others will be exactly suitable to the time of the millennium. If practicable then, why not now? This is the true cause why the millennium is delayed. Until the law in the hand of the Spirit gives such strength to sin that it (sin) shall slay the sinner, leaving the Christian as helpless as the impracticable, Rom. vii:9 [Romans 7:9], Ezek. xvi:5 [Ezekiel 16:5]. Every command of God to the sinner is an impossibility to him, altogether impracticable; and when he finds it so, he is prepared to take hold of God's covenant. Then all the moral law becomes practicable, Phil. v:13 [Philippians 5:13]. Nothing but the "body of death" renders obedience to the law in Christ's hand impracticable. -- "Impracticable," an article in The Original Covenanter, March, 1882, Vol. III, No. 5, found in the The Original Covenanter Magazine, Volumes 3:1 -- 3:16, from March 1881 to December 1884. Edited by David Steele, pp. 145-148Another rule is, that the difficulty of obtaining shows the excellency: and, surely, if you consider but what it cost Christ to purchase it; what it costs the Spirit to bring men's hearts to it; what it costs ministers to persuade to it; what it costs Christians, after all this, to obtain it; and what it costs many a half-Christian, that, after all, goes without it; you will say, that here is difficulty, and therefore excellency. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)
First, you will arouse them out of apathy. This age is more indifferent to true religion than almost any other. It is alive enough to error, but to the old faith it turns a deaf ear. Yet I have noticed persons captivated by the truth of substitution who would not listen to anything else. If any discourse can hold men, as the ancient mariner detained the wedding guest, it is the story of divine love, incarnate in the person of Jesus, bleeding and dying for guilty men. Try that story when attention flags. It has a fascination about it. The marvellous history of the Son of God, who loved his enemies, and died for them-this will arrest them. The history of the Holy One who stood in the sinners' place, and was in consequence put to shame, and agony, and death-this will touch them. The sight of the bleeding Saviour overcomes obduracy and carelessness. -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon
Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. (Psalm 101:6)
If David spoke thus, we may be sure that the Son of David will be of the same mind. Jesus looks out for faithful men, and He fixes His eyes upon them, to observe them, to bring them forward, to encourage them, and to reward them. Let no true-hearted man think that he is overlooked; the King Himself has His eye upon him.
There are two results of this royal notice. First we read, "That they may dwell with me." Jesus brings the faithful into His house, He sets them in His palace, He makes them His companions, He delights in their society. We must be true to our Lord, and He will then manifest Himself to us. When our faithfulness costs us most, it will be best rewarded; the more furiously men reject, the more joyfully will our Lord receive us.
Next, he says of the sincere man, He shall serve me. Jesus will use for His own glory those who scorn the tricks of policy and are faithful to Himself, His Word, and His cross. These shall be in His royal retinue, the honored servants of His Majesty. Communion and usefulness are the wages of faithfulness. Lord make me faithful that I may dwell with Thee and serve Thee. -- C.H. Spurgeon in Faith's CheckbookI has been true from the beginning of the world, that obedience is better than any sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22), and is the parent of all virtues. -- John Calvin commenting on Genesis 4:2, Calvin's Commentary on Genesis, p. 118
This blood overcomes the natural lethargy of men towards obedience; it stimulates them to holiness. If anything can make a man holy, it is a firm faith in the atoning sacrifice. When a man knows that Jesus died for him, he feels that he is not his own, but bought with a price, and therefore he must live unto him that died for him and rose again. In the atonement I see a motive equal to the greatest heroism; yes, a motive which will stimulate to perfect holiness. What manner of persons ought we to be for whom such a sacrifice has been presented! Now are we quickened into intensity of zeal and devotion. See, dear brothers, how to use the blood of the Lamb in this lower sphere while contending with evil among men. -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon
Blessed is he that readeth. (Revelation 1:3a)
If I had only three years to serve the Lord, I would spend two of them studying and preparing. -- Donald Grey Barnhouse
As the apostle says to Timothy, so also he says to every-one, Give yourself to reading. [1 Timothy 4:13] . . . He who will not use the thoughts of other men's brains proves that he has no brains of his own . . . You need to read. Renounce as much as you will all light literature, but study as much as possible sound theological works, especially the Puritanic writers, and expositions of the Bible . . . the best way for you to spend your leisure is to be either reading or praying. -- Charles Spurgeon
*Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Godliness Through Discipline, ISBN: 0875520219 9780875520216. A booklet.
"Practical help from 1 Timothy 4:7, Luke 9:23, and Hebrews 5:13. Your whole life should be oriented toward godliness. 'Discipline means work; it means sustained daily effort. The word Paul used is the one from which the English words "gymnastics" and "gymnasium" have been derived.' 'Jesus insisted that Christians must deny the self within them. By the self, He meant the old desires, the old ways, the old practices, the old habit patterns that were acquired before conversion.' Just as you practiced sin habitually when you lived the desire-oriented life of sin, now you must practice righteousness through the power of the Holy Spirit until it too becomes habitual. 'There is no easier path to godliness than the prayerful study and obedient practice of the Word of God'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
"For the person who thinks that godliness comes instantly through some kind of experience. This booklet shows clearly that the Christian life must be a disciplined life." -- Robert B. Somerville
Adler, Mortimer, How to Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading, ISBN: 067121280X 9780671212803.
"Originally published in 1940, this book has become a rare phenomenon, a living classic. It is the best and most successful guide to reading comprehension for the general reader. And now it has been completely rewritten and updated. You are told about various levels of reading and how to achieve them, from elementary reading, through systematic skimming and inspectional reading, to speed reading. You learn how to pigeonhole a book, X-ray it, extract the author's message, and criticize. You are taught different reading techniques for reading practical books, imaginative literature, plays, poetry, history, science and mathematics, philosophy (religion) and social science." -- Publisher
*Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Treatise of Self-Denial, ISBN: 1877611360. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21. Included in THE SAINT'S EVERLASTING REST: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 3.
"This item is the work of Baxter that has been translated into the most number of different languages." -- compiler
"It is also a great antidote to the prominent spirit (of antichrist), preached by psychologist and psychiatrists which focuses on self (self-esteem, self-actualization, etc.), and/or hedonism, in an idolatrous manner, rather than self-sacrifice and service in obedience to God. Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, . . . This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2 Peter 3:3; 2 Timothy 3:1-5) -- Publisher
The Saint's Everlasting Rest
http://www.ccel.org/b/baxter/everlasting_rest/saints_rest.html
Bobgan, Deidre, Lord of the Dance: The Beauty of the Disciplined Life, ISBN: 0890815836 9780890815830.
"Employs the disciplines and techniques of ballet as an extended metaphor for the Christian life. Intended for women, but most of the teaching is general to all Christians: honoring God, putting off and putting on, prayer, the Word, discipline, the tongue, submission to God and to husband, bearing fruit. 'The ballerina has not attained this state of perfection easily or magically. Her artistic development did not occur in a cocoon of sleep or dreams, but rather through years of rigorous training and practice. In like manner, the woman of grace who belongs to the Lord moves confidently through life, expressing consistent love in words and actions emanating from a deep abiding presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. . . . Each time she has chosen God's will above her own, she has developed more and more confidence in God'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
Brown, John (of Haddington, 1722-1787), Letters on the Constitution, Government, and Discipline, of the Christian Church; Humbly Submitted to the Ensuing Venerable Assembly, of the Church of Scotland, 1767, ISBN: 0921148798 9780921148791. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #7.
*Bunyan, John (1628-1688), The Pilgrim's Progress, complete and unabridged. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
Said to be "the greatest book, other than Scripture, which an Englishman has given to mankind." -- GCB
The Banner of Truth Trust publication is recommended. It is facsimile reprinted from the unabridged edition of 1895 published by John C. Nimmo, Ltd. containing the original marginal notes and Scripture references and illustrated with etchings by William Strang.
"Bunyan had better insight into the human heart than modern psychology; namely, because he did not study man apart from his Creator and apart from his deep inward problem." -- Ernest Reisinger (1924-2018)
Pilgrim's Page: A John Bunyan Archive
This is the complete set of THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN, George Offor edition, reprinted by The Banner of Truth. It is free online, and is downloadable in the following formats: HTML, RTF, TEXT, and PDF.
http://www.chapellibrary.org/literature/bunyan/
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN is also available at Project Gutenberg.
Pilgrim's Progress John Bunyan [audio file]
http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?SpeakerOnly=true&currSection=sermonsspeaker&keyword=John%5EBunyan
*Bunyan, John (1628-1688), Craig John Lovik, Tim Lundeen, and Oasis Audio (firm), The Pilgrim's Progress: From This World to That Which is to Come [audio file], ISBN: 9781441622846 1441622845. A Christian classic.
"The entire book, virtually unabridged -- rewritten for the modern ear by Jim Pappas and brought to life by 77 actors with original music and sound effects -- is now available on audio cassette [audio file]." -- GCB
Pilgrim's Progress John Bunyan [audio file]
http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?SpeakerOnly=true&currSection=sermonsspeaker&keyword=John%5EBunyan
*Perkins, William (1558-1602), How to Liue, and That Well in all Estates and Times, Specially When Helps and Comforts Faile.
*Perkins, William (1558-1602), The True Gaine More in Worth Than all the Goods in the World, 1601. Alternate title: CHRIST THE TRUE AND PERFECT GAINE.
*Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), Influences of the Life of Grace. Or, A Practical Treatise Concerning the way, Manner, and Means of Having and Improving of Spiritual Dispositions, and Quickening Influences From Christ the Resurrection and the Life. By Samuel Rutherfurd (sic), Professor of Divinity in the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #9 and 21.
*Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), The Faithful Covenanter, 1639. Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
"An amazing sermon opening the narrow road of faithful covenanting -- as seen first and foremost in the Lord Jesus Christ, our perfect covenant keeper! Expounds on the four periods of time relating to the renewing of the covenant of grace in history. Shows that 'whatsoever we give the supremacy of the inward man to, whatsoever we love most, whatsoever we trust most, whatsoever we fear most, whatsoever we joy and delight in most, whatsoever we obey most -- that is our God.' Applies this to the first commandment, as a part of the law of the covenant, and works out the implications (which involve numerous areas). Goes on to give Scriptural marks whereby covenant keepers can be distinguished from covenant breakers and connects the everlasting covenant with the sacraments and their meaning. A meaty meal, recommended for those who are willing to advance theologically and practically." -- Publisher
*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon.
A sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day morning, September 9, 1888, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 2043.
"This is the way in which you should use this plea. Say, 'My God, I am utterly unworthy, and I own it; but, I beseech thee, hear me for the honour of thy dear Son. By his agony and bloody sweat, by his cross and passion, by his precious death and burial, I beseech thee hear me! O Lord, let the blood of thine Only-begotten prevail with thee! Canst thou put aside his groans, his tears, his death, when they speak on my behalf?' If you can thus come to pleading terms with God upon this ground, you must and will prevail. Jesus must be heard in heaven. The voice of his blood is eloquent with God. If you plead the atoning sacrifice, you must overcome through the blood of the Lamb." -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon
*Thomas, William H.G. (W.H. Griffith, 1861-1924), Grace and Power, ISBN: 0840759347. A Christian classic.
"This is one of the great books of Christendom. It deals concisely with the problems Christians face in every age: how to make time for prayer, why we often hinder our spiritual growth, the manner in which we may develop our inner resources so as to be able to meet the contingencies of life, and the means God has provided for the development of the spiritual life. . . ." -- Cyril J. Barber
Thomas, Grace and Power: Some Aspects of the Spiritual Life (1916)
http://archive.org/details/cihm_65773
Tyson, T., Sharpening Each Other Through Discipline (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette BL03 [audio file].
Venning, Ralph, Learning in Christ's School: Babes, Children, Youth, and Fathers, ISBN: 0851517641 9780851517643.
Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), The Duty of Self-Denial and 10 Other Sermons, ISBN: 1877611956 9781877611957.
*Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), and Joel R. Beeke, Heaven Taken by Storm: Showing the Holy Violence a Christian is to put Forth in the Pursuit After Glory. Alternate title: CHRISTIAN SOLDIER, HOLY VIOLENCE A CHRISTIAN IS TO PUT FORTH IN THE PURSUIT AFTER GLORY, HAPPINESS OF DRAWING NEAR TO GOD, HOW WE MAY READ THE SCRIPTURES WITH MOST SPIRITUAL PROFIT, ISBN: 1877611506 9781877611506. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
"The Christian life is a battle and this battle will only be won by those that avail themselves of all the weapons and strength that God gives. Watson, a master teacher concerning the practical aspects of the Christian's 'heart life,' explains how to vigorously pursue the high calling of the Christian life, and how to win the war with the world, the flesh and the devil." -- Publisher
"Puritan Thomas Watson describes how the Christian is to take the Kingdom of Heaven by holy violence through the reading and exposition of Scripture, prayer, meditation, self-examination, conversation, and the sanctification of the Lord's Day. He is also to offer violence towards himself, Satan, and the world. Watson is always easy to read." -- GCB
*Whitney, Donald S., Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, ISBN: 0891096582 9780891096580.
Foreword by J.I. Packer. "Far from being legalistic, restrictive or binding, as they are often perceived, the spiritual disciplines are actually the means to unparalleled spiritual liberty. Drawing from the rich heritage left to us by the early church fathers, the Puritans, and Jesus Christ Himself, this book will guide you through such disciplines as worship, prayer, Scripture reading, evangelism, serving, stewardship, fasting, silence and solitude, journaling, learning, and etc. A VERY, VERY GOOD BOOK!" -- CBD
See also: Discipleship, Discipleship (women), Christian life, Duties of the christian, Prayer, Self-denial, Patients, self control, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Church discipline, Disciplining children, Freedom with responsibility, Carnality and men-pleasing, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 3198-4325
The Commandments of Jesus, J.S. McConnell (1925)
http://www.wowzone.com/commandm.htm
Mount Olive Tape Library of Reformed Theology
This collection has been in the custody of the Greenville Presbyterian Seminary since 2006. It appears (September 8, 2016) that the Media Center at the Seminary have digitized practically none of the audio cassette and video tape addresses.
"The following listing was developed by George Calhoun, the founder of Mt. Olive Tape Library, over the course of some thirty years. This catalog reflects the personal quest of Mr. Calhoun for a balanced education in Reformed Theology. The speakers herein have been scrutinized for their faithfulness to the Bible. These tapes will enable students to pursue the study of Reformed theology at a minimum of financial expense."
"FOR YOUR INFORMATION . . . [from the introduction to the Mount Olive Tape Catalog -- compiler]
"The tapes included in this catalog are recordings of sermons and lectures given by various pastors, theologians, Bible teachers, and conference speakers who confess adherence to the broad perspectives of historic Reformed theology. We have diligently tried to screen all the materials as to their basic commitment to the Biblical perspectives reflected in the Reformed creeds and confessions.
"Since, however, no human interpreter of God's Word is infallible, it is the prayer of those responsible for sending forth these tapes that all who listen to them will cultivate the spirit of the Bereans, who 'searched the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.'
"Also, it should be emphasized that the tapes included in this catalog have been evaluated in terms of their basic content as they were originally given, and the inclusion of them in this catalog should not be construed as an unreserved approval of the men who originally gave them. Christians grow in grace and knowledge with the passing of time, yet it must be recognized that some turn aside from the norms of Scripture. It is our hope, therefore, that no one will attach himself to any of the men whose tapes are included in this catalog on the basis of the tapes alone. We are all commanded to be discerning toward those who would instruct us in the faith.
"Finally, it would be a tragic abuse of the intent in providing these sermons and lectures should they in any way cultivate a party spirit so clearly condemned by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 3. Paul reminded the Corinthians that all things were theirs -- Paul, Cephas, and Apollos included. We, too, may recognize that the various servants of Christ whose voices are heard on these tapes are God's gifts to us and that we are to follow them only insofar as they follow Christ and the clear teachings of His holy and infallible Word! Since not all men have the same gifts, learn to drink from the gifts of many men -- not just one fountain."
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Mount Olive Tape Library lectures (MP3 audio files), approximately 161 of 171
http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?speakeronly=true&currsection=sermonsspeaker&keyword=Dr._C._Gregg_Singer
The Catalog of the Mount Olive Tape Library in PDF Format
http://www.lettermen2.com/olivecat.pdf
Mt. Olive Audio Library, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
http://gpts.edu/media/index.php?currpage=1&sa_action=
Greenville Seminary and Mt. Olive
http://www.sermonaudio.com/source_detail.asp?sourceid=gpts
The Obedient Life, Dr. C. Gregg Singer, 46 min. (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette NP116 [audio file].
Notes: Address at the National Presbyterian and Reformed Congress, Summer 1979.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12160371234
SermonAudio.com
"SermonAudio.com is the largest library of audio sermons on the web from conservative Christian churches and ministries with over 438,500 FREE MP3 sermons which can be streamed online for immediate listening or downloaded to your computer or MP3 player for listening at a later time. You can easily search through the entire sermon library by broadcaster, Bible reference, topic, speaker, date preached, language, or any keyword.
"The mission of SermonAudio.com is to help faithful, local churches broadcast their audio sermons to the maximum amount of people with the least amount of cost. Our chief purpose is for the preservation and propagation of great Bible preaching and teaching in its audio form for this generation and the next.
"Additionally, through our Transcription and Translation service, any sermon that is available on SermonAudio.com can be professionally and accurately transcribed by a real human and then machine-translated into 20 plus foreign languages."
http://www.sermonaudio.com/
The Temperate Life, Sherman Isbell
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/the-temperate-life.php
What Would Jesus do?
http://www.wwjd.com/
You are What you Read, an address by Peter Hammond
"Those that love reading have everything within their reach.
"For a small price one can visit other lands and great periods of history, learn from some of the greatest minds and world shapers, grapple with great issues, learn in a space of a few hours what others grappled with, researched and studied for their whole lives."
https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=9419927123823
The Treasury of David, Psalm 37, C.H. Spurgeon
Fret not thyself because of evildoers,
neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
and wither as the green herb.
Trust in the LORD, and do good;
so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
Delight thyself also in the LORD;
and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (Psalm 37:1-4)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps037.phpThe Treasury of David, Psalm 62:1
From him cometh my salvation. The good man will, therefore, in patience possess his soul till deliverance comes: faith can hear the footsteps of coming salvation, because she has learned to be silent. Our salvation in no measure or degree comes to us from any inferior source; let us, therefore, look alone to the true fountain, and avoid the detestable crime of ascribing to the creature what belongs alone to the Creator. If to wait on God be worship, to wait on the creature is idolatry; if to wait on God alone be true faith, to associate an arm of the flesh with him is audacious unbelief." -- C.H. Spurgeon commenting on Psalm 62:1 in The Treasury of David
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps062.php
Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. (Psalm 62:1)
He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. (Psalm 62:6) http://www.biblestudytools.com/my-bible/#/left:passage/kjv/psalms/62:6/&right:reference/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/psalms-62-6.html Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. (Psalm 62:8)
God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. (Psalm 62:11)He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.(Psalm 91:1-6)Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5,6)
For every day's necessities and dangers in the midst of many enemies, the devil, flesh, and world, ill company, and strong corruptions, should invite us to cast ourselves into the protection of an almighty Saviour. There is not a minute of time in all our life but we must either be near God or we are undone. -- Richard Sibbes (1577-1635), The Saint's Happiness
Many Christians estimate difficulties in the light of their own resources, and thus attempt little and often fail in the little they attempt. All God's giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on His power and presence with them. -- Hudson Taylor (1832-1905)
The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. (Proverbs 29:25)
Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. (Jeremiah 17:7)
The Treasury of David, Psalm 118, C.H. Spurgeon
It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.
It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes. (Psalm 118:8,9)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps118.phpWhat time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. (Psalm 56:3)
Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before Him. (Job 13:15)
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. (Psalm 23)
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee (Isaiah 26:3).
What is signified by a mind stayed on the Lord? At least three things:
First, to make the Lord the Portion of my soul. All around us are those vainly seeking contentment in things: such as money, and what it can buy, social prestige, fame, pleasures, etc. -- all of which are broken cisterns which hold no water. Only the One who made us can satisfy the heart; only as our affection is set upon things above do we drink of the Fountain of living waters. Just in proportion as Delight thyself also in the LORD (Psalm 37:4) will perfect peace be mine now.
Second, to receive from God's hand whatsoever enters my life. I need to cultivate the habit of looking beyond all secondary causes, all intermediary agents and human instruments, recognizing that of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are ALL things (Romans 11:36). Cease ye from man (Isaiah 2:22); conclude no more it is Satan who is seeking to disturb your rest; but say, The cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it! (John 18:11). Just in proportion as we are enabled to say from the heart It is the LORD: let Him do what seemeth Him good (1 Samuel 3:18) will perfect peace be ours in this world of sin and turmoil.
Third, to leave the future entirely with God. And why not? Are not my times in His hand (Psalm 31:15)? Has He not graciously cared for me and faithfully supplied my every need hitherto? Then why be fearful of what lies ahead? Has He not promised never to leave nor forsake me! Just in proportion as I live a day at a time, and Take therefore no anxious thought for the morrow (Matthew 6:34) will perfect peace be mine even now.
But each of these three things is dependent upon the exercise of FAITH; as the text says because he trusteth in Thee. O to know more of this experimentally." -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), Perfect PeaceBut the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him. (Psalm 37:39,40)
Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. (Psalm 101:6)
Psalm 37:3; Psalm 37:5 [Psalm 115:11]; Proverbs 3:5; Isaiah 26:4; Isaiah 50:10; Psalm 31:19; Psalm 32:10; Psalm 34:22; Psalm 125:1; Proverbs 29:25; Isaiah 26:3, and so forth, and so on.
Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. (Psalm 55:22)
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1 Peter 5:6,7)
One blessed way of casting our burden upon the Lord (Psalm 55:22) is to tell the Lord all about it. It is a high privilege to get away, alone, and talk to God as a man talks with his friend. But I know what you often do, my Brothers and Sisters, when you get into a predicament and cannot tell what to do -- then you begin to pray. Why do you not, every morning, tell the Lord about all your difficulties before they come? What? Will you only run to Him when you get into trouble? No, go to Him before you get into trouble. Half our burdens come from what we have not prayed over! If a man would take the ordinary concerns of life distinctly to God, one by one, it is marvelous how easily the chariot of life would roll along! Things over which we have not prayed are like undigested food that breeds mischief in the body -- they breed mischief in the soul. Digest your daily bread by first praying, "God give it to me and then God bless me in the use of it. And then God bless me afterwards in the spending of the strength derived from it to Your praise and Glory." Salt all your life with prayer, lest corruption should come to that part of your life which you have not thus salted. Tell the Lord, then, your griefs, just as, when a child, you told your troubles to your mother!
"I cannot find words," says one. Oh, they will come! They come fast enough when you complain to man and they will sweetly come if you get into the blessed habit of talking to God about everything. A friend said to me, not long ago, "I was on the Exchange and I saw that I had made a mistake in a certain transaction. I had lost money by it and if I had gone on dealing in the same fashion, I would have been ruined. I just stepped aside for a minute or two into a quiet corner of my office. I stood still and breathed a prayer to God for guidance. Then I went back, and felt, 'Now I am ready for anyone of you.' "So I was," he said, "I was not confused and worried, as I would otherwise have been, and so liable to make mistakes, but I had waited upon God and I was therefore calm and collected." There is much wisdom in thus praying about everything, although, possibly, some of you may think it trivial. I believe that the very soul of Christianity lies in the sanctifying of what is called secular -- the bringing of all things under the cognizance of our God by intense, constant, importunate, believing prayer.
When you have told the Lord everything, the next thing for you to do, in order to cast your burden upon Him, is to believe that all will work together for your good. Swallow the bitter as readily as you do the sweet and believe that, somehow, the strange mixture will do you great good. Do not look out your window, judging this, and that, and the other, in detail, but, if God sent it to you, open the door and take it all in, for all that has come from Him will be to His Glory and to your profit. Believe that if you shall lose certain things, you will really be a gainer by your losses. Even if your dearest one is taken from you, all shall be well if you have but faith to trust God in it all. If you are stricken with mortal sickness, it will still be well with you and if you do steadfastly trust in the Lord, you shall know that it is so. We know, says the Apostle Paul -- he does not say, "We think, we suppose, we judge," but -- We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) If you know this, my Brother, or my Sister, it shall help you to cast your burden upon the Lord. (Psalm 55:22)
When you have done this, then leave your burden with the Lord. In the process of trusting God with your burden, get to the point that you have done with it. If I cast my burden upon the Lord, what business have I to carry it myself? How can I truthfully say that I have cast it upon Him if I am still burdened with it? Throughout my life, which has not been free from many grave cares, there have been many things which I have been able to see my own way through and, using my best judgment, they have passed off well. But in so large a church as this, there sometimes occur things that altogether stagger me. I do not know what to do in such a case as that, and I have been in the habit, after doing all I can, of putting such things up on the shelf and saying, "There, I will never take them down again, come what may. I have done with them, for I have left them wholly with God." And I wish to bear my testimony that somehow or other the thing which I could not unravel, has unraveled itself! When Peter and the angel came unto the iron gate, it opened to them of its own accord. (Acts 12:10) And the same thing has happened to me many a time. Who shall roll away the stone for us from the door of the sepulcher? (Mark 16:3) asked the holy women when they came to the tomb of their Lord? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away. (Mark 16:4) Learn to say, "My God has made this difficulty and there is some good result to come of it. I have done the little I can do, so now I will leave it all with Him." -- C.H. Spurgeon, from the sermon Fear not, no. 2830, at The Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, on Thursday Evening, August 19, 1886.But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us. (2 Corinthians 1:9,10)See the Theological Notes: "God's Covenant of Grace" at Genesis 12:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Providence," at Proverbs 16:33 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "The Freedom and Bondage of the Will," at Jeremiah 17:9 in The Reformation Study Bible.
And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. (Deuteronomy 8:3)
In all times of danger from men our wisest course is to fly to the Lord our helper. He has ways and means for delivering us which we know not of. He can either turn our enemies into friends, or else so check all their efforts that they shall do us no real injury. Blessed are those men whose trust in the Lord never wavers. -- C.H. Spurgeon, commenting on Psalm 124 and Genesis 31:36-44 in Spurgeon's Devotional Bible, p. 45
Then Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he is in your hand: for the king is not he that can do any thing against you. (Jeremiah 38:5)
It is better to take refuge in Jehovah than to trust in princes. (Psalm 118:9). Zedekiah professed to be a friend of Jeremiah, yet when the princes sought permission to put the prophet to death, Zedekiah's friendship was not worth much. He said, He is in your hand; for the king cannot do anything against you. Instead of protecting his friend and adviser, he delivered him and left him as a lamb at the mercy of wolves. It seems very natural to men for them to trust in men. Yet Scripture warns us that, Cursed is the man that trusts in man, and makes flesh his arm. If you make a mortal man your confidence, you will find your anchor has no grip. Even good men are but broken reeds and cannot bear the strain of the day of trouble. And the bad men are like sharp spears; they stab the man who dares to lean on them. But, if we cannot trust in men, we think that surely we may trust in princes. If honor were banished from all the rest of the world, it ought to find a home in the breasts of kings. May we not trust in great men, in noble men, men of high standing? No, for It is better to take refuge in Jehovah than to trust in princes. For princes are but men, and not always the truest of men. They are seldom the best of men. At the end of his life Wolsey is reported as saying to Sir William Kingston, "Had I but served my God with half the zeal I served my king, He would not in my age have left me naked to my enemies." If "uneasy lies the head that wears the crown," certainly the heart which rests on the crown-wearer should be uneasy. Trust in God, and you will trust the true King, immortal, invisible.
When a man is timid about doing right, and can be easily persuaded to do wrong, there is a lack of fear of God in him. One that fears God is under no necessity to fear anybody else. True godliness infuses courage into the heart. In this respect also, Perfect love casts out fear. If you have learned to tremble before the great, almighty, living God, you have ceased to tremble before any living man; in actuality he is a dying man. For truly life is in God; natural man is a creature that will die and perish like the moth: Who are you, that you should be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man that shall be made as grass, and forget the Lord your Maker? (Isaiah 51:13). If we had a sense of God's presence everywhere we would not dare consent to sin. Then we would be like the three holy ones who stood for God before Nebuchadnezzer, saying, "Yes, we see the burning, fiery furnace, but we also see the living God." The king said, It will be heated seven times hotter. They heard this furious threat of the despot, but they also heard a voice that Nebuchadnezzer could not hear, the voice of God telling them to serve Him. And He strengthened them to do so. John Calvin noted, "All acknowledge that it is better to trust in the Lord, and yet there is scarcely one among a hundred who is fully persuaded that God alone can afford him sufficient help. That man has attained a high rank among the faithful, who resting satisfied in God, never ceases to entertain a lively hope, even when he finds no help on earth." Luther calls it the "art of arts, and that which he had well studied, not to put confidence in man." And of trust in God, he called it the most pleasant and sweetest of all sacrifices, the best of all services we perform to God. -- C.H. Spurgeon commenting on Jeremiah 38:5 quoted in Morning and Evening II: A Second Year of Daily Devotions by C.H. Spurgeon, November 14, p. 319The history of Christianity can be summed up as the story of men continuously and consistently disobeying God. -- Benjamin Hart
In fact, most Christians awaken to the realization that they have re-lived in their own lives the experience of Israel in the Old Testament. Our tendency is to forget God when times are good.Saul [Israel's first king, demanded by the people and appointed by Samuel -- compiler], proved his valour by defeating Nahash king of the Ammonites, whereupon the people assembled to establish him more fully in his kingdom. Samuel took advantage of this to end his official life and to warn the people.
1 And Samuel said unto all Israel, Behold, I have hearkened unto your voice in all that ye said unto me, and have made a king over you.
2 And now, behold, the king walketh before you: and I am old and grayheaded; and, behold, my sons are with you: and I have walked before you from my childhood unto this day.
3 Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.
4 And they said, Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither hast thou taken ought of any man's hand.
5 And he said unto them, The LORD is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that ye have not found ought in my hand. And they answered, He is witness.
6 And Samuel said unto the people, It is the LORD that advanced Moses and Aaron, and that brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt.
7 Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you before the LORD of all the righteous acts of the LORD, which he did to you and to your fathers.
8 When Jacob was come into Egypt, and your fathers cried unto the LORD, then the LORD sent Moses and Aaron, which brought forth your fathers out of Egypt, and made them dwell in this place.
9 And when they forgat the LORD their God, he sold them into the hand of Sisera, captain of the host of Hazor, and into the hand of the Philistines, and into the hand of the king of Moab, and they fought against them.
10 And they cried unto the LORD, and said, We have sinned, because we have forsaken the LORD, and have served Baalim and Ashtaroth: but now deliver us out of the hand of our enemies, and we will serve thee.
11 And the LORD sent Jerubbaal, and Bedan (or, as some read it, Barak), and Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side, and ye dwelled safe.
12 And when ye saw that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon came against you, ye said unto me, Nay; but a king shall reign over us: when the LORD your God was your king.
13 Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have desired! and, behold, the LORD hath set a king over you.
14 If ye will fear the LORD, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the LORD your God:
15 But if ye will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall the hand of the LORD be against you, as it was against your fathers.
16 Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes.
17 Is it not wheat harvest to day? I will call unto the LORD, and he shall send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which ye have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking you a king.
18 So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. (It seldom or never rains at that period in Palestine. Samuel's prayers were as mighty as those of Elijah.)
19 And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king.
20 And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart;
21 And turn ye not aside: for22 For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.
(A precious passage indeed. Election ensures to its objects immutable love, but where the reason for election lies none can tell.)
23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
24 Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.
25 But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king. (1 Samuel 12:1-25), Spurgeon's Devotional BibleBut thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them. They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded. (Psalm 22:3-5)
The Treasury of David, Psalm 23, C.H. Spurgeon
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. . . . He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. . . . I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. . . . Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps023.phpAnother Psalm highly characteristic of David is Psalm 62 which we are in the habit of calling the ONLY Psalm, from its containing such frequent repetitions of the world only. David rejoiced to place his confidence in God "only." -- C.H. Spurgeon commenting on Psalm 62 in Spurgeon's Devotional Bible
The Treasury of David, Psalm 121, C.H. Spurgeon
The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall keep thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out, and thy coming in from henceforth and forever. (Psalm 121:7-8)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps121.phpThe Treasury of David, Psalm 130, C.H. Spurgeon
I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. (Psalm 130:5)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps130.phpThe Treasury of David, Psalm 131, C.H. Spurgeon
Let Israel hope in the Lord from henceforth and for ever. (Psalm 131:3)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps131.phpWho is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God. (Isaiah 50:10)
John Calvin noted, "All acknowledge that it is better to trust in the Lord, and yet there is scarcely one among a hundred who is fully persuaded that God alone can afford him sufficient help. That man has attained a high rank among the faithful, who resting satisfied in God, never ceases to entertain a lively hope, even when he finds no help on earth." Luther calls it the "art of arts, and that which he had well studied, not to put confidence in man." And of trust in God, he called it the most pleasant and sweetest of all sacrifices, the best of all services we perform to God. -- C.H. Spurgeon commenting on Jeremiah 38:5 quoted in Devotional Classics of C.H. Spurgeon, p. 319
And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. (Hebrews 2:15)
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:26)
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 10:19)Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. (Psalm 101:6)
If David spoke thus, we may be sure that the Son of David will be of the same mind. Jesus looks out for faithful men, and He fixes His eyes upon them, to observe them, to bring them forward, to encourage them, and to reward them. Let no true-hearted man think that he is overlooked; the King Himself has His eye upon him.
There are two results of this royal notice. First we read, "That they may dwell with me." Jesus brings the faithful into His house, He sets them in His palace, He makes them His companions, He delights in their society. We must be true to our Lord, and He will then manifest Himself to us. When our faithfulness costs us most, it will be best rewarded; the more furiously men reject, the more joyfully will our Lord receive us.
Next, he says of the sincere man, He shall serve me. Jesus will use for His own glory those who scorn the tricks of policy and are faithful to Himself, His Word, and His cross. These shall be in His royal retinue, the honored servants of His Majesty. Communion and usefulness are the wages of faithfulness. Lord make me faithful that I may dwell with Thee and serve Thee. -- C.H. Spurgeon in Faith's CheckbookGod commands nothing but what is beneficial. O Israel, what doth the Lord require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, and to keep His statutes, which I command thee this day, for thy good? To obey God, is not so much our duty as our privilege. -- Thomas Watson (1620-1686)
There is great transforming power in the New Testament sacrificial love of Christ Jesus that says, Not my will, but thine, be done. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 22:42b)
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Hebrews 13:5)
Trusting in men instead of trusting in God results in incompetence and corruption
The unregenerate, the skeptic, regardless of their level in society, look to men for their livelihood and well-being, instead of trusting in God to prepare a table before me in the face of mine enemies, to care for them and to satisfy their needs throughout life, a lesson that King David learned and expressed in Psalm 23:5,6. They are blind to spiritual values and swallowed up by needs of the flesh.
The skeptic, who can not trust God, is more worried about loosing his job than he is worried about job duties, responsibilities, and performance. This inevitably leads to incompetence and corruption in the workplace.
This obsessive preoccupation with job security, whether conscious or sub-conscious, also applies to elected officials, from top to bottom, who make demands on subordinates to not "rock the boat," to not jeopardize their popularity with the electorate, leading to the observation that "all bureaucracies are incompetent and corrupt."
The "savvy" Washington bureaucrat is "hog-tied" because he is more interested in "covering his butt," not jeopardizing his easy, secure, well-paying, lifetime "career" with retirement and benefits, than in carrying out his responsibilities, especially regulatory or enforcement duties (i.e. the Securities and Exchange Commission). The net effect is paralysis in the workplace. Friday evening rush hour in Washington, DC is said to be the most sluggish of any city in the country.
Calvin unfolds Scripture on this fact of the incompetence and corruption of the unregenerate, the blind, in their fearful pursuit of fleshly needs. See his commentary on: Proverbs 1:7, Genesis 4:7, Genesis 25:29-34, Hebrews 2:14,15, and Matthew 16:26.Individually and corporately we must trust in the Providence of God. Commit yourself to Christ, and Divine Providence will intervene in your life in unimagined ways. The True and Living God is with the nation in covenant with Christ, and He will fight their battles, just as He did for Israel.
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Trust and Obey: A Practical Commentary on I Peter [1 Peter].
"Exegetical and explanatory notes on First Peter [1 Peter], with applications to preaching and counseling. 'This is a practical commentary that attempts to consider the book in the light of how it may be preached, used in daily life and employed in counseling. . . . My prayer is that Christians will be helped directly and indirectly to follow God's instructions for facing trials and tribulations summed up in the words TRUST AND OBEY'. Outlines for 24 sermons." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
"This book provides a full commentary on the book of I Peter [1 Peter], stressing the overall theme of the book, 'How to Handle Suffering.' The commentary is for serious Bible students, with a view of showing the relevance of each passage to preaching and counseling."
Armerding, Hudson T., The Hand of God: A Testimony of the Lord's Provision and Protection.
Augustine, Saint, City of God, Book 4, Chapter 25, "That all the Saints, Both Under the Law and Before it, Were Justified by Faith in the Mystery of Christ's Incarnation."
For those who may have not read Saint Augustine, here is a recommended sample from CITY OF GOD translated by Rev. Marcus Dods from A SELECT LIBRARY OF THE NICENE AND POST-NICENE FATHERS OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH, edited by Philip Schaff. Here Augustine touches on the subject of trusting God.
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf102.iv.X.25.html
*Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language.
"First published in 1874, THE EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS, may be the best book on the doctrine of justification by faith alone ever written.
"Since the seventeenth century, the church's adherence to the central doctrine of the Christian faith has been weakening; in the twentieth century it has all but disappeared. But to those who remain faithful -- to those who are called of God -- justification by faith alone is the best news there could ever be: that Christ died for our sins, and we shall live forever because of Christ's righteousness.
"Justification by faith alone -- the 'principal hinge of religion,' according to John Calvin, the 'doctrine by which the church stands or falls,' according to Martin Luther -- is salvation. Without it, all hope is lost; with it, Heaven gained. Bonar's discussion is without equal in the English language." -- John W. Robbins
The Everlasting Righteousness; or, How Shall man be Just With God?
http://books.google.com/books?id=nQMDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
Bridges, Jerry, Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts, ISBN: 0891096175 9780891096177.
"Do you find it easy to trust God -- until adversity strikes? When life clouds over, do you suddenly begin to second-guess your faith and suspect that you only imagined His care for you? Three truths we must believe if we are to trust Him in adversity: (1) God is completely sovereign (2) God is infinite in wisdom, and (3) God is perfect in love. This is sure to be another bestseller . . ." -- GCB
A study guide is available.
Bridges, Jerry, Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts (Study Guide), ISBN: 9781600063060 1600063063.
Bridges, Jerry, You can Trust God, a booklet, ISBN: 0891095713 9780891095712.
Notes: "The content of this booklet is adapted from TRUSTING GOD by Jerry Bridges. . ."
*Brown, John (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858), Expository Discourses on 1 Peter, ISBN: 0851512046. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Burroughs, Jeremiah (1599-1646), The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment. A Christian classic.
"Well-known Puritan author of THE RARE JEWEL OF CHRISTIAN CONTENTMENT excels in deeply spiritual insights. Most authors writing today can't hold a candle to him!" -- CBD
"I am still reading this book, but I've read enough to have it significantly change my outlook on life and afflictions. I have learned in abundance what it means to trust the Lord in troubles and to realize that God will bring me out of them in His time, and it is my duty to praise the Lord and devote my heart to Him. My cup runs over when I read Jeremiah Burroughs." -- Reader's Comment
Elliot, Elisabeth, Trusting God in a Twisted World, ISBN: 0800753038 9780800753030.
Counsel on many subjects.
*Knox, David B., Not by Bread Alone, ISBN: 0851515657 9780851515656.
"The theme of this book is the absolute necessity of the Word of God to maintain spiritual health, happiness, and balance. To demonstrate this Knox shows that the Scriptures have words of guidance for us in such diverse matters of the present as money, abortion, punishment, race, women's liberation, sex, censorship, homosexuality, and much more. As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. (Proverbs 23:7). From this text Knox shows us that there is a continuous battle for the mind between the absolutes of the Bible, and the lack of standards of public opinion. The bent of depraved human society is ever downward. The only cure for this is knowledge of the Bible, and God's providential care that such knowledge is effective in salting down the nation, the province, or the community where it is upheld." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Pike, Samuel (1717-1773), and Samuel Hayward (1718-1757), Assurance of Growth in Grace. In RELIGIOUS CASES OF CONSCIENCE ANSWERED IN AN EVANGELICAL MANNER . . . TO WHICH IS ADDED THE SPIRITUAL COMPANION; OR, THE PROFESSING CHRISTIAN TRIED AT THE BAR OF GOD'S WORD; AND CHARACTER OF THE HAPPY MAN, 1866.
Assurance of Growth in Grace
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/assurance-of-growth-in-grace.php
*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Jesus Christ Himself. (Ephesians 2:20) A sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day morning, December 9, 1877, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 1388.
"Beyond all argument or miracle, Jesus Christ Himself is the proof of His own Gospel. And as He is the proof of it, so, Beloved, He is the marrow and essence of it. When the Apostle Paul meant that the Gospel was preached, He said, Christ is preached, for the Gospel is Christ Himself! If you want to know what Jesus taught, know Him! He is the incarnation of that Truth of God which by Him and in Him is revealed to the sons of men. Did He not, Himself say, I am the way, the truth, and the life?
"You have not to take down innumerable books, nor to pore over mysterious sentences of double meaning in order to know what our great Teacher has revealed. You have but to turn and gaze upon His countenance, behold His actions and note His spirit and you know His teaching. He lived what He taught. If we wish to know Him, we may hear His gentle voice saying, Come and see. Study His wounds and you understand His innermost philosophy. To know Him and the power of His Resurrection is the highest degree of spiritual learning. He is the end of the Law and the soul of the Gospel -- and when we have preached His Word to the fullest, we may close by saying, Now, of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum -- we have an High Priest who is set on the right hand of the Throne of the Majesty in the heavens." -- C.H. Spurgeon
http://www.spurgeongems.org/vols22-24/chs1388.pdf
Teellinck, William (1579-1629), The Resting Place of the Mind, That is a Propounding of the Wonderful Providence of God Whereupon a Christian man Ought to Rest and Repose Himself Even When all our Outward Means of Helps are cut off From him, 1622, 48 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"According to Joel Beeke in THE QUEST FOR FULL ASSURANCE: THE LEGACY OF CALVIN AND HIS SUCCESSORS, 'What William Perkins was to English Puritanism, William Teellinck was to the Dutch Second Reformation.' (p. 98)
"Furthermore, Beebe notes that 'Teellinck's lifelong goal was to bring English-style, pietistic Puritanism to the Dutch. He succeeded in doing that. More than any other divine of his day, he contributed to the Dutch Second Reformation. That movement was so like English Puritanism that it is often called Dutch Puritanism.' (p. 99)
"This little book was written to encourage Christians to trust in the Lord in the midst of their trials. Even when the ordinary outward means that we need to solve our problems are unavailable, God can still easily rescue us from our predicament. Indeed, sometimes He removes those means so that He will receive all the glory:
The means which commonly God both use, in giving us His blessing, are indeed but as curtains, and drawing clothes, after, or under the which, God so both hide Himself, that His working cannot be seen, but by the eye of faith: wherefore also the Lord God, when he hath been pleased sometimes to manifest Himself, in some work which he intended to do, hath taken express order, that the ordinary means should be removed, that so all the world might see the finger of God therein, and acknowledge that it was He that had done it. (p. 18)"Too often people trust in the outward means rather than God. But this is foolish because 'is most certain, that all our well-being is not shut up in the outward means, it hi not wound up in the bread we eat, but in the hand of God, and the word of His blessing'." (p. 29) -- Publisher
Joe, thus both the Lord strip His people often times of all outward means, when His purpose is to help them, to the end that His finger might the better be seen in giving them victory. . . . (p. 19)
No child of God then ought to be faint-hearted, though he be stripped of all outward means, for the Lord who is with him, is not bound to any means, His hand is not shortened that He should not be able to help, though the means be shortened, yea quite cut off. (p. 24)
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The root cause of criminal acts of extreme depravity, Theodicy, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The ten commandments: the moral law, The commandments of christ, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, Forgiveness, Justice, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Sanctification, Hope, Worry and anxiety, Fear, anxiety, Affliction, adversity, trials, suffering, suffering, Evil, the problem of avoiding, eschewing, shunning, Stress, Emotions and health, Bad relationships a cause of disease and death, Christ's kingdom, Lordship of jesus christ, The all-sufficiency of christ, The providence of god, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Renunciation, Justifying faith, God's deliverance of nations, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, substance abuse, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 306, 307, 1214-1226, 3183-3185, 3806, 4120
MGTP: Faith (Trust in God), Hope
Resurrection (FGB #235)
Morning Glory, Jowett, J.H. | Power of the Risen Savior, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Manifestation of the Sons of God, Watson, George D. (1845-1924) | Lord is Risen Indeed, Newton, John (1725-1807) | If There be no Resurrection, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Messiah Within the Veil, Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889)
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/resufg/resurrection
The Treasury of David, Psalm 62, C.H. Spurgeon
God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. (Psalm 62:11)
"Another Psalm highly characteristic of David is Psalm 62 which we are in the habit of calling the ONLY Psalm, from its containing such frequent repetitions of the word 'only.' David rejoiced to place his confidence in God only."
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps062.php
And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. (1 Samuel 15:22,23)If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee. (Exodus 15:26b)
The sum of it is, that if the Israelites were tractable and, obedient to God, He on the other hand would be kind and bountiful to them. And it is an implied rebuke, that they might know whatever troubles they experienced, to be brought upon them by their sins. He proposes the Egyptians to them as an example, whose rebellion they had seen punished by God with such severe and heavy calamities. I am the Lord that healeth thee, is immediately added in confirmation, as if he had said, that the Israelites were liable to the same plagues which had been inflicted on the Egyptians, and were only exempt from them because God performed the office of a healer. And truly whatsoever diseases afflict the human race, we may see in them, as in so many mirrors, our own miseries, that we may perceive that there is no health in us, except in so far as God spares us. We are also taught in this verse that this is the rule of a good life, when we obey God's voice and study to please Him. But because the will of God was soon after to be proclaimed in the law, He expressly commands them to give ear to His commandments, and to keep His statutes.. . . . Let it suffice that God's law is commended under many names, to take away all pretext of ignorance. -- John Calvin commenting on Exodus 15:26
Without the diligent exercise of the grace of obedience we shall never enjoy the grace of consolation. -- John Owen (1616-1683)
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:21,23)If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and [that] your joy might be full. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:10,11)A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 13:34,35)The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. (Psalm 51:17)
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:13)
Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
But if any man love God, the same is known of him. (1 Corinthians 8:1b-3)If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:1-8)Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 5:39,40)He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:40,41)
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? (Micah 6:8)
See the Theological Notes: "The Wisdom and Will of God," at Daniel 2:20 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "The Teaching of Jesus," at Matthew 7:28 in The Reformation Study Bible.
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. (James 4:17)
Ponder this. It is not possible to desire something that one already possess. Therefore it is desire that puts ones life in an endless spin. (James 4:1-3; Phillipians 2:13; Ezekiel 34:11; Luke 19:9,10; 2 Kings 6:17; Ephesians 1:18; Romans 10:1; John 14:6; Romas 15:13; Psalm 90:16; Isaiah 61:11; Romans 3:24; Ecclesiastes 3:14)
There is great transforming power (the power of the Holy Spirit, the power to transform lives and societies) in the New Testament sacrificial love of Christ Jesus that says Not my will, but thine, be done. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 22:42b)
Reduce what you know into practice, and you shall know what is your duty to practice. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. (John 7:17). A good understanding have all they that do his commandments (Psalm 111:10). -- John Flavel in The Mystery of Providence
See the Theological Notes: "Legalism," at Matthew 23:4 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Pleasing God," at 1 Thessalonians 2:6 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;
In that I command thee this day to love the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply; and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in the land wither thou goest to possess it. (Deuteronomy 30:15,16)For I do not seek to understand so that I may believe; but I believe so that I may understand. For I believe this also, that "unless I believe, I shall not understand." -- Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109)
Through thy precepts I get understanding.
God's direction is our instruction. Obedience to the divine will begets wisdom of mind and action. As God's way is always best, those who follow it are sure to be justified by the result. If the Lawgiver were foolish his law would be the same, and obedience to such a law would involve us in a thousand mistakes; but as the reverse is the case, we may count ourselves happy to have such a wise, prudent, and beneficial law to be the rule of our lives. We are wise if we obey and we grow wise by obeying! -- C.H. Spurgeon commenting on Psalm 119:104Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go. O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea: Thy seed also had been as the sand, and the offspring of thy bowels like the gravel thereof; his name should not have been cut off nor destroyed from before me. (Isaiah 48:17-19). See the annotation in The Reformation Study Bible.
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 5:3)
I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:4)
So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
He saith to him again the second time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 21:15-17)Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (Colossians 3:16)
For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 12:50)
Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 9:48b)
For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Mark 9:41)
Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. (Romans 7:12-14)That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. . . .
But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? (1 John 1:3-6,17)He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (1 John 2:4)
Blessed [are] they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. (Revelation 22:14)
How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! (Psalm 139:17)
Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. (Romans 6:13)
Let us reflect on these conflicts of the holy man [Noah] -- so severe, and multiplied and long-continued -- in order that we may know how heroic was his courage, in prosecuting, to the utmost, what God had commanded him to do. Moses, indeed, says in a single word that he did it; but we must consider how far beyond all human power was the doing of it: and that it would have been better to die a hundred deaths, than to undertake a work so laborious, unless he had looked to something higher than the present life. A remarkable example, therefore, of obedience is here described to us; because, Noah, committing himself entirely to God, rendered Him due honor. We know, in this corruption of our nature, how ready men are to seek subterfuges, and how ingenious in inventing pretexts for disobedience to God. Wherefore, let us also learn to break through every kind of impediment, and not to give place to evil thoughts, which oppose themselves to the word of God, and with which Satan attempts to entangle our minds, that they may not obey the command of God. For God especially demands this honor to be given to himself, that we should suffer him to judge for us. And this is the true proof of faith, that we, being content with one of his commands, gird ourselves to the work, so that we do not swerve in our course, whatever obstacle Satan may place in our way, but are borne on the wings of faith above the world. Moses also shows, that Noah obeyed God, not in one particular only, but in all. Which is diligently to be observed; because hence, chiefly, arises dreadful confusion in our life, that we are not able, unreservedly to submit ourselves to God; but when we have discharged some part of our duty, we often blend our own feelings with his word. But the obedience of Noah is celebrated on this account, that it was entire, not partial; so that he omitted none of those things which God had commanded. -- John Calvin commenting on Genesis 6:22 and context
If ye will fear the LORD, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the LORD your God: But if ye will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall the hand of the LORD be against you, as it was against your fathers. (1 Samuel 12:14,15)
We get the kind of leadership we deserve.
See the commentary in the Geneva Notes, and the commentary of John Gill, and Matthew Henry.But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 15:9, referring to Isaiah 29:13)
Select quotations from Calvin's COMMENTARIES ON THE FOUR LAST BOOKS OF MOSES ARRANGED IN THE FORM OF A HARMONY (volumes II and III of the Baker Books reprint), Harmony of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, follow, with links to the online text.
I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. (Exodus 20:2)There is no obscurity in the words, As by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. [Romans 5:19] -- John Calvin (Institutes, 2.1.6)
"Moreover, He not merely declares Himself to be Jehovah, the only God to whom men are bound by the right of creation, who has given them their existence, and who preserves their life, nay, who is Himself the life of all; but He adds, that He is the peculiar God of the Israelites; for it was expedient, not only that the people should be alarmed by the majesty of God, but also that they should be gently attracted, so that the law might be more precious than gold and silver, and at the same time sweeter than honey, (Psalm 119:72, 103). . . . But, in order to bind them the better to Himself, He reminds them also of their former condition; for Egypt was like a house of bondage, from whence the Israelites were delivered. Wherefore, they were no more their own masters, since God had purchased them unto Himself. This does not indeed literally apply to us; but He has bound us to Himself with a holier tie, by the hand of His only-be-gotten Son; whom Paul teaches to have died, and risen again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and the living. (Romans 14:9.) So that He is not now the God of one people only, but of all nations, whom He has called into His Church by general adoption. -- John Calvin commenting on Exodus 20:1,2 and contextIn these words he commends the Law; because it must be accounted a peculiar blessing, and a very high honor to be taken into covenant by God. Wherefore, that they may anxiously prepare themselves to embrace the Law, he says that what was above all things to be desired had been freely offered to them, viz., that they should be united in covenant with God. In the next verse he still further magnifies this advantage by comparison; because God had given more to them than to their fathers. -- John Calvin commenting on Deuteronomy 5:2
Mark, also, the mutual relation, when God requires Himself to be hallowed, even as he hallows the people; for nothing can be more unseemly than for the Israelites to mix up with idols Him by whose blessing they excel all other nations. -- John Calvin commenting on Leviticus 22:32
The main point is, that they should neither add to nor diminish from the pure doctrine of the Law; and this cannot be the case, unless men first renounce their own private feelings, and then shut their ears against all the imaginations of others. For none are to be accounted (true) disciples of the Law, but those who obtain their wisdom from it alone. It is, then, as if God commanded them to be content with His precepts; because in no other way would they keep His law, except by giving themselves wholly to its teaching. Hence it follows, that they only obey God who depend on His authority alone; and that they only pay the Law its rightful honor, who receive nothing which is opposed to its natural meaning. The passage is a remarkable one, openly condemning whatsoever man's ingenuity may invent for the service of God. -- John Calvin commenting on Deuteronomy 4:1
In its preposterous wilfulness, the whole world almost is carried away into false religions; which, nevertheless, God has briefly condemned in a single word. -- John Calvin commenting on Deuteronomy 5:2
If any object that God's election is eternal, the objection is readily solved, for the seed of Abraham was separated from all nations, because God had gratuitously adopted their father. We now understand the meaning of Moses, that the deliverance of the people was only to be ascribed to God's goodness. He thus amplifies this blessing by another circumstance, viz., that God had preferred to great and mighty nations this ignoble people, whose own proper worthiness could not have acquired His favor. -- John Calvin commenting on Deuteronomy 4:37
But now he still further commends the goodness of God, because He had handed down His covenant from the fathers to the children, to shew that He is faithful and true to His promises. At the end of the verse, he teaches that the deliverance of the people was both an effect and a testimony of that grace. -- John Calvin commenting on Deuteronomy 7:8
He shews them from the consequence that nothing can be better or more desirable for them than to embrace God's Law; for nothing can be more honorable to ourselves than to give to God His due honor, and to exalt His glory to its due preeminence. Moses declares that, if the Israelites submit themselves to the Law, this will be, as it were, to place Him in His rightful dignity; and he promises that the fruit of it will return to them, for that God, on his part, will exalt them, so that they shall far excel all other nations; as it is said in Isaiah, (Isaiah 8:13, 14,) Sanctify the Lord of hosts . . . and he shall be for a sanctuary. For no otherwise does He desire to be glorified by us, than to make us in turn partakers of His glory; and thus Moses gently entices them to receive the Law, because their solid happiness consists in this pious duty, if they altogether devote themselves to obedience. But this excellency of the Church, although it shines forth in the world, is still hidden from the blind, and, since it is spiritual, only obtains its praise before God and the angels. -- John Calvin commenting commenting on Deuteronomy 26:17
The sole point which Moses urges in these verses is, that the people should testify their gratitude by obeying the Law, and that the same religion, which he commands the fathers to teach, should descend to their posterity. The sum is, that there was good reason why all the precepts of the Law should be observed, since by them it was that God desired His people, after their deliverance, to shew forth their sense of His loving-kindness. -- John Calvin commenting commenting on Deuteronomy 6:20
Or hath God assayed to go and take him a nation from the midst of another nation, by temptations, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm, and by great terrors, according to all that the Lord your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes? (Deuteronomy 4:34)
John Calvin commenting on Deuteronomy 4:34 and the context of Deuteronomy 4:32-40
https://ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom03/calcom03.v.viii.html?scrBook=Deut&scrCh=4&scrV=32#v.viii-p20.1See the Theological Note at 1 Corinthians 13:13, "Love" in The Reformation Study Bible.
But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)See the Theological Notes: "The Law of God," at Exodus 20:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "The Humble Obedience of Christ," at John 5:19 in The Reformation Study Bible.
The Law of God is one sacred unity . . .
"There is nothing to which we are naturally more inclined than to despise or reject whatever in God's law is not agreeable to us. Every man, according as he is tainted with this or that particular vice, would desire that the commandment which forbids it were razed out of the law. But we cannot lawfully make any addition to it, or take away anything from it; and since God has joined his commandments together by a sacred and inviolable bond, to separate any one of them from the rest is altogether unwarrantable. We perceive then how the Prophet, inspired with a holy jealousy for the law, contended against the wicked rebellion of those who despised it. And assuredly, when we see that the ungodly mock God with such effrontery, at one time rising up audaciously against him, trod at another perverting every part of the law, it becomes us to be the more inflamed with zeal, and to be the more courageous in maintaining the truth of God." -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 119:128See the Theological Notes: "The Atonement," at Romans 3:25 in The Reformation Study Bible.
This blood overcomes the natural lethargy of men towards obedience; it stimulates them to holiness. If anything can make a man holy, it is a firm faith in the atoning sacrifice. When a man knows that Jesus died for him, he feels that he is not his own, but bought with a price, and therefore he must live unto him that died for him and rose again. In the atonement I see a motive equal to the greatest heroism; yes, a motive which will stimulate to perfect holiness. What manner of persons ought we to be for whom such a sacrifice has been presented! Now are we quickened into intensity of zeal and devotion. See, dear brothers, how to use the blood of the Lamb in this lower sphere while contending with evil among men. -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon
Unlimited submission and obedience is due to none but God alone. He has an absolute right to command; he alone has an uncontrollable sovereignty over us, because he alone is unchangeably good. He never will nor can require of us, consistent with his nature and attributes, anything which is not fit and reasonable. His commands are all just and good. And to suppose that he has given to any particular set of men a power to require obedience to that which is unreasonable, cruel, and unjust, is robbing the Deity of his justice and goodness. -- Samuel West in his Election Sermon of 1776
This blood overcomes the natural lethargy of men towards obedience; it stimulates them to holiness. If anything can make a man holy, it is a firm faith in the atoning sacrifice. When a man knows that Jesus died for him, he feels that he is not his own, but bought with a price, and therefore he must live unto him that died for him and rose again. In the atonement I see a motive equal to the greatest heroism; yes, a motive which will stimulate to perfect holiness. What manner of persons ought we to be for whom such a sacrifice has been presented! Now are we quickened into intensity of zeal and devotion. See, dear brothers, how to use the blood of the Lamb in this lower sphere while contending with evil among men. -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon
Personally I find it helpful to begin each day by silently committing that day into God's hands [Matthew 6:5-13; Psalm 37:5,6; Proverbs 16:3; Romans 12:1,2; 1 Peter 2:23b; 1 Peter 4:19; ]. I thank Him that I belong to Him [Galatians 3:26; Galatians 4:4,5; Ephesians 1:5; Romans 8:14,16,17,38,39; John 1:12], and I thank Him that He knows what the day holds for me [Providence, omniscience]. I ask Him to take my life that day and use it for His glory [John 15:16,8; Philippians 2:13; Philippians 1:6; John 15:7,8; John 15:10; John 15:4]. I ask Him to cleanse me from anything which would hinder His work [sanctification] in my life. And then I step out in faith [trust, Matthew 6:25-34], knowing that His Holy Spirit is filling me continually as I trust in Him and obey [John 14:15-21; John 14:23; John 15:10; Matthew 16:24; Romans 8:37-39] His Word [Isaiah 11:2; John 15:26-27; John 14:15-17; 2 Timothy 1:7; Romans 8:11] -- Billy Graham, from The Holy Spirit: Activating God's Power in Your Life
The want of good works makes faith sick; evil works kill her outright. -- Thomas Adams
It is an old policy the devil hath, to jostle out a greater good for a less. -- Nehemiah Rogers
Be sure you keep the mastery over your flesh and senses. Few ever fall from God, but flesh-pleasing is the cause. Many think that by "flesh" the Scripture means our in-dwelling sin, when, alas! it is the inordinate sensitive appetite that it chargeth us to subdue. Nothing in the world damneth so many as flesh-pleasing, while men generally choose it as their happiness instead of God. O remember who hath said, "If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die," and, "Make no provision for the flesh, to satisfy its desires," Rom. viii. 5-7 [Romans 8:5-7], and xiii. 14 [Romans 13:14]. Think of this when you are tempted to drunkenness, and gluttony, and lustfulness, and worldliness; and when you would fain have your dwellings and states more delightful. You little think what a sin it is, even to please your flesh, further than it tends to help you in the service of God. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)
He is our dearest Friend and Father, and loveth us better than we love ourselves; and therefore we have reason confidently to trust him, and cheerfully and gladly to obey him, as one that ruleth us in order to our own felicity. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)
Take my yoke upon you," (Matthew 11:29) by which Christ meant: surrender yourself to My Lordship, submit to My rule, let My will be yours.
The natural man is born like a wild ass's colt (Job 11:12) -- completely unmanageable, self-willed, determined to have his own way at all costs. Having lost his anchor by the fall, man is like a ship entirely at the mercy of winds and waves. His heart is unmoored and he runs wild to his own destruction. Thus he has a need for the yoke of Christ if he is to obtain rest for his soul.
In its larger sense, the yoke of Christ signifies complete dependence, unqualified obedience, unreserved submission to Him.
The believer owes this to Christ both as his rightful Lord and his gracious Redeemer. Christ has a double claim upon him: he is the creature of His hands, and gave him being, with all his capacities and faculties. He has redeemed him and acquired an additional claim on him. The saints are the purchased property of another; therefore the Holy Spirit says, Ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). -- Arthur Pink, "The Nature of God -- The Yoke of Christ," formerly published as Gleanings in the GodheadNo unwelcome tasks become any the less unwelcome by putting them off till tomorrow. It is only when they are behind us and done, that we begin to find that there is a sweetness to be tasted afterwards, and that the remembrance of unwelcome duties unhesitatingly done is welcome and pleasant. Accomplished, they are full of blessing, and there is a smile on their faces as they leave us. Undone, they stand threatening and disturbing our tranquility, and hindering our communion with God. If there be lying before you any bit of work from which you shrink, go straight up to it, and do it at once. The only way to get rid of it is to do it. -- Alexander MacLaren
A glimpse of The Light brings a person to the conviction that Jesus Christ is in fact the Son of God. Beside this, the person shares the conviction that Christ's perfect, sacrificial, atoning love -- Not my will, but thine be done. (Luke 22:42b) -- has transformed individual lives and the world in time and for eternity. This encourages obedience to The Everlasting Righteousness (Isaiah 53:11, Jeremiah 23:6, Malachi 4:2, Romans 10:4) -- encourages a person to bears his cross (Luke 14:27) -- encourages one to self-denial and selflessness. (Luke 22:42)
*Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling, 202 pages, ISBN: 1889032468 9781889032467.
"THE PRACTICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CHRISTIAN COUNSELING is designed to afford Christian counselors quick reference as well as comprehensive access to the chief principles and practices of biblical counseling. It is called an 'encyclopedia' because a counselor interested in surveying the gamut of those principles and practices will find in this volume a wider variety of subjects than may be located in any other book of biblical counseling. The counseling described here is truly 'Christian' with method and content firmly rooted in careful biblical exegesis. At the same time it is 'practical' because articles consist not merely of definitions and descriptions, but also of application of the material useful to Christian counselors. Although not necessarily the only way these biblical principles can be applied, they are the fruit of years of study and experience in biblical counseling. In short, the book is designed as an aid to the working counselor who needs a quick reference guide. We trust that God will use it to His glory and to the blessing of His people." -- Preface
Some subject include: Abortion | Abuse | Admonition | Adultery | Adversity | Affliction | Aggravation | Anger | Answers | Apology | Assurance | Attitude | Authority | Balance | Behavior | Bizarre behaviour | Breakdown | Christ | Church | Commandments | Confession | Confidentiality | Contentment | Correction | Corruption | Counseling | Crises | Data gathering | Deceit | Dependence | Discipling | Divorce | Doctrine | Drugs | Education | Empathy | Evangelism | Example | Foolishness | Forgetfulness | Forgiveness | Godliness | Gospel | Gossip | Habit | Heresy | Hope | Hostility | How-to | Idolatry | Jesus | Joy | Justification | Legal matters | Legalism | Lying | Marriage | Promises of god | Put on/put off dynamic | Quickening | Radical amputation | Rage | Reconciliation | Referral | Rejuvenation | Repentance | Sanctification | Scripture | Sex | Sin | Teaching | Temptation | Testing | Think list | Thought | Training.
Annesley, Samuel, How may we Attain to Love God With all our Hearts, Souls, and Minds? (1661, reprinted 1844). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in PURITAN SERMONS, 1659-1689: BEING THE MORNING EXERCISES AT CRIPPLEGATE, ST. GILES IN THE FIELDS, AND IN SOUTHWARK.
"Digs deep, as only the Puritans can, into the gold mine of Matthew 22:37,38. Shows what it is to love God, impediments to this love and the means to attaining it (and much more)." -- Publisher
Ashe, Simeon (d. 1662), Therese B. McMahon, and C. Matthew McMahon, Real Thankfulness, ISBN: 9781626632042 1626632049.
"Thankfulness to God is not just about saying 'Thank you for who You are and what You have done in Christ.' It's about obeying God's commandments. Did you know that?"
*Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Call to the Unconverted: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 2, ISBN: 1877611158 9781877611155. A Christian classic.
"This is the second of four volumes constituting the complete works of this giant of the faith. This huge volume, over 1000 pages, gathers together such penetrating topics as THE UNPARDONABLE SIN, THE SPIRIT'S WITNESS TO THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY, THE ARROGANCY OF REASON AGAINST DIVINE REVELATION, A CALL TO THE UNCONVERTED, NOW OR NEVER, A SAINT OR A BRUTE, GOD'S GOODNESS VINDICATED, THE CHARACTER OF A SOUND, CONFIRMED CHRISTIAN, and others." -- GCB
This volume also contains A CALL TO THE UNCONVERTED, THE REASONABLENESS OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION, THE UNREASONABLENESS OF INFIDELITY, A TREATISE OF CONVERSION, AND CHARACTER OF A SOUND CONFIRMED CHRISTIANS.
Translations: A Call to the Unconverted (singly), Dutch; French; Danish; Polish.
Richard Baxter, from Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Baxter
*Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Christian Directory: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 1. Full title: A Christian Directory: or A Sum of Practical Theology, and Cases of Conscience. Directing Christians how to use Their Knowledge and Faith; How to Improve all Helps and Means, and to Perform all Duties; How to Overcome Temptations, and to Escape or Mortify Every Sin. In Four Parts.
I. Christian Ethics (or Private Duties)
II. Christian Economics (or Family Duties)
III. Christian Ecclesiastics (or Church Duties)
IV. Christian Politics (or Duties to Our Rulers and Neighbours) (Morgan, PA: Soli Deo Gloria Publications, 1997, 1990, 1838, 1707, 1678, 1673), ISBN: 1877611131 9781877611131. Foreword by J.I. Packer (Soli Deo Gloria edition only). The Soli Deo Gloria publication is a facsimile reprint of the 19th century reprint by George Virtue, London, 1846. The original 1673 edition and the 1678 edition, both printed by Robert White for Nevill Simmons. Bibliographic and scriptural footnotes. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available (less the J.I. Packer's Foreword, but searchable with an OCR-based index), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
This work is available in many editions, and in many formats.
Reformation Heritage Books has new copies of the Soli Deo Gloria edition (including the J.I. Packer Introduction), as of March 2008, even though it is generally thought to be out of print. They acquired Soli Deo Gloria from Ligonier Ministries in late 2007.
The best digital format of the reprint by George Virtue is included on the Puritan Hard Drive. It has an OCR scan in the background, meaning one can search the entire volume and copy text into another document. It also has a computer generated indexed from the OCR scan which is, of course, in Baxter's vocabulary.
A PDF image scan only of the same edition is available on the Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
The reprint by George Virtue is available online and may be downloaded in PDF format at Christian Classics Ethereal Library.
The reprint by George Virtue appears in full preview in Google Books but may not be downloaded. So it is useful if the reader wants to become acquainted with the book. Text can be searched, but can not be copied into another document. This particular Google Books scan includes the contents in detail on pages iii-xix which is not included in the Christian Classics Ethereal Library PDF files. About five other editions from libraries are available in Google Books, and may be downloaded (August 2008).
Notice that the e-text in Google Books has the advantage of being searchable. Searching an image-based PDF file (without an OCR scan in the background), is not possible, unless the user owns software such as Abode Acrobat Pro or Kirtas BookScan Editor. They both have an OCR (optical character recognition), feature that will search an image-based PDFs (bit-map scans). Searches appear to be perfect in this work, although one must know Baxter's vocabulary. Text can be cut and pasted from image-based PDF format to OCR (character) format. This particular Google Books scan can not be cut and pasted or downloaded.
One of the older, multi-volume editions of THE WORKS OF RICHARD BAXTER is available at Monergism.com in the "Puritan Library," "Richard Baxter." A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, volume 23. It can be downloaded.
http://www.puritanlibrary.com/
Another older edition is available on microfilm (Ann Arbor, MI: University Microfilms, 1970), 1 microfilm reel, 35 mm (Early English books, 1641-1700; 343:11).
"The complete practical works of Richard Baxter are in print in four volumes entitled BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS. This volume (about 1 1/4 million words, 1028 pages), is volume one of the set. The editor's preface (1707), p. xiii, stated that the works of Richard Baxter are 'perhaps the best body of practical divinity that is extent in our own or any other tongue.' Richard Baxter lived from 1615-1691. The DIRECTORY was completed in 1665. Its scope was intended to cover all of practical theology, a summa of casuistry . . ." -- Don Kistler
"Baxter's series, which grew in range and scope as it proceeded . . . is a peak point in Puritan devotional writing, and remains a precious resource for all, in this or any age, who want to know what is involved in Biblical godliness. . . . A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY may justly be described as a landmark. It is the fullest, most thorough, and in this writer's judgment, most profound treatment of Christian spirituality and standards that has ever been attempted by an English-speaking Evangelical author. The fact that it embraces both spirituality and standards (the principles of communion with God plus the specifics of obedience to God), merits approving comment in itself; nowadays spirituality and ethics have become two distinct disciplines in the schools, and books written on either say virtually nothing about the other . . ." -- J.I. Packer
Timothy Keller calls it the greatest manual on Biblical counseling ever produced.
"There are many Puritan classics on this subject. Thomas Brooks' PRECIOUS REMEDIES FOR SATAN'S DEVICES, Thomas Goodwin's A CHILD OF LIGHT WALKING IN DARKNESS, William Bridge's A LIFTING UP FOR THE DOWNCAST, and many other similar works give evidence that the Puritans were. . . . masters at applying Biblical answers and principles to problems that can only be solved by spiritual means. No Puritan work, however, has ever approached the popularity, the scope, or the depth of Baxter's classic treatise. With the widespread interest in counseling in today's church, this reprint of Baxter's work should be a welcome addition to every pastor's library, or to anyone else who wishes to give solid Biblical answers to man's questions." -- Don Kistler
"We have long waited for a purely Biblical treatment of the spiritual ills and cures of men which is untainted by the views of psychology. Since Baxter lived about 200 years before psychology arrived, his deep work is completely void of its encroachment -- thankfully!" -- John MacArthur
"The kings men sought to arrest Richard Baxter, but he traveled ceaselessly from place to place, writing his sermons and his books even on horseback (he had an inkwell in his saddle), and preached over a wide area." -- Brian H. Edwards
"Baxter was a wonder of his age. His writings total 72 large volumes, much of it written on horseback as he traveled in his widespread preaching efforts. He seldom, if ever, edited anything he wrote. Knowing this any reader will be amazed at how well he communicated his deep love for his Savior. For 26 years he was public enemy No. 1 to the king, yet he lived to see the flight of the king in 1688." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
POOR MAN'S FAMILY BOOK (1674) and THE CATECHIZING OF FAMILIES (1683), are less detailed works and are found in THE REFORMED PASTOR: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 4. They are more suitable for family instruction than are the detailed presentation in A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY.
"Ptacek in FAMILY WORSHIP: BIBLICAL BASIS, HISTORICAL REALITY, CURRENT NEED (pp. 51-52), supplies the following information in regard to Baxter and this book. He notes that after the Episcopalians ejected numerous 'nonconformists,' in what is know as the 'great ejection,' in 1662, 'Baxter pastored from house to house, visiting families of his parish in their homes. These visits contributed to Baxter's A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, a large and still very relevant manual of pastoral care.' Focusing on just one area of great importance, Ptacek demonstrates how this book's relevance is not limited by time or culture, though sometimes the use of specific words are. 'Published in 1673, but written 1664-65, a large book-length part of Baxter's CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY is devoted to the family. It is entitled 'Christian Economics' based on the archaic usage of the word, which reflects the proper sense of the Greek root oikonomos as the manager of a household, in the Christian case, the spiritual leader of the family. The family head is essential to Baxter's view of family worship and instruction. Baxter asserts that it is God's will that this instruction be carried out by the rulers of the families.' For a male head of the household to fail to do so, or to have another instruct in the family, is contrary to his position of authority.' This is the kind of book that can be passed on from generation to generation and still find much use in the service of the kingdom of God.
"Though relatively weak on corporate sanctification, corporate faithfulness and some important areas of doctrine (such as justification), Baxter's work on subjects related to personal piety can be of good practical use to the Christian -- if one is careful to separate out his aberrant doctrinal views and any practical errors they may lead to." -- Publisher
The following three excerpts are included as bonus free books on Reformation Bookshelf CD #28.
1. "The Duties of Parents for Their Children" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. X., pp. 449-454.
2. "The Special Duties of Children Towards Their Parents" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. XI., pp. 454-457.
3. "The Special Duties of Children and Youth Towards God" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. XII., pp. 457-458).
A summary of currently (2012) available publications.
http://www.lettermen2.com/pwrbcd.html
Richard Baxter, from Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Baxter
*Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), The one Thing Necessary, ISBN: 1877611360. Available in THE REFORMED PASTOR
A treatise on the sin of Martha.
*Baxter, Richard, The Reformed Pastor: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 4, ISBN: 1877611360. A Christian classic.
"This is the fourth and final volume in this great set. Includes, 'Compassionate Counsel to all Young men,' 'The Reformed Pastor,' 'Poor Man's Family Book,' 'The Catechizing of Families,' and 'The Mother's Catechism,' in all 25 sermons, treatises, and catechisms. Dr. J.I. Packer says, 'For me, the great joy of this year is that it see the completion of Soli Deo Gloria's reprint of Baxter's incomparable PRACTICAL WORKS'." -- GCB
Richard Baxter, from Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Baxter
Compassionate Counsel to all Young men (1681), by Richard Baxter
http://www.lettermen2.com/ccaym.html
*Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), The Saint's Everlasting Rest: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 3, ISBN: 187761128X 9781877611285. A Christian classic.
"Third in the four-volume set. Includes The Saint's Everlasting Rest; Treatise of Self-Denial; The Life of Faith; Obedient Patience, and many more. Over 1000 pages." -- GCB
"This is the greatest treatment on Heaven ever to appear! . . ." -- Wilbur M. Smith.
Baxter, Richard, and Benjamin Fawcett (editor), The Saint's Everlasting Rest (singly).
"Discusses the nature, excellencies, design, rejection, necessity, of the Saints' rest. Calls us to live the heavenly life now." -- GCB
http://www.ccel.org/b/baxter/everlasting_rest/saints_rest.html
*Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Treatise of Knowledge and Love Compared in The Reformed Pastor: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 4, ISBN: 1877611360.
Long title: A Treatise of Knowledge and Love Compared. In two Parts: 1. Of Falsely Pretended Knowledge. II. Of True Saving Knowledge and Love. I. Against Hasty Judging, and False Conceits of Knowledge; and for Necessary Suspension. II. The Excellency of Divine Love, and the Happiness of Being Known and Loved of God. Written as greatly necessary to the safety and peace of every Christian, and of the Church: the only certain way to escape false religions, heresies, sects, and malignant prejudices, persecutions, and sinful wars; all caused by falsely pretended knowledge, and hasty judging, by proud, ignorant men, who know not their ignorance.
*Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Treatise of Self-Denial, ISBN: 1877611360. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21. Included in THE SAINT'S EVERLASTING REST: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 3.
"This item is the work of Baxter that has been translated into the most number of different languages." -- compiler
"It is also a great antidote to the prominent spirit (of antichrist), preached by psychologist and psychiatrists which focuses on self (self-esteem, self-actualization, etc.), and/or hedonism, in an idolatrous manner, rather than self-sacrifice and service in obedience to God. Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, . . . This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2 Peter 3:3; 2 Timothy 3:1-5)" -- Publisher
The Saint's Everlasting Rest, Richard Baxter
http://www.ccel.org/b/baxter/everlasting_rest/saints_rest.html
*Bernard de Clairvaux, On Loving God: Selections From Sermons by St. Bernard of Clairvaux, ISBN: 0313207879 9780313207877.
On Loving God, Saint Bernard of Clairvaux
http://www.ccel.org/bernard/loving_God/loving_God.html
Binning, Hugh (1627-1653), Three Untitled Sermons on 1 John 3:23. In THE WORKS OF THE REVEREND HUGH BINNING, M.A. (553-63).
"On faith and love as the sum of the Gospel."
Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), Love to God and our Neighbour, the sum of the Ten Commandments. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON. (2:74-84). Also in AN ILLUSTRATION OF THE DOCTRINES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION. (1:9-2:659)
Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), Serving the Lord in Holiness. Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BOSTON), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BOSTON), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #6.
*Bridges, Jerry, Transforming Grace: Living Confidently in God's Unfailing Love, ISBN: 9781600063039 1600063039.
"The fruit of over 10 years of Bible study, it's the kind of book that will make a profound difference in how you go about living your life -- and loving your Gracious Redeemer." -- Publisher
*Bunyan, John (1628-1688), All Loves Excelling, ISBN: 0851517390 9780851517391. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Pilgrim's Page: A John Bunyan Archive
This is the complete set of THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN, George Offor edition, reprinted by The Banner of Truth. It is free online, and is downloadable in the following formats: HTML, RTF, TEXT, and PDF.
http://www.chapellibrary.org/literature/bunyan/
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN is also available at Project Gutenberg.
Bunyan, John (1628-1688), Pilgrim's Page: A John Bunyan Archive
This is the complete set of THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN, George Offor edition, reprinted by The Banner of Truth. It is free online, and is downloadable in the following formats: HTML, RTF, TEXT, and PDF.
http://www.chapellibrary.org/literature/bunyan/
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN is also available at Project Gutenberg.
Bunyan, John (1628-1688), Saints Knowledge of Christ's Love, ISBN: 0851517390 9780851517391. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Pilgrim's Page: A John Bunyan Archive
This is the complete set of THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN, George Offor edition, reprinted by The Banner of Truth. It is free online, and is downloadable in the following formats: HTML, RTF, TEXT, and PDF.
http://www.chapellibrary.org/literature/bunyan/
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN is also available at Project Gutenberg.
*Brown, John (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858), Keeping Christ's Commandments: A True Manifestation of Love to Him. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #7.
*Carson, John L. (editor), David W. Hall (editor), To Glorify and Enjoy God: A Commemoration of the 350th Anniversary of the Westminster Assembly, ISBN: 0851516688 9780851516684.
"Contents: Westminster Assembly commemorations / David W. Hall -- The context and work of the assembly / Samuel T. Logan, Jr. -- The men and parties of the assembly / William S. Barker -- The preaching of the assembly / Robert M. Norris -- The Westminster Confession of Faith and Holy Scripture / Wayne R. Spear -- The Westminster Shorter Catechism / Douglas F. Kelly -- The Westminster Larger Catechism / W. Robert Godfrey -- The form of church government / John R. de Witt -- The directory for public worship / Iain H. Murray -- The sovereignty of God / James M. Boice -- The pre-eminence of Christ / Joel Nederhood -- The application of redemption / Eric J. Alexander -- The influence of Westminster / Jay E. Adams -- The unfinished Westminster Catechism / Wayne R. Spear -- Parliamentary background of the assembly / David W. Hall -- A bibliographical guide / David W. Hall."
Cunningham, William (1805-1861), Jesus Christ an Object of Love and a Source of Joy, Though Unseen. In SERMONS FROM 1828 TO 1860. (159-73). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
Dabney, Robert L. (1820-1898), Spurious Religious Excitements. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
*Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), The Religious Affections. Alternate title: A TREATISE CONCERNING RELIGIOUS AFFECTIONS, IN THREE PARTS; PART I. CONCERNING THE NATURE OF THE AFFECTIONS, AND THEIR IMPORTANCE IN RELIGION. PART II. SHEWING WHAT ARE NO CERTAIN SIGNS THAT RELIGIOUS AFFECTIONS ARE GRACIOUS, OR THAT THEY ARE NOT. PART III. SHEWING WHAT ARE DISTINGUISHING SIGNS OF TRULY GRACIOUS AND HOLY AFFECTIONS. BY JONATHAN EDWARDS, A.M. AND PASTOR OF THE FIRST CHURCH IN NORTHAMPTON. [TWELVE LINES OF SCRIPTURE TEXTS], ISBN: 0851514855 9780851514857. A Christian classic. RELIGIOUS AFFECTIONS is volume two of THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS, 26 volumes, ISBN: 0300022824 9780300022827 0300060599 9780300060591. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
Edwards "sets forth 12 distinguishing signs of truly gracious and holy affections: (1) [those] truly spiritual affections which arise from spiritual, supernatural, Divine influences on the heart; (2) those affections grounded in the intrinsic excellence of Divine things, without relating to our self-interest; (3) those primarily founded on the loveliness of the moral excellency of Divine things. . . ." -- William Young
"This treatise soberly, thoroughly, and scripturally covers hypocrisy within the Christian church. We recommend it to everyone in full-time Christian service, and to anyone who may be discouraged by hypocrisy among professing Christians.
"It is by the mixture of counterfeit religion with true, not discerned and distinguished, that the devil has had his greatest advantage against the cause and kingdom of Christ. [For Edward's work on the positive side of the revival in New England see THE DISTINGUISHING MARKS OF A WORK OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD, APPLIED TO THAT UNCOMMON OPERATION THAT HAS LATELY APPEARED ON THE MINDS OF MANY OF THE PEOPLE IN NEW-ENGLAND -- compiler]. It is by this means, principally, that he has prevailed against all revivings of religion, since the first founding of the Christian church. . . . By this, Satan prevailed against the reformation, began by Luther. Zwinglius, etc., to put a stop to its progress, and bring it into disgrace, ten times more than by all those bloody and cruel persecutions of the church of Rome. By this, principally, has he prevailed against revivals of religion in our nation. By this he prevailed against New England, to quench the love and spoil the joy of her espousals, about a hundred years ago. And I think, I have had opportunity enough to see plainly, that by this the devil has prevailed against the late great revival of religion in New England, so happy and promising in its beginning." -- Jonathan Edwards, in the Preface to The Religious Affections
A Treatise Concerning the Religious Affections, Edwards
http://archive.org/details/treatiseconcern00edwa
Religious Affections, Jonathan Edwards
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/edwards/affections.i.html?highlight=religious,affections#highlight
This work also appears full view in Google Books.
Erskine, Ebenezer (1680-1754), Christ in the Believer's Arms; Being a Sermon Preached by Mr. Ebenezer Erskine, at Strathmiglo, May 10th, 1724.
*Flavel, John (1628-1691), Keeping the Heart, ISBN: 1573580775. A Christian classic. Alternate title: A SAINT INDEED OR THE GREAT WORK OF A CHRISTIAN OPENED AND PRESSED. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"One of the most endearing Puritan works.
This "is an extensive treatment of Proverbs 4:23, Keep thy heart, for out of it flow the issues of life. This book has been completely retypeset and updated for easier reading; and there is also a helpful introduction and added study guide which makes this book suitable for study by individuals and groups. -- Publisher
Flavel, John, A Treatise on Keeping the Heart. Selected From the Works of the Rev. John Flavel. The style adapted to the present state of improvement (1813)
http://archive.org/details/treatiseonkeepin00flav
On Keeping the Heart, John Flavel
http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/ipb-e/epl-10/web/flavel-keeping.html
Fuller, Andrew (1754-1815), Equity of the Sentence Against Those who Love not Christ. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF ANDREW FULLER (1:438-41).
Fuller, Andrew (1754-1815), The Nature and Importance of Love to God. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF ANDREW FULLER (1:304-310).
*Gill, John (1697-1771), The Doctrine of God's Everlasting Love to His Elect, and Their Eternal Union With Christ.
"Gill is the most famous, and the most learned, of the Baptists. . . . In this book he follows the teaching of the Scriptures, that life always precedes faith, and he shows that both life and faith proceed from the eternal counsels of God: You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, (John 15:16) I have loved thee with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3). Gill's teaching is very similar to that of Thomas Goodwin, and we feel sure that he had read Goodwin thoroughly. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
*Henderson, Alexander (1583-1646), Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice, an MP3 file [audio file], (1 Samuel 15:22; Matthew 15:9). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also available in SERMONS, PRAYERS, AND PULPIT ADDRESSES, 1638.
"Read by Elder Lyndon Dohms from the book SERMONS, PRAYERS AND PULPIT ADDRESSES. Henderson was one of the Scottish commissioners to the Westminster Assembly and the principal architect of the Solemn League and Covenant. Some consider him as only second to Knox in regard to his work as a Scottish Reformer. This sermon, on Psalm 40:6-8, was preached in Scotland just before Henderson left for the Westminster Assembly and exhorts Christians to zealousness -- especially in days of great declension." -- Publisher
*Institute in Basic Life Principles, The Love of God Expressed in the Commands of Christ Pocket Guide (Oak Brook, IL: IBLP [Box One, 60522-3001]).
If ye love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:14)
Notice there are 15 other resources related to this pocket guide.
"Jesus gave many commands; however, this group of commands [49 -- compiler] was chosen to represent the basic 'curriculum' that Christ gave His disciples -- commands that we are to keep and teach others in order to be His disciples."
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. (John 14:21)
Jackman, David, The Message of John's Letters: Living in the Love of God, ISBN: 0830812261 9780830812264.
Includes bibliographical references.
*Law, William (1686-1761), A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life, ISBN: 0664248330.
John Wesley said on reading it, "The light flowed so mightily upon my soul that everything appeared in a new view." This book was "the first impulse [to the evangelical revival of the eighteenth century], and came from the school of the Non-Jurors, and especially from Williams Law's SERIOUS CALL." -- Publisher
Whitefield declared that through it "God worked powerfully on my soul, as He has since upon many others." Introduction by J.V. Moldenhawer.
A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life William Law
http://www.ccel.org/l/law/a_serious_call/a_serious_call.html
Little, John, and The Reformed Presbyterian Church, New York, N.Y., Obedience and Law: A Sermon, 1851.
Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), Loving God by Loving his Law. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON, Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #5.
Contents: "Twelve sermons from Psalm 119:165-176 on the love of God's Law by believers."
Jesus said, If ye love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15) John points out, and hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him (1 John 2:3-4). Manton uses these themes, as a departure point, relative to Psalm 119, to show the proper relationship between law, love and loving the law -- as it relates to the greatest law lover, the Lord Jesus Christ!" -- Publisher
Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), Sermons Upon 1 Corinthians 8:3. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON, (18:134-45).
"Those who love God are known by God."
Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), Sermons Upon 2 Thessalonians 3:5. In THE COMTE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON, (2:235-46).
*Marshall, Walter (1628-1680), The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification: Growing in Holiness by Living in Union With Christ (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, Inc., 2005, 1999), ISBN: 189277724X. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Reformation Heritage Books edition is a reprint of the 1954 edition set by Oliphants and includes an introduction by Joel R. Beeke. Also includes the author's famous sermon on "The Doctrine of Justification Opened and Applied."
See the WorldCat record for various foreign language editions.
Other editions:
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, 270 pages, ISBN: 1597520543 9781597520546.
"This is by far the best book on the doctrine of Sanctification in print. It was originally written in the 17th century, but has been put into modern English with this edition. This book will help you better understand the Gospel and its power not only for our Justification, but our Sanctification as well." -- Reader's Comment
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, ISBN: 1589600630 9781589600638.
"Here you will read the most closely reasoned defense of scriptural sanctification to be found anywhere. . . . Fourteen directions are given to the reader, all perfected with the aim of explaining to sincere souls what sanctification is, what it is not, and how to attain a holy walk before God. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-mystery of Sanctification, Opened, in Sundry Practical Directions: Suited Especially to the Case of Those who Labor Under the Guilt and Power of Indwelling Sin. To Which is Added a Sermon on Justification (1859)
http://archive.org/details/gospelmysteryofs02mars
McDowell, Stephen, Loving God With all Your Mind: Books and Films to Encourage, Inspire, and Equip in a Biblical Worldview.
"This booklet contains lists of books that will help you develop a Biblical worldview. Book lists are given for all ages including: picture books for the youngest children, literature, history, and biographies for students; resource books for adults or older children on many aspects of Biblical worldview and providential history.
"A list of movies is also presented, many with Biblical themes and principles, with most simply good, wholesome movies enjoyed by young and old."
These resources will implant Godly principles and character, teach good and great ideas, and inspire the student of any age to a life of learning and excellence." -- Publisher
McLeod (M'Leod), Alexander (1774-1833), et al., The Life and Power of True Godliness; Described in a Series of Discourses, 1847. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
The Life and Power of True Godliness
http://archive.org/details/lifepoweroftrueg00mleo
*Morris, Leon, Testament of Love: A Study of Love in the Bible, ISBN: 0802818749 9780802818744.
"There are few concepts more frequently misunderstood than the Biblical concept of love. Dr. Morris' work is the most comprehensive and lucid treatment of this concept I've ever seen. It is a MUST for our times." -- R.C. Sproul
Neast, Thomas, What are the Characters of a Soul's Sincere Love to Christ? And How may That Love to Him be Kindled and Inflamed? In PURITAN SERMONS 1659-1689: BEING THE MORNING EXERCISES AT CRIPPLEGATE, ST. GILES IN THE FIELDS, AND IN SOUTHWARK BY SEVENTY-FIVE MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL IN OR NEAR LONDON WITH NOTES AND TRANSLATIONS BY JAMES NICS. (1:169-93).
*Owen, John (1616-1683), Communion With God. A Christian classic. Alternate title: OF COMMUNION WITH GOD THE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY GHOST (EACH PERSON DISTINCTLY), IN LOVE, GRACE, AND CONSOLATION: OR, THE SAINTS FELLOWSHIP WITH THE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY GHOST, UNFOLDED. BY JOHN OWEN, D.D., and PREPARING FOR COMMUNION, ISBN: 0851511244 9780851511245. Volume 2 of THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN. Available (MP3 files), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Shows what it means to examine yourself in preparation for the Lord's table. Great spiritual blessings result when this matter is properly dealt with before God." -- Publisher
See also: Communion With God, the Puritan Paperback Series edition, abridged and made easy to read by R.J.K. Law, ISBN: 0851516076 9780851516073.
"Contains: COMMUNION WITH THE FATHER, THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY, and more."
"John Owen (1616-1683), believed that communion with God lies at the heart of the Christian life. With Paul he recognized that through the Son we have access by the Spirit to the Father. He never lost the sense of amazement expressed by John: 'Our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.' In this outstanding book he explains the nature of this communion and describes the many privileges it brings.
"COMMUNION WITH GOD was written in a day, like our own, when the doctrine of the Trinity was under attack and the Christian faith was being reduced either to rationalism on the one hand or mysticism on the other. His exposition shows that nothing is more vital to spiritual well-being than a practical knowledge of what this doctrine means. . .
"One of the greatest Christian classics of all time . . ." -- Publisher
Owen, Of Communion With God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost or, The Saints Fellowship With the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Unfolded (1763)
http://archive.org/details/communionwithgo00owengoog
*Owen, John (1616-1683), Kelly M. Kapic (editor), Justin Taylor (editor), Overcoming Sin and Temptation, ISBN: 1581346492 9781581346497.
"The writings of John Owen are a challenge to any reader, to say the least. His intricacy and complexity are intimidating and his language is downright befuddling at times. However, the depth of thought and the immense value of Owen's works cannot be quantified. His three classic works on sin and temptation are profoundly helpful to any believer who seeks to become more like Jesus Christ.
"In this volume, the editors have made updates to the language, translated the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew and footnoted difficult or unknown phrases, all without sacrificing any of the wonderful content of Owen's work. It is a uniquely accessible edition of John Owen's previously daunting work." -- Publisher
"The editors of this volume have worked hard to make Owen's unrivalled insight into the Christian's inner war with sin accessible to all, and the result is truly a godsend." -- J.I. Packer, Professor of Theology, Regent College
"John Owen understood how the gospel makes us well. Three cheers for Kapic and Taylor for introducing a new generation to Owen's peerless works." -- Sinclair B. Ferguson, Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, S.C.
The Works of John Owen at Archive.org
https://archive.org/search.php?query=the+works+of+john+owen&page=2
*Owen, John (1616-1683), Sin and Temptation: The Challenge to Personal Godliness. ISBN: 1556618301 9781556618307. A Christian classic.
"The concept of sin and personal responsibility has all but disappeared from our world. John Owen deals with the nature of sinful humanity as no writer since has done as keenly or thoroughly, arguing that sin is always a self-deceiving, blinding folly. Owen was a leading English statesman in the late 17th century and is considered 'the John Calvin of England'." -- Publisher
*Pike, Samuel (1717-1773), and Samuel Hayward (1718-1757), Discerning Providential Guidance. In RELIGIOUS CASES OF CONSCIENCE ANSWERED IN AN EVANGELICAL MANNER . . . TO WHICH IS ADDED THE SPIRITUAL COMPANION; OR, THE PROFESSING CHRISTIAN TRIED AT THE BAR OF GOD'S WORD; AND CHARACTER OF THE HAPPY MAN
Discerning Providential Guidance
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/discerning-providential-guidance.php
Preston, John (1587-1628), Richard Sibbes (1577-1635), and John Davenport (1597-1670), The Breast-plate of Faith and Love. A Treatise, VVherein the Ground and Exercise of Faith and Love, as They are set Upon Christ Their Object, and as They are Expressed in Good Works, is Explained. Delivered in 18. sermons upon three severall texts, by the late faithfull and worthy minister of Jesus Christ, John Preston, Dr. in Divinity, chaplaine in ordinary to his Majestie, master of Emmanuel Colledge in Cambridge, and sometime preacher of Lincolnes Inne, 1637, ISBN: 0851512895 9780851512891.
Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900), Examples of Holiness, ISBN: 0801076544 9780801076541.
"Selected from his book HOLINESS, published in 1879."
*Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900), Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots, ISBN: 0852341369. A Christian classic.
"Ryle, like his great masters, has no easy way to holiness to offer us, and no 'patent' method by which it can be obtained; but he invariably produces that 'hunger and thirst after righteousness' which is the only indispensable condition to being 'filled'." -- D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
"Newly typeset edition from Evangelical Press with preface done by J.I. Packer. Complete and unabridged." -- GCB
Holiness, J.C. Ryle
http://archive.org/details/HolinessJcRyle
*Shepard, Thomas (1605-1649), and Jonathan Mitchel (1624-1668), Subjection to Christ in all his Ordinances and Appointments the Best Means to Preserve our Liberty: Together with a treatise of ineffectual hearing the Word, how we may know whether we have heard the same effectually, and by what means it may become effectual unto us: with some remarkable passages of his life / by Tho. Shephard . . . now published by Mr. Jonathan Michel . . . Running title: A WHOLESOME CAVEAT FOR A TIME OF LIBERTY. "To the reader" signed: William Greenhill [and] Samuel Mather. "To the Christian reader" signed: Edm. Calamy, 1654.
Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), A Glance of Heaven; or, A Precious Taste of a Glorious Feast. In THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES, (4:151-200). Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"On being stirred to love God more from the contemplation of those things which God has prepared for those who love Him."
*Thornwell, James Henley (1812-1862), Whatsoever Things are True: Classic Discourses on Truth. Alternate title: CLASSIC DISCOURSES ON TRUTH; DISCOURSES ON TRUTH, ISBN: 1932474781 9781932474787. Available (COLLECTED WRITINGS OF JAMES HENLEY THORNWELL) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"These seven DISCOURSES ON TRUTH were written and preached in the Spring of 1851 from the text, Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, think on these things. Philippians 4:8. They were delivered at the Chapel of the College at Columbia, South Carolina, by James Henley Thornwell, who was serving as both President and Chaplain." -- Publisher
"First published 1855 by Messrs. Carter, New York, NY."
Contents: Discourse 1: The ethical system of the Bible -- Discourse 2: The love of truth -- Discourse 3: The love of truth -- Discourse 4: Sincerity -- Discourse 5: Faithfulness -- Discourse 6: Vows -- Discourse 7: Consistency.
*Tripp, Theodore A., and David Powlison (introduction), Shepherding a Child's Heart, ISBN: 0966378601 9780966378603.
"Written for parents with children of any age, this insightful book provides perspectives and procedures for shepherding your child's heart into the paths of life. SHEPHERDING A CHILD'S HEART gives fresh biblical approaches to child rearing." -- Publisher
"This is a masterful book." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
"Solid, trustworthy, biblical help for parents." -- John MacArthur.
*VanderKemp (Van der Kemp), Johannes, The Christian Entirely the Property of Christ, in Life and Death: Exhibited in Fifty-three Sermons on the Heidelberg Catechism, ISBN: 9781142354152 1142354156. See: "all editions" in WorldCat.org.
The Christian Entirely the Property of Christ in Life and Death (Free download, Kindle format)
http://archive.org/details/christianentire00kempgoog
Vincent, Thomas (1634-1678), Concerning Christ's Manifestation of Himself to Them That Love Him. An appendix to The True Christians Love of the Unseen Christ.
*Vincent, Thomas (1634-1678), The True Christian's Love to the Unseen Christ: or, A Discourse, Chiefly Tending to Excite and Promote the Decaying Love of Christ in the Hearts of Christians, With an Appendix Concerning Christ's Manifestation of Himself to Them That Love Him, ISBN: 1171287682 9781171287681.
"Of the nearly 300 books I've published since I began, I put this [NONE BUT CHRIST -- compiler] among the top three. The other two would be GOSPEL WORSHIP by Jeremiah Burroughs, and THE TRUE CHRISTIAN'S LOVE TO THE UNSEEN CHRIST, by Thomas Vincent. And I'd be hard-pressed to choose which of the three would be #1. The three chapters addressed to ministers of the gospel are worth the price of the book [NONE BUT CHRIST -- compiler] alone!" -- Don Kistler
Vines, Richard (1600?-1656), Calebs Integrity in Following the Lord Fully, in a Sermon preached at St. Margarets Westminster, before the Honourable House of Commons, at their late solemne and publick fast, Novemb: 30th. 1642. By Richard Vines, Mr. of Arts of Magd. Colledge in Camb: and minister of the gospell at Weddington in the county of Warr. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Wall, John (author), and Don Kistler, None but Christ, or, A Plain and Familiar Treatise of the Knowledge of Christ, Exciting all men to Study and Know Jesus Christ and Him Crucified, With a Particular, Applicatory, and Saving Knowledge, in Divers Sermons Upon 1 Corinthians 2:2 [1 Corinthians 2:2], ISBN: 9780984706273 0984706275.
"Of the nearly 300 books I've published since I began, I put this [NONE BUT CHRIST -- compiler] among the top three. The other two would be GOSPEL WORSHIP by Jeremiah Burroughs, and THE TRUE CHRISTIAN'S LOVE TO THE UNSEEN CHRIST, by Thomas Vincent. And I'd be hard-pressed to choose which of the three would be #1. The three chapters addressed to ministers of the gospel are worth the price of the book [NONE BUT CHRIST -- compiler] alone!" -- Don Kistler
*Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), All Things for Good: Romans 8:28, A Divine Cordial. Alternate title, A DIVINE CORDIAL, ISBN: 0851514782 9780851514789. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"I would prescribe them to take, now and then, a little of this Cordial: all things work together for good to them that love God. To know that nothing hurts the godly, is a matter of comfort; but to be assured that all things which fall out shall cooperate for their good, that their crosses shall be turned into blessings, that showers of affliction water the withering root of their grace and make it flourish more; this may fill their hearts with joy till they run over." -- Thomas Watson, from the Preface
"Thomas Watson 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.
"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'?" -- Publisher
Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), The Duty of Self-Denial and 10 Other Sermons, ISBN: 1877611956 9781877611957.
*Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), Godly Man's Picture, drawn with a scripture pencil, or, Some characteristic marks of a man who is going to heaven, ISBN: 0851515959 9780851515953. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"A book on the character of the Christian. Combines rich spirituality, nourishing doctrine, and sane wisdom with fascinating illustrations . . ." -- GCB
*Whitney, Donald S., Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, ISBN: 0891096582 9780891096580.
Foreword by J.I. Packer. "Far from being legalistic, restrictive or binding, as they are often perceived, the spiritual disciplines are actually the means to unparalleled spiritual liberty. Drawing from the rich heritage left to us by the early church fathers, the Puritans, and Jesus Christ Himself, this book will guide you through such disciplines as worship, prayer, Scripture reading, evangelism, serving, stewardship, fasting, silence and solitude, journaling, learning, and etc. A VERY, VERY GOOD BOOK!" -- CBD
Willson, James McLeod (1809-1866), An Essay on Submission to Civil Government, 1850.
An Essay on Submission to the Powers That be
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/6/2/an-essay-on-submission-to-the-powers-that-be
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, The ten commandments: the moral law, Mortification of sin in the flesh, The commandments of christ, Trusting god, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Immanuel, christ's presence, christ in you, The love and justice of god, oneness, Loving and obeying god, Discipleship, Christ our example, Affliction, adversity, trials, suffering, chastisement, The priesthood of all believers, Reconciliation of relationships, The believer's position in christ and sonship, Adoption into god's family, god's family, Happiness, holiness, Eternal life, immortality, Heaven, The example of christ, Chapter 2: biblical counsel by subject, Practical expository sermons, For all counselors, Systematic theology, Healing of the mind, Love and counseling problems, Commitment, surrender, Chapter 6: discipleship, Faith, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, The covenanted reformation, Covenanted reformation short title listing, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, The covenant faithfulness of god, Individual responsibility for corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Acts of faithful assemblies, Covenanting in america, The scottish covenanting struggle, alexander craighead, and the mecklenburg declaration, Confession of national sin and covenant renewal, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, The sermon on the mount, Words of christ appearing in the web edition of biblical counsel: resources for renewal, Sin, Prayer, Bible promises, Loving and obeying god, Holiness, Discipleship, Freedom: a gift of the grace of god, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, The providence of God, Excellency, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 1267, 1446, 2203, 2205-2209, 2299, 2300, 2614-2618, 2883, 3517
MGTP: Love -- Toward God, Obedience
The God of the Covenant
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, 35 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=1217037037
How God's People may Make Great Attainments, William S. Plumer (1802-1880)
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/how-gods-people-may-make-great-attainments.php
My Presence Shall go With Thee, John Love (1757-1825)
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/my-presence-shall-go-with-thee.php
Nave's Topical Bible -- Blessing Contingent Upon Obedience
http://bible.crosswalk.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T854
Nave's Topical Bible -- Commandments
http://bible.crosswalk.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T1189
*Obedience (FGB #232)
Our Faith and Obedience | Our Love and Obedience | Christ's Obedience Saves us | God's Word and Obedience | God's Gospel and Obedience | Christ's Friends Obey Him | God's Grace and Obedience | God's Law and Obedience
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/obedfg/obedience
The Obedient Life, Dr. C. Gregg Singer, 46 min. (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette NP116 [audio file].
Notes: Address at the National Presbyterian and Reformed Congress, Summer 1979.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12160371234
Psychology and Psychiatry
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappc.html
Words of Christ Appearing in The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappa.html
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2)This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. (Joshua 1:8)
These [Bereans] were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. (Acts 17:11,12)
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 13:34,35)Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:13-16)Let us cultivate the habit of keeping up more private meditation and communion with Christ. Let us resolutely make time for getting alone occasionally, for talking with our own souls like David, for pouring out our hearts to our great High Priest, Advocate, and Confessor at the right hand of God.
I see some professing Christians always running about after spiritual food, always in public, and always out of breath and in a hurry, and never allowing themselves leisure to sit down quietly to digest, and take stock of their spiritual condition. I am never surprised if such Christians have a dwarfish, stunted religion and do not grow and if, like Pharaoh's lean kin, they look no better for their public religious feasting, but rather worse. Spiritual prosperity depends immensely on our private religion, and private religion cannot flourish unless we determine that by God's help we will make time, whatever trouble it may cost us, for thought, for prayer, for the Bible, and for private communion with Christ. Alas! That saying of our Master is sadly overlooked: Enter into your closet and shut the door. (Matthew 6:6) -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 6:27)
Fret not thyself because of evildoers,
neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
and wither as the green herb.
Trust in the LORD, and do good;
so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
Delight thyself also in the LORD;
and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (Psalm 37:1-4)Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 3:2)
For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:29)
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. (Ephesians 1:1-23)Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58)
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. (Philippians 2:15,16)This Psalm [Psalm 145] is with much propriety entitled "Praise of David;" for it is throughout a continued celebration of the perfections and doings of God. It is certainly one of the most interesting and beautiful of the compositions of the sweet singer of Israel; and so high an opinion did the ancient Hebrews form of it that they were wont to say -- "Whoever utters this Psalm thrice each day with the heart and tongue is a happy man, and shall infallibly enjoy the blessings of the world to come." -- Calvin's Commentary, footnote 1 to Psalm 145:1
They cannot be employed better than in celebrating his mercies. What is added -- they shall speak the glory of thy kingdom -- I consider to have reference only to believers. If any incline to think that these words rather apply to God's creatures universally, I would not object to that view. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 145:10
But in nothing is wisdom shown more than in holding fast the truth, that God is just in all his ways, so as to retain in our hearts an unabated sense of it amidst all troubles and confusions. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 145:17Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:16)
I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. (Psalm 119:46)
For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6, Jerry Falwell's life verse)
Again, it is certain that man never achieves a clear knowledge of himself unless he has first looked upon God's face, and then descends from contemplating him to scrutinize himself. For we always seem to ourselves righteous and upright and wise and holy -- this pride is innate in all of us -- unless by clear proofs we stand convinced of our own unrighteousness, foulness, folly, and impurity. Moreover, we are not thus convinced if we look merely to ourselves and not also to the Lord, who is the sole standard by which this judgment must be measured. For, because all of us are inclined by nature to hypocrisy, a kind of empty image of righteousness in place of righteousness itself abundantly satisfies us. And because nothing appears within or around us that has not been contaminated by great immorality, what is a little less vile pleases us as a thing most pure -- so long as we confine our minds within the limits of human corruption. Just so, an eye to which nothing is shown but black objects judges something dirty white or even rather darkly mottled to be whiteness itself. Indeed, we can discern still more clearly from the bodily senses how much we are deluded in estimating the powers of the soul. For if in broad daylight we either look down upon the ground or survey whatever meets our view round about, we seem to ourselves endowed with the strongest and keenest sight; yet when we look up to the sun and gaze straight at it, that power of sight which was particularly strong on earth is at once blunted and confused by a great brilliance, and thus we are compelled to admit that our keenness in looking upon things earthly is sheer dullness when it comes to the sun. So it happens in estimating our spiritual goods. As long as we do not look beyond the earth, being quite content with our own righteousness, wisdom, and virtue, we flatter ourselves most sweetly, and fancy ourselves all but demigods. Suppose we but once begin to raise our thoughts to God, and to ponder his nature, and how completely perfect are his righteousness, wisdom, and power -- the straightedge to which we must be shaped. Then, what masquerading earlier as righteousness was pleasing in us will soon grow filthy in its consummate wickedness. What wonderfully impressed us under the name of wisdom will stink in its very foolishness. What wore the face of power will prove itself the most miserable weakness. That is, what in us seems perfection itself corresponds ill to the purity of God. -- John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion (Battles translation), 1.1.2 (and context), "Without Knowledge of God There is no Knowledge of Self"
The psalm concludes with briefly defining the manner of glorifying God, That they might keep his law. It would not be enough to celebrate his grace only with the tongue. To this there must be added practical and experimental piety. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 105:44 in the context of the whole Psalm
We are not our own; therefore, as far as possible, let us forget ourselves and the things that are ours. On the other hand, we are God's; let us, therefore, live and die to him. We are God's; therefore, let his wisdom and will preside over all our actions. We are God's; to him, then as the only legitimate end, let every part of our life be directed. -- John Calvin
His [Calvin's] "readiness in bringing Scripture passages to bear upon each point of argument is astonishing, and has perhaps never been surpassed." -- Introduction to The Institutes of the Christian Religion, p. liv
I can say as to myself, that I have been assailed on all sides, and have scarcely been able to enjoy repose for a single moment, but have always had to sustain some conflict either from enemies without or within the church. -- John Calvin, Preface to his Commentary on the Psalms, 1557
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)
The final words of Calvin.Know the Truth About Carrying the Cross
Christ would have all who profess and call themselves Christians reminded that they must carry the cross. They must lay their account to be despised, afflicted and tried, like their Master.
He would have no person enlisted on false pretenses. He would have it distinctly understood that there is a battle to be fought, and a race to be run -- a work to be done, and many hard things to be endured -- if we propose to follow Him.
Salvation He is ready to bestow, without money and without price. Grace by the way, and glory in the end, shall be given to every sinner who comes to Him. But He would not have us ignorant that we shall have deadly enemies -- the world, the flesh, and the devil -- and that many will hate us, slander us, and persecute us, if we become His disciples. He does not wish to discourage us, but He does wish us to know the truth. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)The health of our spiritual lives depends upon Bible study, fellowship, and prayer.
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13)
Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16,17,18)
He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5:12,13)
And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. (1 John 2:25)
Because I live, ye shall live also. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:19)
How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! (Psalm 139:17)
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? (Micah 6:8)
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:24-26)
Matthew Gill's Commentary
http://www.biblestudytools.com/my-bible/#/left:passage/kjv/matthew/16:24/&right:reference/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/matthew-16-24.htmlMy brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (James 1:2-4)We must not conceal from ourselves that true Christianity brings with it a daily cross in this life, while it offers us a crown of glory in the life to come.
The flesh must be daily crucified. The devil must be daily resisted. The world must be daily overcome. There is a warfare to be waged, and a battle to be fought. All this is the inseparable accompaniment of true religion. Heaven is not to be won without it. Never was there a truer word than the old saying, "No cross, no crown!" If we never found this out by experience, our souls are in a poor condition. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)For as the sufferings of Christ abound. (2 Corinthians 1:5a) -- This statement may be explained in two ways -- actively and passively. If you take it actively, the meaning will be this: "The more I am tried with various afflictions, so much the more resources have I for comforting others." I am, however, more inclined to take it in a passive sense, as meaning that God multiplied his consolations according to the measure of his tribulations. David also acknowledges that it had been thus with him: According to the multitude, says he, of my anxieties within me, thy consolations have delighted my soul (Psalm 94:19).
In Paul's words, however, there is a fuller statement of doctrine; for the afflictions of the pious he calls the sufferings of Christ, as he says elsewhere, that he fills up in his body what is wanting in the sufferings of Christ (Colossians 1:24).
The miseries and vexations, it is true, of the present life are common to good and bad alike, but when they befall the wicked, they are tokens of the curse of God, because they arise from sin, and nothing appears in them except the anger of God and participation with Adam, which cannot but depress the mind. But in the mean time believers are conformed to Christ, and "bear about with them in their body his dying, that the life of Christ may one day be manifested in them" (2 Corinthians 4:10).
I speak of the afflictions which they endure for the testimony of Christ, (Revelation 1:9), for although the Lord's chastisements, with which he chastises their sins, are beneficial to them, they are, nevertheless, not partakers, properly speaking, of Christ's sufferings, except in those cases in which they suffer on his account, as we find in 1 Peter 4:13. Paul's meaning then is, that God is always present with him in his tribulations, and that his infirmity is sustained by the consolations of Christ, so as to prevent him from being overwhelmed with calamities. -- John Calvin commenting on 2 Corinthians 1:5I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
It would be easy to lose heart and become cynical. But No! There is One who sees all things, knows all things, and will ultimately triumph over all things. There is only one message that addresses the truth as the truth. The Lord of glory, Jesus Christ, came to this earth and was also the victim of hate. Lies sent him to the cross. Power overruled reality, as politics and religious demagogues once again made the lie seem noble. But the Lord who sees the beginning from the end amazingly conquered not in spite of the dark mystery of evil, rather, He conquered through it. James Stewart of Scotland, pointing to the cross, said it in the most powerful terms I have read. Commenting on the verse from Psalm 68:18, He led captivity captive, he said:
It is a glorious phrase -- He led captivity captive. The very triumphs of his foes, it means, he used for their defeat. He compelled their dark achievements to subserve his ends not theirs. They nailed him to a tree, not knowing that by that very act they were bringing the world to his feet. They gave him a cross, not guessing that he would make it a throne. They flung him outside the city gates to die, not knowing that in that very moment they were lifting up the gates of the universe, to let the king come in. They thought to root out his doctrines, not understanding that they were implanting imperishably in the hearts of men the very name they intended to destroy. They thought they had God with his back to the wall, pinned helpless and defeated: they did not know that it was God himself who had tracked them down. "He did not conquer in spite of the dark mystery of evil. He conquered through it." -- James Stewart (1635-1713)The lie has a shelf life. The truth abides forever. God can even conquer through our perversion.
One more thing. I would be remiss if I left the guilt and darkness out there. That is the seduction of a fake righteousness. We all have to look at our own hearts and see the evil that is within each one of us. Only then can we find the answer from which all other answers flow. Some time ago, I was in Rumania. A sculptor had some of his works on display. One was a horrific, fierce-looking, long nail. When you picked it up, as rusty and jagged as the nail was, the head was polished and shiny. And when you looked at that polished head, you saw a reflection of yourself. It is sobering. Very sobering. . . . More than ever we need the Savior. Lord have mercy! -- Ravi Zacharias in a message, Is Paris Burning? November 18, 2015The Captain of our Salvation, made perfect, made complete, through suffering -- if our Lord himself had to go through that, as he endured the cross, despising the shame, and is now set down at the right hand of God -- that's why I think there is a key word which James Stewart uses, which I expand upon here, "He conquered not in spite of the Darkness, fear of evil, he conquered through it" and I believe it is the same in your life and mine. We may not like it, but we conquer through the pain and through the suffering. -- Ravi Zacharias in "Ravi Talks About his Book Why Suffering"
But I must close with this. It is not merely by testimony that we use this potent truth. We must support that testimony by our zeal and energy. We need concentrated, consecrated energy; for it is written, They loved not their lives unto the death. We shall not overcome Satan if we are fine gentlemen, fond of ease and honour. As long as Christian people must needs enjoy the world, the devil will suffer little at their hands. They that overcame the world in the old days were humble men and woman, generally poor, always despised, who were never ashamed of Christ, who only lived to tell of his love, and died by tens of thousands rather than cease to bear testimony to the blood of the Lamb. They overcame by their heroism; their intense devotion to the cause secured the victory. Their lives to them were as nothing when compared with the honour of their Lord. -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon
The just LORD is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame. (Zephaniah 3:5)
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 16:33)
The Treasury of David, Psalm 46, C.H. Spurgeon
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea. . . . Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. (Psalm 46:1-2,10-11)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps046.phpWhen I look into my heart and take a view of its wickedness, it looks like an abyss infinitely deeper than hell. And it appears to me that, were it not for free grace, exalted and raised up to the infinite height of all the fullness and glory of the great Jehovah, I should appear sunk down in my sins below hell itself, far below the sight of everything but the eye of sovereign grace, that alone can pierce down to such a depth. And it is affecting to think how ignorant I was, when a young Christian, of the bottomless depths of wickedness, pride, hypocrisy, and deceit left in my heart. -- Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758)
It was John Calvin's case for church attendance, found in Institutes of the Christian Religion, (Battle's translation), Book IV, Chapter 1, 1-19 (and context), that finally helped the compiler over the hurdle of erroneously forsaking the assembly of ourselves together ostensibly because of hypocracy, faults, impurities, and minor scandals within the church.
Book Four. The External Means or Aids by Which God Invites us Into the Society of Christ and Holds us Therein Chapter I. The True Church With Which as Mother of all the Godly we Must Keep Unity
(The Holy Catholic Church, our mother, 1-4)
1. The necessity of the church
We need outward helps to beget and increase faith within us, and advance it to its goal.
2. What is the relationship of church and creed?
But because a small and contemptible number are hidden in a huge multitude and a few grains of wheat are covered by a pile of chaff, we must leave to God alone the knowledge of his church, whose foundation is his secret election.
3. The communion of saints
Finally, we feel that these promises apply to us: There will be salvation in Zion [Joel 2:32; Obadiah 17, cf. Vg.]; God will abide in the midst of Jerusalem forever, that it may never be moved. [Psalm 46:5]. So powerful is participation in the church that it keeps us in the society of God. In the very word "communion" there is a wealth of comfort because, while it is determined that whatever the Lord bestows upon his members and ours belongs to us, our hope is strengthened by all the benefits they receive.
4. The visible church as mother of believers
On the other hand, those who turn to the cultivation of true godliness are said to inscribe their names among the citizens of Jerusalem [cf. Isaiah 56:5; Psalm 87:6]. For this reason, it is said in another psalm: Remember me, O Jehovah, with favor toward thy people; visit me with salvation: that I may see the well-doing of thy chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the joy of thy nation, that I may be glad with thine inheritance. [Psalm 106:4-5; cf. Psalm 105:4, Vg., etc.]. By these words God's fatherly favor and the especial witness of spiritual life are limited to his flock, so that it is always disastrous to leave the church.
(Her ministers, speaking for God, not to be despised, 5-6)
5. Education through the church, its value and its obligation
We must observe that God always revealed himself thus to the holy patriarchs in the mirror of his teaching in order to be known spiritually. Accordingly, the Temple is called not only the face of God [cf. Psalm 42:2] but (to remove all cause for superstition) his footstool. [Psalm 132:7; Psalm 99:5; 1 Chronicles 28:2]. Happy indeed is that attainment of unity of faith [cf. Ephesians 4:13] when all -- from the highest to the lowest -- aspire toward the Head!
6. Meaning and limits of the ministry
Moreover, it is clear from other passages how he leaves nothing to ministers by themselves. Neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but it is God alone who gives the growth. [1 Corinthians 3:7]. Likewise: I worked more than all; not I, but the grace of God which was with me. [1 Corinthians 15:10]. Surely we ought to remember those statements in which God, ascribing to himself illumination of mind and renewal of heart, warns that it is sacrilege for man to claim any part of either for himself.
(The visible church: its membership and the marks by which it is recognized, 7-9)
7. Invisible and visible church
In this church are mingled many hypocrites who have nothing of Christ but the name and outward appearance. There are very many ambitious, greedy, envious persons, evil speakers, and some of quite unclean life. Such are tolerated for a time either because they cannot be convicted by a competent tribunal or because a vigorous discipline does not always nourish as it ought.
Just as we must believe, therefore, that the former church, invisible to us, is visible to the eyes of God alone, so we are commanded to revere and keep communion with the latter, which is called "church" in respect to men.
8. The limitation of our judgment
Therefore, according to God's secret predestination (as Augustine says), "many sheep are without, and many wolves are within." For he knows and has marked those who know neither him nor themselves. Of those who openly wear his badge, his eyes alone see the ones who are unfeignedly holy and will persevere to the very end [Matthew 24:13] -- the ultimate point of salvation.
9. The marks of the church and our application of them to judgment
Wherever we see the Word of God purely preached and heard, and the sacraments administered according to Christ's institution, there, it is not to be doubted, a church of God exists [cf. Ephesians 2:20]. For his promise cannot fail: Wherever two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them. [Matthew 18:20].
(A church with these marks, however defective, is not to be forsaken: the sin of schism, 10-16)
10. Marks and authority of the church
For the Lord esteems the communion of his church so highly that he counts as a traitor and apostate from Christianity anyone who arrogantly leaves any Christian society, provided it cherishes the true ministry of Word and sacraments. He so esteems the authority of the church that when it is violated he believes his own diminished.
11. The inviolable validity of the marks
If in Word and sacraments it has the order approved by the Lord, it will not deceive; let us, then, confidently pay to it the honor due to churches. But again, if, devoid of Word and sacraments, it advertises the name of church, we must just as scrupulously beware such deceits, as we must avoid rashness and pride on the other side.
12. Heeding the marks guards against capricious separation
The pure ministry of the Word and pure mode of celebrating the sacraments are, as we say, sufficient pledge and guarantee that we may safely embrace as church any society in which both these marks exist. The principle extends to the point that we must not reject it so long as it retains them, even if it otherwise swarms with many faults.
13. Scandal in the church no occasion for leaving it
In bearing with imperfections of life we ought to be far more considerate. . . . For there have always been those who, imbued with a false conviction of their own perfect sanctity, as if they had already become a sort of airy spirits, spurned association with all men in whom they discern any remnant of human nature. . . .
There are others who sin more out of ill-advised zeal for righteousness than out of that insane pride. When they do not see a quality of life corresponding to the doctrine of the gospel among those to whom it is announced, they immediately judge that no church exists in that place. . . . But on their part those of whom we have spoken sin in that they do not know how to restrain their disfavor. For where the Lord requires kindness, they neglect it and give themselves over completely to immoderate severity. Indeed, because they think no church exists where there are not perfect purity and integrity of life, they depart out of hatred of wickedness from the lawful church, while they fancy themselves turning aside from the faction of the wicked.
14. Paul and the needs of his congregations
Yet the church abides among them [the Corinthians and Galatians] because the ministry of Word and sacraments remains unrepudiated there.
15. Fellowship with wicked persons
Indeed, I do not deny that it is the godly man's duty to abstain from all familiarity with the wicked, and not to enmesh himself with them in any voluntary relationship. But it is one thing to flee the boon companionship of the wicked; another, in hating them, to renounce the communion of the church.
For when Paul urges us to a holy and pure partaking of it [Communion], he does not require that one examine another, or every one the whole church, but that each individual prove himself [1 Corinthians 11:28]. If it were unlawful to partake of communion with an unworthy person, surely Paul would bid us investigate whether there is anyone in the multitude whose uncleanliness pollutes us.
16. The false claim of perfection comes from distorted opinion
Puffed up with pride, mad with obstinacy, deceitful in their slanders, troublesome in their seditions, these evil persons feign a rigid severity so they cannot be shown to lack the light of truth. Holy Scripture bids us correct our brothers' vices with more moderate care, while preserving sincerity of love and unity of peace.
Finally, let them realize that, in estimating the true church, divine judgment is of more weight than human.
(The imperfect holiness of the church does not justify schism, but affords occasion for the exercise within it of the forgiveness of sins, 17-22)
17. The holiness of the church
And although there are oftentimes few evidences of this sort of sanctification among men, still we must hold that from the creation of the world there was no time when the Lord did not have his church; and even until the consummation of the age, there will be no time when he will not have it. For even though the whole human race has from the very beginning been corrupted and vitiated by Adam's sin, from this polluted mass, as it were, He ever sanctifies certain vessels unto honor [cf. Romans 9:23 ff.] that there may be no age that does not experience his mercy.
18. The example of the prophets
But if the holy prophets had scruples against separating themselves from the church because of many great misdeeds, not of one man or another but of almost all the people, we claim too much for ourselves if we dare withdraw at once from the communion of the church just because the morals of all do not meet our standard or even square with the profession of Christian faith.
19. The example of Christ and of the apostles
Let the following two points, then, stand firm. First, he who voluntarily deserts the outward communion of the church (where the Word of God is preached and the sacraments are administered) is without excuse. Secondly, neither the vices of the few nor the vices of the many in any way prevent us from duly professing our faith there in ceremonies ordained by God. For a godly conscience is not wounded by the unworthiness of another, whether pastor or layman; nor are the sacraments less pure and salutary for a holy and upright man because they are handled by unclean persons. -- John Calvin's case for church attendance, found in Institutes of the Christian Religion, Battle's translation, Book IV, Chapter 1, 1-19 and contextAnd I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:50,51)For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: and that He died for all, that they which live should not, henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. (2 Corinthians 5:14,15)
He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30)
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:31,32)He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:21, 23)If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and [that] your joy might be full. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:10,11)But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 20:26-28)The four "Servant Songs" of Isaiah are Isaiah 42:1-9; Isaiah 49:1-7; Isaiah 50:4-11; and Isaiah 52:13 -- Isaiah 53:12. See the annotations in The Reformation Study Bible.
Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 21:42)
We must always be careful to give God the Glory.
This is a quotation of Psalm 118:26. It was also cried out by the multitude during Jesus triumphal entry to Jerusalem. It is said that Psalm 118:22,23 was a favorite in the early church. Psalm 118:16-29 was a favorite of Richard Cameron, the Covenanter.See the Theological Notes: "The Image of God," at Genesis 1:27 in The Reformation Study Bible.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (Genesis 1:27)The Treasury of David, Psalm 51, C.H. Spurgeon
The sacrifices of God, are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou will not despise. (Psalm 51:17)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps051.phpFor in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. (Acts 17:28)
The Treasury of David, Psalm 25, C.H. Spurgeon
The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach His way.
All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. (Psalm 25:9,10)
The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. (Psalm 25:14)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps025.phpFaithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:24)
I did nothing; the Word did everything. -- Martin Luther (1483-1546)
The Fourfold Treasure, a sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Thursday Evening, April 27th, 1871, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon No. 991.
Sermon topic: 1 Corinthians 1:30,31, Christ is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.
This is to be wise, to have Christ's teaching, Christ's example, and above all, Christ's presence; so may the poorest find the Lord Jesus made of God unto them wisdom.
Pause just a minute. Let none of us ever be so foolish as to suppose that when we have received Jesus and his gospel, we have occasion to blush when we are in the company of the very wisest of the present day. Carry a bold face when you confront the brazen faced philosophy which insults your Lord. The man who does not believe the Bible does not know so much as thou dost. Blush not, though with mimic wisdom the unbeliever tries to laugh or argue thee down. He who knows not Christ, though he propounds wonderful theories as to the creation of mankind and the formation of the world, and though he has a glib tongue, is only an educated fool, a learned idiot, who thinks his own rushlight brighter than God's own sun. "Ah! but he has been to college, and he has a degree, and he is esteemed by men; for he has written books that nobody can comprehend." The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God; and I do not care even if he be a Solon, if he has said that there is no God, he is a fool. Do not blush, then, if you find yourself in his company, do not make yourself the blushing one because the fool is there. Self-conceit were to be avoided and loathed; but this is not self-conceit, but a holy courage in a case which demands of you to be courageous. To know Christ is the best of all philosophy, the highest of all sciences. [emphasis added -- compiler]. Angels desire to look into this; but I do not know that they care a fig for half the sciences so valued among men. If you know Christ you never need be afraid of being ashamed and confounded whatever company you may be in. If you stood in a senate of emperors, or amidst a parliament of philosophers, and only told them of the God that came in human flesh, and loved, and lived, and died to redeem mankind, you would have told them a greater mystery and a profounder secret than reason could discover. Be not ashamed, then, amid the intellectual pride of this boastful age. -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Fourfold TreasureThat God in the covenant of grace has promised to furnish and enable His children for a holy life (Ezek. 36:27 [Ezekiel 36:27]), I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes. This is a way that God has by Himself. The mother can take her child by the hand to lead it, but cannot put strength into his feeble joints to make him go. The ruler can give his captains a commission to fight, but not courage to fight. There is a power goes with the promises; thus it is they are called exceeding great and precious promises, because given for this very end, that by them we might be made partakers of the divine nature, (2 Peter 1:4); and therefore we are not only pressed to holiness from the command, but especially from the promise (2 Corinthians 7:1), Having therefore these promises (he means to help and encourage us), let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Oh it is good working for Him that promises to work all our work for us (Phil. 2:12,10 [Philippians 2:12,10]). -- William Gurnall (1617-1679)
Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:1)
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23,24)
Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:9,10)I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him. (Ecclesiastes 3:14)
Whatever we do within the will of God lasts throughout eternity.He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
God has "set eternity in the heart of man."Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58)
You only have one life, it will soon be past. Only what is done for Christ will last. -- C.T. Studd
Make your life count for eternity.
Give up your small ambitions and follow Christ! -- Peter HammondThe Treasury of David, Psalm 9, C.H. Spurgeon
Put them in fear, O Lord, that the nations may know themselves to be but men.
One would think that men would not grow so vain as to deny themselves to be but men, but it appears to be a lesson which only a divine schoolmaster can teach to some proud spirits. Crowns leave their wearers but men, degrees of eminent learning make their owners not more than men, valour and conquest cannot elevate beyond the dead level of but men; and all the wealth of Croesus, the wisdom of Solon, the power of Alexander, the eloquence of Demosthenes, if added together, would leave the possessor but a man. May we ever remember this, lest like those in the text, we should be put in fear. -- C.H. Spurgeon commenting on Psalm 9:20
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps009.phpThe Treasury of David, Psalm 119, C.H. Spurgeon
O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. (Psalm 119:5-7)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps119.phpGreater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:13)
In your patience posses ye your souls. (Luke 21:19) -- The Lord Jesus Christ John Gill commenting on Luke 21:19
Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:8)
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 2:10,11)And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 2:26)
And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [is] with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 22:12)
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. (Jude 24,25)
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Of sin, because they believe not on me;
Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you.
All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 16:8-15)Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (James 1:13-15)
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (James 1:22)
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2 Peter 1:20-21)
As for you, ye devised against me evil -- God devised it for good, in order to do as at this day, to keep alive a numerous people. (Genesis 50:20, YLTHB)
See the Theological Notes: "The Mission of the Church in the World," at John 20:21 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Angels," at Zechariah 1:9 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "The Teaching of Jesus," at Matthew 7:28 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "The Apostles," at Acts 1:26 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Gifts and Ministries," at Ephesians 4:7 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "The Return of Jesus Christ," at 1 Thessalonians 4:16 in The Reformation Study Bible.
Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.
Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. (Isaiah 56:1,2)All Christians employ themselves in David's Psalms more frequently than in any other part of the Old or New Testament. The grace of the Holy Ghost hath so ordered it that they should be sung every night and day . . . Many who know not a letter can say David's Psalms by heart. . . . where men converse with God, David is the first, the midst, and the last. -- Chrysostom
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23)
The mind from vanity, the understanding from error, the will from perverseness, the conscience clear of guilt, the affections from being inordinate and set on evil objects, the thoughts from being employed on bad subjects; and the whole from falling into the hands of the enemy, or being the possession of Satan: great diligence had need be used in keeping it, since it is naturally so deceitful and treacherous; a strict eye is to be kept upon it; all the avenues to it to be watched, that nothing hurtful enters, or evil comes out; it is to be kept by all manner of means that can be thought of, by prayer, hearing, reading, meditation; and, above all, by applying to Christ for his grace and Spirit to sanctify, preserve, and keep it. Or, above all keeping, keep thine heart; though other things are to be kept, and care taken of them, as kingdoms and cities, and towns and families, and treasures and riches; yet the heart above all: for out of it [are] the issues of life; of natural life: it is the seat of it, from whence all actions of life are derived; it is, as philosophers say, the first that lives, and the last that dies; and it is the seat of spiritual life the principle of it is formed in it; from whence all spiritual and vital actions flow, and which lead unto and issue in eternal life: as is a man's heart, such is his state now, and will be hereafter; if the heart is quickened and sanctified by the grace of God, the man will live a life of faith and holiness here, and enjoy everlasting life hereafter: and if the heart is right, so will the actions of men be; they are regulated and denominated by it; they will then spring from right principles, and be directed to right ends, and performed with right views; great care therefore should be taken of the heart, since so much depends upon it, and it is so well known to God the searcher of it. -- John Gill (1697-1771), commenting on Proverbs 4:23Every truth of God is appointed to be his instrument, to do some holy work upon your heart: let the love of holiness be it that maketh you search after truth, and then you may expect that God should be your teacher. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)
It is the great duty of all Christians to put off anger. It unfits for duty . . . a man cannot wrestle with God and wrangle with his neighbour at the same time. Short sins often cost us long and sad sorrows. -- Philip Henry
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience. . . (1 Peter 3:15,16a)
Oh how highly we are to be concerned that our conscience be tender, and yet how little care is taken of it! What has become of the authority of conscience, when your thoughts and your passions, when your eyes and your ears and your appetite and your tongue are left unbridled and unconquered? When every servant is set up to be master, to bear rule in you, where is your conscience? When your soul is no better kept, what poverty and leanness is growing on it, what a starveling it is both in grace and peace, eaten out with lust, evaporated into vanity, sunk into sensuality, your spirit even transubstantiated into perishing flesh, ready to die away, because you have not had a tender conscience. If you have not better kept your covenant with God, when you have not performed the duties you have vowed, when your hours of prayer are so short, your sabbaths such wintry, cold days, where has your conscience been? When your God is so shamefully neglected, never hears from you even when you have nothing else to do; yea, when your corn, your cattle, your pleasures, your friends (even those you vowed to renounce), are invited into your heart to steal it away from Heaven, then where is your conscience? When you lie asleep and allow God's enemies to sow tares in your field; when you are being a busy-body in other men's affairs, while your own vineyard is not being kept; when both your heart and your house are so much out of order, where is your conscience? When you leave your wife and your children and your servants to do all that is right in their own eyes; when you take care more for your possessions than for your sons and daughters, ready to die for lack of instruction, where is your conscience? And if you have no conscience, then where is your covenant? And if you have no covenant, then where is your God and your peace? -- C.H. Spurgeon, commenting on I Peter 3:15, 16a [1 Peter 3:15,16a], quoted in Morning and Evening II: A Second Year of Daily Devotions by C.H. Spurgeon, May 28, p. 149 found in Devotional Classics of C.H. SpurgeonHe who is the father of a host of spiritual children is unquestionably happy. He can answer all opponents by pointing to souls who have been saved by his means. Converts are emphatically the heritage of the Lord, and the reward of the preacher's soul travail. By these, under the power of the Holy Ghost, the city of the church is both built up and watched, and the Lord has the glory of it. -- C.H. Spurgeon commenting on verse 5 of Psalm 127 in [Psalm 127:5], The Treasury of David
Get books into your houses, when you have not the spring near you, then get some water into your cisterns; so when you have not that wholesome preaching that you desire, good books are cisterns that hold the water of life in them to refresh you; so, when you find a chillness upon your souls, and that your former heat begins to abate, ply yourselves with warm clothes, get those good books that may acquaint you with such truths as may warm and affect your hearts. -- Thomas Watson (1620-1686)
Discipleship Promises
Disciples are those that are not only called but chosen to follow Christ (Matthew 20:16), and, as they are obedient, they are promised such things as:So let us claim the promises of God's Word as we follow and serve Christ and seek to do greater things (John 14:12-14). -- Joe Sturz
- love and honor of God the Father (John 12:26; Romans 5:5-8; Ephesians 5:1-2),
- spiritual light of knowledge of His will with understanding and wisdom (John 8:12,31-32; Colossians 1:9-10),
- guidance of the still small voice within (1 Kings 19:12; John 10:27),
- power for service (Acts 1:8; 1 John 4:4),
- Divine protection and deliverance (Psalm 91).
Overall, the current research [2009] revealed that only 9 percent of all American adults have a biblical worldview. Among the sixty subgroups of respondents that the survey explored was one defined by those who said they have made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is important in their life today, and that they are certain that they will go to Heaven after they die only because they confessed their sins and accepted Christ as their savior. Labeled 'born again Christians,' the study discovered that they were twice as likely as the average adult to possess a biblical worldview. However, that meant that even among born again Christians, less than one out of every five (19 percent), had such an outlook on life.
The same questions were asked of respondents in national surveys by Barna in 1995, 2000 and 2005. The results indicate that the percentage of adults with a biblical worldview, as defined above, has remained unchanged for more than a decade. The numbers show that 7 percent had such a worldview in 1995, compared to 10 percent in 2000, 11 percent in 2005, and 9 percent now [2009]. Even among born again adults, the statistics have remained flat: 18 percent in 1995, 22 percent in 2000, 21 percent in 2005, and 19 percent today. -- "Barna Survey Examines Changes in Worldview Among Christians Over the Past 13 Years," March 6, 2009.
That means, hypothetically, applying this statistic for purposes of general illustration, that if a born again individual with a Biblical worldview sits down in the middle of an Evangelical congregation, then the four persons seated around him, left, right, front, back, statistically do not have a Biblical worldview, which raises doubts that they really have a changed life, and are really true to Christ.
The truth hurts! But these facts need to be known, especially by the new believer, who can be so buffeted about initially by the Adversary, and who can be so susceptible to discouragement.
See also:"Barna Lists the 12 Most Significant Religious Findings"
"A Biblical Worldview has a Radical Effect on a Person's Life," December 1, 2003
"What People Experience in Church," and
Jonathan Edwards, Religious Affection. Also, close to one out of every five (18 percent), can be considered to be "born again" -- not based on self-description, but upon saying they have "made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is still important in their life today" and that when they die they believe they will have eternal life with God only because they have confessed their sins and accepted Jesus Christ as their savior. -- "Millions of Unchurched Adults are Christians Hurt by Churches but can be Healed of the Pain," Barna Group, 2010.
What if few be saved? Thy salvation will not make the number too great, for few will follow you in the duty of believing. What if the wrath of God be revealed from heaven against you in many terrible judgements, and the Word and your own conscience condemn you, and Christ seem to reckon you no better than a dog, as He did the woman of Canaan? (Matt. 15:26 [Matthew 15:26]). You are to make a good interpretation of all these things, that the end of them is to drive you to Christ, as this was the end of the curses of the law and all the terrible dispensations of them. (Rom. 10:4 [Romans 10:4]). If a prophet or an angel from heaven were sent of God on purpose to declare that the sentence of everlasting damnation is declared against you, it would be your duty to believe that God sent him to give you timely warning for this very end, that you might believe and turn to God by faith and repentance. Jeremiah prophesied against the Jews that God would 'pluck them up, pull them down, and destroy them for their sins'; yet he himself taught them, 'if they turned from their evil ways, God would repent him of the evil.' (Jer. 18:7,8,11 [Jeremiah 18:7,8,11]). Jonah preached nothing but certain destruction to Nineveh, to be executed upon them within forty days (Jonah 3:4); yet the intent of that terrible message was that those heathenish people might escape destruction by repentance. -- Walter Marshall in The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification
One of the great twentieth century tragedies in the church is that so many, not lay members only, but ministers in particular, are satisfied to know so little. -- Gordon Clark
The name Tolle Lege comes from St. Augustine's autobiographical work CONFESSIONS. Translated from the Latin and pronounced tol-lay lah-jhay, it means, take up and read. Augustine used this phrase when relating his own conversion experience as he described how God used a sentence in the New Testament (Romans 13:13,14), to suddenly convert him:
But when a profound reflection had, from the secret depths of my soul, drawn together and heaped up all my misery before the sight of my heart, there arose a mighty storm, accompanied by as mighty a shower of tears . . . . I flung myself down, how, I know not, under a certain fig-tree, giving free course to my tears, and the streams of mine eyes gushed out, an acceptable sacrifice unto Thee. And, not indeed in these words, yet to this effect, spake I much unto Thee, -- But Thou, O Lord, how long? -- How long, Lord? Wilt Thou be angry for ever? Oh, remember not against us former iniquities; for I felt that I was enthralled by them. I sent up these sorrowful cries, -- How long, how long? Tomorrow, and tomorrow? Why not now? Why is there not this hour an end to my uncleanness?
I was saying these things and weeping in the most bitter contrition of my heart, when, lo, I heard the voice as of a boy or girl, I know not which, coming from a neighbouring house, chanting, and oft repeating, Take up and read; take up and read. Immediately my countenance was changed, and I began most earnestly to consider whether it was usual for children in any kind of game to sing such words; nor could I remember ever to have heard the like. So, restraining the torrent of my tears, I rose up, interpreting it no other way than as a command to me from Heaven to open the book, and to read the first chapter I should light upon . . . I grasped, opened, and in silence read that paragraph on which my eyes first fell, -- Not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying; but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. No further would I read, nor did I need; for instantly, as the sentence ended, -- by a light, as it were, of security infused into my heart, -- all the gloom of doubt vanished away. -- The Confessions of St. Augustine (Book 8, Chapter 12), as quoted at the Tolle Lege Press websiteThe Lord Lowers Those Whom he Means to Raise
Thy Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. (1 Samuel 2:7)
"All my changes come from Him who never changes. If I had grown rich, I should have seen His hand in it, and I should have praised Him; let me equally see His hand if I am made poor, and let me as heartily praise Him. When we go down in the world, it is of the Lord, and so we may take it patiently: when we rise in the world, it is of the Lord, and we may accept it thankfully. In any case, the Lord hath done it, and it is well.
"It seems that Jehovah's way is to lower those whom He means to raise and to strip those whom He intends to clothe. If it is His way, it is the wisest and best way. If I am now enduring the bringing low, I may well rejoice, because I see in it the preface to the lifting up. The more we are humbled by grace, the more we shall be exalted in glory. That impoverishment which will be overruled for our enrichment is to be welcomed.
"O Lord, Thou has taken me down of late and made me feel my insignificance and sin. It is not a pleasant experience, but I pray Thee make it a profitable one to me. Oh, that Thou wouldst thus fit me to bear a greater weight of delight and of usefulness; and when I am ready for it, then grant it to me, for Christ's sake! Amen." -- Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892), from Faith's Checkbook posted in the blog of Eric T. Young, February 16, 2012Often the Lord first isolates those whom he is planning to use for a specific purpose. Witness the prophets, the Christian scholars, the missionaries, and all the ordinary people who diligently labor in personal ministries for the Lord. The fruits of their work may never be known -- until eternity.
Our Triune God has ordained that the preeminent leader of the Church is the Lord Jesus Christ, the God Man, Our Righteousness. (John 1:1-18; Matthew 19:30; Matthew 28:18-20; Isaiah 49:7; Colossians 1:16-19; Colossians 2:9,10; Hebrews 12:1,2; Revelation 5:1-14; Revelation 19:11-15; Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 22:12, and so forth, and so on). Human leadership is also divinely ordained and tends to devolve to those who are most perfectly at one with Christ, and to those who also know the most Truth (the Apostle Paul, Saint Augustine, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Puritan leaders, The Scots Worthies, and so forth, and so on).
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:28). See: (Matthew 19:28, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Then his master said unto him, It is well done good servant and faithful, Thou hast been faithful in little, I will make thee ruler over much: enter into thy master's joy. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:21) (Matthew 25:21 1599 Geneva Bible)
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:34). See: (Matthew 25:34, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And he said unto him, Well, good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little thing, take thou authority over ten cities. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 19:17) (Luke 19:17, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Therefore I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 22:29) (Luke 22:29, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:17). See: (Romans 8:17, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? (1 Corinthians 6:3). See: (1 Corinthians 6:3, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6). See: (Ephesians 2:6, 1599 Geneva Bible)
To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and corrections among the people:
To bind their kings in chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron,
That they may execute upon them the judgment that is written: this honor shall be to all his Saints. Praise ye the Lord. (Psalm 149:7-9) (Psalm 149:7-9, 1599 Geneva Bible)
But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. (1 Timothy 2:12), (1 Timothy 2:12, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 2:26). See: (Revelation 2:26, 1599 Geneva Bible)
To serve God is to reign. -- Seneca (4 BC -- 65 AD)Grant, Almighty God, that as thou hast been once pleased to fortify thy servant Jeremiah with the invincible power of thy Spirit, -- O grant that his doctrine may at this day make us humble, and that we may learn willingly to submit to thee, and so to receive and even cordially to accept what thou offerest to us by thy servant -- to sustain us by thine hand, and that we, relying on thy power and protection, may fight against the world and against Satan, while each of us, in his vocation, so recumbs on thy power, as not to hesitate, whenever necessary, to expose our very life to dangers: and may we manfully fight and persevere in our warfare to the end, until having finished our course we shall at length come to that blessed rest which is reserved for us in heaven, through Christ our Lord. Amen. -- Calvin's prayer after commenting on Jeremiah 1:17
It would be easy to lose heart and become cynical. But No! There is One who sees all things, knows all things, and will ultimately triumph over all things. There is only one message that addresses the truth as the truth. The Lord of glory, Jesus Christ, came to this earth and was also the victim of hate. Lies sent him to the cross. Power overruled reality, as politics and religious demagogues once again made the lie seem noble. But the Lord who sees the beginning from the end amazingly conquered not in spite of the dark mystery of evil, rather, He conquered through it. James Stewart of Scotland, pointing to the cross, said it in the most powerful terms I have read. Commenting on the verse from Psalm 68:18, He led captivity captive, he said:
It is a glorious phrase -- He led captivity captive. The very triumphs of his foes, it means, he used for their defeat. He compelled their dark achievements to subserve his ends not theirs. They nailed him to a tree, not knowing that by that very act they were bringing the world to his feet. They gave him a cross, not guessing that he would make it a throne. They flung him outside the city gates to die, not knowing that in that very moment they were lifting up the gates of the universe, to let the king come in. They thought to root out his doctrines, not understanding that they were implanting imperishably in the hearts of men the very name they intended to destroy. They thought they had God with his back to the wall, pinned helpless and defeated: they did not know that it was God himself who had tracked them down. "He did not conquer in spite of the dark mystery of evil. He conquered through it." -- James Stewart (1635-1713)The lie has a shelf life. The truth abides forever. God can even conquer through our perversion.
One more thing. I would be remiss if I left the guilt and darkness out there. That is the seduction of a fake righteousness. We all have to look at our own hearts and see the evil that is within each one of us. Only then can we find the answer from which all other answers flow. Some time ago, I was in Rumania. A sculptor had some of his works on display. One was a horrific, fierce-looking, long nail. When you picked it up, as rusty and jagged as the nail was, the head was polished and shiny. And when you looked at that polished head, you saw a reflection of yourself. It is sobering. Very sobering. . . . More than ever we need the Savior. Lord have mercy! -- Ravi Zacharias in a message, Is Paris Burning? November 18, 2015Let us not cease to do the utmost, that we may incessantly go forward in the way of the Lord; and let us not despair of the smallness of our accomplishments. -- John Calvin
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), A Call to Discernment: Distinguishing Truth from Error in Today's Church, ISBN: 0890815887 9780890815885, 139 pages.
"The contemporary church lacks discernment. Christians attempt to sort out life from a conglomerate of 'misinformation, disinformation, distortion, and truth.' The Bible calls you to develop discernment, as opposed to the mentality which views discernment as synonymous with self-righteous heresy-hunting. Presents a plan for readers to grow in discernment. 'Discernment thrives in an atmosphere of absolutes, among people whose minds have been molded to think antithetically.' How can you develop biblical discernment? Here's both the what-to and the how-to." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Four Weeks With God and Your Neighbor, ISBN: 0801001404 9780801001406.
"Exactly what the title says. Frequently the words 'devotion' and 'devotional' connote 'a superficial, mystical reading of the Bible (without understanding), mixed with prayer. Nothing could be further from my mind. . . . The bible is not a mystical book; it does not intend to mystify but to give knowledge and wisdom for life.' 28 days to apply oneself to biblical change." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
"A devotional workbook for counselees and others. Designed for use with counselees as part of homework assignments. Aids in pinpointing sinful patterns and provides a means to leading a more consistent Christian life." -- Publisher
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Managing the Time God Gives us; Schizophrenia; Role-Play Cases and Critiques (part 1), (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette JA106 [audio file].
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), A Thirst for Wholeness: How to Gain Wisdom From the Book of James, 143 pages, ISBN: 0964355698 9780964355699.
"A study of the inner dynamics of human life from the book of James. Meant to be used personally or in a study group or class. Works thematically, covering anger, desires, doubt, prayer, peacemaking, sickness, among other things. The section on the 'inner/outer aspects of sin' (Chapter 3), rebuts a host of misconceptions of nouthetic counseling as externalistic: 'The struggle for mastery over one's desires must be achieved. . . . Christian, resist sin at the start, as Jesus did. Abort inner sin before it is born. Augustine encourages us with these words: 'Pray that God may make you conqueror of yourself. . . not the enemy without, but of your own soul within. . . . Let no enemy from without be feared: conquer yourself, and the whole world is conquered'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
See: Schneider, Julie, and Jay E. Adams, LEADER'S GUIDE FOR GROUP STUDY OF A-THIRST-FOR-WHOLENESS.
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Winning the war Within: A Biblical Strategy for Spiritual Warfare, ISBN: 188903200X 9781889032009. Alternate title: THE WAR WITHIN: A BIBLICAL STRATEGY FOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE.
"The Christian life is war. The holy war between God and Satan gets played out within ourselves in the conflict between the Holy Spirit and the flesh. 'It is to the enemy within that Satan, the world, and the demons must make their appeal.' Describes Satan's tactics and power, and then the strategies for victory: the Spirit's sword, prayer, faith, the help of believers. 'The prime purpose of this book is to encourage faltering Christians'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
Adams, Lane, How Come its Taking me so Long? Steps to Spiritual Maturity, ISBN: 0842314911 9780842314916.
*Aldrich, Joseph C., Love for All Your Worth: A Quest for Personal Value and Lovability, ISBN: 0880701196 9780880701198.
"Encourages his readers to embark on a quest to develop a true, God-given lovability that will bring out the best in each one of us. Each chapter is based on a careful exposition of Scripture. This is a challenging book that is deserving of careful reading." -- Cyril J. Barber
Alexander, Archibald (1772-1851), The Stuff of Life: Forty-two Brief Talks on Daily Duty and Religion.
Ashe (Ash), Simeon (d. 1662), Self-surrender Unto God: Opened and Applyed, in a Sermon Preached Before the Honourable House of Commons, at Margarets, Westminster, at Their Late Solemn Fast, February 23. 1647. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Baker, Don, Acceptance: Loosing the Webs of Personal Insecurity, ISBN: 0880700793 9780880700795.
"Follow Baker as he relates the open-soul remembrance of his own transformation from a native-dwelling doubter of God's acceptance to a maturing, love-conscious believer. -- GCB
*Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Call to the Unconverted: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 2, ISBN: 1877611158 9781877611155. A Christian classic.
"This is the second of four volumes constituting the complete works of this giant of the faith. This huge volume, over 1000 pages, gathers together such penetrating topics as THE UNPARDONABLE SIN, THE SPIRIT'S WITNESS TO THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY, THE ARROGANCY OF REASON AGAINST DIVINE REVELATION, A CALL TO THE UNCONVERTED, NOW OR NEVER, A SAINT OR A BRUTE, GOD'S GOODNESS VINDICATED, THE CHARACTER OF A SOUND, CONFIRMED CHRISTIAN, and others." -- GCB
This volume also contains A CALL TO THE UNCONVERTED, THE REASONABLENESS OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION, THE UNREASONABLENESS OF INFIDELITY, A TREATISE OF CONVERSION, AND CHARACTER OF A SOUND CONFIRMED CHRISTIANS.
Translations: A Call to the Unconverted (singly), Dutch; French; Danish; Polish.
Richard Baxter, from Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Baxter
*Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Christian Directory: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 1. Full title: A Christian Directory: or A Sum of Practical Theology, and Cases of Conscience. Directing Christians how to use Their Knowledge and Faith; How to Improve all Helps and Means, and to Perform all Duties; How to Overcome Temptations, and to Escape or Mortify Every Sin. In Four Parts.
I. Christian Ethics (or Private Duties)
II. Christian Economics (or Family Duties)
III. Christian Ecclesiastics (or Church Duties)
IV. Christian Politics (or Duties to Our Rulers and Neighbours) (Morgan, PA: Soli Deo Gloria Publications, 1997, 1990, 1838, 1707, 1678, 1673), ISBN: 1877611131 9781877611131. Foreword by J.I. Packer (Soli Deo Gloria edition only). The Soli Deo Gloria publication is a facsimile reprint of the 19th century reprint by George Virtue, London, 1846. The original 1673 edition and the 1678 edition, both printed by Robert White for Nevill Simmons. Bibliographic and scriptural footnotes. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available (less the J.I. Packer's Foreword, but searchable with an OCR-based index), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
This work is available in many editions, and in many formats.
Reformation Heritage Books has new copies of the Soli Deo Gloria edition (including the J.I. Packer Introduction), as of March 2008, even though it is generally thought to be out of print. They acquired Soli Deo Gloria from Ligonier Ministries in late 2007.
The best digital format of the reprint by George Virtue is included on the Puritan Hard Drive. It has an OCR scan in the background, meaning one can search the entire volume and copy text into another document. It also has a computer generated indexed from the OCR scan which is, of course, in Baxter's vocabulary.
A PDF image scan only of the same edition is available on the Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
The reprint by George Virtue is available online and may be downloaded in PDF format at Christian Classics Ethereal Library.
The reprint by George Virtue appears in full preview in Google Books but may not be downloaded. So it is useful if the reader wants to become acquainted with the book. Text can be searched, but can not be copied into another document. This particular Google Books scan includes the contents in detail on pages iii-xix which is not included in the Christian Classics Ethereal Library PDF files. About five other editions from libraries are available in Google Books, and may be downloaded (August 2008).
Notice that the e-text in Google Books has the advantage of being searchable. Searching an image-based PDF file (without an OCR scan in the background), is not possible, unless the user owns software such as Abode Acrobat Pro or Kirtas BookScan Editor. They both have an OCR (optical character recognition), feature that will search an image-based PDFs (bit-map scans). Searches appear to be perfect in this work, although one must know Baxter's vocabulary. Text can be cut and pasted from image-based PDF format to OCR (character) format. This particular Google Books scan can not be cut and pasted or downloaded.
One of the older, multi-volume editions of THE WORKS OF RICHARD BAXTER is available at Monergism.com in the "Puritan Library," "Richard Baxter." A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, volume 23. It can be downloaded.
http://www.puritanlibrary.com/
Another older edition is available on microfilm (Ann Arbor, MI: University Microfilms, 1970), 1 microfilm reel, 35 mm (Early English books, 1641-1700; 343:11).
"The complete practical works of Richard Baxter are in print in four volumes entitled BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS. This volume (about 1 1/4 million words, 1028 pages), is volume one of the set. The editor's preface (1707), p. xiii, stated that the works of Richard Baxter are 'perhaps the best body of practical divinity that is extent in our own or any other tongue.' Richard Baxter lived from 1615-1691. The DIRECTORY was completed in 1665. Its scope was intended to cover all of practical theology, a summa of casuistry . . ." -- Don Kistler
"Baxter's series, which grew in range and scope as it proceeded . . . is a peak point in Puritan devotional writing, and remains a precious resource for all, in this or any age, who want to know what is involved in Biblical godliness. . . . A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY may justly be described as a landmark. It is the fullest, most thorough, and in this writer's judgment, most profound treatment of Christian spirituality and standards that has ever been attempted by an English-speaking Evangelical author. The fact that it embraces both spirituality and standards (the principles of communion with God plus the specifics of obedience to God), merits approving comment in itself; nowadays spirituality and ethics have become two distinct disciplines in the schools, and books written on either say virtually nothing about the other . . ." -- J.I. Packer
Timothy Keller calls it the greatest manual on Biblical counseling ever produced.
"There are many Puritan classics on this subject. Thomas Brooks' PRECIOUS REMEDIES FOR SATAN'S DEVICES, Thomas Goodwin's A CHILD OF LIGHT WALKING IN DARKNESS, William Bridge's A LIFTING UP FOR THE DOWNCAST, and many other similar works give evidence that the Puritans were. . . . masters at applying Biblical answers and principles to problems that can only be solved by spiritual means. No Puritan work, however, has ever approached the popularity, the scope, or the depth of Baxter's classic treatise. With the widespread interest in counseling in today's church, this reprint of Baxter's work should be a welcome addition to every pastor's library, or to anyone else who wishes to give solid Biblical answers to man's questions." -- Don Kistler
"We have long waited for a purely Biblical treatment of the spiritual ills and cures of men which is untainted by the views of psychology. Since Baxter lived about 200 years before psychology arrived, his deep work is completely void of its encroachment -- thankfully!" -- John MacArthur
"The kings men sought to arrest Richard Baxter, but he traveled ceaselessly from place to place, writing his sermons and his books even on horseback (he had an inkwell in his saddle), and preached over a wide area." -- Brian H. Edwards
"Baxter was a wonder of his age. His writings total 72 large volumes, much of it written on horseback as he traveled in his widespread preaching efforts. He seldom, if ever, edited anything he wrote. Knowing this any reader will be amazed at how well he communicated his deep love for his Savior. For 26 years he was public enemy No. 1 to the king, yet he lived to see the flight of the king in 1688." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
POOR MAN'S FAMILY BOOK (1674) and THE CATECHIZING OF FAMILIES (1683), are less detailed works and are found in THE REFORMED PASTOR: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 4. They are more suitable for family instruction than are the detailed presentation in A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY.
"Ptacek in FAMILY WORSHIP: BIBLICAL BASIS, HISTORICAL REALITY, CURRENT NEED (pp. 51-52), supplies the following information in regard to Baxter and this book. He notes that after the Episcopalians ejected numerous 'nonconformists,' in what is know as the 'great ejection,' in 1662, 'Baxter pastored from house to house, visiting families of his parish in their homes. These visits contributed to Baxter's A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, a large and still very relevant manual of pastoral care.' Focusing on just one area of great importance, Ptacek demonstrates how this book's relevance is not limited by time or culture, though sometimes the use of specific words are. 'Published in 1673, but written 1664-65, a large book-length part of Baxter's CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY is devoted to the family. It is entitled 'Christian Economics' based on the archaic usage of the word, which reflects the proper sense of the Greek root oikonomos as the manager of a household, in the Christian case, the spiritual leader of the family. The family head is essential to Baxter's view of family worship and instruction. Baxter asserts that it is God's will that this instruction be carried out by the rulers of the families.' For a male head of the household to fail to do so, or to have another instruct in the family, is contrary to his position of authority.' This is the kind of book that can be passed on from generation to generation and still find much use in the service of the kingdom of God.
"Though relatively weak on corporate sanctification, corporate faithfulness and some important areas of doctrine (such as justification), Baxter's work on subjects related to personal piety can be of good practical use to the Christian -- if one is careful to separate out his aberrant doctrinal views and any practical errors they may lead to." -- Publisher
The following three excerpts are included as bonus free books on Reformation Bookshelf CD #28.
1. "The Duties of Parents for Their Children" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. X., pp. 449-454.
2. "The Special Duties of Children Towards Their Parents" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. XI., pp. 454-457.
3. "The Special Duties of Children and Youth Towards God" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. XII., pp. 457-458).
A summary of currently (2012) available publications.
http://www.lettermen2.com/pwrbcd.html
Richard Baxter, from Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Baxter
Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), The Crucifying of the World by the Cross of Christ, ISBN: 1877611360. Available in THE PRACTICAL WORKS OF RICHARD BAXTER: THE REFORMED PASTOR.
Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), The Divine Life in Three Treatises, ISBN: 1877611360. Available in THE PRACTICAL WORKS OF RICHARD BAXTER: THE REFORMED PASTOR.
Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), The Life of Faith; As it is the Evidence of Things Unseen. A Sermon Preach'd (contractedly) Before the King at White-Hall, Upon July the 22d, 1660. By Richard Baxter, . . . With enlargement, and relaxation of the stile for common use, 1706, ISBN: 1877611360.
*Baxter, Richard, The Reformed Pastor: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 4, ISBN: 1877611360. A Christian classic.
"This is the fourth and final volume in this great set. Includes, 'Compassionate Counsel to all Young men,' 'The Reformed Pastor,' 'Poor Man's Family Book,' 'The Catechizing of Families,' and 'The Mother's Catechism,' in all 25 sermons, treatises, and catechisms. Dr. J.I. Packer says, 'For me, the great joy of this year is that it see the completion of Soli Deo Gloria's reprint of Baxter's incomparable PRACTICAL WORKS'." -- GCB
Richard Baxter, from Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Baxter
Compassionate Counsel to all Young men (1681), by Richard Baxter
http://www.lettermen2.com/ccaym.html
*Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), The Saint's Everlasting Rest: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 3, ISBN: 187761128X 9781877611285. A Christian classic.
"Third in the four-volume set. Includes The Saint's Everlasting Rest; Treatise of Self-Denial; The Life of Faith; Obedient Patience, and many more. Over 1000 pages." -- GCB
"This is the greatest treatment on Heaven ever to appear!" -- Wilbur M. Smith.
Baxter, Richard, and Benjamin Fawcett (editor), The Saints' Everlasting Rest (singly).
"Discusses the nature, excellencies, design, rejection, necessity, of the Saints' rest. Calls us to live the heavenly life now." -- GCB
http://www.ccel.org/b/baxter/everlasting_rest/saints_rest.html
*Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Treatise of Self-Denial, ISBN: 1877611360. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21. Included in THE SAINT'S EVERLASTING REST: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 3.
"This item is the work of Baxter that has been translated into the most number of different languages." -- compiler
"It is also a great antidote to the prominent spirit (of antichrist), preached by psychologist and psychiatrists which focuses on self (self-esteem, self-actualization, etc.), and/or hedonism, in an idolatrous manner, rather than self-sacrifice and service in obedience to God. Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, . . . This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2 Peter 3:3; 2 Timothy 3:1-5)" -- Publisher
The Saint's Everlasting Rest, Richard Baxter
http://www.ccel.org/b/baxter/everlasting_rest/saints_rest.html
*Bennett, Arthur (editor), The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions, ISBN: 0851518214 9780851518213.
"The prayers are taken from the works of Thomas Shepard, Thomas Watson, Richard Baxter, John Bunyan, Isaac Watts, William Williams, Philip Doddridge, William Romaine, David Brainerd, Augustus Toplady, Christmas Evans, William Jay, Henry Law, and Charles Haddon Spurgeon" -- Arthur Bennett
"Contains a wealth of insight into the practical application of Puritan theology to the Christian life. Challenging." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Binning, Hugh (1627-1653), The Sinner's Sanctuary, or A Discovery Made, of Those Glorious Privileges Offered Unto the Penitent and Faithful Under the Gospel: Unfolding Their Freedom From Death, Condemnation, and the Law, in Forty Sermons Upon Romans 8, 1670. Available in THE WORKS OF THE REVEREND HUGH BINNING. Available (THE WORKS OF HUGH BINNING), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE WORKS OF HUGH BINNING), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #8.
Boice, James Montgomery, Renewing Your Mind in a Mindless Age: Learning to Think and ACT Biblically, ISBN: 0825420717 9780825420719.
*Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? A Chistian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language.
"First published in 1874, THE EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS, may be the best book on the doctrine of justification by faith alone ever written.
"Since the seventeenth century, the church's adherence to the central doctrine of the Christian faith has been weakening; in the twentieth century it has all but disappeared. But to those who remain faithful -- to those who are called of God -- justification by faith alone is the best news there could ever be: that Christ died for our sins, and we shall live forever because of Christ's righteousness.
"Justification by faith alone -- the 'principal hinge of religion,' according to John Calvin, the 'doctrine by which the church stands or falls,' according to Martin Luther -- is salvation. Without it, all hope is lost; with it, Heaven gained. Bonar's discussion is without equal in the English language." -- John W. Robbins
The Everlasting Righteousness; or, How Shall man be Just With God?
http://books.google.com/books?id=nQMDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
*Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), Free-will. A Christian classic.
*Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), God's way of Peace: A Book for the Anxious, ISBN: 0585036004 9780585036007. Available (MP3 only), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Horatius Bonar was a pastor in Scotland for over fifty years. He was one of the brightest lights in the 19th century, with not only many books to his credit, but also the editing of the excellent IMPERIAL BIBLE DICTIONARY, and a delightful and useful monthly magazine. . . . This book is another evidence that Bonar is able to write the deepest truths in the clearest and most understandable way. . . . Simplicity is his style, but declaring the whole counsel of God is his aim. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
God's way of Peace: A Book for the Anxious, Horatius Bonar
http://www.ccel.org/b/bonar/way_of_peace/way_of_peace.htm
*Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), Jonathan Edwards, C.H. Spurgeon, Jay P. Green (editor), God's Will, Man's Will, and "Free Will." A Christian classic.
Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), The Saints God's Servants and His Property. Available in THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON, volumes 1-12, (9:439-81). Available (THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #6.
Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), Serving the Lord in Holiness. Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BOSTON), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BOSTON), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #6.
Bowles, Oliver (c. 1577-1646?), Zeale for God's House Quickened, or, A Sermon Preached Before the Assembly of Lords, Commons and Divines at Their Solemn Fast Iuly 7, 1643, John ii. 17 [John 2:17]: Gal. 4:18 [Galatians 4:18]. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Bridges, Jerry, The Pursuit of Holiness; The Pursuit of Holiness Bible Study; The Practice of Godliness. Alternate title: PRACTICE OF GODLINESS., PURSUIT OF HOLINESS BIBLE STUDY, ISBN: 1576833275 9781576833278. Notes: Reprint of three books which were originally published separately.
"The best modern book on the subject of holiness. It also happens to be our bestseller on the subject. Looking for a book for your next Bible study? Go no further. This author is similar in his theology to such men as Ryle, Bonar, Charnock, Pink, Brown, et al." -- GCB
"Bridges says that godliness is not a spiritual luxury enjoyed only by saints of the past and superstars of today. It is rather the privilege and duty of every Christian. Godliness is devotion to God which results in a life that is pleasing to Him." -- GCB
Contents: The pursuit of holiness -- The pursuit of holiness Bible study -- The practice of godliness.
Brown, John, Christ in Believers the Hope of Glory: Being the Substance of Several Sermons, 1694. ISBN: 1171289022 9781171289029.
*Brown, John (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858), An Exposition of our Lord's Intercessory Prayer. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"The concluding prayer of our Lord's in the garden here receives sensitive treatment. Brown was a pastor as well as an exegete. His handling of the text is excellent. His exposition serves as a model. . . ." -- Cyril J. Barber
Includes an Appendix 1, "Connection Between the Visible Union of Christians, and the Conversion of the World," by Hugh Heugh, D.D.
An Exposition of our Lord's Intercessory Prayer: With a Discourse on the Relation of our Lord's Intercession to the Conversion of the World (1866)
http://archive.org/details/expositionofourl00brow
Nave's Topical Bible -- Christ, Prayers of
http://bible.crosswalk.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T2807
*Brown, John (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858), Keeping Christ's Commandments: A True Manifestation of Love to Him. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #7.
Brown, John (of Wamphray, 1610-1679), Christ in Believers, the Hope of Glory; Being the Substance of Several Sermons. By Mr. John Brown. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Bunyan, John (1628-1688), The Acceptable Sacrifice: The Excellency of a Broken Heart. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN), on Puritan Hard Drive.
Based on Psalm 51:17.
Pilgrim's Page: A John Bunyan Archive
This is the complete set of THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN, George Offor edition, reprinted by The Banner of Truth. It is free online, and is downloadable in the following formats: HTML, RTF, TEXT, and PDF.
http://www.chapellibrary.org/literature/bunyan/
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN is also available at Project Gutenberg.
The Excellency of a Broken Heart, Psalm 51:17, John Bunyan (1628-1688)
http://www.wwd.net/user/ront/155.htm
Bunyan, John (1628-1688), Barren Fig Tree, ISBN: 0198127332 9780198127338. Alternate title: THE BARREN FIG TREE, OR, THE DOOM AND DOWNFALL OF THE FRUITLESS PROFESSOR: SHEWING THAT THE DAY OF GRACE MAY BE PAST WITH HIM LONG BEFORE HIS LIFE IS ENDED: THE SIGNS ALSO BY WHICH SUCH MISERABLE MORTALS MAY BE KNOWN. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Pilgrim's Page: A John Bunyan Archive
This is the complete set of THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN, George Offor edition, reprinted by The Banner of Truth. It is free online, and is downloadable in the following formats: HTML, RTF, TEXT, and PDF.
http://www.chapellibrary.org/literature/bunyan/
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN is also available at Project Gutenberg.
*Bunyan, John (1628-1688), The Desire of the Righteous Granted. A Christian classic. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"This 75-page treatise is based on Proverbs 10:24." -- GCB
Pilgrim's Page: A John Bunyan Archive
This is the complete set of THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN, George Offor edition, reprinted by The Banner of Truth. It is free online, and is downloadable in the following formats: HTML, RTF, TEXT, and PDF.
http://www.chapellibrary.org/literature/bunyan/
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN is also available at Project Gutenberg.
Bunyan, John (1628-1688), Fear of God. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Pilgrim's Page: A John Bunyan Archive
This is the complete set of THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN, George Offor edition, reprinted by The Banner of Truth. It is free online, and is downloadable in the following formats: HTML, RTF, TEXT, and PDF.
http://www.chapellibrary.org/literature/bunyan/
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN is also available at Project Gutenberg.
*Bunyan, John (1628-1688), and Robert Philip (1791-1858), The Greatness of the Soul: and The Unspeakableness of the Loss Thereof; No way to Heaven but by Jesus Christ; The Strait Gate. Alternate title: THE GREATNESS OF THE SOUL, AND UNSPEAKABLENESS OF THE LOSS THEREOF: WITH THE CAUSES OF THE LOSING IT: FIRST PREACHED AT PINNERS HALL, AND NOW ENLARGED, AND PUBLISHED FOR GOOD. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"In the 1660s, Charles II, King of England, asked John Owen (1616-1683), why he went to hear the preaching of an uneducated tinker. [John Bunyan -- compiler]. Looking the King in the eye, Owen answered, 'May it please your Majesty, could I possess the tinker's ability for preaching, I would willingly relinquish all my learning'." -- Andrew Thomson, John Owen, Prince of Puritans
Owen would not have been surprised to learn that Bunyan's most influential work, PILGRIM'S PROGRESS, would be translated into more languages over the next 400 years than any book except the Bible.
The Greatness of the Soul: and The Unspeakableness of the Loss Thereof; No way to Heaven but by Jesus Christ; The Strait Gate
http://archive.org/details/greatnessofsoulu00bunyuoft
Pilgrim's Page: A John Bunyan Archive
This is the complete set of THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN, George Offor edition, reprinted by The Banner of Truth. It is free online, and is downloadable in the following formats: HTML, RTF, TEXT, and PDF.
http://www.chapellibrary.org/literature/bunyan/
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN is also available at Project Gutenberg.
*Bunyan, John (1628-1688), The Pilgrim's Progress, complete and unabridged. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
Said to be "the greatest book, other than Scripture, which an Englishman has given to mankind." -- GCB
The Banner of Truth Trust publication is recommended. It is facsimile reprinted from the unabridged edition of 1895 published by John C. Nimmo, Ltd. containing the original marginal notes and Scripture references and illustrated with etchings by William Strang.
"Bunyan had better insight into the human heart than modern psychology; namely, because he did not study man apart from his Creator and apart from his deep inward problem." -- Ernest Reisinger (1924-2018)
Pilgrim's Page: A John Bunyan Archive
This is the complete set of THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN, George Offor edition, reprinted by The Banner of Truth. It is free online, and is downloadable in the following formats: HTML, RTF, TEXT, and PDF.
http://www.chapellibrary.org/literature/bunyan/
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN is also available at Project Gutenberg.
Pilgrim's Progress John Bunyan [audio file]
http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?SpeakerOnly=true&currSection=sermonsspeaker&keyword=John%5EBunyan
*Bunyan, John (1628-1688), Craig John Lovik, Tim Lundeen, and Oasis Audio (firm), The Pilgrim's Progress: From This World to That Which is to Come [audio file], ISBN: 9781441622846 1441622845. A Christian classic.
"The entire book, virtually unabridged -- rewritten for the modern ear by Jim Pappas and brought to life by 77 actors with original music and sound effects -- is now available on audio cassette [audio file]." -- GCB
Pilgrim's Progress John Bunyan [audio file]
http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?SpeakerOnly=true&currSection=sermonsspeaker&keyword=John%5EBunyan
Bunyan, John (1628-1688), The Strait Gate. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Pilgrim's Page: A John Bunyan Archive
This is the complete set of THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN, George Offor edition, reprinted by The Banner of Truth. It is free online, and is downloadable in the following formats: HTML, RTF, TEXT, and PDF.
http://www.chapellibrary.org/literature/bunyan/
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN is also available at Project Gutenberg.
*Burroughs, Jeremiah (1599-1646), Gospel Fear, ISBN: 187761131X 9781877611315.
"In these sermons on Isaiah 66:2 Burroughs addresses the importance of having a reverence for God's Word." -- GCB
This printing has been re-typeset and re-edited from the 1st Soli Deo Gloria reprint in 1991.
*Burroughs, Jeremiah (1599-1646), The Saint's Happiness: Together With the Several Steps Leading Thereunto Delivered in Divers Lectures on the Beatitudes; Being Part of Christ's Sermon on the Mount, Contained in the Fifth of Matthew, ISBN: 187761100X. Alternate title: BURROUGHS ON THE BEATITUDES.
Forty-one sermons on The Beatitudes.
"Well-known Puritan author of THE RARE JEWEL OF CHRISTIAN CONTENTMENT excels in deeply spiritual insights. Most authors writing today can't hold a candle to him!" -- CBD
Burroughs, Jeremiah (1599-1646), A Treatise of Earthly-Mindedness and A Heavenly Conversation (Walking With God), ISBN: 1877611387.
"A comprehensive treatment of the nature and enticements of worldliness. It reflects the keen insight of Puritan Christianity." -- GCB
*Calvin, John (1509-1564), and John Owen (1788-1867, Vicar of Thrussington, Leicestershire, translator), Commentary on the Epistle of Paul to the Hebrews, ISBN: 0801024404 9780801024405.
"No doubt the Epistle next in importance to that to the Romans is this to the Hebrews." -- the translator of Calvin's Commentary on Hebrews
Themes of Hebrews: The sufficiency of christ, Christ's high priesthood, Christ the end of the law, Our greater accountability under christ, and Exhortation and encouragement.
Hebrews chapters 10 through 13 contain encouragement for the Christian life: exhortation to persevere, to faith and patience, to encounter trials and afflictions, to peace and holiness, and various directions and cautions.
Commentary on Hebrews, by John Calvin (1509-1564)
http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_vol44/htm/TOC.htm
Carson, Donald C., From Triumphalism to Maturity, ISBN: 0801024897 9780801024894.
*Chafer, Lewis S., He That is Spiritual, ISBN: 0310223415 9780310223412.
"A definitive exposition of true Christian living based on a clear exposition of selected Biblical passages." -- Cyril J. Barber
Clark, Samuel (1684-1750), A Collection of the Promises of Scripture; or, The Christian Inheritance. Alternate titles: CLARKE'S SCRIPTURE PROMISES; COLLECTION OF THE PROMISES OF SCRIPTURE; CHRISTIAN INHERITANCE; SCRIPTURE PROMISES; OR, THE CHRISTIAN'S INHERITANCE.
Clark, Samuel (1684-1750), A Collection of the Promises of Scripture Under Their Proper Heads. In two Parts. . . . With an Appendix, . . . And an Introduction, . . . by Samuel Clark, e-text.
"Notes: With the text in the Authorised version. Reproduction of original from the British Library."
Clarkson, David (1622-1686), What Must Christians do, That the Influence of the Ordinances may Abide Upon Them? a sermon found in London Ministers, James Nichols, editor, PURITAN SERMONS 1659-1689: BEING THE MORNING EXERCISES AT CRIPPLEGATE, ST. GILES IN THE FIELDS, AND IN SOUTHWARK BY SEVENTY-FIVE MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL IN OR NEAR LONDON WITH NOTES AND TRANSLATIONS BY JAMES NICHOLS (IN SIX VOLUMES). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee. -- 1 Chronicles xxix. 18 [1 Chronicles 29:18]."
Clowney, E., Unfolding Mystery: Discovering Christ in the Old Testament, ISBN: 0891092595 9780891092599.
Ellul, Jacques (1912-1994), The Humiliation of the Word, ISBN: 0802800696 9780802800695.
"Argues that visual reality has overcome verbal truth, examines the biblical distinction between truth and reality, and considers the impact of the visual on artists and intellectuals." -- Publisher
Engstrom Ted W., with Norman B. Rohrer, The Fine Art of Mentoring: Passing on to Others What God has Given to You, ISBN: 0943497639 9780943497631.
"In this book the authors guide you through a careful understanding of the principles of 'mentoring' -- leading another person to Christian maturity, then helping him to understand the importance of leading someone else. An important book for today!" -- GCB
Erskine, Ebenezer (1680-1754), The Believer Exalted in Imputed Righteousness. A Sermon preached at a sacramental occasion. By the late Rev. Mr. Ebenezer Erskine, Glasgow, [1782?].
Erskine, Ebenezer (1680-1754), Christ in the Believer's Arms; Being a Sermon Preached by Mr. Ebenezer Erskine, at Strathmiglo, May 10th, 1724.
*Flavel, John (1628-1691), Keeping the Heart, ISBN: 1573580775. A Christian classic. Alternate title: A SAINT INDEED OR THE GREAT WORK OF A CHRISTIAN OPENED AND PRESSED. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"One of the most endearing Puritan works.
This "is an extensive treatment of Proverbs 4:23, Keep thy heart, for out of it flow the issues of life. This book has been completely retypeset and updated for easier reading; and there is also a helpful introduction and added study guide which makes this book suitable for study by individuals and groups. -- Publisher
Flavel, John, A Treatise on Keeping the Heart. Selected From the Works of the Rev. John Flavel. The style adapted to the present state of improvement (1813)
http://archive.org/details/treatiseonkeepin00flav
On Keeping the Heart, John Flavel
http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/ipb-e/epl-10/web/flavel-keeping.html
*Fletcher, John, Christ Manifested; or, The Manifestations of the Son of God. ISBN: 0947852670 9780947852672.
"I shall never forget my first reading of these letters and the benediction to my soul that they proved to be. They are undoubtedly a spiritual classic." -- D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Ganz, Richard L. (Basileians Lectures. Wilmington, DE: The Basileians).
Individual Reconstruction, six audio cassette tapes [audio file].
Tape 1 and 2: Individual Reconstruction: The Biblical Basics
Tape 3 and 4: Individual Reconstruction: The Smashing of Sin
Tape 5: Individual Reconstruction vs. Self Esteem
Tape 6: Questions and Answers Session
*Goodwin, Thomas (1600-1680), A Child of Light Walking in Darkness, or, A Treatise Shewing the Causes, by Which, the Cases, Wherein, the Ends, for Which god Leaves his Children to Distress of Conscience. Together with directions how to walk, so as to be relieved from such a condition. Available in THE WORKS OF THOMAS GOODWIN.
*Goodwin, Thomas (1600-1680), The Vanity of Thoughts: Let Patience Have its Perfect Work. Alternate title: LET PATIENCE HAVE ITS PERFECT WORK [WAY]. A Christian classic. Available in THE WORKS OF THOMAS GOODWIN. Available in CHRISTIAN LIFE CLASSICS, Jay P. Green, Sr. (editor, 1918-2008), (The Fifty Greatest Christian Classics, Vol. III. (Lafayette, IN [The Sovereign Grace Trust Fund, 1274 Meadowbrooke Drive, P.O. Box 4998, Lafayette 47905]: The Sovereign Grace Trust Fund, 1989).
Goodwin, Thomas, The Works of Thomas Goodwin
http://archive.org/details/worksofthomasgoo01good
Gouldzwaard, B., Idols of our Time, ISBN: 0877849706 9780877849704.
Green, Jay P., Sr. (1918-2008, editor), Christian Life Classics (The Fifty Greatest Christian Classics, Vol. III,
Notes: "Slightly abridged and modernized versions of the seven titles listed on the contents page, and entitled CHRISTIAN LIFE CLASSICS."
"Includes HOLINESS by J.C. Ryle, RARE JEWEL OF CHRISTIAN CONTENTMENT by Jeremy Burroughs, HOW TO PREPARE FOR COMMUNION by Matthew Henry, GOSPEL MYSTERY OF SANCTIFICATION by Walter Marshall, PRECIOUS REMEDIES AGAINST SATAN'S DEVICES by Thomas Brooks, KEPT FOR THE MASTER'S USE by Frances Havergal, ART OF MEDITATION by Joseph Hall. Surely here are some of the very greatest titles ever written on living the Christian life." -- GCB
Hambrick-Stowe, Charles E., The Practice of Piety: Puritan Devotional Disciplines in Seventeenth-Century New England, ISBN: 0807815187 9780807815182.
"A valuable historical resume in which the author attempts to probe the Godward relationship of our founding fathers in an endeavor to recapture something of their lost piety." -- Cyril J. Barber
Haselden, Kyle, Morality and the Mass Media, ISBN: 0805461116.
"An important, revealing study of the effect of radio, TV, newspapers, and novels on the moral climate." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Henry, Matthew (1662-1714), How to Prepare for Communion, ISBN: 1878442260. Available (THE COMMUNICANT'S COMPANION), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #17. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Henry, Matthew (1662-1714), A Method for Prayer With Scripture Expressions and Directions for Daily Communion With God, ISBN: 188441608X 9781884416088. A Christian classic.
"This is a reprint of two of Henry's works. In the first he deals with the different aspects of prayer (adoration, confession, petition and requests, thanksgiving for mercy, intercession), and has a brief exposition of the Lord's Prayer. The second is comprised of three expositions on how to start, spend, and end the day with God." -- GCB
*Henry, Matthew (1662-1714), The Secret of Communion With God, ISBN: 0825428378. A Christian classic.
"The famous commentator proves again in this book how sweet and sound he is in the thoughts and ways of the Lord God Almighty. . . . It is doubtful than any true Christian can read this book without making many changes in his devotional life. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Daily Communion With God; Christianity no Sect; The Sabbath; The Promises of God; The Worth of the Soul; A Church in the House
http://books.google.com/books?id=XGo3AAAAMAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
Houston, Thomas (1803-1882), The Adoption of Sons, its Nature, Spirit, Privileges, and Effects; Practical and Experimental Treatise.
*Howe, John (1630-1705), Of Charity in Reference to Other Men's Sins, 1 Corinthians 13:5, 1681. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"According to James Darling's CYCLOPAEDIA BIBLIOGRAPHICA, John Howe was one of the faithful English Puritan ministers who was ejected from his church in 1662. Darling adds that 'The late Robert Hall said that he had learned more from John Howe than from any other author he had ever read, and that there is an astonishing magnificence in his conceptions.' (p. 1560).
"This book is about Christians' attitudes towards the sins of other people. For example, Howe notes that some people are happy to see others sin because it makes them feel superior to those people. But it is itself sinful for a Christian to feel this way. 'What is it now to rejoice in another man's sin? Think what it is, and how impossible it is to be where the love of God hath any place. What to be glad that such a one is turning a man into a devil! A reasonable immortal soul, capable of Heaven, into a fiend of Hell! To be glad that such a soul is tearing itself off from God, is blasting its own eternal hopes, and destroying all its possibilities of a future well-being! Blessed God! How repugnant is this to Charity?' (p. 18)
" 'One would think them indeed but half men, and scarce any Christians, that can allow themselves so inhumane, and unhallowed a pleasure, as rejoicing in another's sin!
" 'Tis very unworthy of a man to take pleasure in seeing his fellowman turning beast. There is little in it of the ingenuity that belongs to humane nature, to delight in the harms of others; much less of the prudence, to make sport of a common mischief.' (p. 54)
"Rather than rejoicing over the sins of others, Christians should mourn over the sin and pray for the repentance of the offender.
"In some cases, however, charity and duty will require separation from the offender. 'We are to decline their society: i.e. when their heinous guilt appears, and while their repentance appears not. Scripture is so plain, and copious to this purpose, that it would suppose them very ignorant of the Bible, for whom it should be needful to quote texts. We must avoid them for our own sake, that we be not infected, nor be partakers in their sin, and guilt. For theirs (and so charity requires it), that they may be ashamed, which may be the means of their reduction and salvation: And (which is most considerable), for the honour of the Christian religion, that it may be vindicated, and rescued from reproach, as much as in us lies.' (pp. 41-42)
"In this respect Christians have an infallible example. 'The great God is our example, who refuses the fellowship of apostate persons, yea and churches: Departs, and withdraws his affronted Glory. It is pure, and declines all taint'." (p. 42) -- Publisher
The Whole Works of the Rev. John Howe, M.A., With a Memoir of the Author (1822), vol. 1 of 8.
http://archive.org/details/wholeworksofrevj01howeuoft
Hughes, Philip Edgcumbe, and David Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981), Revive us Again.
*Hunt, Susan, Spiritual Mothering: The Titus 2 Model for Women Mentoring Women, ISBN: 0891077197 9780891077190.
"This is a fine treatment of a subject very close to my heart. May older women heed the call to mother the younger, and may the younger women be teachable." -- Elisabeth Elliot
"This is a jewel of a book. By sensitively examining Paul's instructions in Titus 2, Susan Hunt calls women to powerfully affect our nation and world with the love of God -- one person at a time." -- Beverly LaHaye
"Hunt has lots of experience in the area this book covers. She is very active in the PCA's W.I.C. program. The book comes with glowing recommendations by Elisabeth Elliot, Bev LaHaye, Charles Dunahoo, Connie Marshner, and Debra Evans. She believes that the church needs to restore the ministry of older women to younger women." -- GCB
Hunt, Susan, The True Woman: The Beauty and Strength of a Godly Woman, ISBN: 0891079270 9780891079279.
"This book challenges women to review their lives. It begins with a definition of what the Bible defines as a True Woman. Each chapter is prefaced with a real account from a Godly woman and her struggles with real life situations. It is peppered with illustrations of women who have walked with God. There are wonderful Scriptural references to help determine the Biblical purpose of women. It is a challenge to all Christian women to find out how to be a True Woman of God in today's world." -- Reader's Comment
*Institute in Basic Life Principles, The Love of God Expressed in the Commands of Christ Pocket Guide (Oak Brook, IL: IBLP [Box One, 60522-3001]).
If ye love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:14)
Notice there are 15 other resources related to this pocket guide.
"Jesus gave many commands; however, this group of commands [49 -- compiler] was chosen to represent the basic 'curriculum' that Christ gave His disciples -- commands that we are to keep and teach others in order to be His disciples."
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. (John 14:21)
Keller, Timothy J., Sinclair B. Ferguson, C. John Miller, Glenn Blossom, Benjamin Smith, Pastor of Deliverance Church, Ronald E. Lutz, Joseph F. Ryan, Rev., John F. Bettler, Albert N. Martin, and Edmund P. Clowney, Studies in Personal Holiness, 5 sound cassettes [audio file], (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Kennedy, D. James (1930-2007), The Secret of Commitment, a sermon (Fort Lauderdale, FL: Coral Ridge Ministries).
"The life of David Livingston has had a greater affect on D. James Kennedy than any other person besides Christ."
*Kerr, James (1847-1905, editor), and et al., The Covenants and the Covenanters: Covenants, Sermons, and Documents of the Covenanted Reformation, 1895, ISBN: 9781406876109 1406876100. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"The Reformed Presbytery (in 1879), has well noted the following incongruity that is still with us today, 'We heard from various quarters the cry, 'maintain the truth, stand up for the principles of the Second Reformation:' and yet many of those who are the most loud in uttering this cry, appear desirous to bury in oblivion those imperishable national and ecclesiastical deeds, by which the church and kingdom of Scotland became 'married to the Lord.' (A Short Vindication of Our Covenanted Reformation, p. 20). This book should go a long way to remedying the above noted ignorance and hypocrisy among those who now call upon the name of the Lord especially those who claim a Reformation heritage and are still open to further growth as it spells out in no uncertain terms what lay at the heart of the Second Reformation. Moreover, these covenants (landmarks of the Lord), stand as beacons to all nations of their continuing moral duty to bind themselves to Christ (First Commandment), or suffer His avenging wrath. (Ps. 2 [Psalm 2]). And make no mistake about it, the Lord will utterly destroy all those who quarrel with His covenant bonds, whether individuals, churches or nations the mystery of iniquity will fall! The prefatory note to this magnificent volume well describes its value: The Covenants, Sermons, and Papers in this volume carry the readers back to some of the brightest periods in Scottish history. They mark important events in that great struggle by which these three kingdoms (England, Scotland and Ireland -- RB), were emancipated from the despotisms of Pope, Prince, and Prelate, and an inheritance of liberty secured for these Islands of the Sea. The whole achievements of the heroes of the battlefields are comprehended under that phrase of Reformers and Martyrs, 'The Covenanted Work of Reformation.' The attainments of those stirring times were bound together by the Covenants, as by rings of gold. The Sermons here were the product of the ripe thought of the main actors in the various scenes -- men of piety, learning, and renown. Hence, the nature, objects, and benefits of personal and national Covenanting are exhibited in a manner fitted to attract to that ordinance the minds and hearts of men. The readers can well believe the statements of Livingstone, who was present at several ceremonies of covenant-renovation: 'I never saw such motions from the Spirit of God. I have seen more than a thousand persons all at once lifting up their hands, and the tears falling down from their eyes.' In the presence of the defences of the Covenants as deeds, by these preachers, the baseless aspersions of novelists and theologians fade out into oblivion. True Christians must, as they ponder these productions, be convinced that the Covenanters were men of intense faith and seraphic fervour, and their own hearts will burn as they catch the heavenly flame. Members of the Church of Christ will be stirred to nobler efforts for the Kingdom of their Lord as they meditate on the heroism of those who were the 'chariots of Israel and the horsemen thereof;' and they will behold with wonder that 'to the woman were given two wings of And Statesman will discover how princes, parliaments, and peoples united in the hearty surrender of themselves to the Prince of the kings and kingdoms of the earth; and will be aroused to promote that policy of Christian Statesmanship which, illustrating the purpose and will of God, the Father, shall liberate Parliaments and nations from the bonds of false religions, and assert for them those liberties and honours which spring from the enthronement of the Son of man, and King of kings and Lord of lords. This volume of documents of olden times is sent out on a mission of Revival of Religion, personal and national, in the present times. It would do a noble work if it helped to humble classes and masses, and led them to return as one man to that God in covenant from Whom all have gone so far away. A national movement, in penitence and faith, for the repeal of the Acts Recissory and the recognition of the National Covenants would be as life from the dead throughout the British Empire. The people and rulers of these dominions shall yet behold the brilliancy of the Redeemer's crowns; and shall, by universal consent, exalt Him who rules in imperial majesty over the entire universe of God. For, 'The seventh angel sounded, and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the Kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ.' Here we have some of the most moving sermons ever addressed to a people and their nations, given before the most solemn of occasions national covenant renewal! Alexander Henderson, Andrew Cant, Joseph Caryl, Edmond Calamy and a host of other Puritan Covenanters (even the turncoat Independent Philip Nye), are included here in easy to read modern (1895) type. Anyone interested in seeing the royal prerogatives of King Jesus once again trumpeted throughout the nations, on a national and international scale, needs this book for these men 'were setting up landmarks by which the city of God will be known at the dawn of the millennial day'." (Thomas Sproull cited in the Reformed Presbytery's Short Vindication, p. 38) -- Publisher
"Contents: The national covenants: Introduction [Part One]. | The national covenant, or confession of faith | Exhortation to the Lords of Council | Sermon at St. Andrews / Alexander Henderson | Exhortation at Inverness / Andrew Cant | Sermon at Glasgow / Andrew Cant | Sermon at Edinburgh / Andrew Cant [Part Two]. | The solemn league and covenant | Act of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland | Exhortation at Westminster / Philip Nye | Address at Westminster / Alexander Henderson | Sermon at Westminster / Thomas Coleman | Sermon at Westminster / Joseph Caryl | Sermon at London [the first, of Sat., 30th Sept., 1643] / Thomas Case | Sermon at London [the second, of Sun., 1st Oct., 1643] / Thomas Case | An ordinance of the Lords and Commons | Exhortation by the Westminster Assembly | Sermon at London / Edmund Calamy [Part Three]. | The national covenants. Coronation sermon at Scone / Robert Douglas | Charles II, taking the covenants | The acts rescissory | The Torwood excommunication | Act against conventicles | The Sanquhar Declaration | Protestation against the Union | Secession from the revolution church."
The Covenants and the Covenanters: Covenants, Sermons, and Documents of the Covenanted Reformation. Introduction on the National Covenants by James Kerr, 1895
http://archive.org/details/covenantscovenan00kerr
The Covenants and the Covenanters
Project Gutenberg free e-text online.
http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/19100
Kinneer, Jack, How to Grow in Christ, ISBN: 087552284X 9780875522845.
"Workbook on basic discipleship. A dozen Bible studies cover entering into salvation, prayer, the Holy Spirit's presence, the Bible, overcoming sin, loving others, suffering, dealing with negative emotions, marriage, stewardship of resources, and personal evangelism." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
*Knox, David B., Not by Bread Alone, ISBN: 0851515657 9780851515656.
"The theme of this book is the absolute necessity of the Word of God to maintain spiritual health, happiness, and balance. To demonstrate this Knox shows that the Scriptures have words of guidance for us in such diverse matters of the present as money, abortion, punishment, race, women's liberation, sex, censorship, homosexuality, and much more. As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. (Proverbs 23:7). From this text Knox shows us that there is a continuous battle for the mind between the absolutes of the Bible, and the lack of standards of public opinion. The bent of depraved human society is ever downward. The only cure for this is knowledge of the Bible, and God's providential care that such knowledge is effective in salting down the nation, the province, or the community where it is upheld." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Lloyd-Jones, David Martyn (1899-1981), The All-sufficient God: Sermons on Isaiah 40, ISBN: 0851519083 9780851519081.
Lloyd-Jones, David Martyn (1899-1981), The Basis of Christian Unity: An Exposition of John 17 and Ephesians 4.
Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Do you Radiate Him? (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette MLJ02 [audio file].
Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Enjoying the Presence of God, ISBN: 0892837578 9780892837571.
"Do you want your faith to be a personal relationship instead of a dry duty? Lloyd-Jones uses the Psalms as a guide to help you surrender to God's enduring love and enter into an intimate, life-changing relationship with him. Christianity is not a set of cold absolutes but a passionate encounter with the living Christ. Wouldn't you like to overcome your barriers to intimacy and live each day certain of God's love? . . ." -- GCB
*Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), From Fear to Faith, ISBN: 0851116906 9780851116907.
"Expounds most helpfully the message of the prophet Habakkuk for our time." -- William J. Grier
Lloyd-Jones, David Martyn (1899-1981), Great Doctrines of the Bible, 3 volumes, ISBN: 158134497X 9781581344974.
Contents: Volume 1: God the Father, God the Son; Volume 2: God the Holy Spirit; and Volume 3: The church and the last things.
*Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Growing in the Spirit: Assurance of our Salvation (John 17:20-26), ISBN: 0891075356 9780891075356.
"The late preacher of righteousness, Lloyd-Jones, was a pastor of Westminster Chapel in London. He has authored many truly good books. This is a study of John 17:17-24, the marvelous prayer of the Lord Jesus for His own. And the theme is that in these verses we can find much assurance of our salvation. The author points out that though we are sanctified, set apart, from eternity, and begin to see its effects upon our New Birth, yet sanctification is a life-long process in which we are given a part to play. For we must respond to the leading of God the Spirit in a very personal way. The practical instructions of The Doctor, as the author was called, are plain and easily understood. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Lloyd-Jones, David Martyn (1899-1981), Heirs of Salvation: Studies in Biblical Assurance, ISBN: 1850491747 9781850491743.
*Lloyd-Jones, David Martyn (1899-1981), Life in the Spirit in Marriage, Home and Work: An Exposition of Ephesians 5:18 -- 6:9 [Ephesians 5:18 -- Ephesians 6:9], ISBN: 080105799X 9780801057991.
Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Living Sacrifices (II Corinthians 3:1-3 [2 Corinthians 3:1-3]) (Westminster Theological Seminary -- Media).
Audio cassette MLJ05 [audio file].
Lloyd-Jones, David Martyn (1899-1981), A Nation Under Wrath: Studies in Isaiah 5, ISBN: 0801057906 9780801057908.
Lloyd-Jones, David Martyn (1899-1981), Not Against Flesh and Blood: The Battle Against Spiritual Wickedness in High Places, ISBN: 1850491798 9781850491798.
Lloyd-Jones, David Martyn (1899-1981), The Path to True Happiness: John 2, ISBN: 080105978X 9780801059780.
*Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), The Plight of man and the Power of God (Romans 1). Alternate title: THE POWER OF GOD AND THE PLIGHT OF MAN.
"A powerful application of the second half of the 1st chapter of Romans, originally delivered as addresses to students at the Free Church College, Edinburgh." -- William J. Grier
Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), The Sovereign Spirit: Discerning His Gifts, ISBN: 0877886970 9780877886976.
"This is the sequel to JOY UNSPEAKABLE and contains scriptural examinations of the gifts of the spirit. 'The Doctor,' heralded as perhaps the greatest expository preacher of the 20th century, never ceases to gain the well-earned attention of GCB members. If you have read JOY UNSPEAKABLE already, you will want this one!" -- GCB
Lloyd-Jones, David Martyn (1899-1981), The Weapons of our Warfare.
Lloyd-Jones, David Martyn (1899-1981), and Christian Medical Fellowship, The Approach to Truth -- Scientific and Religious.
"An address given at a meeting of the Christian Medical Fellowship on 3 April, 1963."
*Love, Christopher (1618-1651), The Combat Between the Flesh and Spirit. As also the wofull with-drawing of the Spirit of God, with the causes thereof: and walking in, and after the Spirit, together with the blessednesse thereof. Being the summe and substance of XXVII. sermons: preached a little before his death, by that faithfull servant of Christ, Mr. Christopher Love, late minister of the Gospel at Lawrence Jury London. To which is added the Christians directory tending to direct him in the various conditions that God may cast him into. In XV. sermons, 1654. Available (THE SELECT WORKS OF THE REV. CHRISTOPHER LOVE), on Puritan Hard Drive. Available (MP3 audio files), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #4.
Love, Christopher (1618-1651), Wrath and Mercy. Alternate title: A CHRISTIAN'S DIRECTORY. Contains: THE ZEALOUS CHRISTIAN TAKING HEAVEN BY HOLY VIOLENCE: TENDING TO DIRECT MEN HOW TO HEAR WITH ZEAL, TO PRAY WITH IMPORTUNITY. TO WHICH IS ADDED, THE CHRISTIAN'S DIRECTORY . . . BEING IN ALL, THE SUMME AND SUBSTANCE OF XXXII SERMONS. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Sixty pages of Puritan exposition on 1 Thessalonians 5:9, For God hath not appointed us unto wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ. Love was a member of the Westminster Assembly and an English Covenanter." -- Publisher
Love, Christopher (1618-1651), and Don Kistler, The Zealous Christian: Taking Heaven by Holy Violence in Wrestling and Holding Communion With God in Importunate Prayer in Several Sermons, tending to direct men how to hear with zeal and to pray with importunity, 1653 ISBN: 1573581283 9781573581288. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Taking Heaven by Storm, Christopher Love (1 of 4), [audio file]
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=21201231916
Mack, Wayne A., and Wayne Erick Johnston, A Christian Growth and Discipleship Manual, ISBN: 1885904576 9781885904577. Alternate title: HOMEOWORK MANUAL FOR BIBLICAL LIVING.
*Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), An Exposition of John 17. Available (THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #4 and #5.
"A deep, rich, and full exposition by a Puritan divine." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Marshall, Walter (1628-1680), The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification: Growing in Holiness by Living in Union With Christ (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, Inc., 2005, 1999), ISBN: 189277724X. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Reformation Heritage Books edition is a reprint of the 1954 edition set by Oliphants and includes an introduction by Joel R. Beeke. Also includes the author's famous sermon on "The Doctrine of Justification Opened and Applied."
See the WorldCat record for various foreign language editions.
Other editions:
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, 270 pages, ISBN: 1597520543 9781597520546.
"This is by far the best book on the doctrine of Sanctification in print. It was originally written in the 17th century, but has been put into modern English with this edition. This book will help you better understand the Gospel and its power not only for our Justification, but our Sanctification as well." -- Reader's Comment
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, ISBN: 1589600630 9781589600638.
"Here you will read the most closely reasoned defense of scriptural sanctification to be found anywhere. . . . Fourteen directions are given to the reader, all perfected with the aim of explaining to sincere souls what sanctification is, what it is not, and how to attain a holy walk before God. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-mystery of Sanctification, Opened, in Sundry Practical Directions: Suited Especially to the Case of Those who Labor Under the Guilt and Power of Indwelling Sin. To Which is Added a Sermon on Justification (1859)
http://archive.org/details/gospelmysteryofs02mars
*Martin, Hugh (1822-1885), The Abiding Presence, ISBN: 0310289211 9780310289210.
"Focuses on the presence of Christ in the world and in the believer. These deeply devotional studies expound a facet of Christology and illustrate the way in which a believer is conformed to the image of Christ." -- Cyril J. Barber
"Prof. John Duncan said this book is fitted to promote 'both the doctrine which is according to godliness and the godliness which is according to doctrine'." -- William J. Grier
*Mead, Matthew (1621-1699), The Almost Christian Discovered, ISBN: 9781425522636 1425522637. A Christian classic.
"This Puritan reprint is a classic study of true and false conversion. Dr. John MacArthur says, 'This is not balm for the emotions; it is food for the soul. Those looking for a tranquilizing devotional study will not be soothed by this book. People who have come to Christ only for what they can get out of Him will find no encouragement here. On the other hand, true believers who want to deepen their walk -- even struggling Christians who are open to reproof and instruction -- will find plenty of substance on these pages." -- Publisher
"The author takes example after example of people who demonstrated great signs of spiritual life but were never truly converted to Christ or as he puts it be 'an almost Christian.' Each example is taken from Scripture. For example, Mead shows us that one can have great and eminent spiritual gifts such as healing, cleansing and casting out demons but not be a Christian. Certainly this describes Judas. Like the other apostles, Judas is sent out in Matthew 10:7-8 to preach the gospel, heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Yet, Judas was not saved. Mead other topics include great hatred for sin and be an almost Christian, or great signs of repentance and be an almost Christian." -- Reader's Comment
Miller, C. John (1928-1996), A Faith Worth Sharing: A Lifetime of Conversations About Christ, ISBN: 0875523919 9780875523910.
"This is not a book about clever techniques, or methodologies; it is a book of snapshots from one life given to impact others. If you too are someone who has been changed by the power of the gospel, then you need to pray for the opportunities to pass it on to others. This book will encourage you to do just that." -- Stephen Smallman
"C. John Miller taught practical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, was Director of World Harvest Mission, and led mission trips to several countries. He was founding pastor of New Life Presbyterian Church, outside Philadelphia, from which grew several other congregations in the Philadelphia area. His other books include POWERFUL EVANGELISM FOR THE POWERLESS, and OUTGROWING THE INGROWN CHURCH." -- Publisher
Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Meditation vs. Meditation in Early New England.
*Miller, C. John "Jack" (1928-1996), and Rose Marie Miller, Sonship Course: World Harvest Mission Leadership Training Program, Nurture Training for Ministry, Equipping Others for Ministry. Alternate title: LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM: NURTURE, TRAINING FOR MINISTRY, EQUIPPING OTHERS FOR MINISTRY (Jenkintown, PA [World Harvest, Box 2175, Jenkintown 19046]: World Harvest, 1988).
This course was developed to prepare World Harvest missionaries to work in the field. The course includes small group participation and Biblical counseling.
"The first half of the SONSHIP track focuses on the doctrines of Justification, Sanctification, and Adoption. The last half lays the foundation for love. We look at how the Gospel affects the way we look at ourselves. Our goal was that increasingly your self-image should be rooted in God's view of you clothed in the perfect righteousness of Christ . . . What we aim at here is to encourage the trainee to learn from Christ how to build a holy life, a life of love to your neighbor. This is done self-consciously relying always on his or her free justification by faith. Sanctification by faith issues from knowing always that my standing as a son is assured by justification by Christ alone through faith alone. Thus the heart of our counseling on character development centers in affirmation of Christ's work for us, and Christ's work in us through the Spirit. But within that framework we attempt seriously to involve each trainee in ongoing repentance, putting off old habits and sins and putting on Christ-like love and faith. . . . Much focus is laid on teamwork. . . . The skill of evangelism . . . is the believer's primary emphasis in the course of training because the staff believes that evangelism is necessary for a healthy Christian life . . . Evangelism rightly understood affects both the faith and the Christian life of the one who shares Christ's message." -- C. John Miller and Rose Marie Miller
Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Rose Marie Miller, Paul Miller, Rick Downs, David M. Desforge, et al., Sonship, a set of 16 sound cassettes [audio file], (audiobook on tape).
World Harvest Mission
http://www.whm.org/home.htm
Murray, Andrew (1828-1917), Absolute Surrender. Alternate title: ABSOLUTE SURRENDER: AND OTHER ADDRESSES, and ABSOLUTE SURRENDER; ADDRESSES DELIVERED IN ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND, ISBN: 1565639405 9781565639409. Available as a series of six MP3 files on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available also in Project Gutenberg.
Murray, John (1898-1975), The Cost of Discipleship (Matthew 16:24). (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette JM210 [audio file].
Murray, John (1898-1975), The Lord's Day: Blessing, Sanctity, Promise (John 6:37), (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette JM203 [audio file].
*Nicholson, William R., Popular Studies in Colossians: Oneness With Christ. Alternate title: ONENESS IN CHRIST.
"Formerly published under the title ONENESS IN CHRIST, this study combines outstanding scholarship with a deeply devotional spirit." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Orr, James Edwin, Full Surrender.
"A full discussion of the doctrine of sanctification." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Owen, John (1616-1683), Communion With God. A Christian classic. Alternate title: OF COMMUNION WITH GOD THE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY GHOST (EACH PERSON DISTINCTLY), IN LOVE, GRACE, AND CONSOLATION: OR, THE SAINTS FELLOWSHIP WITH THE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY GHOST, UNFOLDED. BY JOHN OWEN, D.D., and PREPARING FOR COMMUNION, ISBN: 0851511244 9780851511245. Volume 2 of THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN. Available (MP3 files), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Shows what it means to examine yourself in preparation for the Lord's table. Great spiritual blessings result when this matter is properly dealt with before God." -- Publisher
See also: Communion With God, the Puritan Paperback Series edition, abridged and made easy to read by R.J.K. Law, ISBN: 0851516076 9780851516073.
"Contains: COMMUNION WITH THE FATHER, THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY, and more."
"John Owen (1616-1683), believed that communion with God lies at the heart of the Christian life. With Paul he recognized that through the Son we have access by the Spirit to the Father. He never lost the sense of amazement expressed by John: 'Our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.' In this outstanding book he explains the nature of this communion and describes the many privileges it brings.
"COMMUNION WITH GOD was written in a day, like our own, when the doctrine of the Trinity was under attack and the Christian faith was being reduced either to rationalism on the one hand or mysticism on the other. His exposition shows that nothing is more vital to spiritual well-being than a practical knowledge of what this doctrine means. . .
"One of the greatest Christian classics of all time . . ." -- Publisher
Owen, Of Communion With God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost or, The Saints Fellowship With the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Unfolded (1763)
http://archive.org/details/communionwithgo00owengoog
*Owen, John (1616-1683), Holy Spirit Gifts and Power: Exposition of the Spirit's Name, Nature, Personality, Dispensation, Operations and Effects, volume 3 of Owen's WORKS. Alternate title: DISCOURSE ON THE HOLY SPIRIT: HIS NAME, NATURE, PERSONALITY, DISPENSATION, OPERATIONS, AND EFFECT, ISBN: 0851511252 9780851511252. A Christian classic.
"One of the outstanding books of all time. Presents a learned and spiritual analysis of the names and titles of the Spirit, His nature and personality, and His varied works and influence." -- Cyril J. Barber
Owen, John (1616-1683), Holy Spirit Gifts and Power.
http://archive.org/details/discourseconcern00owenuoft
*Owen, John (1616-1683), The Mortification of Sin in Believers: Containing the Necessity, Nature, and Means of it. With a Resolution of Sundry Cases of Conscience Thereunto Belonging. By John Owen, D.D.. Available (THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN in MP3 files) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN, VOLUME 6: TEMPTATION AND SIN,
The Works of John Owen, Vol. 6 (including THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN, Goold edition, 1862)
https://archive.org/details/theworksofowen06owenuoft
On the Mortification of sin in Believers, John Owen (1 of 6), [audio file].
An audio file reading. Currently (February 2009), there are 63 readings of John Owen by SWRB and Reformed Baptist of Holland (Michigan), (Thomas Sullivan), at SermonAudio.com available for listening online, downloading as MP3 files, and listening on iPhone or Mobile Phones.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=62906111628
*Owen, John (1616-1683), Kelly M. Kapic (editor), Justin Taylor (editor), Overcoming Sin and Temptation, ISBN: 1581346492 9781581346497.
"The writings of John Owen are a challenge to any reader, to say the least. His intricacy and complexity are intimidating and his language is downright befuddling at times. However, the depth of thought and the immense value of Owen's works cannot be quantified. His three classic works on sin and temptation are profoundly helpful to any believer who seeks to become more like Jesus Christ.
"In this volume, the editors have made updates to the language, translated the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew and footnoted difficult or unknown phrases, all without sacrificing any of the wonderful content of Owen's work. It is a uniquely accessible edition of John Owen's previously daunting work." -- Publisher
"The editors of this volume have worked hard to make Owen's unrivalled insight into the Christian's inner war with sin accessible to all, and the result is truly a godsend." -- J.I. Packer, Professor of Theology, Regent College
"John Owen understood how the gospel makes us well. Three cheers for Kapic and Taylor for introducing a new generation to Owen's peerless works." -- Sinclair B. Ferguson, Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, S.C.
The Works of John Owen at Archive.org
https://archive.org/search.php?query=the+works+of+john+owen&page=2
*Owen, John (1616-1683), Sin and Temptation: The Challenge to Personal Godliness. ISBN: 1556618301 9781556618307. A Christian classic.
"The concept of sin and personal responsibility has all but disappeared from our world. John Owen deals with the nature of sinful humanity as no writer since has done as keenly or thoroughly, arguing that sin is always a self-deceiving, blinding folly. Owen was a leading English statesman in the late 17th century and is considered 'the John Calvin of England'." -- Publisher
*Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life, ISBN: 0891078193.
"Packer writes of that golden age of Christian theology, when giants of the faith pursued holiness in life and practice like a hound follows a scent. Those Puritans of the 17th century (a little before and a little after), had as their aim to be fully conformed to the image of God, and to be seen at home and abroad as close imitators of Christ Jesus. . . .
"There are lessons for us in their passion for effective action. They had no time for lazy or passive persons. They were men of action in the pure Reformed mold -- crusading activists without a jot of self-reliance; workers for God who depended utterly on God to work in and through them. . . . There are lessons for us in their program for family stability. It is hardly too much to say that the Puritans created the Christian family in the English-speaking world. The Puritan ethic of marriage was to look not for a partner whom you do love passionately at this moment, but rather one whom you can love steadily as your best friend for life, and then to proceed with God's help to do just that. . . .
"In the introduction Packer gives his personal testimony as to how much he owes to the Puritans for his depth of knowledge, firmness of purpose, his dedication to fulfilling God's purposes in his life, and his love of the truth as revealed in the Scriptures. Because of his appreciation of this background of Puritan influence on his life, he has often written and lectured on the subject of the importance of the Puritans. Many of our freedoms and just laws can be traced to their influence on all our lives. This book contains the following themes: The Puritans in Profile; The Puritans and the Bible; The Puritans and the Gospel; the Puritans and the Holy Spirit; The Puritan Christian Life; The Puritans in Ministry. . . .
"This reviewer would love to persuade every single reader of these words to read this book. You would get a view of Christians which would inspire you, which would perhaps lead you, which would perhaps lead you to repentance, but also to heights of spirituality you would not enjoy without them. What Packer has said about their influence on his life can be repeated almost word for word in a resume of this reviewer's life. If you want to grow in grace, and in usefulness to God's cause, read the writing of the Puritans.
"We will repeat what we said in reviewing John Owen's THE DEATH OF DEATH IN THE DEATH OF CHRIST, that Packer's well balanced definition of Calvinism in the introduction to that volume is by far the best we have seen in 42 years of intensive reading. And that superb piece appears in this volume in full, which alone is worth the price of this book.
"The book jacket has these words: 'Dr. Packer masterfully uncovers the hidden treasures of Puritan life and thought. With crystalline clarity he reveals the depth and breadth of Puritan spiritual life, contrasting it with the superficiality and deadness of modern Western Christianity. Drawing on a lifetime of study Dr. Packer takes the reader on a survey of the lives and teachings of great leaders such as John Owen, Richard Baxter, and Jonathan Edwards. He offers a close look at such subjects as the Puritan view of the Bible, spiritual gifts, the Sabbath, worship, social action, and the family. He concludes that a main difference between the Puritans and ourselves is spiritual maturity -- the Puritans had it; we do not. In a time of failing vision and decaying values, this powerful portrait of Puritans is a beacon of hope that calls us to radical commitment and action when both are desperately needed'." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
"Contrary to popular opinion, the Puritans were no dour lot of killjoys. In fact, Packer says, there's a lot we can learn from them about truly authentic and joyous spirituality. In this book Packer explores the Puritans' own writings on the Bible, the Gospel, the Holy Spirit, Christian life, and ministry. For each topic he beautifully demonstrates how the Puritans can help us press on toward godliness. If you're intrigued by the Puritans but don't know where to start reading them, this book will be a valuable guide!" -- CBD
"Packer is a well-known author, lecturer, and theologian. He is currently Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Regent College, Vancouver, B.C." -- Publisher
J.I. Packer's Introduction to The Death of Death in the Death of Christ by John Owen
http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/packer_intro.html
The Death of Death in the Death of Christ, by John Owen
http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/packer_intro.html
The Death of Death in the Death of Christ: Redemption and Reconciliation That is in the Blood of Christ (Limited Atonement), 1 of 33, [audio file]
An audio file reading by Still Waters Revival Books from THE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN. Currently (October 2018), there are 77 readings of John Owen by SWRB and Reformed Baptist of Holland (Michigan), (Thomas Sullivan), at SermonAudio.com available for listening online, downloading as MP3 files, [audio file], and listening on iPhone, mobile phones, and MPE players.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=47081639571
Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), and David Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981), Puritan Papers, 5 volumes, vol. 1, ISBN: 0875524664 9780875524665; vol. 2, ISBN: 0875524672 9780875524672; vol. 3, ISBN: 0875524680 9780875524689; vol. 4, ISBN: 0875524699 9780875524696; vol. 5, ISBN: 0875524702 9780875524702.
Addresses delivered at the Puritan and Westminster Conferences 1959-1969.
"These studies are of practical value because the Puritans are approached with three important question in mind: What did they teach and do? Was their teaching Biblical? and, What can we learn from them for our life and witness today?" -- GCB
*Perkins, William (1558-1602), The True Gaine More in Worth Than all the Goods in the World, 1601. Alternate title: CHRIST THE TRUE AND PERFECT GAINE.
Petty, Jim, The Practical Functioning of the Spiritual Gifts, (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette RP-JPE [audio file].
*Pike, Samuel (1717-1773), and Samuel Hayward (1718-1757), Discerning Providential Guidance. In RELIGIOUS CASES OF CONSCIENCE ANSWERED IN AN EVANGELICAL MANNER . . . TO WHICH IS ADDED THE SPIRITUAL COMPANION; OR, THE PROFESSING CHRISTIAN TRIED AT THE BAR OF GOD'S WORD; AND CHARACTER OF THE HAPPY MAN, 1866.
Discerning Providential Guidance
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/discerning-providential-guidance.php
Pike, Samuel (1717-1773), and Samuel Hayward (1718-1757), Living With the Promises and Threats of God's Word. In RELIGIOUS CASES OF CONSCIENCE ANSWERED IN AN EVANGELICAL MANNER . . . TO WHICH IS ADDED THE SPIRITUAL COMPANION; OR, THE PROFESSING CHRISTIAN TRIED AT THE BAR OF GOD'S WORD; AND CHARACTER OF THE HAPPY MAN, 1866.
Living With the Promises and Threats of God's Word
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/living-with-the-promises-and-threats-of-gods-word.php
Pike, Samuel (1717-1773), and Samuel Hayward (1718-1757), Renewal After a Time of Spiritual Dullness. In RELIGIOUS CASES OF CONSCIENCE ANSWERED IN AN EVANGELICAL MANNER . . . TO WHICH IS ADDED THE SPIRITUAL COMPANION; OR, THE PROFESSING CHRISTIAN TRIED AT THE BAR OF GOD'S WORD; AND CHARACTER OF THE HAPPY MAN, 1866.
Renewal After a Time of Spiritual Dullness
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/renewal-after-a-time-of-spiritual-dullness.php
Pink, Arthur W. (1886-1952), Spiritual Growth: Growth in Grace, or Christian Progress, ISBN: 0801068622 9780801068621.
"Biblical teaching on growth in grace. Reformed." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Piper, John, Justin Taylor, Ben Patterson, David Powlison (1949-2019), and Albert Mohler, et al., Sex and the Supremacy of Christ, ISBN: 9781433512278 1433512270.
Amazon reviews are 79 percent five stars as of 4/27/2022.
"Really impressed by the wealth of writers in this book. I have quoted from it and bought it both in Kindle and paperback versions. The five parts cover a wide range of subjects: 'God and Sex,' 'Sin and Sex,' 'Men and Sex,' 'Women and Sex,' and 'History and Sex.' That final part changed my thinking both on Luther and on the Puritans, as they really restored good biblical understanding on sex. The fact that God created sex is often lost in today's society, and this book helps focus on its positive view of a subject often spoiled by the world today." -- Reader's Comment
"The second section deals with 'Sin and Sex.' The highlight of the entire book is David Powlison's chapter on 'Restoring Pure Joy to the Sexually Broken.' He provides biblical wisdom and encouragement for people who have abused sex, or who have been sexually abused. His counsel is loving and pastoral, and will surely bring a glimpse of light to many for whom sex has become darkness." -- Reader's Comment
Plumer, William S. (1802-1880), Vital Godliness: A Treatise on Experimental and Practical Piety.
"The offence of the cross has not ceased! It never can cease but by the conversion of the soul to God. If you were of the world, the world would love his own; but because I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Men of the world have no better attitude towards Christianity than when they crucified its Author, and cast his followers to the wild beasts! He who would be a Christian must be so at the risk of all he counts dear in this life. The world will heap odium upon him, will vex his righteous soul from day to day; and if possible, turn him away from his tender walk with God." -- William S. Plumer
Power, Philip Bennett (1822-1899), The "I Wills" of the Psalms, ISBN: 0851514456 9780851514451.
"Author examines the Psalms to bring home an important aspect of the Christian experience, that of acting. He discusses I will trust, I will speak, I will call upon God, I will go in the strength of the Lord, and I will praise God. Power lived from 1822-1899." -- GCB
Powlison, David (1949-2019), God as Father: When Your own Father Failed, ISBN: 9780976230830 0976230836.
*Powlison, David (1949-2019), God's Love: Better Than Unconditional, ISBN: 0875526861 9780875526867.
"Has anyone tried to comfort you with God's 'unconditional' love for you? Sounds kinda bland and remote doesn't it? It even sounds permissive. Well, there is a reason for your lackluster response to God's love being 'unconditional.' The truth is that God's love is radically more active and passionate.
"David Powlison demolishes the milk-toast mindset of mere 'unconditional love,' and presents God's love in all of its splendor and vibrancy. He gives many descriptive examples from the Bible of how God's love is dynamic, active, sacrificial, redeeming, thrilling . . .
"If you aren't enraptured and absorbed by the love of God, then do yourself a favor and get this booklet. It's power packed. It's dynamite." -- Reader's Comment
Powlison, David (1949-2019), Have you Been too Strong for God? (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette HFTF04 [audio file].
Powlison, David (1949-2019), Overcoming Anxiety: Relief for Worried People, ISBN: 9781934885468 1934885460.
Powlison, David (1949-2019), Pleasure, ISBN: 9780976230861 0976230860.
*Powlison, David (1949-2019), Power Encounters: Reclaiming Spiritual Warfare, ISBN: 0801071380 9780801071386. Alternate title: RECLAIMING SPIRITUAL WARFARE.
"Examines and critiques the distinctive ideas and practices of current 'demon deliverance' ministries. Much current thinking and practice misunderstand how Jesus fought the devil's stratagems, failing to distinguish between the devil's hand in sin and the devil's hand in suffering (Jesus' exorcisms dealt with the latter exclusively). By demonizing sin, current 'deliverance' practices misunderstand human nature, the devil, God, and the ways grace changes us. The Bible teaches ways of thinking and ministering that effectively fight the evil one, and case studies unpack the positive vision." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
"In our increasingly pagan culture Christians are being engulfed by a flood of the New Age, the occult, and a fascination with demons. Into this explosive climate the deliverance ministries have burst with mega bestsellers and sensational accounts that show how we can all cast out demons.
David Powlison challenges this movement as being more occult than it realizes. The Kingdom of God is about power and we do battle with very real enemies. But Powlison provides a strategy for a more biblical and more effective way to fight." -- Publisher
"Powlison (Ivy League Ph.D., ex-missionary, full-time counselor), has thought deeply about his subject and he makes an unanswerable case. His critique is compassionate, balanced, and generous. Honestly, this is the most important book I have read all year." -- Reader's Comment
Powlison, David (1949-2019), Reclaiming Spiritual Warfare.
Powlison, David (1949-2019), Renewing Marital Intimacy: Closing the gap Between you and Your Spouse, 23 pages, ISBN: 9781934885345 1934885347.
*Powlison, David (1949-2019), Speaking Truth in Love: Counsel in Community, ISBN: 0977080714 9780977080717.
"SPEAKING TRUTH IN LOVE is the latest book by David Powlison, a faculty member at Westminster Theological Seminary and The Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation. In his own words, it is, 'a book on how we are to live together.' Although primarily directed at pastors and counselors, there is much here to be savored by every child of God. Indeed, an emphasis of the book is that speaking truth in love, wisdom, and grace into another person's life is both the privilege and responsibility for every Christian, not just the 'professionals' or the 'trained.'
"There are seventeen chapters, which are really separate essays all looking at differing facets of counseling, or 'loving another person well' as Powlison puts it.
"Chapter 1 is an extended reflection of Psalm 119, beautifully portraying it as the cry of a faithful heart toward God. It is worth the price of the book for anyone struggling through a trial or helping another.
"Chapter 2 talks about the need to face the truth of our rebellious flesh, while chapter 3 talks of hearing the music of the gospel. Chapter 4-8 deal with various practical steps of preparation, listening, and questioning, while chapter 9 specifically deals with gently handling people who have already been immersed in the false psychologies of the world.
"Chapter 10 starts looking at a more global emphasis, challenging pastors (and all) to consider that most of the 'ministry of the Word' that Christ actually did was what we would now term private and small-group counseling, and not preaching sermons. Chapter 11 looks at how counseling should fit into the ministry of the church, and chapter 12 looks specifically at how the nature of prayer fits into counseling in the church.
"The last chapters look at pastoral counseling, women in counseling, when to refer, where to train, and lastly a guiding doctrinal statement for Biblical counseling.
"This is a rewarding book written by a wise servant of God, giving insight and direction on both the nature and the challenges the church faces in fulfilling our mandate on speaking truth in love to each other." -- Reader's Comment
Powlison, David (1949-2019), Why me? Comfort for the Victimized, ISBN: 0875526950 9780875526959.
Powlison, David (1949-2019), and Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation, What is a Dysfunctional Family? 5 MP3 files [audio file].
Powlison, David (1949-2019), Paul David Tripp, and Edward T. Welch, Domestic Abuse: How to Help, 18 pages, ISBN: 087552687X 9780875526874.
Powlison, David (1949-2019), and John Yenchko, Pre-engagement: Five Questions to ask Yourselves, ISBN: 0875526799 9780875526799.
*Preston, John (1587-1628), Richard Sibbes (1577-1635), and John Davenport (1597-1670), The Saints Qualification: or, A Treatise I. Of Humiliation, in Tenne Sermons. II. Of Sanctification, in Nine Sermons.
The Subtitle Continues: "Whereunto is Added a Treatise of Communion With Christ in the Sacrament, in three sermons. Preached by the late faithfull and worthy minister of Jesus Christ, Iohn Preston, Doctor in Divinity, Chaplaine in Ordinary to his Majestie, Master of Emanuel Colledge in Cambridge, and sometime preacher of Lincolnes Inne," 1637.
"A sermon preached at a generall fast before the Commons-House of Parliament: the second of Iuly, 1625. In the time of the plague" and "The cup of blessing: delivered in three sermons upon I Cor. 10.16 [1 Corinthians 10:16]."
*Rainsford, Marcus, Our Lord Prays for His own: Thoughts on John 17, ISBN: 0825436176.
"Griffith Thomas describes this book as 'the greatest classic ever written on Christ's high priestly prayer.' We believe it is the best one in print, since Thomas Manton's excellent book on John 17, and also John Brown's are out of print [see citations, both are now available in e-text -- compiler], at this time. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Ramsay, Richard B., Am I Good Enough? Learning to Live by God's Grace, 92 pages, ISBN: 0875523951 9780875523958.
"This practical workbook surveys the Biblical doctrines of grace in a way that is easy to grasp and is relevant to everyday life. Designed to promote spiritual growth and joyful, confident Christian living." -- Publisher
Reid, W. Stanford, Christianity and Scholarship, 110 pages.
*Robbins, John (1949-2008), Freedom and Capitalism: Essays on Christian Politics and Economics, ISBN: 1891777157 9781891777158.
See, in particularly, the Foreword.
"The relationship between Christianity, freedom, and capitalism has been a subject of scholarly study for centuries. In this volume, John Robbins argues that political and economic freedom are the results of Biblical Christianity. Political freedom and capitalism arose in Northwestern Europe and North America after the Christian Reformation of the 16th century, and they are unique in world history. The nations and peoples that heard and accepted the Gospel of Jesus Christ as proclaimed by the Reformers quickly became free and prosperous on a scale previously unimaginable. Some historians and economists have denied any causal connection between Christianity, freedom, and capitalism, but they are able to deny this connection only by ignoring clear philosophical, economic, legal, sociological, and historical evidence demonstrating that Christianity is the source of capitalism.
"Dr. John W. Robbins attended Grove City College (A.B. 1969), and The Johns Hopkins University (M.A. 1970, Ph.D. 1973). He has served as chief of staff for a Member of Congress, editor of The Freeman magazine, Economist for The Heritage Foundation, and Professor of Political Philosophy in The Freedom School." -- Publisher
"Table of Contents: Foreword | Politics | The Founder of Western Civilization | The Sine Qua Non of Enduring Freedom | Some Problems with Natural Law | The Political Philosophy of the Founding Fathers | The Bible and the Draft | The Messianic Character of American Foreign Policy | Truth and Foreign Policy | Compassionate Fascism | Conservatism: An Autopsy | Rightwing Radical Chic | The Reconstructionist Assault on Freedom | Roman Catholic Totalitarianism | The Relation of Church and State (Charles Hodge) | Abortion, the Christian, and the State | The Ethics and Economics of Health Care | The Chickens' Homecoming (John Whitehead) | The Coming Caesars (John Whitehead) | Rebuilding American Freedom in the Twenty-first Century | The Religious Wars of the Twenty-First | Economics: The Failure of Secular Economics | The Promise of Christian Economics | Teaching Economics from the Bible | The Neo-Evangelical Assault on Capitalism | The Reformed Assault on Capitalism | The Roman Catholic Assault on Capitalism | How Romanism Ruined America | Not Yours to Give (Edward Ellis) | Money, Freedom, and the Bible | The Case Against Indexation | Is Christianity Tied to Any Political or Economic System? | Ecology: The Abolition of Man | Scripture Index | Index | The Crisis of Our Time | Intellectual Ammunition."
*Romaine, William (1714-1795), and Peter Toon (editor), The Life, Walk and Triumph of Faith, ISBN: 0227677447.
"Stresses the divinity of Christ and the need for believers to walk in subjection to the teaching of the Word. A new edition of an old classic published in 1856 as three separate works. Makes inspirational reading." -- Cyril J. Barber
Treatises on the Life, Walk, and Triumph of Faith
http://books.google.com/books?id=muYOAAAAIAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
Rupprecht, David, and Ruth Rupprecht, Radical Hospitality, ISBN: 0875524214 9780875524214 0875524206 9780875524207.
"An important book which is a call for believers to open their doors to people needing the love, care, and discipline of a Christian home. Biblical reasons for doing this and the experience of five families who practice hospitality are given. What is involved? What effect will it have on family members?" -- GCB
*Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), Influences of the Life of Grace. Or, A Practical Treatise Concerning the way, Manner, and Means of Having and Improving of Spiritual Dispositions, and Quickening Influences From Christ the Resurrection and the Life. By Samuel Rutherfurd (sic), Professor of Divinity in the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #9 and 21.
*Scudder, Henry (d. 1659?), The Christian's Daily Walk in Holy Security and Peace. Alternate title: THE CHRISTIAN'S DAILY WALK, IN HOLY SECURITY AND PEACE, BEING AN ANSWER TO THESE QUESTIONS: 1. HOW A MAN MAY DO EACH PRESENT DAY'S WORK WITH CHRISTIAN CHEERFULNESS? 2. HOW TO BEAR EACH PRESENT DAY'S CROSS WITH CHRISTIAN PATIENCE? CONTAINING FAMILIAR DIRECTIONS 1. HOW TO WALK WITH GOD IN THE WHOLE COURSE OF A MAN'S LIFE 2. HOW TO BE UPRIGHT IN THE SAID WALKING 3. HOW TO LIVE WITHOUT TAKING CARE OR THOUGHT IN ANYTHING 4. HOW TO GET AND KEEP TRUE PEACE WITH GOD, WHEREIN ARE MANIFOLD HELPS TO PREVENT AND REMOVE DAMNABLE PRESUMPTION, ALSO TO QUIET AND EASE DISTRESSED CONSCIENCES, 1690. A Christian classic.
"I remember not any book which is written to be the daily companion of Christians, to guide them in the practice of a holy life, which I prefer before this . . ." -- John Owen
"We could say nothing more about this book than that it has been highly recommended by John Owen and Richard Baxter. Owen said it had been very effective for him in his youth and Baxter said there is no book better on the subject." -- GCB
*Shepard, Thomas (1605-1649), The Sincere Convert and the Sound Believer. A Christian classic. Alternate title: THE SINCERE CONVERT: DISCOVERING THE SMALL NUMBER OF TRUE BELEEVERS AND THE GREAT DIFFICULTY OF SAVING-CONVERSION, ISBN: 1877611328. Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS SHEPARD, volume 3 only), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The sub-title continues: "Wherein is excellently and plainly opened these choyce and divine principles: viz: 1. That there is a God, and this God is most glorious, 2. that God made man in a blessed estate, 3. mans misery by his fall, 4. Christ the onely redeemer by price, 5. that few are saved and that with difficulty, 6. that mans perdition is of himself."
"Lovers of Puritan literature will welcome the reprinting of these two classics. Also includes about 200 pages on the life of Shepard." -- GCB
"He scatters pearls and diamonds with both hands." -- C.H. Spurgeon
The Sincere Convert, Discovering the Paucity of True Believers (1643)
http://archive.org/details/sincereconvertd00shepgoog
*Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), A Breathing After God. Or a Christians Desire of Gods Presence. By the late reverent and worthy divine Richard Sibs, Doctor in Divinity, master of Katherine Hall in Cambridge, and sometime preacher of Graies-Inne, 1639. Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), The Christians end. Or, The sweet sovereignty of Christ, over his members in life and death. VVherein is contained the whole scope of the godly mans life, with divers rules, motives and incouragements, to live and die to Jesus Christ. Being the substance of five sermons preached to the honorable society of Grayes Inne, by that learned and faithfull minister of Gods Word, Richard Sibbes, D.D. and sometimes preacher to that honorable societie, 1639. Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), Evangelicall Sacrifices. In xix. Sermons. I. Thankfull commemorations for Gods mercy in our great deliverance from the papists powder-plot. 2. The successefull seeker. 3. Faith triumphant. 4. Speciall preparations to fit us for our latter end in foure funerall sermons. 5. The faithfull covenanter. 6. The demand of a good conscience. 7. The sword of the wicked. By the late learned and reverend divine, Rich. Sibbs. Doctor in Divinity, Mr. of Katherine Hall in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher to the honourable society of Grayes-Inne. The third tome. Published and perused by D. Sibbs owne appointment, subscribed with his hand to prevent imperfect copies after his decease, 1640. Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), Light From Heaven, Discovering the Fountaine Opened. Angels Acclamations. Churches Riches. Rich Povertie. In Foure Treatises. By the late learned and reverend divine, Rich. Sibs, Doctor in Divinitie, Master of Katherine Hall in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher at Grayes-Inne. Published according to the authors owne appointment, subscribed with his hand; to prevent imperfect copies, 1638. Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), The Saints Cordialls Wherein we Have Particularly Handled the Saints Safety and Hiding Place . . . With other material things delivered in sundry sermons at Graies-Inne, in the City of London, and at Cambridge / by Richard Sibbs, 1658. Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"The several sermons are numbered consecutively, but have the following special t.p.s and editions: Josiahs reformation laid open in foure sermons. The third edition. -- The art of self judging. The third edition. -- Christ's sufferings for mans sin. -- The saints safety in evill times. The second edition. -- Christ is best, or, A sweet passage to glory. -- The churches visitation. -- The life of faith. -- Salvation applyed. -- The saints assurance. -- The art of contentment."
*Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), The Spirituall Favorite at the Throne of Grace. By the late learned, and reverend divine Richard Sibbs Doctor in Divinity. Published by the authors owne appointment, subscribed with his hand; to prevent unperfect copies, 1640. Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Stalker, James, Christ our Example. Alternate title: THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS CHRIST (IMAGO CHRISTI), ISBN: 0879832312 9780879832315.
"First published in 1908 under the title IMAGO CHRISTI, this work provides a thought-provoking treatise on the teaching of Christ." -- Cyril J. Barber
Steer, Roger, Hudson Taylor [1832-1905]: Lesson in Discipleship.
Steer, Roger, J. Hudson Taylor [1832-1905]: A man in Christ, ISBN: 9971972867 9789971972868 9971972875 9789971972875.
Taylor, Howard (1862-1946), Hudson Taylor [1832-1905], and the China Inland Mission: The Growth of a Work of God.
Hudson Taylor and the China Inland Mission: The Growth of a Work of God (1918)
http://archive.org/details/hudsontaylorchin00tayl
Taylor, Howard (1862-1946), Mary Geraldine Guinness Taylor, and D.E. Hoste, Hudson Taylor [1832-1905], in Early Years: The Growth of a Soul. ISBN: 9971972638 9789971972639 9971972646 9789971972646. A Christian classic.
Hudson Taylor in Early Years: The Growth of a Soul (1923)
http://archive.org/details/hudsontaylorinea00tayluoft
*Thomas, William H.G. (W.H. Griffith, 1861-1924), Grace and Power, ISBN: 0840759347. A Christian classic.
"This is one of the great books of Christendom. It deals concisely with the problems Christians face in every age: how to make time for prayer, why we often hinder our spiritual growth, the manner in which we may develop our inner resources so as to be able to meet the contingencies of life, and the means God has provided for the development of the spiritual life. . . ." -- Cyril J. Barber
Thomas, Grace and Power: Some Aspects of the Spiritual Life (1916)
http://archive.org/details/cihm_65773
*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Jesus Christ Himself. (Ephesians 2:20) A sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day morning, December 9, 1877, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 1388.
"Beyond all argument or miracle, Jesus Christ Himself is the proof of His own Gospel. And as He is the proof of it, so, Beloved, He is the marrow and essence of it. When the Apostle Paul meant that the Gospel was preached, He said, Christ is preached, for the Gospel is Christ Himself! If you want to know what Jesus taught, know Him! He is the incarnation of that Truth of God which by Him and in Him is revealed to the sons of men. Did He not, Himself say, I am the way, the truth, and the life?
"You have not to take down innumerable books, nor to pore over mysterious sentences of double meaning in order to know what our great Teacher has revealed. You have but to turn and gaze upon His countenance, behold His actions and note His spirit and you know His teaching. He lived what He taught. If we wish to know Him, we may hear His gentle voice saying, Come and see. Study His wounds and you understand His innermost philosophy. To know Him and the power of His Resurrection is the highest degree of spiritual learning. He is the end of the Law and the soul of the Gospel -- and when we have preached His Word to the fullest, we may close by saying, Now, of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum -- we have an High Priest who is set on the right hand of the Throne of the Majesty in the heavens." -- C.H. Spurgeon
http://www.spurgeongems.org/vols22-24/chs1388.pdf
Tholuck, Friedrich August Gottgetreu, William Pringle (preface), and Leonard Woods (translator), The Merits of Calvin as an Interpreter of the Holy Scriptures; Translated From the German by L. Woods: to Which are Added Opinions and Testimonies of Foreign and British Divines and Scholars as to the Value and Importance of the Writings of John Calvin, 1845.
Tripp, Paul, Christ our Model (part 1) (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette AC891 [audio file].
Tripp, Paul, Christ our Model (part 2) (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette AC892 [audio file].
Tweedie, W.K. (1803-1863), Virtuous Womanhood: Christ's Work and Single Women. Available in A THEOLOGY OF THE FAMILY, an anthology.
Tyree, Cornelius, The Living Epistle or the Moral Power of Religious Life.
"The subject of this book is putting godliness into practice in every area of life on every day of the week. First published in 1859 it seems as accurate today as it was then." -- GCB
*VanderKemp (Van der Kemp), Johannes, The Christian Entirely the Property of Christ, in Life and Death: Exhibited in Fifty-three Sermons on the Heidelberg Catechism, ISBN: 9781142354152 1142354156. See: "all editions" in WorldCat.org.
The Christian Entirely the Property of Christ in Life and Death (Free download, Kindle format)
http://archive.org/details/christianentire00kempgoog
Venning, Ralph, Learning in Christ's School: Babes, Children, Youth, and Fathers, ISBN: 0851517641 9780851517643.
*Vincent, Thomas (1634-1678), The True Christian's Love to the Unseen Christ: or, A Discourse, Chiefly Tending to Excite and Promote the Decaying Love of Christ in the Hearts of Christians, With an Appendix Concerning Christ's Manifestation of Himself to Them That Love Him, ISBN: 1171287682 9781171287681.
"Of the nearly 300 books I've published since I began, I put this [NONE BUT CHRIST -- compiler] among the top three. The other two would be GOSPEL WORSHIP by Jeremiah Burroughs, and THE TRUE CHRISTIAN'S LOVE TO THE UNSEEN CHRIST, by Thomas Vincent. And I'd be hard-pressed to choose which of the three would be #1. The three chapters addressed to ministers of the gospel are worth the price of the book [NONE BUT CHRIST -- compiler] alone!" -- Don Kistler
Vines, Richard (1600?-1656), Calebs Integrity in Following the Lord Fully, in a Sermon preached at St. Margarets Westminster, before the Honourable House of Commons, at their late solemne and publick fast, Novemb: 30th. 1642. By Richard Vines, Mr. of Arts of Magd. Colledge in Camb: and minister of the gospell at Weddington in the county of Warr. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Wall, John (author), and Don Kistler, None but Christ, or, A Plain and Familiar Treatise of the Knowledge of Christ, Exciting all men to Study and Know Jesus Christ and Him Crucified, With a Particular, Applicatory, and Saving Knowledge, in Divers Sermons Upon 1 Corinthians 2:2 [1 Corinthians 2:2], ISBN: 9780984706273 0984706275.
"Of the nearly 300 books I've published since I began, I put this [NONE BUT CHRIST -- compiler] among the top three. The other two would be GOSPEL WORSHIP by Jeremiah Burroughs, and THE TRUE CHRISTIAN'S LOVE TO THE UNSEEN CHRIST, by Thomas Vincent. And I'd be hard-pressed to choose which of the three would be #1. The three chapters addressed to ministers of the gospel are worth the price of the book [NONE BUT CHRIST -- compiler] alone!" -- Don Kistler
Ward, Ted, Values Begin at Home, revised edition, ISBN: 088207637X 9780882076379.
Warfield, B.B. (1851-1921), and Ethelbert Dudley Warfield, Perfectionism, 2 volumes. Alternate title: STUDIES IN PERFECTIONISM.
"He confined himself to what happened when Arminianism turned, as it logically did, not only into Antinomianism, but also into Perfectionism. And the implications . . . are masterful, because, you see why Utopianism has developed in the modern world as the old premises of the Reformed faith have disappeared.
"Now when me begin to see Perfectionism as a goal . . . hope in man and man's development of himself rather than in what man does in God's service, then we are going to have a society that is Utopian. . . . that we are the generation that is going to usher in a perfect society and a perfect world. . . .
"And, as he points out in one telling sentence, we go from simple trust in Christ as our Savior to an imitation of Christ. . . this, as he saw, is killing the Reformation. Man sees himself capable of reproducing in his life what Christ was, instead of serving him. So we go from a trust in Christ's saving work, and service under him, to the imitation of Christ." -- Reader's Comment
*Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), A Plea for the Godly and Other Sermons, ISBN: 1877611743 9781877611742.
Contents: A plea for the godly -- Christ all in all -- Comfort for the church -- The happiness of drawing near to God -- The sacred anchor -- The perfume of love -- The good practitioner -- Let us not grow weary in well-doing -- The tongue a world of iniquity -- Knowing and doing good -- Wise as serpents, harmless as doves -- A new creature -- The heavenly race -- The substantial excellency of spiritual things -- The mystical temple -- The fiery serpents.
"This is a scarce collection of sermons by one of the most beloved of the English Puritans, Thomas Watson, pastor of St. Stephen's Walbrook, London. Many of these sermons have never been reprinted since the 17th century. This collection includes: Comfort for the Church, The Happiness of Drawing Near to God, The Tongue a World of Iniquity, The Mystical Temple, Christ All in All, The Perfume of Love, A New Creature, The Heavenly Race, The Fiery Serpents, and Thomas Watson's farewell sermon." -- Publisher
*Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), and Joel R. Beeke, Heaven Taken by Storm: Showing the Holy Violence a Christian is to put Forth in the Pursuit After Glory. Alternate title: CHRISTIAN SOLDIER, HOLY VIOLENCE A CHRISTIAN IS TO PUT FORTH IN THE PURSUIT AFTER GLORY, HAPPINESS OF DRAWING NEAR TO GOD, HOW WE MAY READ THE SCRIPTURES WITH MOST SPIRITUAL PROFIT, ISBN: 1877611506 9781877611506. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
"The Christian life is a battle and this battle will only be won by those that avail themselves of all the weapons and strength that God gives. Watson, a master teacher concerning the practical aspects of the Christian's 'heart life,' explains how to vigorously pursue the high calling of the Christian life, and how to win the war with the world, the flesh and the devil." -- Publisher
"Puritan Thomas Watson describes how the Christian is to take the Kingdom of Heaven by holy violence through the reading and exposition of Scripture, prayer, meditation, self-examination, conversation, and the sanctification of the Lord's Day. He is also to offer violence towards himself, Satan, and the world. Watson is always easy to read." -- GCB
Williams, Daniel (1643?-1716), The Advancement of Christs Interests the Governing end of a Christians Life a Second Sermon Preached Before the Right Honourable Sir John Shorter, Knight, Lord Mayor of the City of London at Grocers-Hall, January the 9th, 1687/8 / by Daniel Williams, 1688.
*Zacharias, Ravi (1946-2020), Has Christianity Failed you? ISBN: 9780310269557 0310269555.
Ravi Zacharias considers this to be his most important book.
"HAS CHRISTIANITY FAILED YOU? is for you, if you have struggled to understand what exactly it is you believe. Acclaimed apologist Ravi Zacharias explores the hard questions about what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. In his landmark new book, he addresses the struggle he hears from both skeptics and Christians: Has Christianity failed us? And can irrefutable charges be brought against it by skeptics and disappointed believers alike?
"In 2006, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) held an open forum at the Fox Theater in Atlanta to address the subject: 'Has Christianity Failed you?' Tickets were sold for the event and -- to the complete surprise of everyone -- the event was sold out with a capacity crowd of over 5,000. People lined up offering to buy tickets from folks in line for higher prices. Before the event, an RZIM cameraman walked the streets and asked people if they had rejected the faith they held at one time. One answered that, because of a Christian's rejection of his gay lifestyle he had done just that. Another answered that she had left her faith because she had fallen into adultery and could never live it down in the church. Others had their own reasons. Some said it was just intellectually untenable in an age of reason. They chose to come to the event to judge if there were adequate answers. It is estimated that for every one person who writes a letter or attends an event, there are one thousand who agree. If the Atlanta crowd was any indication, the question is real and troubling. Why is it that many live with silent doubt, many leaving the 'evangelical fold' for something else? Is there something wrong with the message, the communicator, the hearer . . . or is it all three? It's time to ask the hard questions of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ and why it seems as though God has made it so hard to continue believing. In fact, the son of a prominent U.S. Senator phoned me with that very question. 'Why has God made it so hard to believe in Him?' Such skepticism is not just representative of the hostile; it also represents many honest questioners. This book attempts to lay out the response to those within as well as those outside the Christian faith, so as to understand what it is we believe, and why it is so hard to do so. More to the point: Why it is actually so hard to deny God and still make sense out of life? In the end the answers should be both felt and real, with the added truth that God is nearer than you think. He desires that we sense Him very near to us, and not distant. But closeness comes at a cost just as any relationship of love and commitment does.
"For over thirty-five years, Ravi Zacharias has spoken all over the world in great halls and universities, notably Harvard, Princeton, and numerous universities internationally. He is listed as a Senior Research Fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University. He has appeared on CNN and other international broadcasts. The author of several books for adults and children, he powerfully mixes biblical teaching and Christian apologetics. His most recent works include WALKING FROM EAST TO WEST, A MEMOIR; THE GRAND WEAVER, AN EXPLORATION OF GOD'S INTENTION IN BOTH THE ORDINARY AND THE STARTLING ELEMENTS OF LIFE; AND THE END OF REASON, A REBUTTAL OF THE CLAIMS OF THE SO-CALLED NEW ATHEISTS. His weekly radio program, 'Let My People Think,' is broadcast on 1,692 stations worldwide, and his weekday program, 'Just Thinking,' is on 412. He is founder and chairman of the board of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with additional offices in Canada, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. Dr. Zacharias and his wife, Margie, have three grown children and reside in Atlanta." -- Publisher
Has Christianity Failed You? [audio file], Ravi Zacharias (2019/07/20)
https://www.rzim.org/listen/let-my-people-think/has-christianity-failed-you-part-1
*Has Christianity Failed You? an interview of Ravi Zacharias with Danielle DuRant
"There are an awful lot of Christians walking around these days who are disappointed with their faith. They've been hurt by the church or other believers and it's affected their walk with God."
Includes rare, frank, and wise commentary on the institution of marriage.
https://www.rzim.org/read/just-thinking-magazine/has-christianity-failed-you
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Mortification of sin in the flesh, Peer counseling, peer evangelism, one-on-one evangelism, Will and recalcitrance, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Prayer, Justification, Justifying faith, Attributes of god, The promises of Christ, Bible promises, The commandments of christ, Commitment, surrender, Healing of the mind, The sermon on the mount, The person and work of christ (christology), Loving and obeying god, obedience, Immanuel, god with us, Immanuel, christ's presence, christ in you, The love and justice of god, oneness, Loving and obeying god, Discipleship, Christ our example, Affliction, adversity, trials, suffering, chastisement, The priesthood of all believers, Reconciliation of relationships, The believer's position in christ and sonship, Adoption into god's family, god's family, Happiness, holiness, Eternal life, immortality, Heaven, Call upon the name of the lord, Servant leadership, Holy spirit, Holiness, Calling, christian, Mind, the battle for, Healing the mind, Mind control, Trusting god, Fruits of the holy spirit, The gifts of the holy spirit, Prayer, Loving and obeying christ, Bible reading and devotional guides, Christian fellowship, Small groups, Decisions, knowing the will of God, patience, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Ethics, Affliction, adversity, trials, suffering, Temptation, Calling, christian, Commitment, surrender, Training in biblical counseling, For all counselors, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Christian life, Christian character, Love and counseling problems, Excellence, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Parenting, Biblical counsel by subject, Habits, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 356-374, 1015-1017, 2080-2082, 3334, 3763-3765, 4005, 4023, 4163
Contents and Chapter Sections for Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion, 1559 (Battles translation)
http://www.lettermen2.com/icrcont.html
The Commandments of Jesus, J.S. McConnell (1925)
http://www.wowzone.com/commandm.htm
Courage, Martyrdom and the Triumph of Truth, a sermon on Matthew 10 by Greg Price
A definition of Biblical courage and an exposure of the false courage of the faithless.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?currSection=sermonsspeaker&sermonID=11501182424
Eyes Right, a sermon by C.H. Spurgeon
Preaching on the text Proverbs 4:25, Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, 1888, Sermon 2058. On principles of discipleship.
http://www.spurgeongems.org/vols34-36/chs2058.pdf
Girl Defined
https://www.girldefined.com/
He That Dwelleth in Love, John Love (1757-1825)
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/he-that-dwelleth-in-love.php
How God's People May Make Great Attainments, William S. Plumer (1802-1880)
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/how-gods-people-may-make-great-attainments.php
The Law of a Sound Mind, Peter Masters
"By discarding the law of a sound mind (the protection provided by the reasoning faculty), Charismatics have rendered themselves highly gullible in the face of false teaching, exaggeration, and lies. They have become notably vulnerable to religious charlatans and rogues, as the 1987 crisis in American religious television (which is predominantly Charismatic), has demonstrated. Emotionalism is rampant among them, and because all are free to do whatever seems right in their own eyes, serious spiritual lawlessness is widespread. These things are the inevitable result of laying aside the objective standard of God's Word, the faculty of judgment, and the power of self-control, all of which are brought into play by the sound mind." -- Peter Masters
http://www.trinityfoundation.org/PDF/Review_272_masters.pdf
Mary's Song of Praise, a sermon by Steven Hohenberger on Luke 1:39-56
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=1214082120348
Meditation (FGB)
A Very Profitable Exercise | Chewing the Bread of Life | A Meditation on Love for Christ | Matter for Meditation | What Meditation is | Helps for Meditating on God | The Duty of Meditation | The Nature of Meditation | Solemn and set Meditation | Dangers of Neglecting Meditation | Occasional Meditation
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/medifg/meditation
*Self-denial (FGB #218)
What it Costs to be a Christian | Family or Christ? | Learning Self-denial From Christ | Cross-bearing | Christ's Cross and Ours | Motives to Self-denial | Reasons for Self-denial | Selfishness and Self-denial | Self-denial Defined
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/sdenfg/selfdenial
The Treasury of David, Psalm 90, C.H. Spurgeon
Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. (Psalm 90:1)
This is, of course, a prayer of Moses, who is considered the greatest of the prophets. He wrote the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament, and Deuteronomy is the book most referred to by Christ in the New Testament.
"The 90th Psalm might be cited as perhaps the most sublime of human compositions -- the deepest in feeling -- the loftiest in theologic conception -- the most magnificent in its imagery." -- Isaac Taylor
"Verse 17 [Psalm 90:17]. And establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it. Let what we do be done in truth, and last when we are in the grave; may the work of the present generation minister permanently to the building tip of the nation. Good men are anxious not to work in vain. They know that without the Lord they can do nothing, and therefore they cry to him for help in the work, for acceptance of their efforts, and for the establishment of their designs. The church as a whole earnestly desires that the hand of the Lord may so work with the hand of his people, that a substantial, yea, an eternal edifice to the praise and glory of God may be the result. We come and go, but the Lord's work abides. We are content to die so long as Jesus lives and his kingdom grows. Since the Lord abides for ever the same, we trust our work in his hands, and feel that since it is far more his work than ours he will secure it immortality. When we have withered like grass our holy service, like gold, silver, and precious stones, will survive the fire." -- C.H. Spurgeon
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps090.php
*Union With Christ (FGB #214)
Surpassingly Wonderful Union, A.W. Pink (1886-1952) | The Nature of Union With Christ, John Murray (1898-1975) | An Eternal Union of Love, John Gill (1697-1771) | In Christ Jesus, D.M. Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) | Faith Unites us to Christ, William Cunningham (1805-1861) | Justified in Christ, Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) | Sanctified in Christ, A.W. Pink (1886-1952) | The Foundation of all Happiness, Thomas Boston (1676-1732) | Baptized Into Jesus Christ, C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/uwchfg/union-with-christ
Virtuousreality.com, a Website for all Women
http://www.virtuousreality.com/
Words of Christ Appearing in The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappa.html
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)See the Theological Notes: "Understanding the Word of God," at Psalm 119:34 in The Reformation Study Bible.
And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. (Deuteronomy 8:3)
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 4:4)
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:31,32)Grant us, Lord, to meditate on the heavenly mysteries of thy wisdom, with true progress in piety, to thy glory and our edification, Amen. -- John Calvin, in Commentaries on the Prophet Ezekiel
The prayer which the divine John Calvin was always in the habit of using at the beginning of his lectures.The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) is said to be the finest summary of The Holy Bible available.
Begin at the greatest, most evident, certain, and necessary truths, and so proceed orderly to the knowledge of the less, by the help of these: as you climb by the body of the tree unto the branches. If you begin at those truths, which spring out of the greater common truths, and know not the premises, while you plead for the conclusion, you abuse your reason, and lose the truth and your labour both: for there is no way to the branches but by ascending from the stock. The principles well laid, must be your help to all your following knowledge. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)
As the apostle says to Timothy, so also he says to every-one, Give yourself to reading. [1 Timothy 4:13] . . . He who will not use the thoughts of other men's brains proves that he has no brains of his own . . . You need to read. Renounce as much as you will all light literature, but study as much as possible sound theological works, especially the Puritanic writers, and expositions of the Bible . . . the best way for you to spend your leisure is to be either reading or praying. -- Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892)
Three things that strengthen the spiritual life are Bible study, Christian fellowship, and prayer.
*Battles, Ford Lewis, and John Walchenbach, An Analysis of The Institutes of the Christian Religion of John Calvin. A Christian classic.
"Detailed, concise, and insightful. A doctrinal summary all by itself. Over 400 pages! This brilliant analysis is highly recommended to those seeking to understand the theology of Calvin as represented in the INSTITUTES." -- GCB
*[Bible, 1599 Geneva Bible], Calvin, John (1509-1564), et al. [John Knox, Theodore Beza, Miles Coverdale, William Whittingham, Anthony Gilby, Martin Luther, and others], Peter A. Lillback (foreword), Tolle Lege Press (preface), Gary DeMar (Notes to the Modern Reader), Marshall Foster (The History and Impact of the Geneva Bible), 1599 Geneva Bible, (Tolle Lege Press), 1400 pages, ISBN: 0975484699 9780975484692 0975484613 9780975484616 0975484621 9780975484623. Available (Tolle Lege Press restoration) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"When the Pilgrims arrived in America in 1620, they brought along supplies, a consuming passion to advance the Kingdom of Christ, a bright hope for the future, and the Word of God. Clearly, their most precious cargo was the Bible. The GENEVA BIBLE, printed over 200 times between 1560 and 1644, was the most widely read and influential English Bible of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. This superb translation was the product of the best Protestant scholars of the day and became the Bible of choice for many of the greatest writers, thinkers, and historical figures of that time [but the translation was surpassed by the AUTHORIZED KING JAMES VERSION in 1611, see 'Textual Criticism' -- compiler]. The GENEVA BIBLE is unique among all other Bibles. It was the first Bible to use chapters and numbered verses and became the most popular version of its time because of the extensive marginal notes. These notes, written by Reformation leaders such as John Calvin, John Knox, Miles Coverdale, William Whittingham, Anthony Gilby, and others, were included to explain and interpret the scriptures for the common people. For nearly half a century these notes helped the people of England, Scotland, and Ireland understand the Bible and true liberty. King James despised the GENEVA BIBLE because he considered the notes on key political texts to be seditious [to question the Divine Right of Kings -- compiler] and a threat to his authority. Unlike the KING JAMES VERSION, the GENEVA BIBLE was not authorized by the government. It was truly a Bible by the people and for the people. You can see why this remarkable version with its profound marginal notes played a key role in the formation of the American Republic. Until now, the only complete version available was a large, cumbersome, and difficult-to-read facsimile edition. But this new edition contains all the original words and notes [see the errata listing below -- compiler], but the type set has been enlarged and the font style change for today's reader." -- Publisher
"This is the Bible that eventually put an end to Feudalism in Europe, strengthened Puritans, Quakers, and came to America on the Mayflower. This was the first Bible published in the language of the common people, the first Bible to contain commentary and verse numbers, and the first Bible written in English from Greek and Hebrew texts available from Constantinople, not from the Latin Vulgate. The dynamite in this Bible is the commentary accounting for about one third of its length.
"The Church of England and King James were so upset they determined to create a new translation. They called it the KING JAMES VERSION. They choose to use language so formal and grand, even by the standards of those days, that the common people would find it difficult to understand. The GENEVA BIBLE was found seditious by its insertions of commentary that spoke directly about the priesthood of lay believers, the church as naturally anti-oligarchy, and setting forth some other ideas considered anarchy by the King, but meaning freedom to the masses who read it. . . .
"Important facts to remember about this Bible. The Reformation was strong in England and the Lollards were a lay group of huge influence that had to go underground. English Christian theologians, not Catholics and not Anglicans, fled in huge numbers to Geneva for freedom. Geneva was not part of Switzerland at that time, because Geneva was its own city-state. . . . The GENEVA BIBLE was printed 1560-1644. THE KING JAMES VERSION was published in 1611. The GENEVA BIBLE was against the law to own. . . ." -- Reader's Comment
Available "in printed formats with various binding options from Tolle Lege Press. Tolle Lege Press has given Puritan Downloads permission to provide a PDF copy of their retypeset and fully searchable edition of the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE (Copyright 2006-2008, Tolle Lege Press), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"The GENEVA BIBLE is the Puritan Bible with Reformation promoting marginal notes authored by prominent leaders of the Reformation (during the time of John Calvin and John Knox). The New Testament was translated out of the Greek, by Theodore Beza. The GENEVA BIBLE was the predominant English translation during the period in which the English and Scottish Reformations gained great impetus.
"Iain Murray, in his classic work on revival and the interpretation of prophecy, THE PURITAN HOPE, notes,
The two groups in England and Scotland developed along parallel lines, like two streams originating at one fountain. The fountain was not so much Geneva, as the Bible which the exiles newly translated and issued with many marginal notes . . . it was read in every Presbyterian and Puritan home in both realms. (p. 7)"This time also saw the rise of the forces for covenanted Reformation against the corruption and abuses of prelacy and the royal factions. Darkness was dispelled as people read this Bible and saw for themselves that there is no authority above the Holy Scriptures. Discerning this truth, it became apparent that the civil tyranny and the heretical superstitions imposed by Pope, King and Bishops were to be resisted unto death, if necessary (i.e. because these innovations in church and state were opposed to the Kingship of Christ and the law of His kingdom, as set forth in Holy Scripture).
The notes of TOMSON'S NEW TESTAMENT of 1576, which took the place of the New Testament of the Bible of 1560 in many editions from 1587 onward, are entirely different from those in the GENEVA BIBLE. They are taken from Beza's Latin Testament, and are controversial and strongly Calvinistic."Furthermore, Eason cites Pocock (a rabid anti-Calvinist), in the same book,
The changes adopted in the GENEVA BIBLE and New Testament synchronize with the gradual spread of the Calvinistic heresy and the contemporaneous development of hatred of the whole Papal system of doctrine. The notes attacked the Sacramental teaching of the Church, substituting for it the Calvinistic doctrines of election and reprobation. They taught that Sacraments are nothing more than signs and seals of grace previously given to the elect. All passages about the Sacraments are explained away.("We cite this quote, though it is full of a good deal of devilish nonsense, to demonstrate that even the enemies of biblical truth recognized the powerful impact that the GENEVA BIBLE was having in furthering the Protestant Reformation, as well as to show that the notes in the later versions of the GENEVA BIBLE were moving in the direction of a more distinct testimony against error and for the truth." -- RB) -- Publisher
(1) The editions that follow the first edition of 1560."In our opinion, the notes in the 1599 edition were the most faithful to Scripture." -- The Genevan Bible, Notes on its Production and Distribution [Of course, the judgment and candor of Calvin are renown. This Bible played a key role in the Reformation, and anyone not using it 'will be the poorer for their neglect.' However, very few works are without caveats. Calvin used the LATIN VULGATE. His comments had to be translated from French. Experts (see 'Textual Criticism'), consider the authorized KING JAMES VERSION to be the most accurate translation. It used a literal approach to translation of the Traditional Text, which is referred to today as the Majority Text or Textus Receptus. Beza's translation of the New Testament is in a different category. One is urged to not neglect the knowledge developed over 400 years of Reformed scholarship since 1599. For example, compare the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE (1400 pages, 1366 in the Tolle Lege restoration edition), annotation with the annotation, theological notes, text notes, scripture notes, and other study aids of the NEW GENEVA STUDY BIBLE (2228 pages), with its own noted caveats. -- compiler]
(2) The editions in which TOMSON'S NEW TESTAMENT of 1576 is substituted for the 1560 New Testament.
(3) The Bibles from 1598 that contain the Notes on Revelation of Francis Junius."
Excerpts from two articles on the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE may be read at the Puritan Downloads site: "The Forgotten Translation," Gary DeMar, President of American Vision and Honorary Member of the 1599 Geneva Bible Advisory Board, and "Introduction to the 1599 Geneva Bible," Marshall Foster, President of the Mayflower Institute, Member of the 1599 Geneva Bible Advisory Board.Word-for-word accuracy with the 1599 Geneva Bible [see the errata listing below -- compiler]
Original cross references
Modern spelling
Original study notes by Reformers
Old English Glossary
2-page Family Tree Chart
Presentation page with several family registry pages
Easy-to-read print [see the errata listing below -- compiler]
Size: 8.75" X 11.5"
Approximately 1,400 pages." -- Publisher
1599 Geneva Bible, Tolle Lege Press Restoration, Fourth Printing, 2008, Probable Errata ListingGenesis 1:11 "So that we see it is the only power of God's word that maketh the earth fruitful, which else naturally is barren.
Genesis 1:12 "This sentence is so oft repeated, to signify that God made all his creatures to serve to his glory, and to the profit of man: but for sin they were accursed, yet to the elect, by Christ they are restored, and serve to their wealth.
Genesis 2:16 "So that man might know there was a sovereign Lord, to whom he owed obedience.
Genesis 2:17 "By this death he meaneth the separation of man from God, who is our life and chief felicity: and also that our disobedience is the cause thereof.
Genesis 3:4 "This is Satan's chiefest subtlety, to cause us not to fear God's threatenings.
Genesis 4:5 "Because he was an hypocrite, and offered only for an outward show without sincerity of heart.
Genesis 9:6 "Not only by the magistrate, but oft times God raiseth up one murderer to kill another.
Therefore to kill man is to deface God's image, and so injury is not only done to man, but also to God.
Psalm 37:1,7,11 "1 This Psalm containeth exhortation and consolation for the weak, that are grieved at the prosperity of the wicked, and the affliction of the godly. 7 For how prosperously soever the wicked do live for the time, he doth affirm their felicity to be vain and transitory, because they are not in the favor of God, but in the end they are destroyed as his enemies. 11 And how miserably that the righteous seemeth to live in the world, yet his end is peace, and he is in the favor of God, he is delivered from the wicked, and preserved.
Psalm 37:5 "Be not led by thine own wisdom, but obey God, and he will finish his work in thee.
Psalm 37:6 "As the hope of the daylight causeth us not to be offended with the darkness of the night: so ought we patiently to trust that God will clear our cause and restore us to our right.
Psalm 37:8 "Meaning, except he moderate his affections, he shall be led to do as they do.
Psalm 37:12 "The godly are assured that the power and craft of the wicked shall not prevail against them, but fall on their own necks, and therefore ought patiently to abide God's time, and in the meanwhile bewail their sins, and offer up their tears, is a sacrifice of their obedience.
Psalm 37:16 "For they are daily fed as with Manna from heaven, and have sufficient, when the wicked have never enough, but ever hunger.
Psalm 37:25 "Though the just man die, yet God's blessings are extended to his posterity, and though God suffer some just man to lack temporal benefits, yet he recompenseth him with spiritual treasures.
Psalm 37:29 "They shall continually be preserved under God's wings, and have at least inward rest.
Psalm 37:30 "These three points are required of the faithful, that their talk be godly, that God's law be in their heart, and that their life be upright.
Psalm 37:37 "He exhorteth the faithful to mark diligently the examples both of God's mercies, and also of his judgments.
Psalm 37:39 "He showeth that the patient hope of the godly is never in vain, but in the end hath good success, though for a time God prove them by sundry tentations.
John 1:1 "The Son of God is of one, and the selfsame eternity or everlastingness, and of one and the selfsame essence or nature, with the Father.
"From his beginning, as the Evangelist saith, 1 John 1:1, as though he said, that the world began not then to have his being, when God began to make all that was made: for the word was even then when all things that were made, began to be made, and therefore he was before the beginning of all things.
"Had his being.
"This word, That, pointeth out unto us a peculiar and choice thing above all other, and putteth a difference between this Word, which is the Son of God, and the Laws of God, which otherwise also are called the word of God.
"This word (With) putteth out the distinction of persons to us.
"This word (Word) is the first in order in the sentence, and is that which the learned call (Subjectum) and this word (God) is the latter in order, and the same which the learned call (Predicatum).
John 1:3 "The son of God declareth that same his everlasting Godhead, both by the creating of all things, and also by the preserving of them, and especially by the excellent gifts of reason and understanding, wherewith he that beautified man above all other creatures.
"Paul expoundeth this place, Col. 1:15 and 16 [Colossians 1:15,16].
"That is, as the Father did work, so did the Son work with him: for he was fellow worker with him.
"Of all those things which were made, nothing was made without him.
Jude 1:24 "He commendeth them to the grace of God, declaring sufficiently that it is God only that can give us that constancy which he requireth of us.
Hebrews 13:8b "all precepts of manners, and that is this: That we ought to quiet and content ourselves in Christ only: for there was yet never any man saved without the knowledge of him, neither is at this day saved, neither shall be saved hereafter.
Revelation 4:9 "God is said to have glory, honor, kingdom, and such like given unto him, when we godly and reverently set forth that which is properly and only his." -- excerpts from 1599 Geneva Bible, Tolle Lege Press, 2006, 2007)
*[Bible, 1599 Geneva Bible Notes], Geneva Bible Notes, 1599
The GENEVA BIBLE contained "marginal notes which were heavily influenced by John Calvin, John Knox, and many other leaders of the Reformation. The GENEVA BIBLE was the predominant English translation during the period in which the English and Scottish Reformations gained great impetus. Iain Murray, in his classic work on revival and the interpretation of prophecy, THE PURITAN HOPE, notes that, 'the two groups in England and Scotland developed along parallel lines, like two streams originating at one fountain. The fountain was not so much Geneva, as the Bible which the exiles newly translated and issued with many marginal notes . . . it was read in every Presbyterian and Puritan home in both realms.' (p. 7). This time also saw the rise of the forces for covenanted Reformation against the corruption and abuses of prelacy and the royal factions. Darkness was dispelled as people read this Bible and saw for themselves that there is no authority above the Holy Scriptures.
"Although most people today have never heard of the GENEVA BIBLE, it was so popular from 1560 to 1644 that it went through 140 plus printings. The reason for its popularity among the faithful is obvious: the marginal notes promoted a full-orbed, nation-changing Protestantism. . . !
" 'By 1599, the GENEVA BIBLE . . . added many Calvinist annotations for household use' (Bremer, The Puritan Experiment, p. 12). A number of the notes argued for family worship and instruction by the head of the household. Puritanism in the British Isles is known as an effort to continue the Reformation of the church in the area of worship and church government. However, the Puritans also sought to reform the family life according to Biblical principles . . . as a result of their efforts they 'were creators of the English Christian marriage, the English Christian family, and the English Christian home'." (J.I. Packer, A Quest for Godliness, p. 260) -- Publisher
1599 Geneva Bible Notes
http://www.reformedreader.org/gbn/en.htm
For other GENEVA NOTES text see the following:
*[Bible, Geneva Notes], Geneva Bible Notes*KING JAMES BIBLE WITH THE GENEVA BIBLE NOTES, 1672,
1599 GENEVA BIBLE, Tolle Lege Press restoration,
THE 1599 GENEVA BIBLE, TOLLE LEGE ONLINE EDITION,
"1599 GENEVA BIBLE, Tolle Lege Press Restoration, Fourth Printing, 2008, Probable Errata Listing," and
"A Resolution That Tolle Lege Press and White Hall Press of Chicago Complete the Limited Modernization of the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE Begun in 2004."
*[Bible, D. James Kennedy Topical Study Bible] Kennedy, D. James (1930-2007), D. James Kennedy Topical Study Bible, ISBN: 1629986348 9781629986340,
"D. JAMES KENNEDY TOPICAL STUDY BIBLE enables you to dwell in God's Word and enjoy the words of the Word along with key notes and teachings drawn from Dr. Kennedy's lifetime of study and research of the Bible. The collection of both topical and exegetical notes and comments included in this Bible spans a wide range of subjects, touching on themes in a way that you will not see in any other study Bible.
"In addition to culling key content from the enormous library of Dr. Kennedy's broadcast messages and his previously published material, many of the notes included in this unique Bible are drawn from sermons delivered to his congregation but never broadcast or published. This has provided the opportunity to create fresh annotations and new study notes, and content treating topics related to biblical worldview, as well as practical applications for Christian living.
"Never before has a study Bible like this been produced. Among its special features are:
• The most wide-ranging collection of Dr. Kennedy's wealth of wisdom available in any one volume,
• A comprehensive easy-to-use index directing you to notes on key topical themes,
• Notes and comments drawn from the thousands of messages delivered over the course of Dr. Kennedy's nearly fifty years of study of the Word and Christian ministry,
• Answers to questions like: Does the Bible teach socialism? Do Christians, Muslims, and Jews worship the same God? Is civil disobedience ever justified? Is the theory of a 'Just War' a biblical concept? Does the Bible speak to the question of gender identity?
• Now you can experience Dr. Kennedy's Bible-based teaching in a rich new way through the notes and materials that are included in this one-of-a-kind Bible. The notes, comments, and brief articles included in this Bible are grouped into twelve 'mega-themes:'
Christian Living | Church | Doctrines | Education | Family | Humanity | Nation | Personalities in the Bible | Profiles: Lives Touched | World | The Apostles' Creed | The Westminster Confession.
• For each theme, the articles and notes related to it are linked from one to the next, enabling the Bible student to follow a particular theme through the entire Bible, thus gaining a broad overview and understanding of that topic." -- Publisher
*[Bible, King James Bible With Geneva Notes, 1672], King James Bible With the Geneva Bible Notes, 1672.
This is considered to be a superior text to the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE, which is said to be about 80 percent Tyndale translation. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive and in The Amazing Christian Library. [broken link]
"The best Reformation translation (King James Version), combined with the best Bible notes of the first Reformation, the GENEVA BIBLE notes. [The drawback of the 1672 is that it has never been restored with a modern typeface. -- compiler] A great tool for public, family, and private worship and study. Printed from a marvelously clean original copy, surpassing the quality of all other printings (of the GENEVA BIBLE NOTES in particular), we have seen. Contains almost 1000 (8.5 X 11 inch), pages with notes on the complete Bible (Old and New Testaments), making this a veritable library of study and classic Protestant commentary in just one book." -- Publisher
The following title is apparently an alternative edition of the 1672 AKJV with GENEVA NOTES:
James, King of England, Lancelot Andrewes, Theodore de Beze, Franciscus Junius, and John Canne, The Holy Bible: Containing the Old and New Testament; Newly translated out of the originall tongues and with the former translations diligently compared and revised by his Majesties speciall command; With most profitable Annotations [probably the GENEVA NOTES -- compiler] upon all the hard places, and other things of great importance; Which notes have never before been set forth with this new translation; but are now placed in due order with great care and industrie. "Publisher: [Amsterdam]: [Stephen Swart], Printed in the Year MDCLXXII."
The Authorized King James Version of 1611 (Pure Cambridge Edition), Digital Text
"The PURE CAMBRIDGE EDITION (first published circa 1900), is the product of the process of textual purification that has occurred since 1611 when the AUTHORIZED VERSION was completed, and has been used (often unwittingly), as the received text for many decades. Millions of copies conformed to this edition were issued by Bible and missionary societies in the twentieth century. This text stands in contrast to all other editions (especially newly edited and modernized ones). . . ." -- excerpt from Bible Protector homepage
https://archive.org/details/king-james-bible-pure-cambridge-edition-pdf
*[Bible, New Testament], The New Testament: King James Version, The Precious Promises Edition (Lake Wylie, SC: Christian Heritage Publishing Co. Inc., 1991).
A pocket New Testament with the words of Christ in red and the promises screened in red. Convenient for purse, or travel bag.
*[Bible, The Reformation Study Bible], The Reformation Study Bible: The Word That Changes Lives -- the Faith That Changed The World, New King James Version (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, March 2001), ISBN: 0785258523 9780785258520. Previously published under the title New Geneva Study Bible: Bringing the Light of the Reformation to Scripture (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995), ISBN: 0840710917 9780840710918.
"The NEW GENEVA STUDY BIBLE offers a restatement of Reformation truth for Christians today. The first Geneva Bible was a pivotal force in the Reformation. Using the everyday language of its time, it opened the pages of Scripture to readers and provided helpful notes to assist them in understanding its message. It became the family Bible of the English people, and was the Bible that the Pilgrims brought to the New World. Since that time a multitude of English translations and study Bibles have appeared, but none of these has incorporated a summary of Reformed theology." -- Thomas Nelson Publishers
Also available in digital format from Logos Bible Software.
Geneva Bible Notes: Reviews of the 1599 and the 1672 editions of the Notes, and of the Reformation Study Bible
http://www.lettermen2.com/geneva.html
Readers of THE REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE should also be familiar with the Geneva Bible Notes, The Westminster Family of Documents, the doctrine of the Mediatorial Dominion of Jesus Christ, and the literature of the Covenanted Reformation.
The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646, The Westminster Standards), and Related Works: A Study Guide
http://www.lettermen2.com/suggest.html
The Covenanted Reformation of Scotland Author/Title Listing
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chb.html#crsstl
Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, William L. Roberts D.D.
http://archive.org/details/ReformedPresbyterianCatechism
*Calvin, John (1509-1564), Calvin's Commentaries, 22 volumes. A Christian classic.
THE EPISTLE OF THE APOSTLE PAUL TO THE ROMANS is Paul's most comprehensive statement of the Gospel.
Romans is also the key to understanding all Scripture. It unites the various themes of the Bible.
"No doubt the Epistle next in importance to that to the Romans is this to the Hebrews." -- the translator of Calvin's Commentary on Hebrews
"I know of no man since the Apostles' days whom I value and honor more than Calvin, and whose judgment in all things, one with another, I more esteem and come nearer to." -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)
"Of all commentators I believe Calvin to be the most candid. . . . He was no trimmer and pruner of texts. He gave their meaning as far as he knew it." -- C.H. Spurgeon
"A large volume could not contain all that has been written in praise of Calvin's commentaries, by men of all theological persuasions. Anyone who neglects consulting Calvin is going to be the poorer for their neglect." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
It is recommended that CALVIN'S COMMENTARIES be used for daily devotions.
Calvin's Commentaries at BibleStudyGuide.org
http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_index.htm
Calvin's Commentaries, complete
From the Calvin Translation Society edition.
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/commentaries.i.html
Monergism: Commentaries
From Mongergism.com search "commentaries."
http://www.monergism.com
*Calvin, Jean (John, 1509-1564), and John Owen (Vicar of Thrussington, Leicestershire, translator and editor), Commentaries on the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans. Alternate title: COMMENTARY ON ROMANS, BY JOHN CALVIN, and THE EPISTLE OF THE APOSTLE PAUL TO THE ROMANS.
Romans is Paul's most comprehensive statement of the Gospel. It unites the various themes of the Bible, and therefore is the key to understanding all Scripture.
Commentary on Romans, by John Calvin (1509-1564)
http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_vol38/htm/TOC.htm
*Calvin, John (1509-1564), The Institutes of the Christian Religion, 2 volumes, ISBN: 0664220207 9780664220204. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. A Christian classic.
"Edited by John McNeill and translated by Ford Lewis Battles, this is the definitive English language edition of one of the monumental works of the Christian church -- Calvin's INSTITUTES.
"Still considered by many to be the finest explanation and defense of the Protestant Reformation available.
"The work is divided into four books: I. The Knowledge of God the Creator, II. The Knowledge of God the Redeemer in Christ, III. The Mode of Obtaining the Grace of Christ, IV. The External Means or Helps by Which God Allures us Into Fellowship With Christ and Keeps us in it. . . . THE INSTITUTES is praised by the secular philosopher, Will Durant, as one of the ten books that shook the world." -- GCB
Calvin spent a lifetime writing and perfecting INSTITUTES OF CHRISTIAN RELIGION. His Prefatory Address makes it clear that he intended the work to be a defense of Christianity to the King of France.
Therefore, plainly stated, one of the most influential works ever published in the English language is a defense of Christianity to leaders of State.
Prefatory Address to His Most Christian Majesty, The Most Mighty and Illustrious Monarch, Francis, King of the French, His Sovereign, John Calvin. Available in THE INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION.
"Indeed, this consideration makes a true king: to recognize himself a minister of God in governing his kingdom. Now, that king, who in ruling over his realm does not serve God's glory, exercises not kingly rule but brigandage. [Footnote: 'Nec iam regnum ille sed latrocinium exercet.' An echo of Augustine's famous phrase: 'When justice is taken away, what are kingdoms [[regna]] but a vast banditry [[magna latocinia]]?' City of God, IV. iv (MPL [[Migne, J.P., Patrologiae cursus completus, series Latina]], 41. 115; tr. NPNF [[A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, second series]], II. 66)]. Furthermore, he is deceived who looks for enduring prosperity in his kingdom when it is not ruled by God's scepter, that is, his Holy Word; for the heavenly oracle that proclaims that where prophecy fails the people are scattered [Prov. 29:18 (Proverbs 29:18)], cannot lie." (Battles translation)
"The characteristic of a true sovereign is, to acknowledge that, in the administration of his kingdom, he is a minister of God. He who does not make his reign subservient to the divine glory, acts the part not of a king, but a robber. He, moreover, deceives himself who anticipates long prosperity to any kingdom which is not ruled by the sceptre of God, that is, by his divine word. For the heavenly oracle is infallible which has declared, that where there is no vision the people perish (Proverbs 29:18), (Beveridge translation)."
See the entire Prefatory Address, Beveridge translation. Considered to be one of the greatest prefaces ever written.
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/institutes.ii.viii.html
"The doctrines of covenant liberty were rediscovered in the Reformation. John Calvin went further than anyone else in defining liberty and what Christians need to do to maintain it. Includes bibliographies."
It is recommended that INSTITUTES OF CHRISTIAN RELIGION be used for daily devotions and may be used in combination with Ford Lewis Battles and John Walchenbach, AN ANALYSIS OF THE INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION OF JOHN CALVIN and with CALVIN'S COMMENTARIES.
Calvin's Commentaries at BibleStudyGuide.org
http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_index.htm
Calvin's Commentaries, complete
From the Calvin Translation Society edition.
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/commentaries.i.html
One Hundred Aphorisms, Containing, Within a Narrow Compass, the Substance and Order of the Four Books of The Institutes of the Christian Religion
http://www.lettermen2.com/pringle.html
Contents and Chapter Sections for Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion, 1559 (McNeill/Battles)
http://www.lettermen2.com/icrcont.html
Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion; A New Translation by Henry Beveridge (1845), Volume: 1
http://archive.org/details/instituteschrist01calvuoft
Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion; A New Translation by Henry Beveridge (1845), Volume: 2
http://archive.org/details/institutesofreli02calvuoft
Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Beveridge translation
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/institutes.iii.vii.html
Monergism: Commentaries
From Mongergism.com search "commentaries."
http://www.monergism.com
Caryl, Joseph (1602-1673), Ingram Cobbin (editor), Bible Thoughts, ISBN: 1877611956 9781877611957.
Meditations upon scripture.
*De Graaf, Simon Gerrit, Promise and Deliverance, 4 volumes (Scarsdale, NY [Westminster Discount Book Service, P.O. Box 125H, Scarsdale 10583]: Westminster Discount Book Service, 1977). Translated from the Dutch by H. Evan Runner and Elisabeth Wichers Runner. A Christian classic.
"A landmark in interpreting the simple stories of the Bible . . . an invaluable resource for teachers, ministers, and parents." -- Christianity Today
"In Scripture, religion means covenant. By His Word, God called into being an order of creation culminating in man. By that Word He also gave man His favor and brought him into a life of conscious covenantal fellowship with Himself. As De Graaf himself puts it: 'Without covenant, there is no religion, no conscious fellowship between man and God, no exchange of love and faithfulness. Without the covenant, man would be just an instrument in God's hand. When God created man, He had more than an instrument in mind: He made a creature that could respond to Him. . . .'
"This renewed insight into Biblical revelation is the perspective undergirding De Graaf's treatment of all Bible stories. It makes his book a unique presentation of God's revelation of Himself in the covenant and keeps his interpretations of the stories from degenerating into mere moralizing. Religion is not morality." -- H. Evan Runner
"I highly recommend this book. One of the best books available." -- R.C. Sproul
Downing, David C. (compiler), What you Know Might not be so: 220 Misinterpretations of Bible Texts Explained, ISBN: 0801029759 9780801029752.
"Nontechnical terms are used to correct 220 common misunderstandings concerning the Bible. The entries focus on matters of simple miscomprehension." -- GCB
*Halley, H., Halley's Bible Handbook, ISBN: 0310257204 9780310257202.
"Halley set the pattern for Bible handbooks long ago, and with many revision the work has been a bestseller through the present 63rd printing. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Jaege, Helen, Treasury of Wisdom From the Bible, ISBN: 0745951643 9780745951645.
*Kennedy, D. James (1930-2007), with Jerry Newcombe, What if the Bible had Never Been Written? ISBN: 0785271546 9780785271543.
"Following its predecessor, WHAT IF JESUS HAD NEVER BEEN BORN, WHAT IF THE BIBLE HAD NEVER BEEN WRITTEN is a veritable compendium of the major accomplishments of the western world. D. James Kennedy demonstrates quite capably that many of the most fundamental stages of advancement for mankind over the last 2000 years began with the impetus of people whose lives were influenced by the Holy Scriptures. The book reads easily and keeps the attention of the reader as the author moves from one aspect of human development to another. He also explodes some myths along the way with clear and concise excerpts from personal letters, writings and biographies of the individuals about whom he writes. All in all, I would recommend this book to those who question the validity and potency of the Bible and to those who need to bolster their faith and resolve in the Book of books." -- Reader's Comment
Mack, Wayne A., and Joshua Mack, The Twin Pillars of the Christian Life: Effective Prayer and Disciplined Bible Study, ISBN: 1930133022 9781930133020.
*Nelson (Thomas Nelson editors), Nelson's Topical Bible Index, ISBN: 0785211241 9780785211242.
"Offers pastors, Bible scholars, and laypeople ready-to-use information and quick answers to Bible questions. It organizes key Scripture references with context summaries under 8,000 topics and sub-topics, including names, places, things, concepts, events and doctrines. Includes brief definitions that are useful for personal study or lesson preparation." -- Publisher
Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), God's Words: Studies of key Bible Themes, ISBN: 0877843678 9780877843672.
Contents: Revelation | Scripture | The Lord | The world | Sin | The devil | Grace | The mediator | Reconciliation | Faith | Justification | Regeneration | Election | Holiness and sanctification | Mortify | Fellowship | Death | Index of biblical passages.
"Seventeen terms, doctrines, all the main ingredients of any sound confession of faith, are discussed by Packer." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), Meeting God: 12 Studies for Individuals or Groups, ISBN: 0830810579 9780830810574.
"Twelve studies for individuals or groups. Designed to enlarge our view of God, who He is, and who we are in relation to Him. Many passages to look up and fill-in-the blanks. Leader's notes in the back." -- GCB
*Pfeiffer, Charles, F. (editor), Baker's Bible Atlas.
"The scholarliness and evangelical spirit has made this a top choice, and also has caused it to be adopted as a textbook in many schools. It is theologically sound." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Pfeiffer, Charles, F., A Study Guide in Bible-land History and Geography: To Accompany Baker's Bible Atlas, ISBN: 0739906747 9780739906743.
Pink, A.W., Studies in Scripture, all annual volumes
Free Grace Broadcaster Index
http://www.chapellibrary.org/broadcaster/fgb-index/
*Smith, Jerome H. (editor), The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, revised and expanded (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1997), 1664 pages, ISBN: 0785212272 and 0785213155. Includes bibliography, subject index, topic number index, Proverbs index, name index, figure of speech index, and other indexes. See the index to Proverbs.
"An incredible one-volume Bible reference library, this comprehensive update of the original TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE [TSK] is a unique resource for Bible study, teaching, or preaching. This edition contains nearly 100,000 new cross references, additional key words, a new system of symbols, and many other improvements. This is the most comprehensive collection of time-saving and insightful cross references ever published! Dozens of special study aids help you develop powerful lessons or sermons -- straight from the Bible itself! Dr. John MacArthur, Jr. says: 'The one book, apart from the Bible itself, that I value most in my studies'." -- Logos Research Systems
Smith, Jerome, The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
http://www.logos.com/product/1214/the-new-treasury-of-scripture-knowledge
"For generations, the TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE [original edition by R.A. Torrey -- compiler], has been an enduring cross reference resource for Bible students worldwide. This highly respected and nearly exhaustive compilation of cross references was developed by R.A. Torrey from references in the REV. THOMAS SCOTT'S COMMENTARY and THE COMPREHENSIVE BIBLE. With nearly 500,000 cross references it is the most thorough source available [prior to Jerome Smith's 1992 revision and update -- compiler]."
TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE is in the public domain and may be freely used and distributed. It is included at BibleStudyTools.com and may be downloaded from various websites.
Torrey, R.A., Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (former edition to NTSK)
http://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/treasury-of-scripture-knowledge/
Smith, Jerome H., Nelson's Cross Reference Guide to the Bible: Illuminating God's Word Verse-by-Verse, 2007, ISBN: 1418504599 9781418504595.
Whereas, The Holy Bible is the greatest book (Matthew 4:4; Psalm 33:6; John 1:1-14; Mark 13:31; 1 Corinthians 2:12,13; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:4; Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 119, and so forth, and so on),
Whereas, it is the best commentary on itself, a truth that came out of the Reformation,
Therefore, THE NEW TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE (NTSK) and its successor, NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE GUIDE TO THE BIBLE (NCRGB), are among the greatest and most valuable books ever printed, after The Holy Bible itself, because they allow the Bible to interpret itself.
"THE NEW TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE and NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE GUIDE TO THE BIBLE are more flexible than a concordance, more thorough than a topical Bible, and more discovery-oriented than a Bible commentary." -- Reader's Comment
Most readers will need to own both the NTSK and NCRGB. NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE GUIDE TO THE BIBLE is recommended for quick reference, because of its new format, its ease of use, and more compact size. But THE NEW TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE is also necessary for serious study, because the eight indices for the NTSK, the extensive bibliography, and most of Smith's added personal notes to about 275 verses were removed from the NCRGB.
It should also be pointed out that neither of these works are Reformed. A random check of both works showed that Smith did not consult cross references used in CALVIN'S COMMENTARIES or in the GENEVA BIBLE and NOTES, although, of course, some cross references used by Calvin and other Reformed writers appear by chance in both of Smith's works. Therefore, Reformed reader must go directly to the indices to the various commentaries of Calvin to see Calvin's cross references, and to other Reformed writers, and the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE, for their cross references.
Jerome H. Smith spent about 37 years editing and expanding THE TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE (see the Preface to NTSK). After the release of the NTSK in 1992, he continued to edit and improve it, and NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE GUIDE TO THE BIBLE was released in 2007, 15 years later. That is a total of 52 years working to improve this one reference work.
"Building on the Bible Study classic, THE TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE (with its well-known introduction by R.A. Torrey), and his own expansive THE NEW TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE, Jerome Smith has fashioned a user-friendly tool [the NCRGB -- compiler] in a much improved, altogether new format to make personal Bible study and Bible lesson preparation easier than ever before. Thanks to Smith's diligent work over many years, this volume contains a more complete collection of cross references than any Bible reference ever published." -- Publisher
"Smith compiled no less than eight indices for the NTSK: Subject Index, Topic Number Index, Prayer Index, Proverbs Index, Name Index, Figure of Speech Index, Strong's Numbers Index: Hebrew, and Strong's Numbers Index: Greek. He also provided an extensive bibliography. Leaving most of the notes he found in TSK unmodified, he added his own personal notes to about 275 verses. But the indices, bibliography, and most of the notes were removed from the NCRGB." -- Reader's Comment
"Discover how words, phrases, and concepts in one passage of the BIBLE are reflected and reinforced in the whole of Scripture. NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE GUIDE is organized in biblical sequence, making it easy for you to study a particular passage deeper than ever before.
"You'll find multiple cross references to related passages in the Old and New Testaments. Gain a richer understanding of God's Word by studying a theme through the whole counsel of Scripture.
"THE NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE BIBLE [based on the AKJV] lets the Bible interpret itself. I study with the ESV Single Column Reference Edition, NASB Reference Updated Edition (1995), and HCSB Large Print Reference. To illustrate the value of the NCRGB, for John 11:11, where Jesus states Lazarus has 'fallen asleep,' the ESV has only 1 reference, the NASB has 5, and the HCSB has 2. The NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE BIBLE has an astounding 25 references including a definition of 'Lazarus,' citation to the Strong's number (2976g). For John 1:1, the ESV has 12 references, NASB has 8 and HCSB has 6. NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE BIBLE has an astounding 61, including very helpful references from Isaiah, Psalms, Job, Jeremiah, Micah. Each set of words in John 1:1 is divided and references are provided for 'the beginning,' 'the Word,' 'with,' 'and he Word,' and 'was God.' One last example, for John 10:9 where Jesus says he's the door, ESV has 3 references, NASB has 1, and HCSB has no references. NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE BIBLE has 18, providing reference supports for key words in the verse such as 'the door,' 'if,' 'be saved,' and 'go in and out'." -- Reader's Comment
"I almost did not live to finish my editorial work on THE NEW TREASURY, for I was shot in the head by an unknown assailant on March 13, 1986, when I had typed the text only as far as 1 Samuel 3. The Lord miraculously spared my life. During my recovery I kept working on the book, often without income." -- Jerome Smith in the foreword to The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
THE NEW TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE may be used to advantage in combination with the following Bible reference works, among others:
*Smith, William, Smith's Bible Dictionary, ISBN: 9781565638044 1565638042.
"This is an abridgment of the multi-volume work, and it is a good one. . . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
"Words of Christ are highlighted; fan-tab thumb-index reference system; Topical Index to the Bible with guide to 8000 subjects, names, places; Old Testament Chronology; Harmony of the Gospels; Parables of Jesus; Prophecies of the Messiah Fulfilled in Jesus Christ; and Hebrew and Greek Lexicons." -- GCB
Smith's Bible Dictionary
http://www.biblestudytools.com/Dictionaries/SmithsBibleDictionary/
*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Commenting and Commentaries: Lectures Addressed to the Students of the Pastor's College, Metropolitan Tabernacle, With a List of the Best Biblical Commentaries and Expositions: Also a Lecture on Eccentric Preachers: With a Complete List of all of Spurgeon's Sermons, With the Scripture Texts Used 1876, 324 pages.
Commenting and Commentaries, C.H. Spurgeon
http://www.ccel.org/s/spurgeon/comment/comment.html
Book Academy
A source of free online e-text of Puritan works and of works by Spurgeon.
"We have reproduced Spurgeon's COMMENTING AND COMMENTARIES, and then provided links to the digital versions where we know of their existence."
http://www.book-academy.co.uk/index.php
Commenting and Commentaries: Two Lectures Addressed to the Students of the Pastors' College, Metropolitan Tabernacle, together with a catalogue of Biblical commentaries and expositions (1876)
http://archive.org/details/commentpastors00spuruoft
*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), A Guide to Commentaries, ISBN: 0825437490 9780825437496.
A bibliography of recommended books, prepared by Spurgeon for his students, appears in full in COMMENTING AND COMMENTARIES. It was prepared after Spurgeon passed under review "some three or four thousand volumes." It is a catalog of some 1200 expository titles designed to list the best commentaries in English in the 350 years after the Reformation.
"The present booklet is a condensation of this work, no authors are omitted, but Spurgeon's comments on the various works listed are not reprinted, and the arrangement is now alphabetical by authors' names . . ." -- Publisher
*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Lectures to my Students, ISBN: 0310329116 9780310329114. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. A Christian classic.
"One contemporary scholar and authority on Spurgeon says of this work: 'Next to Mr. Spurgeon's great literary work, THE TREASURY OF DAVID, we consider these LECTURES TO MY STUDENTS his greatest single contribution to the Christian world. There is more practical wisdom, common sense and sage advice packed within these pages than with any other book of similar size or content.' This complete and unabridged edition of Spurgeon's great work will make it possible for today's generation to appreciate Spurgeon's combination of discerning wit and refreshingly practical advice. Included in the 28 chapters of this classic volume on homiletics are such lectures as: -- The Call to Ministry -- The Preacher's Private Prayer -- On the Choice of a Text -- On the Voice -- The Holy Spirit in Connection with Our Ministry -- Posture, Action, Gesture, etc. -- The Blind Eye and the Deaf Ear -- On Conversion as Our Aim -- Illustrations in Preaching -- As were all of Spurgeon's' messages to his people, each of these lectures is Scripture-saturated and Christ-honoring. They move swiftly and are fascinating in their content and sage counsel. . . .
"Spurgeon realized that he could influence the church beyond his own lifetime if he could encourage future pastors to trust the Bible, love people, and preach the truth fearlessly. To achieve this he collected his lectures to his college students and published this book. It has been a classic of pastoral theology ever since and is still used to train ministers to this day (back cover)." -- Publisher
Lectures to my Students: Being Addresses Delivered to the Students of the Pastors' College, Metropolitan Tabernacle (1877)
http://archive.org/details/lecturestomystud1877spur
*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Spurgeon's Devotional Bible: Selected Passages From the Word of God With Running Comments, ISBN: 0852343434 0852340583. Alternate title: Originally published under the title, THE INTERPRETER: SPURGEON'S MORNING AND EVENING DEVOTIONS FROM THE BIBLE.
"For anyone who wants to restore daily devotions on an individual or family basis, SPURGEON'S DEVOTIONAL BIBLE is the perfect answer. One can read through this book in a year when morning and evening devotions are maintained. . . .
"The gist of the entire Bible is found between the covers of this book. . . . some verses [and chapters], were omitted in whole or in part, but they are always summarized in such a way that the narrative or teaching remains clear. The emphasis is always on Scripture . . ." -- Publisher
Commenting on typology is a way to convince piers of the reality and immediacy of the Gospel. The concise, succinct, erudite comments point again and again to parallels in Scripture to the life and work of Christ. For example, see the comments on the life of Joseph, on the first Passover, and on God's provision of manna for Israel in the wilderness.
This work, by a modern Puritan, is preeminently practical. Spurgeon emphasizes application of Scripture to everyday life. Key verses appear at the top of each page.
Spurgeon's discerning mind has captured essential and profound lessons. He brings together Old and New Testament passages with similar lessons. Here is little known insight that should not be ignored or overlooked.
The Bible is full of wisdom on human behavior, real psychology, and Spurgeon points out these lessons everywhere.
The text is the Authorized King James Version.
A footnote at the bottom of page 643 (Baker Book House edition), states "In this reading the first five notes are from Lange's Commentary. All through the work we have gathered from every available source." Looking at other works by Spurgeon, for example, THE TREASURY OF DAVID, and knowing that he had a huge library, it could be expected he selected freely from the works of other authors. Poetry has been added after the Bible selection and notes. It would appear the notes and poetry have not been documented for practical purposes, to make the book seamless and uncluttered. It is a drawback, however, to not know which notes and poetry was from Spurgeon's pen and which he selected from other authors.
The Interpreter: Spurgeon's Devotional Bible. Alternate title: SPURGEON'S DEVOTIONAL BIBLE: SELECTED PASSAGES FROM THE WORD OF GOD WITH RUNNING COMMENTS.
"THE INTERPRETER: SPURGEON DEVOTIONAL BIBLE contains the text of the entire Bible, along with Spurgeon's reflections on nearly every verse. This Bible, arranged topically instead of canonically, allows readers to experience the text of Scripture along with Charles Spurgeon himself. His commentary illuminates the texts, and provides notes on interpretation and application of the Bible. The Logos Bible Software edition of THE INTERPRETER: SPURGEON'S DEVOTIONAL BIBLE was originally published in London by Passmore and Alabaster from 1869-1887." -- Publisher
https://www.logos.com/product/6798/the-interpreter-spurgeons-devotional-bible
Pilgrim Publications
Sells new copies of SPURGEON'S DEVOTIONAL BIBLE.
http://pilgrimpublications.auctivacommerce.com/
Power BibleCD
Includes SPURGEON'S DEVOTIONAL BIBLE.
http://www.powerbible.com/
C.H. Spurgeon wrote, among other things:
*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), and Warren W. Wiersbe, Commenting and Commentaries: A Reference Guide to the Best Bible Study Books: Includes "A Classic Bible Study Library for Today," ISBN: 0825437490 9780825437496.
"This new edition includes Spurgeon's book of 1876, plus an added book giving the comments of Wiersbe, Barber, Masters, and Wilbur M. Smith."
"If I can save a poor man from spending his money for that which is not bread, or by directing a brother to a good book, I may enable him to dig deeper into the mines of truth, I shall be well repaid." -- C.H. Surgeon
Commenting and Commentaries,C.H. Spurgeon
http://www.ccel.org/s/spurgeon/comment/comment.html
Pilgrim Publications, Complete Index to the New Park Street Pulpit and the Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, 24 pages.
"Notes: Reprinted from Spurgeon's COMMENTING AND COMMENTARIES."
Stein, Robert H., Difficult Passages in the Gospels: Interpreting Puzzling Texts in the Gospels and Epistles, ISBN: 0801082498 9780801082498.
"Stein explores problematic passages under four categories: Difficult parallel passages; Teachings of Jesus; Actions of Jesus; and Predictions of Jesus." -- GCB
Stewart, Don, 103 Questions People ask Most About God, ISBN: 084234747X 9780842347471.
"This book provides brief, Bible-based responses and easy-to-remember summaries to many difficult questions people ask about God. Four basic areas are dealt with: His Existence, Nature, Acts, and His Meaning to the Individual. A book that provides solid answers to dealing with others." -- GCB
*Tenney, Merrill C. (editor), The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, 5 volumes.
Moises Silva (revision editor), and Merrill C. Tenney, The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, revised, full-color edition, ISBN: 9780310209737 0310209730 9780310241324 0310241324 9780310241331 0310241332 9780310241348 0310241340 9780310241355 0310241359 9780310241362 0310241367.
Contains extensive bibliography.
Annotation is for the black and white edition.
"Over 1500 photographs and illustrations, along with nearly 300 maps, are included. Valuable bibliographies and helpful cross referencing make the set even more useful. Over 5000 pages in five hardcover volumes." -- CBD
"This up-to-date, thoroughly evangelical Bible encyclopedia is a bestseller at GCB and highly recommended. A tremendous help for the pastor, Sunday School teacher, scholar, and every dedicated Christian who wants to understand his/her Bible better . . ." -- GCB
"Written by evangelicals, but other viewpoints are generally represented. Has received mixed reviews -- the quality of some articles is questionable. One place to come for a (but not the), evangelical viewpoint on biblical topics." -- Robert J. Kepple
*Thompson, Frank Charles (editor), and Kirkbride Bible and Technology (other contributor), Thompson Chain Reference Bible, KJV, (KJV, Adult, Regular Size, Bonded Leather, Black, Indexed, Kirkbride Bible Company Item Number: 978-0-88707-527-8), 5th improved edition, leather bound (Kirkbride Bible Company, December 2005), some editions include a CD-ROM, language: English, French, and Spanish. Many editions and bindings are available. WorldCat Record for 5th Improved Edition, ISBN: 0887071228 9780887071225 9780887076091 0887076092.
"Dr. Frank C. Thompson, D.D., Ph.D., invested more than forty years in compiling and developing the remarkable Chain-Reference system that is the heart of the Bible that now bears his name." -- Publisher
This is a huge body of work: the fully cross-referenced Bible, 1619 pages, plus Bible helps, 788 pages, for a total of 2417 pages. It may be used profitably in combination with THE NEW TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE (1680 pages), THE NEW GENEVA STUDY BIBLE (THE REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE), (2220 pages), THE GENEVA BIBLE (648 pages), THE THOMPSON EXHAUSTIVE TOPICAL BIBLE: KING JAMES VERSION (1631 pages), and THE NEW NAVE'S TOPICAL BIBLE (1114 pages).
"The topics from the TOPICAL BIBLE can easily be found in the General Index of the THOMPSON CHAIN-REFERENCE BIBLE. In the General Index are found the chain-reference numbers that will guide the user into the biblical context for many of the topics. The many additional resources in the THOMPSON CHAIN-REFERENCE BIBLE . . . will greatly supplement any topical study." -- Introduction to the TOPICAL BIBLE
We feel that both THE THOMPSON CHAIN-REFERENCE BIBLE, KING JAMES VERSION, 5TH EDITION, and the THOMPSON EXHAUSTIVE TOPICAL BIBLE: KING JAMES VERSION has a part in every reference library, particularly the libraries of Biblical Counselors.
Remember the Thompson Chain-Reference System was developed for the Authorized King James Version. It is also available in New American Standard, New King James, and the New International versions.
"A THOMPSON STUDY BIBLE will help you in ways other Bibles can't. It's the unique Chain-Reference System that allows you to follow any subject, person, place or idea, from the front of your Bible to the end. THOMPSON users say it's the best way to study your Bible. No other Bible has this superb, patented, Thompson Chain Reference System developed by Dr. Frank C. Thompson in 1890. Since that time, thousands of additional topics and links have been added. The AKJV 4th edition has been out-of-print since 1988. The 5th edition began printing in 1988. The only way to find a 4th edition would be in the secondary market." -- Publisher
"Some Thompson Bible Features [from among 75 additional study features]:
Thompson, Frank Charles (author), Thompson Chain Reference Bible (Spanish edition), ISBN: 0829745653, leather bound (duo-tone black/brown), 1824 pages (Vida, September 1, 2005).
"Contains: | Book Analysis | Outline studies | Harmony of the Gospels | Sixteen colorful maps | Concordance | 1960 Revision | Jesus' words in red Special characteristics: | Messianic prophesies in red | Introduction to the Bible | Biblical studies | Complete index | Harmony of the gospels | Book introductions | Origin and growth of the Bible | Outline studies of Bible periods | Analysis of the Bible as a whole | Analysis of the books of the Bible | Analysis of verses | Numerical chain index system | Contrasts between Old and New Testaments | Topical study of the Bible | Graphs and charts | Tables: time, weights, measures | Bible mnemonics (helps for memorization) | Bible stories for children | Archaeological supplement | General Bible prophecies" -- Publisher
*Thompson, Frank Charles (author), Paul M. Hillman (editor), John Stephen Jauchen (editor), The Thompson Exhaustive Topical Bible: King James Version (Indianapolis, IN: Kirkbride Bible Company, Inc., 1997). Hardcover, 1631 pages.
This is a topical Bible compiled from the Thompson Chain-Reference System.
"NAVE'S TOPICAL BIBLE was edited into a Study Bible format shortly after the appearance of the original THOMPSON CHAIN-REFERENCE BIBLE. It is fitting for Thompson's Study Bible to be reformatted into a reference book. And where there is room in the marketplace and on every serious student's bookshelf for more than one Bible translation, so there is room for more than one Topical Bible -- and great value in the use of both Nave's and Thompson's work. . . ." -- John R. Kohlenberger III, from the Foreword
"Now, the detailed and comprehensive topical and subject data that forms the heart of the unparalleled Thompson Chain-Reference system is offered in this -- the most exhaustive topical Bible currently available! Combining to make THE THOMPSON EXHAUSTIVE TOPICAL BIBLE unique are features which include:
*Vine, W.E. (editor), Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, revised edition, ISBN: 0840775598 9780840775597.
*Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), Body of Divinity: Contained in Sermons Upon the Westminster Assembly's Catechism, ISBN: 0851511449. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"The first book published by the Trust, this has been one of the bestsellers and consistently the most useful and influential of our publications . . . It deals with the foremost doctrinal and experimental truths of the Christian faith . . . It is based on the Westminster Assembly's Shorter Catechism, in which the main principles of Christianity that lie scattered in the Scriptures are brought together and set forth in the form of question and answer. This catechism is unsurpassed for its 'terse exactitude of definition' and 'logical elaboration' of the fundamentals. . . . Watson conveys his thorough doctrinal and experimental knowledge of the truth in such an original, concise, pithy, pungent, racy, rich, and illustrative style that he is rightly regarded as the most readable of the Puritans." -- Publisher
"As an introduction to Puritan theology, as a short and sweet course in Christian doctrine, as devotional reading, and as a preacher's gold-mine, Watson's work can hardly be praised too highly." -- J.I. Packer
"Contains Watson's exposition of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, excluding the Lord's Prayer and the Ten Commandments." -- GCB
Westminster Shorter Catechism Project: Body of Divinity Contained in Sermons Upon the Assembly's Catechism by the Rev. Thomas Watson
http://www.shortercatechism.com/resources/vincent/wsc_vi_001.html?page_id=205
Westminster Shorter Catechism With Proof Texts
http://www.reformed.org/documents/WSC_frames.html
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms. Alternate title: SCRIPTURE INDEX TO THE WESTMINSTER STANDARDS. Available on Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/index01.htm
Westminster Shorter Catechism Project
"Click on any of the individual questions below to get the answer and Biblical references, as well as links to works by John Flavel, Thomas Watson, Thomas Boston, James Fisher, and John Whitecross, and others."
http://www.shortercatechism.com/
Watson, A Body of Practical Divinity Sermons on the Shorter Catechism of the Westminster Assembly, also Select Sermons on Various Subjects, Together with The Art of Divine Contentment, and Christ's Various Fulness (1859)
http://archive.org/details/bodyofpracticald00watsuoft
Bordwine, James, A Guide to the Westminster Standards: Confession of Faith and Larger Catechism (Unicoi, TN: (The Trinity Foundation, 1996), ISBN: 0940931303 9780940931305.
Includes a unique, 100-page topical index to both the Confession and the Catechism.
Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), The Duty of Self-Denial and 10 Other Sermons, ISBN: 1877611956 9781877611957.
*Westminster Assembly (1643-1652), The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), [completed and first printed in 1646, approved by the Assembly, August 27, 1647, Session 23 -- compiler] (Glasgow, Scotland: Free Presbyterian Publication [133 Woodlands Road, Glasgow G3 6LE], 1994), ISBN: 0902506080 (case-bound), and ISBN: 0902506358 (paperback). Among the ten greatest works in the English language. Available (THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646) with all its subordinate documents in searchable format) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also available (THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646) with all its subordinate documents in searchable format) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) With Scripture Proofs
http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/
The Confession of Faith, the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, With the Scripture Proofs at Large: Together With The sum of Saving Knowledge (contained in the Holy Scriptures, and held forth in the said Confession and Catechisms), and Practical use Thereof, Covenants National and Solemn League, Acknowledgment of Sins and Engagement to Duties, Directories, Form of Church-government, &c. of Public Authority in the Church of Scotland, With Acts of Assembly and Parliament, Relative to, and Approbative of the Same (1757) [the original version of 1646, prior to the changes of the "American Version" of 1789 -- compiler]
http://archive.org/details/confessionofscot00chur
" 'The product of Puritan conflict,' stated Shedd, reaching 'a perfection of statement never elsewhere achieved.' All that learning the most profound and extensive, intellect the most acute and searching, and piety the most sincere and earnest, could accomplish, was thus concentrated in the Westminster Assembly's Confession of Faith, which may be safely termed the most perfect statement of Systematic Theology ever framed by the Christian Church,' writes Hetherington. (The History of the Westminster Assembly of Divines, p. 345).
"Concerning The Shorter Catechism, which is one of the items also included in this book, Mitchell notes: 'it is a thoroughly Calvinistic and Puritan catechism, the ripest fruit of the Assembly's thought and experience, maturing and finally fixing the definitions of theological terms to which Puritanism for half a century had been leading up and gradually coming closer and closer to in its legion of catechisms.' (Westminster Assembly: Its History and Standards, p. 431).
"THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646) is the greatest of all the creeds of the Christian church. The church of Christ cannot be creedless and live. Especially in an age of doubt and confusion, it is her duty to define and proclaim the one true faith. Nowhere has the Reformed church done this so effectively as in the WESTMINSTER CONFESSION, and family of documents. This book represents Reformed thinking at its purest and best. It was intended, as part of the Covenanted Reformation taking place during its compilation, to be adopted as the binding confessional standard for every individual, family, court, church, and legislature in the British Isles." -- Publisher
This is considered to be the definitive publication of the Westminster family of documents. It includes the following:
*Whyte, Alexander (1836-1921), Bible Characters From the old and new Testament, ISBN: 0825439817 9780825439810 0825439809 9780825439803.
"For the study of Bible biographies you should secure a marvelous series by Alexander Whyte, one of the greatest preachers in the world of a generation ago, simply called BIBLE CHARACTERS. No one has analyzed these characters so vividly and penetratingly as Whyte. Every page is edifying and suggestive." -- Wilbur M. Smith
See also: Creeds, confessions, and catechisms, The attributes of god, Bible reading and devotional guides, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, Apologetics, The holy bible, Bible promises, Bible commentaries, Expository bible commentaries, Guides to commentaries, Systematic theology, Bible promises, Commentaries, general works, Bible reading and devotional guides, Bible reference works, Bible translations, Textual criticism, Bible reference works, Commentaries containing Biblical counsel, Inspiration, revelation, and inerrancy, Textual criticism, Topical listings of scripture, Wisdom books, Biblical counsel by subject, Biblical counsel for women, Biblical counseling, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 414-445
Books Thought to be Among the ten Greatest in the English Language
http://www.lettermen2.com/tengreat.html
Geneva Bible Notes: Reviews of the 1599 and the 1672 editions of the Notes, and of the Reformation Study Bible
http://www.lettermen2.com/geneva.html
Meditation (FGB)
A Very Profitable Exercise | Chewing the Bread of Life | A Meditation on Love for Christ | Matter for Meditation | What Meditation is | Helps for Meditating on God | The Duty of Meditation | The Nature of Meditation | Solemn and set Meditation | Dangers of Neglecting Meditation | Occasional Meditation
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/medifg/meditation
The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), (The Westminster Standards), and Related Works: A Study Guide
http://www.lettermen2.com/suggest.html
See the Theological Notes: "God's Pattern for Worship," at 1 Chronicles 16:29 in The Reformation Study Bible.We love God's day. We do not only keep a sabbath, but love a sabbath. 'If thou call the sabbath a delight' (Isaiah 58:13). The sabbath is that which keeps up the face of religion amongst us; this day must be consecrated as glorious to the Lord. The house of God is the palace of the great King, on the sabbath God shows Himself there through the lattice. If we love God we prize His day above all other days. All the week would be dark if it were not for this day; on this day manna falls double. Now, if ever, heaven gate stands open, and God comes down in a golden shower. This blessed day the Sun of righteousness rises upon the soul. How does a gracious heart prize that day which was made on purpose to enjoy God in! -- Thomas Watson (1620-1686)
The true reason why the power of godliness is fallen to so low an ebb, both in this and in other countries also, is because the Sabbath is no more strictly and conscientiously observed -- And O that all these short hints might be so blessed from heaven as to work us all to a more strict seriousness and conscientious sanctifying of the Lord's Day. -- Thomas Brooks (1608-1680)
Our world today has abandoned the doctrines of salvation and rest in their Biblical meanings. To understand what has happened, let us turn our attention to the work of John Law (1671-1729), the father of modern banking and of modern monetary policies. He is thus a father of both modern commerce and of the modern state. Although not a Christian, Law should perhaps be called also a father of the modern church, because he has so radically altered the idea of rest.
Law developed the modern use of paper money, in particular, a paper currency unbacked by either gold or silver. We hear it commonly said today that the American dollar is sound, because it has behind it the wealth and productivity of America. This is simply a statement of Law's doctrine that money should be established upon the evidences of commercial wealth, actually or potential, upon land and its potential, or upon the potentials of industrial productivity. This means a non-convertible currency; it also means a restless society. Such a view of money mean that society must forever boom or face collapse. The economics of Law is inflationary: it requires a continual boom [as do the Federal Tax Laws deferring tax on capital growth -- compiler], and any abatement thereof leads to a bust or collapse. Because of the inflation of the money (i.e., of a paper assurance of potential production), the economy moves forward rapidly. But the paper money assumes a potential production; it produces, however, an actual consumption, so that it creates a consuming rather than a producing economy. It capitalizes instead of capitalizing. Its end is destruction.
In the process, it destroys rest. [See the entire chapter cited below -- compiler]. It becomes impossible to relax and enjoy one's wealth, or to rejoice in accomplished goals, because a consuming, inflationary economy eats up capital accumulated from the past. Man is, economically and emotionally, on a hopeless treadmill. An inflationary economy, or, more broadly, a paper-money economy, is marked by emotional and mental instability among the people. It begins with a false religious premise, namely, that man as god can create something out of nothing. It ends with man making nothing out of something and turning himself into a mental, emotional, and moral shambles in the process. As Isaiah makes clear,But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.The Larger Catechism
There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked. (Isaiah 57:20-21), -- R.J. Rushdoony (1916-2001), "Sabbath and Property," Law and Society, Volume II of the Institutes of Biblical Law, pp. 560-561
The Larger Catechism: Agreed Upon by the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, With the Assistance of Commissioners From the Church of Scotland, as a Part of the Covenanted Uniformity in Religion Betwixt the Churches of Christ in the Kingdoms of Scotland, England, and Ireland and Approved anno 1648, by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, to be a directory for catechising such as have made some proficiency in the knowledge of the grounds of religion, with the proofs from the Scripture. -- The long title for The Larger Catechism
http://www.reformed.org/documents/wlc_w_proofs/index.html
Alexander, Archibald (1772-1851), and John Willison (1680-1750), A Treatise Concerning the Sanctification of the Lord's Day, Wherein the Morality of the Sabbath, or the Perpetual Obligation of the Fourth Commandment, is Maintained Against Adversaries; and the Religious Observation of the Lord's Day, or First day of the Week as our Christian Sabbath, is Strongly Pressed by Scripture Arguments. Containing Also, Many Special Directions and Advices for the Better Performing the Most Necessary and Comprehensive Duty of Sabbath-Sanctification. To Which are Added (by way of Appendix), Meditations for the Sabbath Day, Taken From the Author's Manuscripts. Proper for Families.
"Archibald Alexander, American Presbyterian scholar, president of Princeton.
"John Willison, evangelical minister of the Church of Scotland (Presbyterian), supported revivals and sympathetic to the Seceders."
Bickersteth, Edward, The Sabbath.
*Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), Commentary on the Shorter Catechism, 2 volumes. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
" 'Two large volumes of over 1300 pages! Boston's work is the most comprehensive reference set ever penned on The Westminster Shorter Catechism. Concerning The Shorter Catechism, A.F. Mitchell states '. . . it is a thoroughly Calvinistic and Puritan catechism, the ripest fruit of the Assembly's thought and experience, maturing and finally fixing the definitions of theological terms to which Puritanism for half a century had been leading up and gradually coming closer and closer to in its legion of catechisms' (The Westminster Assembly [1643-1652]). The Shorter Catechism is the 'king of the catechisms' for shear power of expression, combining logical cogency with succinctness. Boston's exposition is unrivalled; there is nothing else like it. Here you have the cream of Puritan catechisms married to the cream of clear Puritan exposition! This is likely Boston's most important work. A set that will meet numerous needs, ranging from use in family worship, Christian education and personal study, to sermon preparation -- and for help in settling debated questions on the Presbytery floor. A one-of-a-kind set of books that will serve your family for generations to come!" -- Publisher
"It is worth while to be a Shorter Catechism boy. They grow to be men. And better than that, the are exceedingly apt to grow to be men of God." -- B.B. Warfield
Westminster Shorter Catechism With Proof Texts
http://www.reformed.org/documents/WSC_frames.html
Westminster Shorter Catechism Project
"Click on any of the individual questions below to get the answer and Biblical references, as well as links to works by John Flavel, Thomas Watson, Thomas Boston, James Fisher, and John Whitecross, and others."
http://www.shortercatechism.com/
Byfield, Richard, The Doctrine of the Sabbath Vindicated, 1631.
Case, Thomas, Of Sabbath Sanctification (1674, reprinted 1844). Available in the multi-volume collection, PURITAN FAST SERMONS. Available (PURITAN FAST SERMONS), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Sets forth the duty and privilege of Sabbath sanctification as based upon the text: If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. (Isa. 58:13-14 [Isaiah 58:13-14]). A Puritan sermon dealing faithfully with 'the market day of the soul.' Sure to produce strong consternation among all classes of antinomians, infidels, and demons." -- Publisher
Cotton, John (1584-1652), and Greg Fox, John Cotton on Psalmody and the Sabbath.
Crawford, John, Sabbath Traveling: The sin and Evils of Sabbath Railway and Steamboat Traveling, Illustrated by Various Arguments, 1864.
Crowe, S.J. and J.H. Leiper, A Sabbath Manual, 1895.
Dabney, Robert L. (1820-1898), The Christian Sabbath: Its Nature, Design and Proper Observance. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
Dabney, Robert L. (1820-1898), The Sabbath Controversy.
Dabney, Robert L. (1820-1898), Sabbath Keeping: A Biblical Defense by Reformed Ministers From the Past. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
Dabney, Robert L. (1820-1898), The Sabbath and the State Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Dawn, Marva J., Keeping the Sabbath Wholly: Ceasing, Resting, Embracing, Feasting, ISBN: 0802804578 9780802804570.
Dennison, James, The Market-day of the Soul: The Puritan Doctrine of the Sabbath in England, 1532-1700, ISBN: 1573580627 9781573580625.
"Dennison originally wrote this book as a thesis at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary for the late Dr. John H. Gerstner, and it was published in 1983. We have retypeset it from its original edition. In this book, painstakingly researched from original sources, Dennison shows the differing views on the Sabbath between the Anglicans of the 16th and 17th centuries and the Puritans of that same time period. He concludes that the Puritan view of the Sabbath is the biblical one. (209 pages)" -- Publisher
"James T. Dennison, Jr. is Academic Dean of Northwest Theological Seminary in Washington, where he also serves as Professor of Church History and Biblical Theology. He has been the editor of Kerux: A Journal of Biblical-Theological Preaching since 1986. He has also edited various books including Francis Turretin's INSTITUTES OF ELENCTIC THEOLOGY, Geerhardus Vos' OLD TESTAMENT ESCHATOLOGY, and, THE LETTERS OF GEERHARDUS VOS." -- Publisher
Dill, James Renwick, Christian Government and the Sabbath.
Durham, James (1622-1658), The Fourth Commandment
http://www.naphtali.com/articles/james-durham/the-fourth-commandment/
Fairbairn, Patrick, Views of the Reformers Regarding the Sabbath
http://www.truecovenanter.com/worship/fairbairn_reformers_sabbath.html
Gilfillan, James, The Sabbath Defended in the Light of Reason, Revelation, and History: With Sketches of its Literature, 1882. ISBN: 0972734708 9780972734707. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"This is a massive and thorough book which covers so much ground that it is almost impossible to do justice to it in a short book summary. We will simply say that if you are interested in any aspect of the Sabbath question you will almost certainly find much help here.
"Major heads include: 'Sketches of Sabbatic Controversies and Literature;' 'Proofs, From Reason and Experience, of the Excellence and Divine Origin of the Sabbath;' 'Testimony of Revelation to a Sacred and Perpetual Sabbath;' 'Evidence From History for a Weekly Day of Rest and Worship;' 'The Sabbath Defended Against Opposing Arguments, Theories, and Schemes;' The Claims of the Sabbath Practically Enforced.' Includes a general index and an index of texts." -- Publisher
Gouge, William (1578-1653), The Sabbaths Sanctification Herein I. The grounds of the morality of the Sabbath, II. Directions for sanctifying it, III. Proofs that the Lords day is the Christians Sabbath, IIII. Aberrations about the Sabbath, V. Motives to sanctifie the Sabbath. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Hamilton, James, The Sabbath; Its Adaptation to Man's Intellectual and Moral Nature.
Hamilton, Richard Winter, The Christian Sabbath.
Henry, Matthew (1662-1714), A Serious Address to Those That Profane the Lord's Day. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
*Hopkins, Rev. Mark, D.D., The Sabbath and Free Institutions. A Paper Read Before the National Sabbath Convention, Saratoga, Aug. 13, 1863. On Invitation of the New York Sabbath Committee.
"Hopkins argues three points, 1. That a religious observance of the Sabbath, or, as it may be called by way of distinction, the religious Sabbath, would secure the permanence of free institutions [civil governments], 2. That without the Sabbath religiously observed, the permanence of free institutions cannot be secured, and 3. That the civil, as based on the religious Sabbath, is an institution to which society has a natural right, precisely as it has to property." -- Wurth Books
"These propositions were demonstrated by a process of reasoning simple and irresistible, and, we may add, majestic. The third of these propositions, viz.: That society has a natural right to the civil Sabbath, is one of special interest and importance. It furnishes a firm foundation on which to rest rights and duty of the community to protect the Sabbath by civil legislation." -- Charles Hodge, D.D., of Princeton, reporting to The National Sabbath Convention, 1863, p. 19, "The Sabbath and Free Institutions." Charles Hodge and his son, A.A. Hodge, are considered to be two of the finest theologians produced by America.
"Mark Hopkins, educator, b. in Stockbridge, Mass., 4 Feb., 1802; d. in Williamstown, Mass., 17 June, 1887. He was a grandson of Col. Mark, of the Revolutionary army, a graduate of Yale, and the first lawyer in Berkshire county, who was a younger brother of Dr. Samuel, the theologian, and married to a half-sister of Ephraim Williams, the founder of Williams College. He was graduated at Williams in 1824, with the valedictory, was a tutor in that college in 1825-7, studied medicine at the same time, and was graduated at the Berkshire medical school in 1829. He began practice in New York city, but in 1830 was called to the chair of moral philosophy and rhetoric at Williams. He was licensed to preach in 1832. In 1836 he succeeded Dr. Edward D. Griffin as president of the college, which post he held until 1872, when he resigned, though retaining the chair of moral and intellectual philosophy, which was established for him in 1836, and that of Christian theology, which he assumed in 1858. The pastorate of the college church, on which he entered in 1836, he retained till 1883. He became president of the American board of commissioners for foreign missions in 1857. He received the degree of D.D. from Dartmouth in 1837, and Harvard in 1841, and that of LL.D. from the University of the state of New York in 1857, and from Harvard at its 259th anniversary in 1886.
"President Hopkins had a large influence for good, and was much beloved by his pupils, many of whom became eminent men, among them James A. Garfield. He was one of the most acute students of moral science that this country has produced since Jonathan Edwards. The last and fullest expression of his philosophical system is found the works entitled THE LAW OF LOVE AND LOVE AS THE LAW [CHRISTIAN ETHICS], ISBN: 9781429017824 1429017821 and AN OUTLINE STUDY OF MAN [AN OUTLINE STUDY OF MAN, or, THE BODY AND MIND IN ONE SYSTEM WITH ILLUSTRATIVE DIAGRAMS, AND A METHOD FOR BLACKBOARD TEACHING, New York: Scribner, 1887, c1886], both extensively used as textbooks, and the latter illustrating his methods in the classroom." -- Appleton's Cyclopedia of American Biography, 1888.
The Sabbath and Free Institutions
http://www.lettermen2.com/hopkins.html
Laband, David N., and Deborah Henry Heinbuch (1987), Blue Laws: The History, Economics, and Politics of Sunday Closing Laws, ISBN: 0669124168 9780669124163.
Lee, Francis Nigel, The Covenantal Sabbath. Alternate title: THE SABBATH AND THE DIVINE COVENANT.
"Notes: Originally presented as the author's thesis, Stellenbosch, 1966, under title: The Sabbath and the divine covenant."
Lee, Francis Nigel, The Sabbath and the Divine Covenant, 3 volumes.
Love, Christopher (1618-1651), Scripture Rules to be Observed in Buying and Selling. By Mr. Christopher Love, Late Minister at Laurence Jury, London. Rules Concerning Buying Commodities. Rules Concerning Selling Commodities, 1653.
Mack, Wayne A., The Sabbath, 8 pages.
" 'There are clear biblical reasons for asserting that the fourth commandment is a perpetual obligation,' as opposed to Christians who do the same things on Sunday as non-Christians. Gives practical suggestions for observing the Sabbath so that it will be a day of joy and glory to God." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
Martin, R.H., The Sabbath in American Life, 1934.
McMaster (M'Master), Gilbert (1778-1854), The Parent's Assistant for the Sabbath Evening Instruction of his Children: From the Appendix to Dr. McMaster's Analysis of the Westminster Shorter Catechism.
McMaster (M'Master), Gilbert (1778-1854), The Shorter Catechism Analyzed: Containing a Distinct Exhibition of the Particular Doctrines Under Each Question, With Appropriate Proofs From Scripture. Alternate title: ANALYSIS OF THE WESTMINSTER SHORTER CATECHISM.
Murray, John (1898-1975), The Sabbath Institution.
O'Neill, Jerry, How Should I Remember the Sabbath? 1980.
*Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life, ISBN: 0891078193.
"Packer is a well-known author, lecturer, and theologian. He is currently Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Regent College, Vancouver, B.C.
"Packer writes of that golden age of Christian theology, when giants of the faith pursued holiness in life and practice like a hound follows a scent. Those Puritans of the 17th century (a little before and a little after), had as their aim to be fully conformed to the image of God, and to be seen at home and abroad as close imitators of Christ Jesus. . . .
"There are lessons for us in their passion for effective action. They had no time for lazy or passive persons. They were men of action in the pure Reformed mold -- crusading activists without a jot of self-reliance; workers for God who depended utterly on God to work in and through them. . . . There are lessons for us in their program for family stability. It is hardly too much to say that the Puritans created the Christian family in the English-speaking world. The Puritan ethic of marriage was to look not for a partner whom you do love passionately at this moment, but rather one whom you can love steadily as your best friend for life, and then to proceed with God's help to do just that. . . .
"In the introduction Packer gives his personal testimony as to how much he owes to the Puritans for his depth of knowledge, firmness of purpose, his dedication to fulfilling God's purposes in his life, and his love of the truth as revealed in the Scriptures. Because of his appreciation of this background of Puritan influence on his life, he has often written and lectured on the subject of the importance of the Puritans. Many of our freedoms and just laws can be traced to their influence on all our lives. This book contains the following themes: The Puritans in Profile; The Puritans and the Bible; The Puritans and the Gospel; the Puritans and the Holy Spirit; The Puritan Christian Life; The Puritans in Ministry. . . .
"This reviewer would love to persuade every single reader of these words to read this book. You would get a view of Christians which would inspire you, which would perhaps lead you, which would perhaps lead you to repentance, but also to heights of spirituality you would not enjoy without them. What Packer has said about their influence on his life can be repeated almost word for word in a resume of this reviewer's life. If you want to grow in grace, and in usefulness to God's cause, read the writing of the Puritans.
"We will repeat what we said in reviewing John Owen's THE DEATH OF DEATH IN THE DEATH OF CHRIST, that Packer's well balanced definition of Calvinism in the introduction to that volume is by far the best we have seen in 42 years of intensive reading. And that superb piece appears in this volume in full, which alone is worth the price of this book.
"The book jacket has these words: 'Dr. Packer masterfully uncovers the hidden treasures of Puritan life and thought. With crystalline clarity he reveals the depth and breadth of Puritan spiritual life, contrasting it with the superficiality and deadness of modern Western Christianity. Drawing on a lifetime of study Dr. Packer takes the reader on a survey of the lives and teachings of great leaders such as John Owen, Richard Baxter, and Jonathan Edwards. He offers a close look at such subjects as the Puritan view of the Bible, spiritual gifts, the Sabbath, worship, social action, and the family. He concludes that a main difference between the Puritans and ourselves is spiritual maturity -- the Puritans had it; we do not. In a time of failing vision and decaying values, this powerful portrait of Puritans is a beacon of hope that calls us to radical commitment and action when both are desperately needed'." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
"Contrary to popular opinion, the Puritans were no dour lot of killjoys. In fact, Packer says, there's a lot we can learn from them about truly authentic and joyous spirituality. In this book Packer explores the Puritans' own writings on the Bible, the Gospel, the Holy Spirit, Christian life, and ministry. For each topic he beautifully demonstrates how the Puritans can help us press on toward godliness. If you're intrigued by the Puritans but don't know where to start reading them, this book will be a valuable guide!" -- CBD
"In a resounding call to deepen our Christian life, Packer reveals the strength of the Puritan system of spiritual maturity." -- Publisher
Packer, J.I., Introductory Essay to John Owen's The Death of Death in the Death of Christ.
J.I. Packer's Introduction to The Death of Death in the Death of Christ by John Owen
http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/packer_intro.html
The Death of Death in the Death of Christ: Redemption and Reconciliation That is in the Blood of Christ (Limited Atonement), 1 of 33, [audio file]
An audio file reading by Still Waters Revival Books from THE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN. Currently (October 2018), there are 77 readings of John Owen by SWRB and Reformed Baptist of Holland (Michigan), (Thomas Sullivan), at SermonAudio.com available for listening online, downloading as MP3 files, [audio file], and listening on iPhone, mobile phones, and MPE players.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=47081639571
Palmer, Samuel (1741-1813), An Apology for the Christian Sabbath: In Which the Arguments for it are Stated, . . . Intended as a Defence of "A practical view, &c." by William Wilberforce . . . London, 1799.
Parker, Kenneth L., The English Sabbath: A Study of Doctrine and Discipline From the Reformation to the Civil War, ISBN: 0521305357 9780521305358.
Parliament, An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons Assembled in Parliament for the Better Observation of the Lord's Day.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/14/an-ordinance-of-the-lords-and-commons-assembled-in-parliament-for-the-better-observation-of-the-lords-day
Price, Greg L., When Does the Sabbath Begin? Morning or Evening? Available (e-text and MP3 [audio file]) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
*Ridgeley, Thomas, and John Wilson (editor), Commentary on the Larger Catechism, 1731, ISBN: 0921148305 9780921148302. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Originally entitled: A BODY OF DIVINITY: WHEREIN THE DOCTRINES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION ARE EXPLAINED AND DEFENDED. BEING THE SUBSTANCE OF SEVERAL LECTURES ON THE ASSEMBLY'S LARGER CATECHISM, we have re-titled it to better reflect its contents for contemporary readers. Consisting of over 1300 pages, this massive and extensive two-volume commentary on the WESTMINSTER LARGER CATECHISM is unrivaled in scope or extensiveness. Ridgeley himself notes, in 'The Author's Preface' (p. ix), 'The work is large, but the vast variety of subjects will render it more tolerable. . . . especially since it is rather designed to be read in families than committed to memory . . .' The editor of this edition, John Wilson, pronounces Ridgeley's work as 'the best book of its class,' stating, 'no book in the English language, or, so far as I know, in any other, will serve so efficiently the purposes of a daily companion to a reflecting Christian in his inquiries into Divine truth, or a guide to a candidate for the Christian ministry in introducing him to his theological studies (p. xi). 'In 1731 appeared the first edition of Mr. Ridgeley's great work -- that in connection with which chiefly his name lives in history, and whose influence, as an instrument of good, will probably render him celebrated and useful for generations to come . . .(p. xxii).' Moreover he continues, 'a taste, however, for the racy and substantial theological writings of the days of Britain's moral giants has of late revived; and it will scarcely fail to adopt, as one of the richest dishes of its multifarious banquet for the intellect and the soul, Dr. Ridgeley's Body of Divinity (p. xxi).'
"Additionally, Wilson concludes his 'Life of the Author' with these words, 'His method of reasoning he has adapted to the capacities of those who are unacquainted with the abstruse terms made use of by metaphysicians and schoolmen, and when introduced into subjects of theology, have a tendency rather to perplex than to improve the mind. His scheme of divinity is evidently Calvinistic; but; then, he has explained his subjects with so much moderation and latitude, as to obviate many of the objections raised against the system of doctrines that passes under that name. Upon the whole, it is probable that the English language does not furnish a work of this nature that, for perspicuity of language, extent of research, accuracy of judgment, and judicious description of the numerous subjects that fall under examination, any way equals this work of Dr. Ridgeley . . . he was accounted one of the most considerable divines of his age' (emphasis added, p. xxiii)." -- Publisher
Ridgley, Thomas (1667?-1734), and John M. Wilson, A Body of Divinity: Wherein the Doctrines of the Christian Religion are Explained and Defended: Being the Substance of Several Lectures on the Assembly's Larger Catechism (1855), vol. 1 of 2.
http://archive.org/details/bodyofdivinity01ridg
Ridgley, A Body of Divinity: Wherein the Doctrines of the Christian Religion are Explained and Defended, vol. 2 of 2.
http://archive.org/details/bodyofdivinitywh02ridgiala
Westminster Larger Catechism With Proof Texts
http://www.reformed.org/documents/wlc_w_proofs/index.html
*Rushdoony, Rousas J. (1916-2001), Institutes of Biblical Law, 3 volumes, ISBN: 1879998130. Available through Exodus Books.
Volume 1: Institutes of Biblical Law, ISBN: 0875524109.Shepard, Thomas (1605-1649), Theses Sabbaticae. Alternate title: THESES SABBATICAE, OR THE DOCTRINE OF THE SABBATH, WHEREIN THE SABBATH'S MORALITY, CHANGE, BEGINNING AND SANCTIFICATION, ARE CLEARLY DISCUSSED. WHICH WERE FIRST HANDLED MORE LARGELY IN SUNDRY SERMONS IN CAMBRIDGE IN NEW-ENGLAND IN OPENING OF THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT. IN UNFOLDING WHEREOF MANY SCRIPTURES ARE CLEARED, DIVERS CASES OF CONSCIENCE RESOLVED, AND THE MORAL LAW AS A RULE OF LIFE TO A BELIEVER OCCASIONALLY AND DISTINCTLY HANDLED, 1650 (Crown Rights Book Company, 2003, 1649). Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS SHEPARD, vol. 3 of 3, THESES SABBATICAE only), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"A monumental volume . . . Deeply explores the meaning and application of the Ten Commandments for today in civil government, social ethics, and personal conduct." -- GCB
"Many consider this to be the author's most important work. With indices." -- Publisher
Volume 2: Law and Society, ISBN: 1879998238.
"The relationship of Biblical Law to communion and community, the sociology of the Sabbath, the family and inheritance, and much more are covered in the second volume. Contains an appendix by Herbert Titus. With indices." -- Publisher
Volume 3: The Intent of the Law, ISBN: 1879998130.
" 'God's law is much more than a legal code; it is a covenantal law. It establishes a personal relationship between God and man.' The first section summarizes the case laws. The author tenderly illustrates how the law is for our good, and makes clear the difference between the sacrificial laws and those that apply today. The second section vividly shows the practical implications of the law. The examples catch the reader's attention; the author clearly has had much experience discussing God's law. The third section shows that would-be challengers to God's law produce only poison and death. Only God's law can claim to express God's 'covenant grace in helping us'. With indices." -- Publisher
See also: Theft: Commentary and Cases of Conscience. A Listing Excerpted From The Institutes of Biblical Law by Rousas John Rushdoony, 1973 edition
http://www.lettermen2.com/theft.html
Steele, David (1803-1887), Article on the Sabbath, or Sunday
"A brief article on Sabbath keeping and why calling the day 'Sunday' is inappropriate." -- Publisher
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/17/david-steeles-article-on-sabbath-or-sunday
Trunbull, J. Hammond, and Samuel Peters, True Blue Laws of Connecticut and New Haven and the False Blue Laws, Invented by the Rev. Samuel Peters: To Which are Added Specimens of the laws and Judicial Proceedings of Other Colonies and Some Blue-laws of England in the Reign of James I. ISBN: 0837726328 9780837726328.
Twisse, William (1577-1646), and Arthur Lake, The Christian Sabbath Defended: Against a Crying Evil in These Times of the Antisabitarians of our age: Wherein is Shewed That the Morality of the Fourth Commandement is Still in Force to Bind Christians Unto the Sanctification of the Sabbath day. Written by that learned assertor of the truth, William Twisse D.D. late prolocutor to the Assembly of Divines. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in volume 4 of THE SELECTED WORKS OF WILLIAM TWISSE, 6 volumes.
Twisse, William (1577-1646), and Arthur Lake, Of the Morality of the Fourth Commandement as Still in Force to Binde Christians: Delivered by way of Answer to the Translator of Doctor Prideaux his Lecture, Concerning the Doctrine of the Sabbath. Available (SELECT WORKS OF WILLIAM TWISSE) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Vos, Johannes Geerhardus, The Christian Sabbath, 1934.
Warfield, B.B. (1851-1921), Foundations of the Sabbath, 16 pages.
Willson, James Renwick (1780-1853), The Sabbath: A Discourse on the Duty of Civil Government in Relation to the Sanctification of the Lord's Day, 1829. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21, #25.
http://www.covenanter.org/JRWillson/jamesrenwickwillson.htm
Wood, Will C. (editor), Sabbath Essays: Papers and Addresses Presented at the Massachusetts Sabbath Conventions, at Boston and Springfield, October, 1879, ISBN: 0790536862 9780790536866.
"This is a detailed exposition of the 'Lord's Day-Sabbath' (Sunday), position.
"The main headings of the book are, The Sabbath in Nature; The Sabbath in the Word of God; The Sabbath in History; The Sabbath in the State and in Society; and sundry addresses." -- Wurth Books
Wylie, Richard Cameron, Sabbath Laws in the United States, 1905.
Young, Thomas (1587-1655), and Richard Baxter (1615-1691), The Lords-day, or, A Succinct Narration Compiled out of the Testimonies of H. Scripture and the reverend ancient fathers and divided into two books: In the former whereof is declared, that the observation of the Lords Day was from the Apostles . . . : In the later is shewn in what things its sanctification doth consist . . . / lately translated out of the Latine, 1672.
See also: The teaching of our lord jesus christ, Christ our example, Affliction, adversity, trials, suffering, chastisement, The ten commandments, Holidays, Christmas, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 3098-3104, 3927
The Blue Laws
http://www.bluelaws.net/
Blue Laws (Connecticut)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Laws_(Connecticut)
Calvin on the Weekly Christian Sabbath
http://www.dr-fnlee.org/calvin-on-the-weekly-christian-sabbath/
The Christian Sabbath or Lord's Day Homepage
http://www.covenanter.org/subjects-1/2015/6/29/sabbath
The Economic Efficiency of Sunday Trading Restrictions, Journal of Industrial Economics, 113-129, John A. Kay and C.N. Morris
https://www.jstor.org/stable/2098407?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents
Everlasting Rest: Sabbaths old and new -- The Lord's Day Covenant Till the Unending day of Glory
http://www.dr-fnlee.org/everlasting-rest-sabbaths-old-and-new-the-lords-day-covenant-till-the-unending-day-of-glory/
Global Statement of Ethics (Walmart)
https://www.walmartethics.com/uploadedFiles/Content/U.S.%20-%20English.pdf
The Lord's Day (FGB #233)
Biblical Thoughts About the Lord's day | Established at Creation | A Most Precious Enjoyment | The Fourth Commandment | The Lord's Day at Home | Honoring God on his Day | Piety, Necessity, and Charity | The Lord's day in Public | Foundations of the Lord's day | From Sabbath to Lord's day
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/ldayfg/lords-day-the
The Lord's Day Alliance of Pennsylvania
https://www.facebook.com/ldaofpa/
The Lord's Day Alliance of the United States
http://www.ldausa.org/lda/
Reform, State Sovereignty, and Corporate Immunity: Reform of Corporations
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9cha.html#immunity
A Resolution That Walmart Stores, Inc. Disprove the Modern Myth That Sunday Work Maximizes Profits
http://http://www.lettermen2.com/wmresol1.html
Sabbatarianism from Encyclopedia Britannica
http://www.britannica.com/bcom/eb/article/3/0,5716,66283+1,00.html
Sabbath Keeping Ordinance by the Mayor to the Aldermen of the Several Wards in London
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/14/sabbath-keeping-ordinance-by-the-mayor-to-the-aldermen-of-the-several-wards-in-london
The Sabbath Question, James MacGregor (1830-1894)
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/worship/the-sabbath-question.php
Save our Sundays, Nova Scotia
http://saveoursundays.tripod.com/
Stress
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr8ch.html#strss
Stress: America's Number one Health Problem
http://www.stress.org/job.htm
Views of the Reformers Regarding the Sabbath, Patrick Fairbairn
http://www.truecovenanter.com/worship/fairbairn_reformers_sabbath.html
The Treasury of David, Psalm 37, C.H. Spurgeon
Fret not thyself because of evildoers,
neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
and wither as the green herb.
Trust in the LORD, and do good;
so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
Delight thyself also in the LORD;
and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (Psalm 37:1-4)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps037.phpIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The same was in the beginning with God.
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. (John 1:1-5)Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever. -- The answer to the first question of The Westminster Shorter Catechism
Again, it is certain that man never achieves a clear knowledge of himself unless he has first looked upon God's face, and then descends from contemplating him to scrutinize himself. For we always seem to ourselves righteous and upright and wise and holy -- this pride is innate in all of us -- unless by clear proofs we stand convinced of our own unrighteousness, foulness, folly, and impurity. Moreover, we are not thus convinced if we look merely to ourselves and not also to the Lord, who is the sole standard by which this judgment must be measured. For, because all of us are inclined by nature to hypocrisy, a kind of empty image of righteousness in place of righteousness itself abundantly satisfies us. And because nothing appears within or around us that has not been contaminated by great immorality, what is a little less vile pleases us as a thing most pure -- so long as we confine our minds within the limits of human corruption. Just so, an eye to which nothing is shown but black objects judges something dirty white or even rather darkly mottled to be whiteness itself. Indeed, we can discern still more clearly from the bodily senses how much we are deluded in estimating the powers of the soul. For if in broad daylight we either look down upon the ground or survey whatever meets our view round about, we seem to ourselves endowed with the strongest and keenest sight; yet when we look up to the sun and gaze straight at it, that power of sight which was particularly strong on earth is at once blunted and confused by a great brilliance, and thus we are compelled to admit that our keenness in looking upon things earthly is sheer dullness when it comes to the sun. So it happens in estimating our spiritual goods. As long as we do not look beyond the earth, being quite content with our own righteousness, wisdom, and virtue, we flatter ourselves most sweetly, and fancy ourselves all but demigods. Suppose we but once begin to raise our thoughts to God, and to ponder his nature, and how completely perfect are his righteousness, wisdom, and power -- the straightedge to which we must be shaped. Then, what masquerading earlier as righteousness was pleasing in us will soon grow filthy in its consummate wickedness. What wonderfully impressed us under the name of wisdom will stink in its very foolishness. What wore the face of power will prove itself the most miserable weakness. That is, what in us seems perfection itself corresponds ill to the purity of God.-- John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion (Battles translation), 1.1.2 (and context), "Without Knowledge of God There is no Knowledge of Self"
Question 4, Westminster Shorter Catechism With Proof Texts
Q. 4. What is God?
A. God is a Spirit,[7] infinite,[8] eternal,[9] and unchangeable,[10] in his being,[11] wisdom,[12] power,[13] holiness,[14] justice,[15] goodness,[16] and truth.[17]
Scripture proofs:
[7] Deuteronomy 4:15-19. Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire: Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female, The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air, The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth: And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven. Luke 24:39. Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. John 1:18. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. John 4:24. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. Acts 17:29. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
[8] 1 Kings 8:27. But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded? Psalm 139:7-10. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. Psalm 145:3. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. Psalm 147:5. Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite. Jeremiah 23:24. Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD. Romans 11:33-36. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
[9] Deuteronomy 33:27. The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them. Psalm 90:2. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. Psalm 102:12,24-27. But thou, O LORD, shalt endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations. . . . I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations. Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. Revelation 1:4,8. John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne. . . . I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
[10] Psalm 33:11. The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. Malachi 3:6. For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. Hebrews 1:12. And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. Hebrews 6:17-18. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Hebrews 13:8. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. James 1:17. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
[11] Exodus 3:14. And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. Psalm 115:2-3. Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God? But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. 1 Timothy 1:17. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 6:15-16. Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
[12] Psalm 104:24. O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. Romans 11:33-34. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Hebrews 4:13. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. 1 John 3:20. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
[13] Genesis 17:1. And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. Psalm 62:11. God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. Jeremiah 32:17. Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee: Matthew 19:26. But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. Revelation 1:8. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
[14] Hebrews 1:13. But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? 1 Peter 1:15-16. But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 John 3:3,5. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. . . . And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Revelation 15:4. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.
[15] Genesis 18:25. That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? Exodus 34:6-7. And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. Deuteronomy 32:4. He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. Psalm 96:13. Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth. Romans 3:5,26. But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man). . . . To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
[16] Psalm 103:5. Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. Psalm 107:8. Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Matthew 19:7. They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? Romans 2:4. Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
[17] Exodus 34:6. And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Deuteronomy 32:4. He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. Psalm 86:15. But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. Psalm 117:2. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD. Hebrews 6:18. That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us. -- Westminster Shorter Catechism With Proof TextsIf any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:5)
Please help me to see what I cannot see (Hebrews 11:27). To know what I do not understand (1 Corinthians 2:14). To sense what I need to perceive to keep in step with your Spirit (Galatians 5:25). Help me not to become hard-hearted (Hebrews 3:7). I do not want a desensitized conscience (Romans 2:14-15).
I need the Spirit to illuminate my mind (1 Thessalonians 5:19). Bring conviction to those areas that are dull to me (Hebrews 5:12-14). Keep me back from violating my conscience (Hebrews 4:7-8). Send merciful encouragements that motivate me (Romans 2:4) to turn from any evil way (Jeremiah 25:5), no matter how small they may appear to me. -- Rick Thomas, a daily prayerAnd be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled. (Hebrews 12:14,15)
And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. (Daniel 12:3)
Hence, we gather the nature of true prudence to consist in submitting ourselves to God in simple teachableness, and in manifesting the additional quality of carefully promoting the salvation of our brethren. The effect of this our labor ought to increase our courage and alacrity. For how great is the honor conferred upon us by our Heavenly Father, when he wishes us to be the ministers of his righteousness? As James says, We preserve those about to perish if we bring them back into the right way. (James 5:19) James calls us preservers, just as the angel calls us justifiers; neither the angel nor the apostle wish to detract from the glory of God, but by these forms of speech the Spirit represents us as ministers of justification and salvation, when we unite in the same bonds with ourselves all those who have need of our assistance and exertions. -- John Calvin commenting on Daniel 12:3When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. (Proverbs 16:7)
We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image (2 Corinthians 3:18). As a painter looking at a face draws a face like it in the picture; so looking at Christ in the mirror of the gospel, we are changed into his likeness. We may look at other objects that are beautiful -- yet not be made beautiful by them. A deformed face may look at beauty, and yet not be made beautiful. A wounded man may look at a surgeon, and yet not be healed. But this is the excellence of divine knowledge, that it gives us such a sight of Christ as makes us partake of his nature! Like Moses when he had seen God's back parts, his face shone; some of the rays and beams of God's glory fell on him. -- Thomas Watson (1620-1686)
We are given exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. . . . (2 Peter 1:4-11)
His [Moses'] doubt, however, was wrong in two respects; first, because he did not simply trust, as if he were not assured that God was true in all His words; and, secondly, because he improperly allowed his mind to measure God's inestimable power by his own senses. Let us learn, therefore, that, as soon as God has spoken, we should embrace, without discussion, whatever has proceeded out of His mouth; and so likewise let us learn to humble ourselves, and our own minds, and at the same time to rise by faith above the world, and our natural reason; so that no absurdity, which the flesh may suggest to us, should prevent us from certainly concluding that whatever God has promised He will, by His might, perform. For it is a most incorrect calculation to bind down God's doings to ordinary standards; as if His power were not more extensive than our minds can reach. We must, therefore, carefully take notice of the rebuke, whereby God so corrected Moses at once, that it ought to prevent and to cure all diseases of distrust in us. . . . Isaiah uses the same word in this sense, where he says: Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened. (Isaiah 59:1.) Moses is unquestionably exalting the blessings received on former occasions, wherein the people had experienced the saving power of God." -- John Calvin commenting on Numbers 11:21 and context
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. (Philippians 2:16)
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. (1 Peter 2:9)
See also: 2 John 1:13; James 2:5; Matthew 20:16; Matthew 24:22,25,31; Luke 18:7; Romans 11:5.The best of Christians is a poor frail creature, and needs the blood of atonement every day that he lives. But the least and lowest of believers will find that he is counted among Christ's servants, and that his labour has not been in vain in the Lord. He will discover to his amazement, that his Master's eye saw more beauty in his efforts to please Him, than he ever saw himself. He will find that every hour spent in Christ's service, and every word spoken on Christ's behalf, has been written in a book of remembrance. Let believers remember these things and take courage -- the cross may be heavy now, but the glorious reward shall make amends for all. -- J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: Matthew
Christ bears with the saints' imperfections; well may the saints one with another. -- William Gurnall (1617-1679)
If we are true Christians, we must not expect everything smooth in our journey to heaven. We must count it no strange thing, if we have to endure sicknesses, losses, bereavements, and disappointments, just like other people. Free pardon and full forgiveness, grace by the way and glory to the end -- all this our Savior has promised to give. But He has never promised that we shall have no afflictions. He loves us too well to promise that.
By affliction He teaches us many precious lessons, which without it we should never learn. By affliction He shows us our emptiness and weakness, draws us to the throne of grace, purifies our affections, weans us from the world and makes us long for heaven. In the resurrection morning we shall all say, it is good for me that I was afflicted. [Psalm 119:71] We shall thank God for every storm. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. (Job 13:15)
Encouragement from John Calvin for persons who, to some degree, find it necessary to stand alone in order to be obediently to God's calling.
Here Jeremiah confesses that he had departed from the people; but he did so, because he could not have otherwise obeyed God . . . . On account of thy hand; that is, because I attended to what thou [God] hast commanded, nor had I any other object but to obey thee. Hence, On account of thine hand, because I regarded thee and wished wholly to submit to thy will, I sat apart . . . . We see that there is a rule here prescribed to us by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of Jeremiah. To refute then the calumnies of those who object to us our separation, this very passage [Jeremiah 15:17] is sufficient. -- John Calvin commenting on Jeremiah 15:17 and contextFor it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13)
The just LORD is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame. (Zephaniah 3:5)
It is exceedingly difficult in these times to preserve one's fidelity before God and one's fraternity among men. Should not the former be preferred to the latter, if both cannot be maintained? We think so. -- C.H. Spurgeon
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. (Joshua 1:8)
This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 6:29b)
For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. (Acts 17:28)
Expect great things from God! Attempt great things for God! -- William Carey (1761-1834), known as the Father of Modern Missions
Many Christians estimate difficulties in the light of their own resources, and thus attempt little and often fail in the little they attempt. All God's giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on His power and presence with them. -- Hudson Taylor (1832-1905)
If we profess to have any real Christianity, let us strive to be of John the Baptist's spirit. Let us study humility. This is the grace with which all must begin, who would be saved.
We have no true religion about us, until we cast away our high thoughts, and feel ourselves sinners. This is the grace which all saints may follow after, and which none have any excuse for neglecting. All God's children have not gifts, or money, or time to work, or a wide sphere of usefulness; but all may be humble. This is the grace, above all, which will appear most beautiful in our latter end. Never shall we feel the need of humility so deeply, as when we lie on our deathbeds, and stand before the judgment-seat of Christ. Our whole lives will then appear a long catalogue of imperfections, ourselves nothing, and Christ all. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)Nothing perhaps affects man's character more than the company he keeps. We catch the ways and tone of those we live and talk with, and unhappily get harm far more easily than good. Disease is infectious, but health is not.
Now if a professing Christian deliberately chooses to be intimate with those who are not friends of God and who cling to the world, his soul is sure to take harm. It is hard enough to serve Christ under any circumstances in such a world as this. But it is doubly hard to do it if we are friends of the thoughtless and ungodly. Mistakes in friendship or marriage engagements are the whole reason why some have entirely ceased to grow. Evil communications corrupt good manners. (1 Corinthians 15:33) The friendship of the world is enmity with God. (James 4:4) -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)I believe the holier a man becomes, the more he mourns over the unholiness which yet remains in him. -- C.H. Spurgeon
The Christian life is a life of . . . continued repentance, humiliation for and mortification of sin, continual faith in, thankfulness for, and love to the Redeemer, and hopeful joyful expectation of a day of glorious redemption, in which the believer shall be fully and finally acquitted, and sin abolished forever! -- Matthew Henry
The Christian lives through forgiveness. -- J.I. Packer
The Fourfold Treasure, a sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Thursday Evening, April 27th, 1871, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon No. 991.
Sermon topic: 1 Corinthians 1:30,31, Christ is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.
This is to be wise, to have Christ's teaching, Christ's example, and above all, Christ's presence; so may the poorest find the Lord Jesus made of God unto them wisdom. . . . To know Christ is the best of all philosophy, the highest of all sciences. [emphasis added -- compiler] -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Fourfold TreasureRejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16,17,18)
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? (Micah 6:8)
You only have one life, it will soon be past. Only what is done for Christ will last. -- C.T. Studd
Make your life count for eternity.
Give up your small ambitions and follow Christ! -- Peter HammondNothing shall be lost that is done for God or in obedience to him. -- John Owen (1616-1683)
Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:24)
I did nothing; the Word did everything. -- Martin Luther (1483-1546)
The Treasury of David, Psalm 46, C.H. Spurgeon
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea. . . . Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. (Psalm 46:1-2,10-11)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps046.phpPersonally I find it helpful to begin each day by silently committing that day into God's hands [Matthew 6:5-13; Psalm 37:5,6; Proverbs 16:3; Romans 12:1,2; 1 Peter 2:23b; 1 Peter 4:19; ]. I thank Him that I belong to Him [Galatians 3:26; Galatians 4:4,5; Ephesians 1:5; Romans 8:14,16,17,38,39; John 1:12], and I thank Him that He knows what the day holds for me [Providence, omniscience]. I ask Him to take my life that day and use it for His glory [John 15:16,8; Philippians 2:13; Philippians 1:6; John 15:7,8; John 15:10; John 15:4]. I ask Him to cleanse me from anything which would hinder His work [sanctification] in my life. And then I step out in faith [trust, Matthew 6:25-34], knowing that His Holy Spirit is filling me continually as I trust in Him and obey [John 14:15-21; John 14:23; John 15:10; Matthew 16:24; Romans 8:37-39] His Word [Isaiah 11:2; John 15:26-27; John 14:15-17; 2 Timothy 1:7; Romans 8:11] -- Billy Graham, from The Holy Spirit: Activating God's Power in Your Life
Worship in the truest sense takes place only when our full attention is on God -- on His glory, power, majesty, love and compassion. -- Billy Graham
Imperfection and endeavor of the Christian life
I do not insist that the moral life of a Christian man breathe nothing but the very gospel, yet this ought to be desired, and we must strive toward it. But I do not so strictly demand evangelical perfection that I would not acknowledge as a Christian one who has not yet attained it. For thus all would be excluded from the church, since no one is found who is not far removed from it, while many have advanced a little toward it whom it would nevertheless be unjust to cast away.
What then? Let that target be set before our eyes at which we are earnestly to aim. Let that goal be appointed toward which we should strive and struggle. For it is not lawful for you to divide things with God in such a manner that you undertake part of those things which are enjoined upon you by his Word but omit part, according to your own judgment. For in the first place, he everywhere commends integrity as the chief part of worshiping him [Gen. 17:1; Ps. 41:12; etc.], [Genesis 17:1, Psalm 41:12]. By this word he means a sincere simplicity of mind, free from guile and feigning, the opposite of a double heart. It is as if it were said that the beginning of right living is spiritual, where the inner feeling of the mind is unfeignedly dedicated to God for the cultivation of holiness and righteousness.
But no one in this earthly prison of the body ("In terreno hoc corporis carcere." Cf. III. ix. 4, note 7, and III. xxv. 1, "carnis ergastulo inclusi." The notion of the body as prison of the soul is from Plato: cf. Phaedo 62 B, 81 E, 82 E, 83 A; Cratylus 400 [LCL Plato I. 216 f., 284 f., 288 ff.; Plato VI. 62 f]), has sufficient strength to press on with due eagerness, and weakness so weighs down the greater number that, with wavering and limping and even creeping along the ground, they move at a feeble rate. Let each one of us, then, proceed according to the measure of his puny capacity and set out upon the journey we have begun. No one shall set out so inauspiciously as not daily to make some headway, though it be slight. Therefore, let us not cease so to act that we may make some unceasing progress in the way of the Lord. And let us not despair at the slightness of our success; for even though attainment may not correspond to desire, when today outstrips yesterday the effort is not lost. Only let us look toward our mark with sincere simplicity and aspire to our goal; not fondly flattering ourselves, nor excusing our own evil deeds, but with continuous effort striving toward this end: that we may surpass ourselves in goodness until we attain to goodness itself. It is this, indeed, which through the whole course of life we seek and follow. But we shall attain it only when we have cast off the weakness of the body, and are received into full fellowship with him. -- John Calvin in Institutes of the Christian Religion, (McNeill/Battles edition), 3.6.5 and contextHe that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:39)
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
It would be easy to lose heart and become cynical. But No! There is One who sees all things, knows all things, and will ultimately triumph over all things. There is only one message that addresses the truth as the truth. The Lord of glory, Jesus Christ, came to this earth and was also the victim of hate. Lies sent him to the cross. Power overruled reality, as politics and religious demagogues once again made the lie seem noble. But the Lord who sees the beginning from the end amazingly conquered not in spite of the dark mystery of evil, rather, He conquered through it. James Stewart of Scotland, pointing to the cross, said it in the most powerful terms I have read. Commenting on the verse from Psalm 68:18, He led captivity captive, he said:
It is a glorious phrase -- He led captivity captive. The very triumphs of his foes, it means, he used for their defeat. He compelled their dark achievements to subserve his ends not theirs. They nailed him to a tree, not knowing that by that very act they were bringing the world to his feet. They gave him a cross, not guessing that he would make it a throne. They flung him outside the city gates to die, not knowing that in that very moment they were lifting up the gates of the universe, to let the king come in. They thought to root out his doctrines, not understanding that they were implanting imperishably in the hearts of men the very name they intended to destroy. They thought they had God with his back to the wall, pinned helpless and defeated: they did not know that it was God himself who had tracked them down. "He did not conquer in spite of the dark mystery of evil. He conquered through it." -- James Stewart (1635-1713)The lie has a shelf life. The truth abides forever. God can even conquer through our perversion.
One more thing. I would be remiss if I left the guilt and darkness out there. That is the seduction of a fake righteousness. We all have to look at our own hearts and see the evil that is within each one of us. Only then can we find the answer from which all other answers flow. Some time ago, I was in Rumania. A sculptor had some of his works on display. One was a horrific, fierce-looking, long nail. When you picked it up, as rusty and jagged as the nail was, the head was polished and shiny. And when you looked at that polished head, you saw a reflection of yourself. It is sobering. Very sobering. . . . More than ever we need the Savior. Lord have mercy! -- Ravi Zacharias in a message, Is Paris Burning? November 18, 2015Pray that God may make you conqueror of yourself. . . not the enemy without, but of your own soul within. . . . Let no enemy from without be feared: conquer yourself, and the whole world is conquered. -- Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD)
There is great transforming power in the New Testament sacrificial love of Christ Jesus that says, Not my will, but thine, be done. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 22:42b)
Hard-working "tent makers," with personal ministries, often testify that, unexpectedly, their personal ministry turns out to be an even greater blessing to themselves than to the individuals ministered to.
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps. (1 Peter 2:21)
For as the sufferings of Christ abound. (2 Corinthians 1:5a) -- This statement may be explained in two ways -- actively and passively. If you take it actively, the meaning will be this: "The more I am tried with various afflictions, so much the more resources have I for comforting others." I am, however, more inclined to take it in a passive sense, as meaning that God multiplied his consolations according to the measure of his tribulations. David also acknowledges that it had been thus with him: According to the multitude, says he, of my anxieties within me, thy consolations have delighted my soul (Psalm 94:19).
In Paul's words, however, there is a fuller statement of doctrine; for the afflictions of the pious he calls the sufferings of Christ, as he says elsewhere, that he fills up in his body what is wanting in the sufferings of Christ (Colossians 1:24).
The miseries and vexations, it is true, of the present life are common to good and bad alike, but when they befall the wicked, they are tokens of the curse of God, because they arise from sin, and nothing appears in them except the anger of God and participation with Adam, which cannot but depress the mind. But in the mean time believers are conformed to Christ, and "bear about with them in their body his dying, that the life of Christ may one day be manifested in them" (2 Corinthians 4:10).
I speak of the afflictions which they endure for the testimony of Christ, (Revelation 1:9), for although the Lord's chastisements, with which he chastises their sins, are beneficial to them, they are, nevertheless, not partakers, properly speaking, of Christ's sufferings, except in those cases in which they suffer on his account, as we find in 1 Peter 4:13. Paul's meaning then is, that God is always present with him in his tribulations, and that his infirmity is sustained by the consolations of Christ, so as to prevent him from being overwhelmed with calamities. -- John Calvin commenting on 2 Corinthians 1:5The Captain of our Salvation, made perfect, made complete, through suffering -- if our Lord himself had to go through that, as he endured the cross, despising the shame, and is now set down at the right hand of God -- that's why I think there is a key word which James Stewart uses, which I expand upon here, "He conquered not in spite of the Darkness, fear of evil, he conquered through it" and I believe it is the same in your life and mine. We may not like it, but we conquer through the pain and through the suffering. -- Ravi Zacharias in "Ravi Talks About his Book Why Suffering"
A religious doctrine involves practical consequences so important, and its effects upon individual and social life are so infallible and so profound, that it can never be contemplated with indifference by the mass of society, and much less by their rulers. We pray you to observe, amongst other things, that the stronger the feeling of dependence to which religion reduces the individual, the more she invests him, on the other hand, with a lofty independence. All religion is freedom. By introducing us into the service of one master, she emancipates us from the dominion of all others. If she does not altogether do away with dependencies of another order, she transforms them from absolute into relative ones. We still belong to society, we are perhaps linked to it by closer ties than before; but it is in a mediate manner, for man cannot serve two masters. It is this independence which exasperates the rulers of this world, and indeed, for the most part, all those who do not share in it. It is this sacred retreat of liberty which they would invade -- this freedom, of which they would deprive us; as if the numerous sacrifices which from time to time liberty has made for the common weal were insufficient, as if it were not enough, or rather as if it were nothing, for us to have devoted all our bodily powers and all our worldly goods to the service of society, so long as this offering is not completed by the sacrifice of the soul. It is spiritual domination, dominion over the soul, of which despotism, whether of princes or of the people, is especially desirous. Thus, when a tyrant has bereft a nation of all its liberties, until throughout the realm his will has become law, his ambition having nothing else wherewith to satiate its appetite, directs itself against religion. Thenceforward, having subjugated the bodies of men, he directs his attacks against their souls. It is because he cannot but be sensible that dominion over souls -- what do you say? -- over one single soul, is as much superior to that over bodies, as the soul itself is superior to its envelope of clay. He cannot endure the humiliation of knowing that there is a sphere in which the most obscure man, by the force of sympathy alone, wields a greater power than his own. A deep-rooted and bitter feeling of envy takes possession of him; he can enjoy no more repose, until moral force shall have yielded to the pressure of physical force -- until the second Mordecai shall have bowed down to this second Haman -- until the soul, by dethroning itself, shall have delivered him from this odious rivalry. And should he encounter in this enterprise an unlooked-for resistance, his impatience becomes fury, and he destroys those whom he cannot subdue. This has been the origin of many religious persecutions, and it discloses the secret motives of those atrocities by which some have been distinguished.
It does not follow, however, that all the evils with which the world has been inundated in the name of religion, are to be referred to this cause alone. They have originated in that preeminently just idea, that religion gives the true signification of every man, and of the whole of society; that there is nothing more deeply seated in us, nothing which more decisively determines what we are; and that to declare what we believe, is at the same time, and as a matter of necessity, to declare what we wish to be. The influence of a lordly spirit apart, it is not astonishing that the social power has everywhere, more or less, attempted to regulate the faith of the citizens and the instructions of the priesthood. Nor is it surprising that the priesthood, in aid of the state, have themselves attempted to dictate in a matter of this importance. For the suppression of this evil, the assistance of ages has been necessary, and this has not proved sufficient; the veto of public opinion has been also needed. Perhaps in certain countries something further has been required -- the progress of religious indifference. But nowhere is the fire extinguished, because nowhere is man changed; he will never witness unmoved, the energetic manifestation of religious principle; he may be indulgent to philosophical religions, or to religious philosophy, which penetrates not to the very sources of will and of action; but he will be, with his own full knowledge and consent, severe upon genuine faith. And why? because man possessing genuine faith, rises to his highest elevation; an elevation to which it is necessary that others should rise also, not indeed to rule over him (for this is impossible), but to treat with him, and to be at peace together. This is the true position and individuality of each renewed man, and everything is put in requisition to annul, subdue, and modify it.
We dwell no longer upon these different attempts, but return to the principle. We find that in the judgment of the community, the religious conviction of a man moulds his character, estimates his worth, and foretells his life. It is the invisible source of many efforts, and often of much violence. Well, then, we infer [sic] unhesitatingly, that the faith of a member of society cannot remain either a mystery or a matter of doubt to those who surround him. If, as we have sought to establish a former part of this work, the spiritual unity of society, its reality in the elevated sense of that word, depends on the mutual interchange of sentiments; and if that individual only can be said to belong to the community, with whose character she is acquainted, it must be especially in the sphere of religious convictions that this truth is apparent; we may even go further, and say, that although we might keep our sentiments on other subjects to ourselves, those that we entertain respecting religion could not be concealed. For our religious convictions imbue us so thoroughly and practically, that society knows not what she possesses in us, except as she knows what we are with respect to God.
This fact is more conspicuous, we admit, with reference to the Christian religion than to any other. In comparison with it, all other systems of faith are superficial; and we may remark in passing, that this is the reason why Christianity has drawn upon itself, and even excited among its followers, more intolerance than any other religion. The experimental character of its doctrines, coming in contact with the diverse passions of the human heart, has enkindled in the midst of society an active and devouring flame; and its profession has occasioned a host of outrages and calamities. Christianity is radical in the highest degree; radical in morals. It uproots one life, it implants another. Of all religions, it alone is in direct hostility with human nature in its fallen condition, as it is also the only religion which coincides with that same nature in all that sin has not polluted; at once the most human, and the least human of all systems; appearing to grant us everything, and to refuse us everything, but, in reality, granting everything to humanity, and refusing everything to sin. No religion consequently so effectually reforms the moral being; in such a manner, that the complexion of our life and conduct depends on whether we are or are not Christians, and upon what sort of Christians we are.
We should find it impracticable to attempt to distinguish between the doctrines of Christianity and its morals; between what is called its natural and universal morality, and its peculiar and arbitrary doctrines. Christian doctrine is morality -- Christian morality; to wish to distinguish between the two is to desire to divide a stream from its source. Christian doctrine is no sooner received than it regulates the conduct; the character of God becomes a model for man; what God is, man ought to be; and inasmuch as God in the Scriptures is invested with attributes which belong not to human nature, so also man, by means of the Gospel, is invested with a character which nature had not impressed upon him; it makes him a new man in every sense of the term: a man peculiar and extraordinary in the eyes of nature, but in every case a man, who, by the judgment of that very nature, is approved and esteemed. To declare our opinion upon Christian doctrine avails much; it is in fact to profess certain principle of conduct, and to attach ourselves to one or another system of morality; it is to reveal our inward man, to publish the operations of conscience; it is to give the standard of our judgments, and the rule of our actions.
We do well to avow it: whenever we revert to the considerations which most forcibly recommend a duty, we revert to the greatest difficulties in the way of its accomplishment; indeed, in most cases, to point out the motive, is to recognize the difficulty. In the present case, for example, nothing can render candour more difficult than that which enforces its obligation. It is just because such a religious doctrine, of necessity involves such a principle of morality, and such a rule of conduct; it is precisely because it is a disclosure of inward man, that so many persons are averse to declare to what doctrine they adhere. And it is sometimes because their opinion condemns them, sometimes because it elevates them, not so much in itself as in the characteristics and practical consequences with which public opinion has invested it. It is painful to excite repugnance or aversion, and it is sometimes still more painful to excite expectations which we feel but too conscious we cannot fulfill. If it were not so, why should we make a secret of our religious opinions, when we are at no pains to conceal any other? Why, when we are open and unreserved upon all the rest, should we not allow free expression to our thoughts upon this, the noblest of subjects? Why should communications of this nature be so generally regarded as the acme of candour and the pledge of intimacy? Why is there no real union, no true communion of soul, until both parties have expressed what they think, and above all, what they feel upon invisible and infinite subjects? Why do beings long united by the closest ties of affection, as soon as spiritual communion is formed between them, discover with surprise, that up to that period they had really never known, understood, or loved each other? -- that, as Montaigne expresses it, there was wanting to their friendship 'a certain inexplicable, yet essential power, the mediatrix of that union;' or that (as is really the fact), 'God is the true medium of true friendship?' All such instance go to confirm the truth of what we have said. A great effect supposes a powerful force -- a powerful force is employed only against a formidable resistance, and a formidable resistance has no place but in opposition to an urgent necessity. Here the necessity is a moral one -- it is a duty; an evident, and urgent, but a painful duty; for the consequences, even limiting them to their narrowest range, and considering none but those which are developed in the bosom of private relations, these consequences are, it must be confessed, of a startling character.
Nevertheless, if regarded only in the light of morality and natural reason, this candour, which appears so difficult and dangerous, would be found to possess real advantages, whilst reserve would have none but what are false and deceptive. Candour would break the ice which dissimulation thickens and consolidates from day to day; it would procure a more lasting peace; it would put the seal to confidence and friendship. You dread a storm: any storm would be preferable to the dead calm in which you live, -- a calm without peace and without security; for since no one can suppose that you are altogether destitute of religious prepossessions, that you have not some inward conviction to disclose, it will become a matter either of dread or of desire that you should disclose it. This very feeling of anxiety will be an evil in your social relations; if your connexions are desirous of it, when you are averse to making it, their importunity will disturb your peace; on the contrary, if they are averse to its manifestation, when you yourself desire it, they will avoid your company; there will of necessity be in your social relations something painful, constrained, and, in the end, insupportable. If they neither desire nor fear it, it must be because they are not acquainted with your character, and have no desire to become so, because they are not solicitous about your most important interests -- in other words, because they do not love you. And as between a mind occupied with spiritual things and one that is not, there is a wide gulf fixed, as true intimacy between two persons so different is altogether impossible, it is the duty of the more serious of the two, to sound the mind of his friend by disclosing his own, to provide a declaration by declaring himself. Every connexion founded upon a voluntary and designedly prolonged misunderstanding, every factitious union between minds pursuing directly opposite courses, is contrary to human dignity. . . . -- Alexander Vinet (1797-1847), and Charles Theodore Jones (translator), An Essay on the Profession of Personal Religious Conviction, pp. 73-81, and Vinet on FreedomGive, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 6:38)
I am the Lord, I change not; therefore, ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. (Malachi 3:6)
It has been said that "the proper study of mankind is man." I believe it is equally true that the proper study of God's elect is God; the proper study of a Christian is the Godhead. The highest science, the loftiest speculation, the mightiest philosophy, which can ever engage the attention of a child of God, is the name, the nature, the person, the work, the doings, and the existence of the great God whom he calls his Father.
There is something exceedingly improving to the mind in a contemplation of the Divinity. It is a subject so vast, that all our thoughts are lost in its immensity; so deep, that our pride is drowned in its infinity. Other subjects we can grapple with; in them we feel a kind of self-content, and go our way with the thought, "Behold I am wise." But when we come to this master science, finding that our plumb line cannot sound its depth, and that our eagle eye cannot see its height, we turn away with the thought that vain man would be wise, but he is like a wild ass's colt; and with solemn exclamation, "I am but of yesterday, and know nothing." No subject of contemplation will tend more to humble the mind, than thoughts of God. . . .
But while the subject humbles the mind, it also expands it. He who often thinks of God, will have a larger mind than the man who simply plods around this narrow globe. . . .
The most excellent study for expanding the soul, is the science of Christ, and Him crucified, and the knowledge of the Godhead in the glorious Trinity. Nothing will so enlarge the intellect, nothing so magnify the whole soul of man, as a devout, earnest, continued investigation of the great subject of the Deity.
And, while humbling and expanding, this subject is eminently consolatory. Oh, there is, in contemplating Christ, a balm for every wound; in musing on the Father, there is a quietus for every grief; and in the influence of the Holy Ghost, there is a balsam for every sore.
Would you lose your sorrow? Would you drown your cares? Then go, plunge yourself in the Godhead's deepest sea; be lost in his immensity; and you shall come forth as from a couch of rest, refreshed and invigorated. I know nothing which can so comfort the soul; so calm the swelling billows of sorrow and grief; so speak peace to the winds of trial, as a devout musing upon the subject of the Godhead. It is to that subject that I invite you this morning." -- excerpted (by J.I. Packer in Knowing God) from "The Immutability of God," a sermon by the young Charles H. Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel, Southwark, January 7, 1855So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 14:12)
http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/romans-14-12.html
http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/romans/14.htmlThis is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. (Psalm 119:50)
He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5:12,13)
And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. (1 John 2:25)
Because I live, ye shall live also. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:19)
The real value of an object is that which one who knows its worth will give for it. He who made the soul, knew its worth, and gave His life for it. -- Arthur Jackson
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:16)
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:13)
Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. (1 Timothy 3:6)
He is a Christian indeed that hath conquered pride. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)
Human pride is incredibly deceitful. It can so deceive its host that he or she may well believe they are the truly humble. It is true of all proud people, for pride is self-deceit. Some reading this may be proud. In fact, it is those who believe they have no pride who are most likely the proudest of all. Those who are proud of their humility are proud indeed.
Those who are self-deceived believe themselves to be of one character while most people see them as totally opposite. These people believe their position or stance or security is firm. However, they cannot see the truth that they are in peril for holding to their position or stance or believing they are secure because their pride has blinded them. They have latched onto certain leaders who they believe to be wise, but these "leaders" have no wisdom. They have confidence in things and people who are like water in the hands. They have placed their trust in people rather than God. Only God does not fail and anyone claiming to have the truth that is contrary to the Word of God is a deceiver.
Again it was their own pride which deceives them. The proud person believes they hold the truth, when in fact they are trusting in the words of men and their own innate abilities, believing that their conception of the truth is the truth because they believe it to be so. The concept that truth is truth whether it is believed to be the truth by them or not is foreign to them. Pride lays a person open to be deceived. His judgment is perverted by it. His stand is rendered inaccurate. His desires invite flattery and his folly accepts it. This is why it is so dangerous for us to seek the praise of others.
Pride leads its victims into evil ways. They become defiant. They become destitute of compassion because pride is stony-hearted. Like a pack of wolves, these people gang-up on those they oppress. They show contempt for what is holy. In the early 21st Century those who are seeking to replace the Church with something new, to do away with guilt, repentance, the sovereignty of God, fallen man, to name just a few things, are the self-deceived. They actually believe they are right because they are deceived.
These self-deceived, nominal Christians have secured their ruin. Their defiance has been as a battle flag raised in the face of those who know God and His truth and will not compromise. They have actually cultivated enemies for themselves because they have such contempt for God and His ways. They are actually filling up the cup of God's wrath against them for their own sins as well as the greater sin of leading others into darkness.
What should our response be to those who proudly proclaim that they are no longer Christians, but are Christ-followers who are not subject to orthodoxy or any doctrine whatsoever? We must hate all pride and humbly rest in God. God knows what is going on. He is in control. He is allowing these blasphemers to do what they do in order to judge them for His glory. We must not look down on anyone in the belief that just because we have not partaken of the sin of the self-deceived, that we are sinless. In fact, the one who believes that he or she is sinless is actually proving that he or she is even more blind than those looked down upon. Think of the Pharisee and the publican in the Temple.
Pride commeth before the fall. As we follow our Lord on the narrow way let us not listen to that deceiving voice that comes upon us all telling us to be thankful that we are not like those prideful people who are ensnared into their self-deception. If we fall for that, then we prove that we are just as self-deceived, and our pride is not killed, and that our humility is still embryonic. Instead of looking down on those in their self-deception we must hurt for them and pray for them to be delivered. Yes, stand firm, never compromise, but always do so from a humble heart that seeks the restoration of all those who have fallen victim to their own pride. They may have been self-deceived to enter the treacherous, rocky path that leads only to the slippery slide into the quicksand, but we cannot be like them in lacking compassion. We must always be ready to offer them the truth, showing them the way out of the mire. Some may indeed harken to the truth because God has given them ears to hear. God be praised if this be so! However, we must also be prepared for their self-deceived hearts to reject the truth and our offer of reconciliation on the basis of their repentance.
Let us examine ourselves carefully to determine if our flesh is being used by our enemy to build up our pride and harden our hearts. If we detect this then we must humbly repent, moving after our Lord again with our eyes on Him and not on ourselves. It is when we have our eyes on things and people and ourselves that we are no longer watching so we can stand firm. Spirit-filled vigilance will keep us armored up and ready for the battle. The self-deceived have fallen for the lie that they can handle the battle without their armor. This is the beginning of their spiritual blindness and their fall into deception proceeds from there. Therefore, let us pray and saturate our lives with the Word of God as we submit to others. This will keep us humble and undeceived and usable. -- adopted from "Self-deceived," a sermon by C.H. SpurgeonPonder this. It is not possible to desire something that one already possess. Therefore it is desire that puts ones life in an endless spin. (James 4:1-3; Phillipians 2:13; Ezekiel 34:11; Luke 19:9,10; 2 Kings 6:17; Ephesians 1:18; Romans 10:1; John 14:6; Romas 15:13; Psalm 90:16; Isaiah 61:11; Romans 3:24; Ecclesiastes 3:14)
There is great transforming power (the power of the Holy Spirit, the power to transform lives and societies) in the New Testament sacrificial love of Christ Jesus that says Not my will, but thine, be done. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 22:42b)
Overall, the current research [2009] revealed that only 9 percent of all American adults have a biblical worldview. Among the sixty subgroups of respondents that the survey explored was one defined by those who said they have made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is important in their life today, and that they are certain that they will go to Heaven after they die only because they confessed their sins and accepted Christ as their savior. Labeled 'born again Christians,' the study discovered that they were twice as likely as the average adult to possess a biblical worldview. However, that meant that even among born again Christians, less than one out of every five (19 percent), had such an outlook on life.
The same questions were asked of respondents in national surveys by Barna in 1995, 2000 and 2005. The results indicate that the percentage of adults with a biblical worldview, as defined above, has remained unchanged for more than a decade. The numbers show that 7 percent had such a worldview in 1995, compared to 10 percent in 2000, 11 percent in 2005, and 9 percent now [2009]. Even among born again adults, the statistics have remained flat: 18 percent in 1995, 22 percent in 2000, 21 percent in 2005, and 19 percent today. -- "Barna Survey Examines Changes in Worldview Among Christians Over the Past 13 Years," March 6, 2009.
That means, hypothetically, applying this statistic for purposes of general illustration, that if a born again individual with a Biblical worldview sits down in the middle of an Evangelical congregation, then the four persons seated around him, left, right, front, back, statistically do not have a Biblical worldview, which raises doubts that they really have a changed life, and are really true to Christ.
The truth hurts! But these facts need to be known, especially by the new believer, who can be so buffeted about initially by the Adversary, and who can be so susceptible to discouragement.
See also:"Barna Lists the 12 Most Significant Religious Findings"
"A Biblical Worldview has a Radical Effect on a Person's Life," December 1, 2003
"What People Experience in Church," and
Jonathan Edwards, Religious Affection. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23)
The mind from vanity, the understanding from error, the will from perverseness, the conscience clear of guilt, the affections from being inordinate and set on evil objects, the thoughts from being employed on bad subjects; and the whole from falling into the hands of the enemy, or being the possession of Satan: great diligence had need be used in keeping it, since it is naturally so deceitful and treacherous; a strict eye is to be kept upon it; all the avenues to it to be watched, that nothing hurtful enters, or evil comes out; it is to be kept by all manner of means that can be thought of, by prayer, hearing, reading, meditation; and, above all, by applying to Christ for his grace and Spirit to sanctify, preserve, and keep it. Or, above all keeping, keep thine heart; though other things are to be kept, and care taken of them, as kingdoms and cities, and towns and families, and treasures and riches; yet the heart above all: for out of it [are] the issues of life; of natural life: it is the seat of it, from whence all actions of life are derived; it is, as philosophers say, the first that lives, and the last that dies; and it is the seat of spiritual life the principle of it is formed in it; from whence all spiritual and vital actions flow, and which lead unto and issue in eternal life: as is a man's heart, such is his state now, and will be hereafter; if the heart is quickened and sanctified by the grace of God, the man will live a life of faith and holiness here, and enjoy everlasting life hereafter: and if the heart is right, so will the actions of men be; they are regulated and denominated by it; they will then spring from right principles, and be directed to right ends, and performed with right views; great care therefore should be taken of the heart, since so much depends upon it, and it is so well known to God the searcher of it. -- John Gill (1697-1771), commenting on Proverbs 4:23Take courage, fainting Christians: you are encompassed with a great cloud of witnesses! The race that you are running has been run by millions before; you think that no one ever had such trials as yourself, but every step that you are journeying has been safely walked by others; the valley of the shadow of death has been securely passed by a multitude of trembling, doubting ones like yourself. They had their fears and anxieties, like you, but they were not cast away. The world, the flesh, and the devil can never overwhelm the weakest person who will set their face towards God. These millions journeyed on in bitterness and tears like your own, and yet not one perished, they all reached their eternal home. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)
A wealth of information about Biblical Counseling is found on audio CDs and MP3s. Sources for audio files on counseling subjects are as follows:
"Give thyself unto reading." The man who never reads will never be read; he who never quotes will never be quoted. He who will not use the thoughts of other men's brains, proves that he has no brains of his own. -- C.H. Spurgeon
- Westminster Theological Seminary Resources
http://www.wts.edu/resources/wtsresources.html- Westminster Theological Seminary Bookstore
Find CCEF resources, Westminster Media resources, and CDs of audio files of former faculty members and guest speakers.
http://www.wtsbooks.com/- National Association of Nouthetic Counselors (NANC) Library
http://www.nanc.org/Resources/NANC-Library- Global Network for Biblical Counseling
http://www.nanc.org/Resources/Global-Network-for-Biblical-Counseling- Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation -- Resources
http://www.wts.edu/resources/login.html- Institute for Nouthetic Counseling
"Study Biblical Counseling with Dr. Jay Adams."
http://www.nouthetic.org- Sound Word Associates
http://www.soundword.com/- And so forth, and so on.
irenic: Promoting peace; conciliatory.
Tending to conciliate or promote peace
1. irenic -- conducive to peace; "irenic without being namby-pamby"; "an irenic attitude toward former antagonists"
peaceful, peaceable -- not disturbed by strife or turmoil or war; "a peaceful nation"; "peaceful times"; "a far from peaceful Christmas"; "peaceful sleep"A Christian is a walking sermon. They preach far more than a minister does, for they preach all week long. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)
And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone. (Genesis 2:18a)
The Christian may, and ought to, look forward with certain assurance to meeting again with those beloved relatives and friends who departed hence in Christ. Their spirits are not dead, not even sleeping as some erroneously assert, but have returned to God who gave them (Eccl. 12:7 [Ecclesiastes 12:7]), and are now in a state that is far better (Phil. 1:23 [Philippians 1:23]), which could not be were they deprived of all conscious communion with their Beloved. Being absent from the body they are present with the Lord (2 Cor. 5:8 [2 Corinthians 5:8]), and in His presence is fulness of joy (Ps. 16:11 [Psalm 16:11]). As to their bodies they await that great Day when they shall be fashioned like unto Christ's glorious body. -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), The Life of Elijah
To the one [we are] the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who [is] sufficient for these things?
For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. (2 Corinthians Chapter 2:16-17)Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. (Jude 24,25)
Alexander, Archibald (1772-1851), Feathers on the Moor, a collection of essays.
*Alexander, Archibald (1772-1851), Practical Truths, 1857.
"This 400-page reprint by one of the Old Princeton 'greats' will be welcome indeed. The book is in three sections: short articles on practical Christian living subjects; a series of longer articles on doctrinal and theological subjects; and finally a series of dialogues in defense of the faith, etc." -- GCB
Alexander, Archibald (1772-1851), The Stuff of Life: Forty-two Brief Talks on Daily Duty and Religion.
Alexander, Archibald (1772-1851), Thoughts on Religious Experience: To Which is Added an Appendix, Containing "Letters to the Aged," ISBN: 079050846X 9780790508467, 338 pages.
Contains counsel for widows and widowers (pp. 329-38).
Alleine, Richard, Samuel Annesley (preface), and Don Kistler (editor), Instructions About Heartwork, ISBN: 1573581348 9781573581349.
Apel, Pat, Nine Great American Myths: Ways we Confuse the American Dream With the Christian Faith, ISBN: 1561210641 9781561210640.
"Are Americans God's chosen people? Are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness the Biblical goals of the Christian Faith? This book will cause you to re-examine the most fundamental beliefs you have, measuring them by the truth of the Word of God." -- GCB
Ashe (Ash), Simeon (d. 1662), Self-surrender Unto God: Opened and Applyed, in a Sermon Preached [2 Chronicles 30:8] Before the Honourable House of Commons, at Margarets, Westminster, at Their Late Solemn Fast, February 23. 1647. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Associate Presbytery of Miami (sometimes attributed to James H. Henderson), Amusements and Levity: A Pastoral Letter. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Remembering that the word 'amuse' literally means 'no-think,' this is a very useful resource for our day -- when even ministers are found to publicly violate Ephesians 5:4. The authors, however, are careful to distinguish between cheerfulness and levity. They note, 'We mean a spirit of levity, as engendered or fostered by indulgence in frivolous amusements. We wish not to be understood as setting ourselves against every species of youthful amusement. We do not look for the gravity of old age in the morning of life, nor do we think that the religion of the Bible requires it. Christianity, rightly understood, has nothing to do with a demure preciseness of manner, or an affection of singularity, which God does not require. Cheerfulness, especially in youth, is perfectly compatible with spirit of the Bible; and as far as amusements are rational in their character, moral in their nature and tendency, rightly timed and enjoyed in moderation, we have nothing to object. But cheerfulness and levity belong to different families, and whenever the former is suffered to degenerate into the latter, the consequences must be evil'." (pp. 2,3) -- Publisher
Baird, Jesse Hays, They who are Called Christians.
Banks, Robert J. (editor), and R. Paul Stevens (editor), The Complete Book of Everyday Christianity: An A-to-Z Guide to Following Christ in Every Aspect of Life, ISBN: 083081454X 9780830814541.
Barna, George, How to Find Your Church, ISBN: 0890661618 9780890661611.
Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), The Crucifying of the World by the Cross of Christ, ISBN: 1877611360. Available in THE PRACTICAL WORKS OF RICHARD BAXTER: THE REFORMED PASTOR.
Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Defence of the Principles of Love, Which are Necessary to the Unity and Concord of Christians: And are Delivered in a Book Called the Cure of Church-divisions.
"Notes: An answer to Edward Bagshaw's "An antidote against Mr. Baxter's palliated Cure of church-divisions." Cf. Matthews, A.G. Works of Richard Baxter, 1932, p. 26.
Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), Directions for Weak, Distempered Christians, ISBN: 1877611131. Available in THE PRACTICAL WORKS OF RICHARD BAXTER, 4 volumes.
Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), The Divine Life in Three Treatises, ISBN: 1877611360. Available in THE PRACTICAL WORKS OF RICHARD BAXTER: THE REFORMED PASTOR.
*Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), Dying Thoughts: Christian Hope for the Life Hereafter, ISBN: 0801006015: 9780801006012. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"It deals with the Christian life, and it intends to encourage the believer to live a holy life with eternity constantly in view. It presents a challenge, developing the Scriptures that promise the joy, peace, and delight for those who go to be with Christ. It will be a help to those who are facing bereavement. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
The Saint's Everlasting Rest, Richard Baxter
http://www.ccel.org/b/baxter/everlasting_rest/saints_rest.html
Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), The Life of Faith; As it is the Evidence of Things Unseen. A Sermon Preach'd (contractedly) Before the King at White-Hall, Upon July the 22d, 1660. By Richard Baxter, . . . With enlargement, and relaxation of the stile for common use, 1706, ISBN: 1877611360.
Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), The Mischiefs of Self-Ignorance. Alternate title: THE MISCHIEFS OF SELF-IGNORANCE AND THE BENEFITS OF SELF-ACQUAINTANCE: OPENED IN DIVERS SERMONS AT DUNSTAN'S-WEST AND PUBLISHED IN ANSWER TO THE ACCUSATIONS OF SOME AND THE DESIRES OF OTHERS, ISBN: 1877611158.
Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Saint or a Brute: The Certain Necessity and Excellency of Holiness. ISBN: 1877611158 9781877611155. Available in A CALL TO THE UNCONVERTED: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 2.
Baxter, Richard, A Saint Or a Brute: The Certain Necessity and Excellency of Holiness, &c . . . (1662)
http://archive.org/details/asaintorabrutec00baxtgoog
Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), Walking With God: The Description, Reasons and Reward of the Believer's Walking With God: On Genesis v. 24 [Genesis 5:24], ISBN: 1877611360.
*[Bible, New Testament], The New Testament: King James Version, The Precious Promises Edition (Lake Wylie, SC: Christian Heritage Publishing Co. Inc., 1991).
A pocket New Testament with the words of Christ in red and the promises screened in red. Convenient for purse, or travel bag.
*[Bible], The New Testament of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ: With Psalms and Proverbs, Gideon's International edition, ISBN: 0529051141 9780529051141.
A shirt-pocket size edition of the King James Authorized Version of the Holy Bible including the Book of Psalms. Convenient for pocket, purse, or travel bag.
*[Bible], New Testament With Psalms and Proverbs, NKJV, ISBN: 0834004518 9780834004511, leather bound.
*Binning, Hugh (1627-1653), The Sinner's Sanctuary, or A Discovery Made, of Those Glorious Privileges Offered Unto the Penitent and Faithful Under the Gospel: Unfolding Their Freedom From Death, Condemnation, and the Law, in Forty Sermons Upon Romans 8, 1670. Available in THE WORKS OF THE REVEREND HUGH BINNING. Available (THE WORKS OF HUGH BINNING), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE WORKS OF HUGH BINNING), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #8.
Binning, Hugh (1627-1653), Heart-humiliation: or, Miscellany Sermons Preached Upon Some Choice Texts, at Several Solemn Occasions: Never Before Printed. By . . . Mr. Hugh Binning, . . . Glasgow, 1725.
*Binning, Hugh (1627-1653), A Treatise of Christian Love: With an Extract From the Sinner's Sanctuary, ISBN: 0851518702 9780851518701. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Binning, A Treatise of Christian Love. John 13:35. "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another"
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/19/hugh-binnings-a-treatise-of-christian-love
Blanchard, John, Learning and Living the Christian Life, ISBN: 0854795413 9780854795413.
"This book is designed to answer two basic questions: How does a person become a Christian, and What is involved in living the Christian Life?" -- GCB
Blanchard, John, Truth for Life.
"A good-sized work of over 400 pages. A very practical commentary filled with just the kind of advice we all need for living the Christian life." -- GCB
Bodey, R., How to Listen to a Sermon (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette NP131 [audio file].
*Bolton (Boulton), Robert (1572-1631), General Directions for a Comfortable Walking With God, ISBN: 1877611263 9781877611261. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"You'll find Robert Bolton warm, engaging, insightful, and thoroughly Biblical. More important, he will challenge you to a deeper, richer walk with God than you ever thought possible." -- John MacArthur
*Bolton, Robert (1572-1631), and Thomas Goodwin (1600-1680), Bolton, Robert, The Carnal Professor and Thomas Goodwin, Christ Set Forth, ISBN: 1877611468 9781877611469. Alternate title: CHRIST SET FORTH IN HIS DEATH, RESURRECTION, ASCENSION, SITTING AT GOD'S RIGHT HAND, AND INTERCESSION / BY THOMAS GOODWIN. Available (CHRIST SET FORTH), in THE WORKS OF THOMAS GOODWIN, VOL. 1.
The Works of Thomas Goodwin
http://archive.org/details/worksofthomasgoo01good
"The first 156 pages is a heart-searching treatise directed at those who profess Christianity without necessarily possessing it. Goodwin's 384 pages is directed toward those who have embraced the principles of Christ, but have neglected Christ Himself in all of His glory. Both authors are Puritans of great renown." -- CBD
*Bonar, Andrew (1810-1892), Heavenly Springs: Portions for the Sabbaths of a Year, ISBN: 0851514790 9780851514796.
"This is a collection of Bonar's writing by his daughter, Marjory Bonar, together with extracts from his personal diary. The arrangement is in the form of meditations for each Sunday of the year . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
*Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language.
"First published in 1874, THE EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS, may be the best book on the doctrine of justification by faith alone ever written.
"Since the seventeenth century, the church's adherence to the central doctrine of the Christian faith has been weakening; in the twentieth century it has all but disappeared. But to those who remain faithful -- to those who are called of God -- justification by faith alone is the best news there could ever be: that Christ died for our sins, and we shall live forever because of Christ's righteousness.
"Justification by faith alone -- the 'principal hinge of religion,' according to John Calvin, the 'doctrine by which the church stands or falls,' according to Martin Luther -- is salvation. Without it, all hope is lost; with it, Heaven gained. Bonar's discussion is without equal in the English language." -- John W. Robbins
The Everlasting Righteousness; or, How Shall man be Just With God?
http://books.google.com/books?id=nQMDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
*Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), Follow the Lamb, or Counsels to Converts, ISBN: 1877611263.
"He gives wise counsel to Christians. He holds up the high standards of the Bible as essential to our well-being. . . . This is a book of exhortations. The simple words of Bonar will test your resolve, stretch your spirit, and challenge your behavior. It both convicts, and convinces.
"We highly recommend this, and all other books by Horatius Bonar." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Follow the Lamb, by Horatius Bonar
http://grace-ebooks.com/library/Horatius%20Bonar/HB_Follow%20the%20Lamb.pdf
*Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), God's way of Peace: A Book for the Anxious, ISBN: 0585036004 9780585036007. Available (MP3 only), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Horatius Bonar was a pastor in Scotland for over fifty years. He was one of the brightest lights in the 19th century, with not only many books to his credit, but also the editing of the excellent IMPERIAL BIBLE DICTIONARY, and a delightful and useful monthly magazine. . . . This book is another evidence that Bonar is able to write the deepest truths in the clearest and most understandable way. . . . Simplicity is his style, but declaring the whole counsel of God is his aim. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
God's way of Peace: A Book for the Anxious, Horatius Bonar
http://www.ccel.org/b/bonar/way_of_peace/way_of_peace.htm
Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), Christians Strong in the Grace That is in Christ Jesus. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), The Crook in the Lot: The Sovereignty of God in the Trials, Tribulations, and Troubles of This Life. Alternate title: THE SOVEREIGNTY AND WISDOM OF GOD DISPLAYED IN THE AFFLICTIONS OF MEN, TOGETHER WITH A CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT UNDER THEM. BEING THE SUBSTANCE OF SEVERAL SERMONS ON ECCLES. VII. 13. [Ecclesiastes 7:13], PROV. XVI. 19. [Proverbs 16:19], and I PET. V. 6 [1 Peter 5:6]. TO WHICH ARE ADDED SOME SERMONS ON THE NATURE OF CHURCH-COMMUNION, FROM I COR. X. 17 [1 Corinthians 10:17], 195 pages, ISBN: 1573581372. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"In this book, Thomas Boston explains how the sovereignty and wisdom of God is displayed in the afflictions of men. In his approach to this difficult subject, he is both theologically precise and pastorally tender. Boston does not commit the error of needlessly trying to protect God's reputation, nor does he go to the opposite extreme of making God a compassionate but helpless bystander. Rather, Boston brings God right into the mix of even the most disastrous events, and shows how He is actively involved in both the events and their resolution. Let the wisdom of the ages be a salve during this time of crisis and bewilderment. May the God of all comfort be your comfort in troubled times.
"When calamity and disaster strike as it did on September 11th, many people begin to ask, "Where is God?" and "Why did God allow this to happen?" These are the very questions Thomas Boston addresses in this timeless book. This book includes an introduction and a study guide to maximize the impact of this classic work.
"Thomas Boston (1676-1732), was a Scottish Presbyterian minister. He studied at the University of Edinburgh and was a recognized Hebrew scholar. His main pastorate was at Ettrick, Selkirkshire, where he was installed in 1707. His most noted works are THE CROOK IN THE LOT and HUMAN NATURE IN ITS FOURFOLD STATE." -- Publisher
"At Monergism Books we view this as one of the top five Christian books ever written . . . What captures our attention first and foremost of this book is how it is so saturated in Scripture. After reading this, no one will be able to deny God meticulously ordaining everything that comes to pass nor fail to see the great comfort there is in this truth . . . THE CROOK IN THE LOT is introduced to us by J.I. Packer." -- Publisher, describing the Monergism edition
Boston, The Crook in the Lot: or, The Sovereignty and Wisdom of God in the Afflictions of men
http://archive.org/details/christiantreasur00memeuoft
*Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), The Distinguishing Characters of True Believers: In Relation to, I. God in Christ, as Their Refuge and Portion. . . . XI. Their entering into rest in Christ. In several practical Discourses, largely handled, and excellently calculated to promote the comfort and direction of Christians, and the advantage of human Society. To which is prefixed, A soliloquy on the art of man-fishing. A Christian classic. Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BOSTON), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BOSTON, VOLUME 5), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #5.
"Seventeen sermons (254 pages), relating to nine major areas pinpointing the marks of salvation. Includes loving your enemies, conduct in times of general declension, keeping Christ's commandments, the use of the tongue, friendship with Christ, meekness, etc." -- Publisher
Boston, Thomas, The Distinguishing Characters of True Believers: In Several Practical Discourses, largely handled, and excellently calculated to promote the comfort and direction of Christians, and the advantage of human society (1791)
http://archive.org/details/distinguishingch00bost
*Boston, Thomas, Of Election to Everlasting Life. Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BOSTON), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BOSTON), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #5.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/sermons/boston_election.html
Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), The Evil and Danger of Halting Betwixt two Opinions. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON, VOLUMES 1-12. (9:245-63). Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BOSTON), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BOSTON), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #5.
Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), The Nature of Church Communion Illustrated: or, The Unity of the Body of Christ, and the duty the members owe to one another opened. Being the substance of several sermons on 1 Cor. x. 17 [1 Corinthians 10:17]. Alternate title: ON CHURCH COMMUNION. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BOSTON), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #5.
Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), The Pleasure of Real Religion. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in THE WORKS OF THOMAS BOSTON on Reformation Bookshelf CD #6.
Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), The Shortness of Human Life. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BOSTON, VOL. 11), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BOSTON, VOL. 11), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #6.
*Bridge, William (1600?-1670), A Lifting up for the Downcast, ISBN: 0851512984 0851511298. A Christian classic. Available in THE WORKS OF THE REV. WILLIAM BRIDGE (1845), vol. 1 of 5. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"These thirteen sermons on Psalm 42:11, preached at Stepney, London, in the year 1648 are the work of a true physician of souls. In dealing with believers suffering from spiritual depression, Bridge manifests great insight into the causes of the saints' discouragements, such as, great sins, weak grace, failure in duties, want of assurance, temptation, desertion, and affliction. A correct diagnosis is more than half the cure but Bridge does not leave his readers there. He gives directions for applying the remedy. . . .
"The general causes of spiritual depression are the same in every age. Downcast Christians of the twentieth century can find help here as surely as did past generations." -- Publisher
"Here is true help for those suffering from spiritual depression. Better than a room filled with psychologists." -- GCB
A Lifting Up for the Downcast
http://archive.org/details/worksofrevwillia01bridiala
*Bridge, William (1600?-1670), The Saint's Hiding-Place in the Time of God's Anger. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Briner, Bob, The Leadership Lessons of Jesus: A Timeless Model for Today's Leaders, ISBN: 0805463569 9780805463569.
"Bob Briner and Ray Pritchard bring an exciting and refreshing look at how the greatest leader in the world can provide the blueprint to become leaders in our own lives, our communities, our workplace, and especially in our own families. If you are a father, a brother, a coach, a teacher, or someone in a position of influencing another human being, this is a must read!" -- Reader's Comment
"There are too many leaders in the church and not enough followers of the only Leader, Jesus Christ. Bob Briner puts leadership in the proper context. A Leader is supposed to lead others, not to himself, but to Jesus." -- Cal Thomas
Briner, Bob, The Management Methods of Jesus: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Business, ISBN: 0785276815 9780785276814.
"THE MANAGEMENT METHODS OF JESUS is loaded with insights on real-life situations managers and business people face every day. This comprehensive book covers topics such as planning and preparation, recruitment and hiring, communication and conflict resolution, public relations and business ethics, employee satisfaction and family friendliness. All this, and more, based on principles of management practiced by the greatest manager the world has ever known." -- Publisher
Brown, John (of Haddington, 1722-1787), The Christian Journal: or, Common Incidents, Spiritual Instructors: Being a Series of Meditations on a Spring, Summer, Harvest, Winter, and Sabbath-day, 1795. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #7.
Bruce, Michael (1559-1631), The Duty of Christians to Live Together in Religious-communion, Recommended. In a sermon preached at Belfast, January 5th. 1724-5 before the sub-synod. . . . By Michael Bruce, Belfast, 1725.
*Bunyan, John (1628-1688), and Robert Philip (1791-1858), The Greatness of the Soul: and The Unspeakableness of the Loss Thereof; No way to Heaven but by Jesus Christ; The Strait Gate. Alternate title: THE GREATNESS OF THE SOUL, AND UNSPEAKABLENESS OF THE LOSS THEREOF: WITH THE CAUSES OF THE LOSING IT: FIRST PREACHED AT PINNERS HALL, AND NOW ENLARGED, AND PUBLISHED FOR GOOD. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"In the 1660s, Charles II, King of England, asked John Owen (1616-1683), why he went to hear the preaching of an uneducated tinker. [John Bunyan -- compiler]. Looking the King in the eye, Owen answered, 'May it please your Majesty, could I possess the tinker's ability for preaching, I would willingly relinquish all my learning'." -- Andrew Thomson, John Owen, Prince of Puritans
Owen would not have been surprised to learn that Bunyan's most influential work, PILGRIM'S PROGRESS, would be translated into more languages over the next 400 years than any book except the Bible.
The Greatness of the Soul: and The Unspeakableness of the Loss Thereof; No way to Heaven but by Jesus Christ; The Strait Gate
http://archive.org/details/greatnessofsoulu00bunyuoft
Pilgrim's Page: A John Bunyan Archive
This is the complete set of THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN, George Offor edition, reprinted by The Banner of Truth. It is free online, and is downloadable in the following formats: HTML, RTF, TEXT, and PDF.
http://www.chapellibrary.org/literature/bunyan/
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN is also available at Project Gutenberg.
Bunyan, John (1628-1688), Holy Life: The Beauty of Christianity, ISBN: 9992345179. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Pilgrim's Page: A John Bunyan Archive
This is the complete set of THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN, George Offor edition, reprinted by The Banner of Truth. It is free online, and is downloadable in the following formats: HTML, RTF, TEXT, and PDF.
http://www.chapellibrary.org/literature/bunyan/
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN is also available at Project Gutenberg.
*Burroughs, Jeremiah (1599-1646), The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment. A Christian classic.
"Well-known Puritan author of THE RARE JEWEL OF CHRISTIAN CONTENTMENT excels in deeply spiritual insights. Most authors writing today can't hold a candle to him!" -- CBD
"I am still reading this book, but I've read enough to have it significantly change my outlook on life and afflictions. I have learned in abundance what it means to trust the Lord in troubles and to realize that God will bring me out of them in His time, and it is my duty to praise the Lord and devote my heart to Him. My cup runs over when I read Jeremiah Burroughs." -- Reader's Comment
Buzzard, Lynn R., and Christian Legal Society, Vocation, Work and Calling.
Calamy, Edmund (1600-1666), Truth and Love. A Discourse From Ephesians IV.15, at the Merchants-lecture, at Salters-Hall, November 29. 1720. [Ephesians 4:15]
Calvin, John (1509-1564), Come out From Among Them: The "Anti-Nicodemite" Writings of John Calvin. Available in Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library.
"Some one will therefore ask me what counsel I would like to give to a believer who thus dwells in some Egypt or Babylon where he may not worship God purely, but is forced by the common practice to accommodate himself to bad things. The first advice would be to leave (i.e., relocate -- ed.), if he could. . . If someone has no way to depart, I would counsel him to consider whether it would be possible for him to abstain from all idolatry in order to preserve himself pure and spotless toward God in both body and soul. Then let him worship God in private (in his home -- ed.), praying him to restore his poor church to its right estate." -- John Calvin, Come out From Among Them, The Anti-Nicodemite Writings of John Calvin pp. 93-94
*Calvin, Jean (John, 1509-1564), and John Owen (Vicar of Thrussington, Leicestershire, translator and editor), Commentaries on the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans. Alternate title: COMMENTARY ON ROMANS, BY JOHN CALVIN, and THE EPISTLE OF THE APOSTLE PAUL TO THE ROMANS.
Romans is Paul's most comprehensive statement of the Gospel. It unites the various themes of the Bible, and therefore is the key to understanding all Scripture.
Commentary on Romans, by John Calvin (1509-1564)
http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_vol38/htm/TOC.htm
*Calvin, John (1509-1564), and John Owen (1788-1867, Vicar of Thrussington, Leicestershire, translator), Commentary on the Epistle of Paul to the Hebrews, ISBN: 0801024404 9780801024405.
"No doubt the Epistle next in importance to that to the Romans is this to the Hebrews." -- the translator of Calvin's Commentary on Hebrews
Themes of Hebrews: The sufficiency of christ, Christ's high priesthood, Christ the end of the law, Our greater accountability under christ, and Exhortation and encouragement.
Hebrews chapters 10 through 13 contain encouragement for the Christian life: exhortation to persevere, to faith and patience, to encounter trials and afflictions, to peace and holiness, and various directions and cautions.
Commentary on Hebrews, by John Calvin (1509-1564)
http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_vol44/htm/TOC.htm
*Calvin, John (1509-1564), Commentary on Hebrews, by John Calvin, Chapters 10 -- 13 [Hebrews 10 -- Hebrews 13]
Hebrews chapters 10 through 13 contain encouragement for the Christian life: exhortation to persevere, to faith and patience, to encounter trials and afflictions, to peace and holiness, and various directions and cautions.
http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_vol44/htm/xvi.htm
Calvin, John (1509-1564), Comparison Between the False Church and the True. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
Comparison Between the False Church and the True in Institutes of the Christian Religion (translated by Henry Beveridge), Book Fourth, Of The Holy Catholic Church, Chapter 2
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/institutes.vi.iii.html
*Calvin, John (1509-1564), The Golden Booklet of the True Christian Life, ISBN: 0801065283 9780801065286.
"Every member of the family able to read should be required to read this book." -- J.P. Green, Sr.
*Calvin, Jean (John, 1509-1564), and John H. Leith, The Christian Life, ISBN: 0060612983 9780060612986.
Calvin, On the Christian Life
http://www.ccel.org/calvin/christian_life/christian_life.html
Campbell, Ross, How to Keep Going When the Storms Keep Coming, ISBN: 0842313761 9780842313766.
"This is neither an autobiography nor a self-help manual, but rather, varied, intensely autobiographical episodes of how the author, after much stumbling found spiritual perspective in the midst of crisis. These real life episodes will refresh and recharge us for our own journey." -- GCB
*Candlish, Robert S., Studies in Romans 12: The Christian's Sacrifice and Service of Praise, ISBN: 0825423325 9780825423321.
Chambers, Humphrey, and Samuel Man, A Divine Ballance to Weigh Religious Fasts in: Applyed to Present vse, in a Sermon Preached Before the Honourable House of Commons, in S. Margarets Westminster at their Publique Fast, Sept. 27. 1643, James 3:18.
Covenanted General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Directions of the General Assembly Concerning Secret and Private Worship, and Mutual Edification, For Cherishing Piety, For Maintaining Unity, and Avoiding Schism and Division, 1647. Alternate title: FAMILY WORSHIP: MR. THOMAS MANTON'S EPISTLE TO THE READER OF THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH AND LARGER AND SHORTER CATECHISMS.
Cranfield, C.E.B., The Bible and Christian Life, ISBN: 0567291251 9780567291257.
Dutcher, Greg, Killing Calvinism: How to Destroy a Perfectly Good Theology From the Inside out, ISBN: 9781936760534 1936760533.
"Something wonderful is happening in Western Evangelicalism. A resurgence of Calvinism is changing lives, transforming churches, and spreading the gospel. The books are great, the sermons are life-changing, the music is inspirational, and the conferences are astonishing. Will this continue or will we, who are part of it all, end up destroying it?
"That depends on how we live the message.
"As 'insiders' of the Calvinist resurgence, there are at least eight ways we can mess everything up.
"Greg Dutcher (M.Div., Biblical Theological Seminary) pastored an Evangelical Free Church in Catonsville, Maryland for six years before sensing a call to plant Christ Fellowship Church in Harford County, Maryland. He has served as Senior Minister of Christ Fellowship since its inception in 2003. He is the author of two recent books with Discovery House publishers, YOU ARE THE TREASURE THAT I SEEK: BUT THERE'S A LOT OF COOL STUFF OUT THERE, LORD (2009), and LIVING FREE IN ENEMY TERRITORY: CHRIST'S TRIUMPH OVER SATAN (2011). Greg and his wife, Lisa, have four children." -- Publisherby loving Calvinism as an end in itself by becoming theologians instead of disciples [wording seems problematic here -- compiler] by loving God's sovereignty more than God himself by losing an urgency in evangelism by refusing to learn from non-Calvinists by tidying up the Bible's 'loose ends' [seems problematic -- compiler] by being a bunch of arrogant know-it-alls by scoffing at the emotional hang-ups others have with Calvinism
Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), The Portion of the Righteous. Available (THE PORTION OF THE RIGHTEOUS), on the Puritan Hard Drive. In Selected Works of Jonathan Edwards (2:888-905)
Contents: A narrative of surprising conversions -- The distinguishing marks of a work of the spirit of God -- An account of the revival of religion in Northampton 1740-1742 -- Sermons.
"On the happiness which God gives to good men.
Ellul, Jacques (1912-1994), Anarchy and Christianity, 1991, ISBN: 0802804950 9780802804952.
Evans, Robert A., Alice F. Evans, Louis Weeks, and Carolyn Weeks, Casebook for Christian Living: Value Formation for Families and Congregations, ISBN: 0804220328 9780804220323.
Includes bibliographical references.
Fitzpatrick, Elyse M., and Jody Hogan (foreword), Because He Loves me: How Christ Transforms our Daily Life, ISBN: 158134905X.
"Simply speaking, love changes people. Christians, then, by definition, should exhibit the greatest transformation of all because, rightly understood and cherished, God's love makes them increasingly more like the One who has lavished his love on them.
"This truth is meant to tell believers who they are, their purpose and destiny, and how to faithfully persevere in their struggles against all opposition. But sometimes people lose sight of this. BECAUSE HE LOVES ME restores that vision, reminding Christians of their true identity as beloved children of God-adopted by the Father, espoused to the Son, and empowered by the Holy Spirit." -- Edward T. Welch, Counselor and Faculty Member, Christian Counseling and Education Foundation
Flavel, John (1630-1691), Husbandry Spiritualized: or, The Heavenly use of Earthly Things, in Which Husbandmen are . . . (1824). Available in (THE WORKS OF JOHN FLAVEL) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Husbandry Spiritualized
http://archive.org/details/husbandryspirit00flavgoog
Fraser, James (of Brea, 1639-1698), The Lawfulness and Duty of Separation From Corrupt Ministers and Churches Explained and Vindicated, 1744. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
"This is one of the most comprehensive treatises dealing with the lawfulness and duty of separation. It does not shy away from the hard biblical questions, but rather meets them head on. Fraser covers all the major biblical reasons for separation, both in general and in particular. Some of these Scriptural reasons for separation include (examples in parentheses are selected to fit our contemporary situation in accord with the general headings found in the book -- though a number of these specific errors are also dealt with in the book itself): 1) Heresy, or error in doctrine (e.g. Arminianism, Pelagianism, Romanism, the denial of the regulative principle of worship, antinomianism, legalism, etc.); 2) Idolatry in public worship (e.g. singing hymns of human composition, paedocommunion and open communion, the use of musical instruments, women speaking or preaching, anti-paedobaptism, Charismatic [or anabaptistic], folly and excesses, malignancy [anti-covenanting], etc.); 3) Tyranny in government (e.g. Popery, Prelacy, Independency, etc.); 4) Sinful terms of communion (e.g. any terms which deny or ignore the attainments of the Covenanted Reformation or in any way contravene Scripture); 5) Tolerationism (e.g. refusing to discipline the scandalous, open communion and countenancing false ministers or false governments or false doctrine, etc.). Many other areas are also dealt with, not the least of which include a strong testimony against the Prelatical Priest George Whitefield (who, as the preface notes, is 'a person leavened with gross errors, enthusiastic delusions, etc.'). In the publisher's original reasons for publication we read, 'In this book the case and nature of schism and separation is cleared, and the true scriptural terms of church-communion, and grounds of separation from corrupt churches and ministers, carrying on backsliding courses from the Covenanted Reformation principles . . . are clearly handled, and the same proven to be just and warrantable grounds of separation, and many useful cases of conscience concerning separation; and what are just and warrantable grounds of separation and what are not, are solidly, learnedly, and accurately discussed and resolved, and the case of separation clearly stated, handled and determined; and separation from corrupt ministers and churches is fully vindicated; and the true Scripture marks of time-servers and hirelings, who should be separated from, are given from the Word of God.' Calvin, Knox, Rutherford, Gillespie, Durham, Owen (who repented of his Independency and embraced Presbyterianism just before he died), and a host of other notable Reformers are cited throughout. Occasional hearing and occasional communion are also exposed and rebuked from Scripture. Appended to the book is, 'The Reasons agreed upon by the Reformers of the Church of Scotland, For which the Book of Common Prayer, urged upon Scotland, Anno 1637 was refused. As also the Reasons agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, for laying aside the English Book of Common Prayer. Together with Mr. George Graham's Renunciation and Abjuration of Episcopacy.' This is an almost flawless photocopy of this exceedingly rare and valuable book (which was obtained at great expense from the Bodleian Library [Oxford University], in England). It is one of the major Reformed classics concerning the topics that it addresses and it answers many common questions which Christians raise today regarding church affiliation. It is also a much needed landmark of Reformation testimony against the white devils of Independency and sectarianism and the black devils of Popery and Prelacy -- which can be seen to be covering the land once again -- contrary to the teaching of the Word of God and the attainments fought (and died), for during the Second Reformation." -- Publisher
Gamble, William Arnett, Trumpets of the Lord: Proclaiming God's Wonderful Words of Life.
Green, Jay P., Sr. (1918-2008, editor), Christian Life Classics (The Fifty Greatest Christian Classics, Vol. III,
Notes: "Slightly abridged and modernized versions of the seven titles listed on the contents page, and entitled CHRISTIAN LIFE CLASSICS."
"Includes HOLINESS by J.C. Ryle, RARE JEWEL OF CHRISTIAN CONTENTMENT by Jeremy Burroughs, HOW TO PREPARE FOR COMMUNION by Matthew Henry, GOSPEL MYSTERY OF SANCTIFICATION by Walter Marshall, PRECIOUS REMEDIES AGAINST SATAN'S DEVICES by Thomas Brooks, KEPT FOR THE MASTER'S USE by Frances Havergal, ART OF MEDITATION by Joseph Hall. Surely here are some of the very greatest titles ever written on living the Christian life." -- GCB
Griffiths, Michael, The Example of Jesus, ISBN: 0877849293 9780877849292.
"Griffiths, the principle of London Bible College, guides us in exploring following Christ. He covers the basis for imitating Jesus. He delves into the ways of Jesus. Finally he covers just how it is that we can be more like Jesus." -- GCB
*Henry, Matthew (1662-1714), The Young Christian, ISBN: 0906731569 9780906731567.
"Using Paul's letter to Titus, Henry shows us in practical way how best to live as a Christian." -- GCB
Houston, Thomas (1803-1882), Youthful Devotedness; or, The Youth of the Church Instructed in the Duties of Practical Religion. Available (WORKS: DOCTRINAL AND PRACTICAL, volume 2 only), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (WORKS: DOCTRINAL AND PRACTICAL, volume 2 only), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #22.
*Howe, John (1630-1705), Of Charity in Reference to Other Men's Sins, 1 Corinthians 13:5, 1681. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"According to James Darling's CYCLOPAEDIA BIBLIOGRAPHICA, John Howe was one of the faithful English Puritan ministers who was ejected from his church in 1662. Darling adds that 'The late Robert Hall said that he had learned more from John Howe than from any other author he had ever read, and that there is an astonishing magnificence in his conceptions.' (p. 1560).
"This book is about Christians' attitudes towards the sins of other people. For example, Howe notes that some people are happy to see others sin because it makes them feel superior to those people. But it is itself sinful for a Christian to feel this way. 'What is it now to rejoice in another man's sin? Think what it is, and how impossible it is to be where the love of God hath any place. What to be glad that such a one is turning a man into a devil! A reasonable immortal soul, capable of Heaven, into a fiend of Hell! To be glad that such a soul is tearing itself off from God, is blasting its own eternal hopes, and destroying all its possibilities of a future well-being! Blessed God! How repugnant is this to Charity?' (p. 18)
" 'One would think them indeed but half men, and scarce any Christians, that can allow themselves so inhumane, and unhallowed a pleasure, as rejoicing in another's sin!
" 'Tis very unworthy of a man to take pleasure in seeing his fellowman turning beast. There is little in it of the ingenuity that belongs to humane nature, to delight in the harms of others; much less of the prudence, to make sport of a common mischief.' (p. 54)
"Rather than rejoicing over the sins of others, Christians should mourn over the sin and pray for the repentance of the offender.
"In some cases, however, charity and duty will require separation from the offender. 'We are to decline their society: i.e. when their heinous guilt appears, and while their repentance appears not. Scripture is so plain, and copious to this purpose, that it would suppose them very ignorant of the Bible, for whom it should be needful to quote texts. We must avoid them for our own sake, that we be not infected, nor be partakers in their sin, and guilt. For theirs (and so charity requires it), that they may be ashamed, which may be the means of their reduction and salvation: And (which is most considerable), for the honour of the Christian religion, that it may be vindicated, and rescued from reproach, as much as in us lies.' (pp. 41-42)
"In this respect Christians have an infallible example. 'The great God is our example, who refuses the fellowship of apostate persons, yea and churches: Departs, and withdraws his affronted Glory. It is pure, and declines all taint'." (p. 42) -- Publisher
The Whole Works of the Rev. John Howe, M.A., With a Memoir of the Author (1822), vol. 1 of 8.
http://archive.org/details/wholeworksofrevj01howeuoft
Keller, Philip, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, ISBN: 9780310291428 0310291429.
Keller, Timothy J., Sinclair B. Ferguson, C. John Miller, Glenn Blossom, Benjamin Smith, Pastor of Deliverance Church, Ronald E. Lutz, Joseph F. Ryan, Rev., John F. Bettler, Albert N. Martin, and Edmund P. Clowney, Studies in Personal Holiness, 5 sound cassettes [audio file], (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
*Kennedy, D. James (1930-2007), with Jim Nelson Black, Character and Destiny: A Nation in Search of its Soul, ISBN: 0310443806 9780310443803.
"America faces a crisis of moral authority. In this penetrating, informative book, Dr. D. James Kennedy takes readers to the core of today's cultural erosion. The United States' rich heritage of Christian liberty is now being corrupted by those who are trying to rewrite or reinterpret history. Even our traditional values are being undermined by our educational system. More than ever, we need to assert the truth -- the truth of the existence of sin and of the absolute nature of morality." -- Publisher
Dr. Kennedy regards this work as his most important book to date.
*Knox, John (1505-1572), Letter of Wholesome Counsel, Addressed to His Brethren in Scotland, (1556). Alternate title: WHAT TO DO WHEN THERE IS NO FAITHFUL CHURCH IN YOUR AREA. Available (in THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX and in a newsletter) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"Presents a 1556 letter written by Scottish religious reformer John Knox (1513-1572), to the church of the English exiles in Geneva, Switzerland. Explains that the letter reflects the state of the Protestant church in Scotland before the Reformation. Notes that the letter is provided online by Kevin Reed.
Knox, John (1505-1572), A Letter of Wholesome Counsel, Addressed to His Brethren in Scotland (1556), 1556
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/LtrWhole.htm
"Given the lack of truly Reformed churches in many areas, this letter, full of practical advice, should be a welcome addition to the libraries of those seeking to remain ecclesiastically faithful to the Lord. As God continues to pour out his Spirit (by revealing the doctrines of grace, purity of worship, Presbyterian polity and discipline, Christian education of youth, family worship, the principles of courtship, covenanting [personal, ecclesiastical and national], separation from corrupt and idolatrous communions, male headship, adherence to the WCF [1646] and other faithful confessions, etc.), this letter will provide a useful bridge for those separated geographically from faithful fellowship, until new, duly constituted churches can be formed." -- Publisher
*Knox, John (1505-1572), and Kevin Reed, True and False Ministries: Selections From the Writings. Available in THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX, 6 volumes, David Laing (editor). THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
Notes: "Based upon selections from volume 6 of the definitive ed. of 'The works of John Knox', edited by David Laing (Edinburgh, 1895)."
Kraemer, Hendrik, Religion and the Christian Faith.
Includes bibliographic footnotes.
Lee, Samuel (of Wadham College Oxford, 1627-1691), The Visibility of the True Church, sermon on Matt. xvi. 18 [Matthew 16:18]. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
*Leith, John H., John Calvin's Doctrine of the Christian Life, ISBN: 0664213308 9780664213305.
"This work provides a thorough analysis of Calvinist doctrine, defining Christian life in relation to four aspect of Calvinist thought: justification by faith, providence and predestination, history and the transhistorical, and church and society. The relationship between God and man is seen as the most central." -- GCB
Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Knowing the Times: Addresses Delivered on Various Occasions, 1942-1977, ISBN: 0851515568 9780851515564.
*Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), The Law: Its Functions and Limits (Romans 7:1 -- 8:4),
"This careful and detailed work is an example of expository preaching at its best. Lloyd-Jones' analysis of carnality and spirituality is designed to expose the reason for the former and the way to acquire the latter." -- Cyril J. Barber
Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Life of Joy: An Exposition of Philippians 1 and 2, [Philippians 2] ISBN: 0801056586 9780801056581.
"In his own inimitable style the author deftly weaves exegetical and theological insights with practical applications. Though these sermons were first preached in 1947 and 1948 they still speak to us today and address us in our present critical situation." -- GCB
*Lloyd-Jones, David Martyn (1899-1981), Life in the Spirit in Marriage, Home and Work: An Exposition of Ephesians 5:18 -- 6:9 [Ephesians 5:18 -- Ephesians 6:9], ISBN: 080105799X 9780801057991.
*Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), The New Man (Romans 6).
Mack, Wayne A., Down, but not out: How to get up When Life Knocks you Down, ISBN: 0875526721 9780875526720.
"Mack offers help for those plagued by worry and suffering from spiritual burnout. He also addresses 'downers' such as self-pity, discouragement, hopelessness, and others." -- Publisher
Mack, Wayne A., and Joshua Mack, God's Solutions to Life's Problems, ISBN: 1563220792 9781563220791.
Mack, Wayne A., and Joshua Mack, The Twin Pillars of the Christian Life: Effective Prayer and Disciplined Bible Study, ISBN: 1930133022 9781930133020.
*Marshall, Walter (1628-1680), The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification: Growing in Holiness by Living in Union With Christ (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, Inc., 2005, 1999), ISBN: 189277724X. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Reformation Heritage Books edition is a reprint of the 1954 edition set by Oliphants and includes an introduction by Joel R. Beeke. Also includes the author's famous sermon on "The Doctrine of Justification Opened and Applied."
See the WorldCat record for various foreign language editions.
Other editions:
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, 270 pages, ISBN: 1597520543 9781597520546.
"This is by far the best book on the doctrine of Sanctification in print. It was originally written in the 17th century, but has been put into modern English with this edition. This book will help you better understand the Gospel and its power not only for our Justification, but our Sanctification as well." -- Reader's Comment
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, ISBN: 1589600630 9781589600638.
"Here you will read the most closely reasoned defense of scriptural sanctification to be found anywhere. . . . Fourteen directions are given to the reader, all perfected with the aim of explaining to sincere souls what sanctification is, what it is not, and how to attain a holy walk before God. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-mystery of Sanctification, Opened, in Sundry Practical Directions: Suited Especially to the Case of Those who Labor Under the Guilt and Power of Indwelling Sin. To Which is Added a Sermon on Justification (1859)
http://archive.org/details/gospelmysteryofs02mars
McLeod (M'Leod), Alexander (1774-1833), et al., The Life and Power of True Godliness; Described in a Series of Discourses, 1847. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
The Life and Power of True Godliness
http://archive.org/details/lifepoweroftrueg00mleo
McLeod, John Niel (1806-1874), Preparation for Death the Business of Life. A Discourse on the Death of Rev. Samuel Brown Wylie, D.D., 1852.
M'Crie, Thomas (1772-1835), Christian Friendship. Available (THE SERMONS OF THOMAS M'CRIE) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Christian Friendship
http://www.naphtali.com/christian_friendship.htm
Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Biblical Principles of Meditation (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette CM304 [audio file].
Miller, C. John (1928-1996), A Faith Worth Sharing: A Lifetime of Conversations About Christ, ISBN: 0875523919 9780875523910.
"This is not a book about clever techniques, or methodologies; it is a book of snapshots from one life given to impact others. If you too are someone who has been changed by the power of the gospel, then you need to pray for the opportunities to pass it on to others. This book will encourage you to do just that." -- Stephen Smallman
"C. John Miller taught practical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, was Director of World Harvest Mission, and led mission trips to several countries. He was founding pastor of New Life Presbyterian Church, outside Philadelphia, from which grew several other congregations in the Philadelphia area. His other books include POWERFUL EVANGELISM FOR THE POWERLESS, and OUTGROWING THE INGROWN CHURCH." -- Publisher
Miller, Samuel (1769-1850), Religious Conversation
http://www.naphtali.com/articles/samuel-miller/religious-conversation/
Milligan, James, The Prospects of a True Christian in a Sinful World, 1831.
Mostrom, Donald G., Spiritual Privileges You Didn't Know Were Yours, ISBN: 087784982X: 9780877849827.
*Murray, John (1898-1975), Principles of Conduct, ISBN: 0802811442 9780802811448.
"This is a far-ranging book with a recurring emphasis on the majestic moral demands of Scripture and the relation of the Gospel to those demands. Scripture teaching is lucidly brought to bear on vital ethical issues such as marriage, work as a calling, capital punishment, the sanctity of truth, and the fear of God. Undoubtedly this is the foremost contemporary book in the field." -- William J. Grier
*Neff, LaVonne (compiler and editor), et al., Practical Christianity, 668 pages, ISBN: 084234957X 9780842349574. Includes indexes.
"An important new reference tool for Christians striving to put faith to work in every area of life. PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY contains over 200 insightful articles by 75 well known contributors. Look up a pressing problem and find practical ways to handle it. Discover how your faith relates to job pressures, money management, politics, marriage tensions etc. Material is arranged topically for quick reference." -- CBD
Ness, Christopher (1621-1705), A Divine Legacy Bequeathed Unto all Mankind of all Ranks, Ages, and Sexes directing how we may live holily in the fear of God and how we may die happily in the favour of God, both which duties are of universal concern . . . / by Christopher Ness . . . 1700,
*Nicholson, William R., Popular Studies in Colossians: Oneness With Christ. Alternate title: ONENESS IN CHRIST.
"Formerly published under the title ONENESS IN CHRIST, this study combines outstanding scholarship with a deeply devotional spirit." -- Cyril J. Barber
Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), Among God's Giants: Aspects of Puritan Christianity, ISBN: 0860654524 9780860654520. Alternate title: THE PURITAN VISION OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE.
*Passantino, Robert, and Gretchen Passantino, Answers to the Cultist at Your Door, ISBN: 0890812756 9780890812754.
"Answers to the Cultist at your door won the Golden Medallion for excellence in Christian literature in the early 80's and no wonder. It is a well written evangelical Christian response to the major cultic movements of our day such as Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Krishna Consciousness etc. Long-time associates of the pioneer of Christian cultist apologetics, Walter Martin, the Passantino's share a wealth of experience. They help the Christian to clearly understand the difference between Bible doctrine and the teachings of the cults. The history, teachings, tactics, and deviations of 5 cults are critically examined and critiqued by Bob and Gretchen Passantino in a readable and entertaining manner. Highly recommended." -- Reader's Comment
Pink, Arthur W. (1886-1952), Practical Christianity, ISBN: 0801069904 9780801069901.
*Piper, John, Justin Taylor, Ben Patterson, David Powlison (1949-2019), and Albert Mohler, et al., Sex and the Supremacy of Christ, ISBN: 9781433512278 1433512270.
Amazon reviews are 79 percent five stars as of 4/27/2022.
"Really impressed by the wealth of writers in this book. I have quoted from it and bought it both in Kindle and paperback versions. The five parts cover a wide range of subjects: 'God and Sex,' 'Sin and Sex,' 'Men and Sex,' 'Women and Sex,' and 'History and Sex.' That final part changed my thinking both on Luther and on the Puritans, as they really restored good biblical understanding on sex. The fact that God created sex is often lost in today's society, and this book helps focus on its positive view of a subject often spoiled by the world today." -- Reader's Comment
"The second section deals with 'Sin and Sex.' The highlight of the entire book is David Powlison's chapter on 'Restoring Pure Joy to the Sexually Broken.' He provides biblical wisdom and encouragement for people who have abused sex, or who have been sexually abused. His counsel is loving and pastoral, and will surely bring a glimpse of light to many for whom sex has become darkness." -- Reader's Comment
Reformed Presbytery (Scotland), A Pastoral Letter to the Old Dissenters, Concerning Family and Social Duties.
Reid, John, The Case of the Poor Considered and Charity to Them Recommended: A Sermon Preached on Thursday Evening, May 29th, 1800, in the Village of Bainsford, for the Benefit of the Poor in That Place, 1800. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
Rogers, Richard, Seven Treatises: The Practice of Christianity, 1630. Alternate title: SEVEN TREATISES: CONTAINING SUCH DIRECTION AS IS GATHERED OUT OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, LEADING AND GUIDING TO TRUE HAPPINESSE, BOTH IN THIS LIFE, AND IN THE LIFE TO COME: AND MAY BE CALLED THE PRACTICE OF CHRISTIANITY. PROFITABLE FOR ALL SUCH AS HEARTILY DESIRE THE SAME: IN THE WHICH, MORE PARTICULARLY TRUE CHRISTIANS MAY LEARNE HOW TO LEAD A GODLY AND COMFORTABLE LIFE EVERY DAY, NOTWITHSTANDING THEIR TRIBULATIONS. FIRST PENNED, AND NOW SET FORTH THE FIFTH TIME, CORRECTED AND ENLARGED BY RICHARD ROGERS, PREACHER OF THE WORD OF GOD AT WETHERSFIELD IN ESSEX.
http://books.google.com/books?id=52HgIAAACAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
*Romaine, William (1714-1795), and Peter Toon (editor), The Life, Walk and Triumph of Faith, ISBN: 0227677447.
"Stresses the divinity of Christ and the need for believers to walk in subjection to the teaching of the Word. A new edition of an old classic published in 1856 as three separate works. Makes inspirational reading." -- Cyril J. Barber
Treatises on the Life, Walk, and Triumph of Faith
http://books.google.com/books?id=muYOAAAAIAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
*Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), Influences of the Life of Grace. Or, A Practical Treatise Concerning the way, Manner, and Means of Having and Improving of Spiritual Dispositions, and Quickening Influences From Christ the Resurrection and the Life. By Samuel Rutherfurd (sic), Professor of Divinity in the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #9 and 21.
Sheehan, Robert, Chosen for Glory, ISBN: 0906731968 9780906731963.
"Sheehan points out the evidence from the Bible that God has chosen his people and that man must choose the service of God." -- GCB
*Sheldon, Charles M., In His Steps, didactic fiction, ISBN: 0800786084. A Christian classic.
"First published in 1897, this book has sold over 8,000,000 copies." -- GCB
"A man beaten down by life deeply touches a small town congregation when unexpectedly and poignantly he confronts them, asking, 'What do you Christians mean by following the steps of Jesus?' This classic work tells the story of congregational members who pledge to walk in Christ's step for one year, asking themselves what He would do at every turn in their daily lives." -- Publisher
On edition includes a study guide.
*Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), The Christians end. Or, The Sweet Sovereignty of Christ, Over his Members in Life and Death. VVherein is contained the whole scope of the godly mans life, with divers rules, motives and incouragements, to live and die to Jesus Christ. Being the substance of five sermons preached to the honorable society of Grayes Inne, by that learned and faithfull minister of Gods Word, Richard Sibbes, D.D. and sometimes preacher to that honorable societie, 1639. Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), An Exposition of the Third Chapter of the Epistle of St. Paul to the Philippians [Philippians 3]: Also two Sermons of Christian Watchfulnesse. The first upon Luke 12. 37 [Luke 12:37]. The second upon Revel. 16.15 [Revelation 16:15]. An exposition of part of the second chapter of the Epistle to the Philippians [Philippians 2]. A sermon upon Mal. 4. 2.3. [Malachi 4:2,3]. By the late reverend divine Richard Sibbes, D.D. master of Katherine Hall in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher at Grayes-Inne, 1639. Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), The Saints Cordialls Wherein we Have Particularly Handled the Saints Safety and Hiding Place . . . With other material things delivered in sundry sermons at Graies-Inne, in the City of London, and at Cambridge / by Richard Sibbs, 1658. Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"The several sermons are numbered consecutively, but have the following special t.p.s and editions: Josiahs reformation laid open in foure sermons. The third edition. -- The art of self judging. The third edition. -- Christ's sufferings for mans sin. -- The saints safety in evill times. The second edition. -- Christ is best, or, A sweet passage to glory. -- The churches visitation. -- The life of faith. -- Salvation applyed. -- The saints assurance. -- The art of contentment."
*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Jesus Only, a sermon. Delivered on Lord's Day morning, April 3, 1870, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 924.
Sermon text: And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. (Matthew 17:8)
"We, on the other hand say, blessing the name of the Lord that we can say it, that there abides with us our Lord Jesus. At this day He is with us, and will be with us even to the end of the world! Christ's existence is not a fact confined to antiquity or to remote distance. By His Spirit He is actually in His Church. We have seen Him, though not with eyes. We have heard Him, though not with ears. We have grasped Him, though not with hands. And we feed upon His flesh, which is meat, indeed, and His blood, which is drink, indeed. We have with us at this very day Jesus our Friend, to Whom we make known our secrets, and who bears all our sorrows.
"We have Jesus our interpreting Instructor, who still reveals His secrets to us, and leads us into the mind and name of God. We have Jesus still with us to supply us with strength, and in His power we are still mighty. We confess His reigning Sovereignty in the Church, and we receive His all-sufficient succor. The Church is not decapitated, her Head abides in vital union with her -- Jesus is no myth to us -- whatever He may be to others. He is no departed shade, He is no heroic personification -- in very deed there is a Christ, and though others see Him not, and even we with these eyes see Him not, yet in Him believing we rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.
"Oh, I trust it will never be so with us, that as we go about our life work our religion shall melt into fiction and become nothing but mere sentiment, nothing but thought, and dream, and vision. But may our religion be a matter of FACT, a walking with the living and abiding Savior. Though Moses may be gone, and Elijah may be gone, yet Jesus Christ abides with us and in us, and we in Him, and so shall it be forever more." -- C.H. Spurgeon, p. 641
http://www.spurgeongems.org/vols16-18/chs924.pdf
Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), John Ploughman's Talk: or, Plain Advice for Plain People.
http://archive.org/details/johnploughmanst00spurgoog
Spurstowe, William (1605?-1666), The Spiritual Chymist, or, Six Decades of Divine Meditations on Several Subjects by William Spurstow, 1666.
Steele, David (1803-1887), Diverse Kinds of Faith
"An article from the Reformed Presbyterian Magazine discussing the kinds of faith, and their various purposes and uses."
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/26/diverse-kinds-of-faith
Steele, Richard (1629-1692), and Don Kistler, Remedy for Wandering Thoughts in the Worship of God. Alternate title: AN ANTIDOTE AGAINST DISTRACTIONS; OR, AN ENDEAVOUR TO SERVE THE CHURCH, IN THE DAILY CASE OF WANDERINGS IN THE WORSHIP OF GOD. ISBN: 0873779436. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"A much needed study for the present-day church." -- Lloyd T. Sprinkle
*Strauss, Richard L., Win the Battle for Your Mind, ISBN: 0896930033 9780896930032.
"A Biblical and theological study of the place and importance of the mind in the life and spiritual growth of the Christian. Also exposes the social forces that, through appeals to the mind, seek to subvert the senses and conform believes to the world's standards and system of values." -- Cyril J. Barber
Jantzen, Marjorie, and Richard L. Strauss, Leader's Guide for Group Study of Win the Battle for Your Mind by Richard L. Strauss, ISBN: 0896938034 9780896938038.
Strong, William (d. 1654), The Certainty of Heavenly and the Uncertainty of Earthly Treasures Together With a Discovery Where the Treasure and Heart is Placed / As it was Delivered in Severall Sermons by That Eminently Faithfull Servant of Christ, 1656.
Swinnock, George (1627-1673), The Christian-man's Calling, or, A Treatise of Making Religion Ones Business wherein, the nature and necessity of it is discovered: as also, the Christian directed how he may perform it, in religious duties, natural actions, his particular vocation, his family directions, and his own recreations / by George Swinnock, 1662. Available (WORKS OF GEORGE SWINNOCK), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Includes bibliographical references.
Swinnock, George, Works of George Swinnock, M.A (1868), volume 1 of 5.
http://archive.org/details/worksofgeorgeswi01swin
Swinnock, George (1627-1673), The Works of George Swinnock, M.A. Containing These Several Treatises . . . 1665, 5 volumes, ISBN: 0851516424 9780851516424 0851516378 9780851516370 0851516386 9780851516387 0851516394 9780851516394 0851516408 9780851516400 0851516416 9780851516417. Available (THE WORKS OF GEORGE SWINNOCK) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Contents: The Christian mans calling, First part, wherein a Christian is directed how to carry himself in religious duties, natural actions, particular vocation, family direction, his own recreation --
"Second part, The Christian directed to perform his duty as parent, child, husband, wife, master, servant, and in the conditions of prosperity and adversity --
"Third part, Directing a Christian to perform his duty, in his dealings with all men, in the choice of his companions, in evil company, in good company, in solitude, on a week-day from morning to night, in visiting the sick, on a dying bed --
"Heaven and Hell epitomized, or, The true Christian characterized --
"Door of salvation opened, by the key of regeneration --
"Fading of the flesh, and flourishing of faith --
"A valedictory sermon, on Act. 20. 32 [Acts 20:32]. --
"Men are Gods, on Psal. 82. 6, 7 [Psalm 82:6,7]."
Works of George Swinnock, M.A (1868)
http://archive.org/details/worksofgeorgeswi01swin
Various, Mortification (FGB #201)
A booklet containing:
http://www.chapellibrary.org/broadcaster/fgb-index/The Doctrine of Mortification, Arthur W. Pink (1886-1952) The Nature of Mortification, John Flavel (1630-1691) Identifying Beloved Lusts, Benjamin Needler (1620-1682) Only a Christian can Mortify Sin, Horatius Bonar (1808-1889) Directions for Mortification, John Owen (1616-1683) Mortifying sin by the Holy Spirit, D.M. Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) Dangers of not Mortifying sin, Ezekiel Hopkins (1634-1690 Gospel or Legal Mortification? Ralph Erskine (1685-1752) How may I Know if I am in a State of Mortification? Christopher Love (1618-1651)
Various, Proceedings of the Fourth Calvinistic Congress: Held in Edinburgh 6th to 11th July, 1938.
"Contents: Reformed faith and its ethical consequences: to the individual / E. Sebestyen; W. Childs Robinson | in the family / John Macleod | in the church / G.T. Thomson | in society / R.J.G. M'Knight | in the state / V.H. Rutgers | in economics / J.H.S. Burleigh | in art / Leon Wencelius, and P.R. Musculus | The interrelation of theology and secular knowledge / J. de Saussure | Significance of the Old Testament for the Christian life / W. Vischer | Speeches delivered at public meetings / G.D. Henderson, Auguste Lecerf, M.P. Ramsey, David Read, Dr. Kromsigt, Stewart M. Robinson, J.B. Soucek, and W.H. Hamilton."
Verhey, Allen, Living the Heidelberg: The Heidelberg Catechism and the Moral Life, ISBN: 0930265211 9780930265212.
"What does this 16th century document have to say to modern Calvinists about the social-ethical issues raised by our changing multiracial, multiform society? Dr. Verhey answers that question by contending it speaks unequivocally to many of the social issues of our day." -- GCB
Vincent, Thomas (1634-1678), Godlinesse in Principle and Conversation a Necessary Preparative to the Worlds Dissolution and the Escaping of Future Burnings / by Thomas Vincent, 1670.
*Vincent, Thomas (1634-1678), The True Christian's Love to the Unseen Christ: or, A Discourse, Chiefly Tending to Excite and Promote the Decaying Love of Christ in the Hearts of Christians, With an Appendix Concerning Christ's Manifestation of Himself to Them That Love Him, ISBN: 1171287682 9781171287681.
"Of the nearly 300 books I've published since I began, I put this [NONE BUT CHRIST -- compiler] among the top three. The other two would be GOSPEL WORSHIP by Jeremiah Burroughs, and THE TRUE CHRISTIAN'S LOVE TO THE UNSEEN CHRIST, by Thomas Vincent. And I'd be hard-pressed to choose which of the three would be #1. The three chapters addressed to ministers of the gospel are worth the price of the book [NONE BUT CHRIST -- compiler] alone!" -- Don Kistler
*Wall, John (author), and Don Kistler, None but Christ, or, A Plain and Familiar Treatise of the Knowledge of Christ, Exciting all men to Study and Know Jesus Christ and Him Crucified, With a Particular, Applicatory, and Saving Knowledge, in Divers Sermons Upon 1 Corinthians 2:2 [1 Corinthians 2:2], ISBN: 9780984706273 0984706275.
"Of the nearly 300 books I've published since I began, I put this [NONE BUT CHRIST -- compiler] among the top three. The other two would be GOSPEL WORSHIP by Jeremiah Burroughs, and THE TRUE CHRISTIAN'S LOVE TO THE UNSEEN CHRIST, by Thomas Vincent. And I'd be hard-pressed to choose which of the three would be #1. The three chapters addressed to ministers of the gospel are worth the price of the book [NONE BUT CHRIST -- compiler] alone!" -- Don Kistler
*Wallace, Ronald, Calvin's Doctrine of the Christian Life, ISBN: 1579100473 9781579100476.
"This renowned student of Calvin's theology says that the great Reformer did not hold that the doctrine of the priesthood of believers was an individualistic idea apart from the Church. Also sets forth Calvin's views on prayer, ethics, and other Christian disciplines. Always the idea of assurance, achievement, and hope was present because of our union with Christ." -- GCB
*Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), All Things for Good: Romans 8:28, A Divine Cordial. Alternate title: A DIVINE CORDIAL in 1663, ISBN: 0851514782 9780851514789. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"I would prescribe them to take, now and then, a little of this Cordial: all things work together for good to them that love God. To know that nothing hurts the godly, is a matter of comfort; but to be assured that all things which fall out shall cooperate for their good, that their crosses shall be turned into blessings, that showers of affliction water the withering root of their grace and make it flourish more; this may fill their hearts with joy till they run over." -- Thomas Watson, from the Preface
"Thomas Watson 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.
"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'?" -- Publisher
*Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), and Don Kistler (editor), The art of Divine Contentment, 2nd edition, ISBN: 1573581135 9781573581134. Alternate title: AUTARKEIA. Available (MP3 files), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
This is an exposition of Philippians 4:11.
"Like all the good Puritans he majored in the art of teaching humble hearts to live the Christ-like life. In this book it is the art of contentment that is pressed on all of us." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
"Watson, one of the most understandable and practical of the Puritans, gives us a much needed remedy for the discontent that is rampant in our society today, even among Christians. He gives a warm and God-centered view of how contentment as a Christian is not only possible, but should be normal. His thesis is: 'That a gracious spirit is a contented spirit. The doctrine of contentment is very superlative; and til we have learned this, we have not learned to be Christians.' (p. 19). He rightly focuses the source of contentment on God's promises and His sovereign keeping of them. 'There is one promise brings much sweet contentment into the soul, "They that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing," Ps. xxxiv. 10 [Psalm 34:10]. If the thing we desire be good for us, we shall have it; if it be not good, then the not having it is good for us. The resting satisfied with this promise gives contentment.' (p. 108)
"All Christians can benefit from this kind of work, that we might be different, and not live in the same discontent that we see all around us. If you're looking for a treatment for your heart, Watson is a fine physician of the soul." -- Reader's Comment
The Art of Divine Contentment, Thomas Watson
http://www.ccel.org/w/watson/contentment/contentment.html
The Art of Divine Contentment, 1 of 8, audio file
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=92007123630
Watson, A Body of Practical Divinity Sermons on the Shorter Catechism of the Westminster Assembly, also Select Sermons on Various Subjects, Together with The Art of Divine Contentment, and Christ's Various Fulness (1859)
http://archive.org/details/bodyofpracticald00watsuoft
Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), Watson's Remains, or, Spiritual Remedies for Spiritual Diseases . . . Being a Collection of Some of his Last Sermons on Several Subjects, Preached Upon Several Occasions / by Mr. Thomas Watson . . . 1690.
*Wilberforce, William (1759-1833), Real Christianity. Alternate title: A PRACTICAL VIEW OF THE PREVAILING RELIGIOUS SYSTEM OF PROFESSED CHRISTIANS IN THE HIGHER AND MIDDLE CLASSES IN THIS COUNTRY, CONTRASTED WITH REAL CHRISTIANITY. PUBLISHED IN 1797 BY WILLIAM WILBERFORCE, ESQ. MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR THE COUNTY OF YORK, ISBN: 157748584X.
"Wilberforce (1759-1833), was a member of the English Parliament for 45 years, a politician by calling, but a Christian in his faith and practice.
"He was a prime mover in the abolition of slavery in England. This book was printed in 1797, and has gone through many printings since, in English and five other languages.
"The book is highly abridged, being originally 450 pages. . . . The main thrust of the book is on practical Christianity. . . . Wilberforce teaches the importance of a God-centered life. Any life that is not centered on our Creator is not life at all, but such persons are dead while living." (1 Timothy 5:6) -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Willson, James McLeod (1809-1866), An Essay on Submission to Civil Government, 1850.
An Essay on Submission to the Powers That be
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/6/2/an-essay-on-submission-to-the-powers-that-be
Willson, Samuel McConnell, and Robert Gibson, Truth: A Sermon, on Steadfast Adherence to the Distinctive Doctrines of the Church: Preached on Monday, Dec. 3, 1832, After the Dispensation of the Lord's Supper, in Westerlo Street Church, Albany.
Whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. (Philippians 3:16). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Truth: A Sermon, on Steadfast Adherence to the Distinctive Doctrines of the Church
http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/willson_samuel_truth_a_sermon_on_3_john_4.html
Zacharias, Ravi K. (1946-2020), Is God the Grand Weaver of our Lives?, ISBN: 9780310269526 0310269520.
*Zacharias, Ravi (1946-2020), Has Christianity Failed you? ISBN: 9780310269557 0310269555.
Ravi Zacharias considers this to be his most important book.
"HAS CHRISTIANITY FAILED YOU? is for you, if you have struggled to understand what exactly it is you believe. Acclaimed apologist Ravi Zacharias explores the hard questions about what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. In his landmark new book, he addresses the struggle he hears from both skeptics and Christians: Has Christianity failed us? And can irrefutable charges be brought against it by skeptics and disappointed believers alike?
"In 2006, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) held an open forum at the Fox Theater in Atlanta to address the subject: 'Has Christianity Failed you?' Tickets were sold for the event and -- to the complete surprise of everyone -- the event was sold out with a capacity crowd of over 5,000. People lined up offering to buy tickets from folks in line for higher prices. Before the event, an RZIM cameraman walked the streets and asked people if they had rejected the faith they held at one time. One answered that, because of a Christian's rejection of his gay lifestyle he had done just that. Another answered that she had left her faith because she had fallen into adultery and could never live it down in the church. Others had their own reasons. Some said it was just intellectually untenable in an age of reason. They chose to come to the event to judge if there were adequate answers. It is estimated that for every one person who writes a letter or attends an event, there are one thousand who agree. If the Atlanta crowd was any indication, the question is real and troubling. Why is it that many live with silent doubt, many leaving the 'evangelical fold' for something else? Is there something wrong with the message, the communicator, the hearer . . . or is it all three? It's time to ask the hard questions of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ and why it seems as though God has made it so hard to continue believing. In fact, the son of a prominent U.S. Senator phoned me with that very question. 'Why has God made it so hard to believe in Him?' Such skepticism is not just representative of the hostile; it also represents many honest questioners. This book attempts to lay out the response to those within as well as those outside the Christian faith, so as to understand what it is we believe, and why it is so hard to do so. More to the point: Why it is actually so hard to deny God and still make sense out of life? In the end the answers should be both felt and real, with the added truth that God is nearer than you think. He desires that we sense Him very near to us, and not distant. But closeness comes at a cost just as any relationship of love and commitment does.
"For over thirty-five years, Ravi Zacharias has spoken all over the world in great halls and universities, notably Harvard, Princeton, and numerous universities internationally. He is listed as a Senior Research Fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University. He has appeared on CNN and other international broadcasts. The author of several books for adults and children, he powerfully mixes biblical teaching and Christian apologetics. His most recent works include WALKING FROM EAST TO WEST, A MEMOIR; THE GRAND WEAVER, AN EXPLORATION OF GOD'S INTENTION IN BOTH THE ORDINARY AND THE STARTLING ELEMENTS OF LIFE; AND THE END OF REASON, A REBUTTAL OF THE CLAIMS OF THE SO-CALLED NEW ATHEISTS. His weekly radio program, 'Let My People Think,' is broadcast on 1,692 stations worldwide, and his weekday program, 'Just Thinking,' is on 412. He is founder and chairman of the board of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with additional offices in Canada, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. Dr. Zacharias and his wife, Margie, have three grown children and reside in Atlanta." -- Publisher
Has Christianity Failed You? [audio file], Ravi Zacharias (2019/07/20)
https://www.rzim.org/listen/let-my-people-think/has-christianity-failed-you-part-1
*Has Christianity Failed You? an interview of Ravi Zacharias with Danielle DuRant
"There are an awful lot of Christians walking around these days who are disappointed with their faith. They've been hurt by the church or other believers and it's affected their walk with God."
Includes rare, frank, and wise commentary on the institution of marriage.
https://www.rzim.org/read/just-thinking-magazine/has-christianity-failed-you
*Zacharias, Ravi (1946-2020), The Uniqueness of Christ in World Religions (part 1 of 2)
This is a very sensitive presentation of major differences between Islam and Christianity.
The address also applies to a wide array of other issues such as "duality" (the Western position), logic, the law of non-contradiction, "either/or," absolutism verses relativism, etc. -- and "non-duality" (the Eastern position), "both/and," the Hegelian dialectic (the synthesis of opposites into a "higher truth"), situational ethics, values clarification, political compromise, democracy, "have your cake and eat it too," and so forth, and so on.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJHUOmOpd4U
The Uniqueness of Christ in World Religions (part 2 of 2)
"The reality of human nature is best portrayed in the teaching of Christ."
Christianity alone explains the questions of unity in diversity, the one and the many, The Trinity, and spiritual oneness.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYCdlk67lWY
Zaspel, Fred G., and Stephen J. Nichols (editor), Justin Taylor (editor), Michael A.G. Haykin (foreword), Warfield on the Christian Life: Living Life in the Light of the Gospel, ISBN: 9781433543197 1433543192.
"B.B. Warfield is well known as one of America's leading theologians, perhaps second only to Jonathan Edwards. But until now the character of his own Christian experience and his understanding of the Christian life have remained unexplored. Fred Zaspel unpacks these for us here, and what we find is that Warfield's profound theological mind is matched only by his passionate heart for Christ. From Warfield we learn truly what it is to live in light of the gospel." -- Publisher
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity),Christian biography, The root cause of criminal acts of extreme depravity, Theodicy, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Will and recalcitrance, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, The free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, the covenant of eternal salvation, Book-length presentations of the free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, The shorter catechism, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, Immanuel, christ's presence, christ in you, The love and justice of god, oneness, Soteriology, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Christ our example, Affliction, adversity, trials, suffering, chastisement, The believer's position in christ and sonship, The priesthood of all believers, Trusting god, Self-denial, Basics of the christian life, Christian life, The sabbath, Christian character, Friendship, Our forgetfulness of god, Reform of the church, Idolatry, syncretism, Covenant theology and covenanting, Excellence, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Psalms: chants, responsorials, and scripture choruses, Expository bible commentaries, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, The ten commandments: the moral law, The sermon on the mount, The shorter catechism, The westminster standards and family of documents, Practical expository sermons, Loving and obeying god, obedience, Mortification of sin in the flesh, Apologetics, Evangelism, Follow-up, Small groups, Christian fellowship, Hard-case witnessing, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Biblical counsel by subject, The proximity of good and evil, Contagion of sin, imitation, conformity, Depression, Comfort, Encouragement, Hope, Christ our example, Affliction, adversity, trials, suffering, chastisement, Christian biography, Christianity and the workplace, Personal and family finance, family businesses, Discipleship, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Fruit of the holy spirit, Gifts of the Holy Spirit, Manhood, Parenting, The Lord Jesus Christ, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 376, 377, 382, 622, 725, 754, 1339, 2073, 2925, 3559, 3763-3765, 3970, 4139, 4312 (Practical Helps for Young People and Christian Workers Generally)
A Deliverer is Born (part 1), a message by Ravi Zacharias
Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (Hebrews 11:3)
"The breaking of the ego is the first thing that God wants to do in you life and mine." -- Ravi Zacharias
Politicians | Indoctrination of Christians | Military anti-Christian indoctrination | The Witch is called philosophy | The fall of big Christians in the 70's | and so forth, and so on
https://www.rzim.org/listen/let-my-people-think/a-deliverer-is-born-part-1
Augustine's Letter CCXLV: A Letter From Augustine With Comments on Face Painting, St. Augustine
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/7/8/a-letter-from-augustine-with-comments-on-face-painting?rq=Reply
The Autodidact (Self-taught)
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9cha.html#atddct
Book-length Presentations of the Free Offer of the Gospel Message of Salvation and the Life To Come: The Means of Grace
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1cha.html#blpoftf
Books Considered to be Among the ten Greatest in the English Language
http://www.lettermen2.com/tengreat.html
Bread for the World
http://www.bread.org/
The Christian Life (FGB)
The True Church | Timely Warning | Almost a Christian | The Cross and Self | Practical Godliness | A Word to Parents | Are you Forgiven? | Christian and the World | Ye Must be Born Again | Television and the Christian Home | Be Sure
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/cliffg/christian-life-the
Christian Scholarship
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9cha.html#cschol
City of God, Book 4, Chapter 25, "That All the Saints, Both Under the Law and Before it, Were Justified by Faith in the Mystery of Christ's Incarnation."
For those who may have not read Saint Augustine, here is a recommended sample from CITY OF GOD translated by Rev. Marcus Dods from A SELECT LIBRARY OF THE NICENE AND POST-NICENE FATHERS OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH, edited by Philip Schaff. Here Augustine touches on the subject of trusting God.
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf102.iv.X.25.html
Critical Thinking: A Christian Essential [audio file], Ravi Zacharias
"What is critical thinking? Why is it so important when it comes to discussing and sharing our faith?"
https://www.rzim.org/listen/let-my-people-think/critical-thinking-a-christian-essential-part-1
Follow the Lamb, by Horatius Bonar
http://grace-ebooks.com/library/Horatius%20Bonar/HB_Follow%20the%20Lamb.pdf
The Practical Works of Richard Baxter, Vol. 1: A Christian Directory
http://www.lettermen2.com/pwrbcd.html
The Reformed Presbytery, A Testimony and Warning Against Some Prevailing Sins and Immoralities: Addressed to Christians in General
Cry aloud, spare not; lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. (Isaiah 58:1)
I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. (Ezekiel 33:7)
http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/reformed_presbytery_testimony_against_immoralities.html
*Union With Christ (FGB #214)
Surpassingly Wonderful Union, A.W. Pink (1886-1952) | The Nature of Union With Christ, John Murray (1898-1975) | An Eternal Union of Love, John Gill (1697-1771) | In Christ Jesus, D.M. Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) | Faith Unites us to Christ, William Cunningham (1805-1861) | Justified in Christ, Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) | Sanctified in Christ, A.W. Pink (1886-1952) | The Foundation of all Happiness, Thomas Boston (1676-1732) | Baptized Into Jesus Christ, C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/uwchfg/union-with-christ
Why Don't I Feel My Faith
"When you've pursued all the learning, read all the books, made all the intellectual commitments to faith, you expect that somehow there will be an evoking of the emotion that will conform to what it is you claim to believe in your mind or intellect. But in truth, that feeling is often not there, or has temporarily lapsed. In a culture that operates so much by emotion, how do we take both our knowledge and our emotions and unify them into a framework of morality and information?"
https://www.rzim.org/listen/let-my-people-think/why-dont-i-feel-my-faith-part-1
Words of Christ Appearing in The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappa.html
You are What you Read, Frontline Fellowship
"A man is known by the company he keeps. It is also true that a person's character is to a large extent developed by the books he reads. A man is known by the company his mind keeps. A book is good company." -- Frontline Fellowship
"The reading of all good books is like conversation with the finest men of past centuries." -- Descartes
"The man who does not read good books, has no advantage over the man who cannot read them." -- Mark Twain
"In a very real sense, people who have read good literature have lived more than people who cannot, or will not, read -- it is not true we have only one life to live; if we can read, we can live as many more lives and as many kinds of lives as we wish." -- S.I. Hayakawa
"Read the best books first, or you may not have the chance to read them at all." -- Henry David Thoreau
"Employ your time in improving yourself by other men's writings so that you shall come easily by what others have labored hard for." -- Socrates
"Next to the Holy Scriptures, the greatest aide to the life of faith may be Christian biographies." -- A.W. Tozer
"The reading of good biography forms an important part of a Christian's education. It provides him with numberless illustrations for use in his own service. He learns to assess the true worth of character, to glimpse a work goal for his own life, to decide how best to attain it, what self-denial is needed to curb unworthy aspirations, and all the time he learns how God breaks into the dedicated life to bring about His own purposes." -- Ransome W. Cooper
"Biography transmits personality -- who can gauge the inspiration to the cause of missions of great biographies like those of William Carey, Adoniran Judson, Hudson Taylor, Charles Studd…." -- J. Oswald Sanders
https://www.slideshare.net/frontfel/you-are-what-you-read-70851777
It is the sovereignty and grace of God to call light out of darkness and to bring good out of the evil of sin. May the grace of the Lord crush Satan's head again and again under the foot of the Seed of the woman through His body, the Church....
It is the art of the deep wisdom of divine providence to bring good out of the sins of his enemies and the sufferings of his own.
Joseph's brethren moved with envy, sell their brother; Potiphar casteth him in prison: the wisdom of God cometh in, in the game, and he exalteth Joseph, and keepeth alive people in famine. Herod, Pilate, Jews and Gentiles, crucify the Lord of glory, the Art of free grace, deep wisdom in God must be more then half play-maker here, and in this redeem the lost world. The Chaldeans spoil Job and plunder him; Satan maketh him an empty house, and a childless father; mercy cometh up in the Theater, and free Grace, maketh Job an illustrious and faire copy of patience and faith to all ages. Achitophel did, as many now with our King doth, he gave wicked counsel against the Lord's servant and a just cause, divine justice cometh in in the game, and Achitophel hangeth himself. -- Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)As for you, ye devised against me evil -- God devised it for good, in order to do as at this day, to keep alive a numerous people. (Genesis 50:20, YLTHB)
The Lord hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. (Proverbs 16:4)
John Gill commenting on Proverbs 16:4.
Matthew Henry commenting on Proverbs 16:4.The enemies of the eternal souls of the elect are the flesh, Satan, and the world system. (James 4:4; Acts 26:18)
Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 5:20,21)
Luther had the correct view of the devil. Luther said the devil is God's devil. That is, the devil is a creature; he is absolutely subject to the will of God, and there is no struggle going on between God and the devil. God uses the devil and demons to deceive persons and to accomplish his will. (1 Kings 22:20-23; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12; Job 1:1-22; Job 2:1-13)
We are not locked in a cosmic struggle of good against evil. That is a Manichaean . . . view of history and the world. God is in absolute control of everything, and that includes the devil. -- John Robbins (1948-2008), Thinking Biblically, p. 309
And only in Christian theism is love preexistent within the Trinity, which means that love precedes human life and becomes the absolute value for us. This absolute is ultimately found only in God, and in knowing and loving God we work our way through the struggles of pain, knowing of its ultimate connection to evil and its ultimate destruction by the One who is all-good and all-loving; who in fact has given us the very basis for the words good [God] and love [live] both in concept and in language. -- Ravi ZachariasMost of the grand truths of God have to be learned by trouble; they must be burned into us with the hot iron of affliction, otherwise we shall not truly receive them. No man is competent to judge in matters of the kingdom, until first he has been tried; since there are many things to be learned in the depths which we can never know in the heights. We discover many secrets in the caverns of the ocean, which, though we had soared to heaven, we never could have known. He shall best meet the wants of God's people as a preacher who has had those wants himself; he shall best comfort God's Israel who has needed comfort; and he shall best preach salvation who has felt his own need of it. -- C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892), "Salvation of the Lord," sermon No. 131, delivered May 10, 1857, at the Music Hall, Royal Surrey Gardens
For as the sufferings of Christ abound. (2 Corinthians 1:5a) This statement may be explained in two ways, actively and passively. If you take it actively, the meaning will be this: "The more I am tried with various afflictions, so much the more resources have I for comforting others." I am, however, more inclined to take it in a passive sense, as meaning that God multiplied his consolations according to the measure of his tribulations. David also acknowledges that it had been thus with him: According to the multitude, says he, of my anxieties within me, thy consolations have delighted my soul. (Psalm 94:19)
In Paul's words, however, there is a fuller statement of doctrine; for the afflictions of the pious he calls the sufferings of Christ, as he says elsewhere, that he fills up in his body what is wanting in the sufferings of Christ. (Colossians 1:24)
The miseries and vexations, it is true, of the present life are common to good and bad alike, but when they befall the wicked, they are tokens of the curse of God, because they arise from sin, and nothing appears in them except the anger of God and participation with Adam, which cannot but depress the mind. But in the mean time believers are conformed to Christ, and bear about with them in their body his dying, that the life of Christ may one day be manifested in them. (2 Corinthians 4:10.)
I speak of the afflictions which they endure for the testimony of Christ, (Revelation 1:9), for although the Lord's chastisements, with which he chastises their sins, are beneficial to them, they are, nevertheless, not partakers, properly speaking, of Christ's sufferings, except in those cases in which they suffer on his account, as we find in 1 Peter 4:13. Paul's meaning then is, that God is always present with him in his tribulations, and that his infirmity is sustained by the consolations of Christ, so as to prevent him from being overwhelmed with calamities. -- John Calvin commenting on 2 Corinthians 1:5[1] All mercy is special and purposive, and is the true source of the remission of sins -- a thing about which no word occurs in the whole Bible and any passage dealing with those who do not have the benefits of the Word of God. Salvation is only in Christ. Even our opponents admit that Christ is not revealed in God's works of providence! Considering that true mercy -- published and revealed from the bosom of the Father by Christ -- is the fount of all saving faith and repentance, we can distinguish this from all loose and mistaken concepts of "mercy" displayed by the general work of God in providence; and, having done so, we gladly let the point drop, since we here have nothing to prove but the one great truth of mercy only in and through Christ.
[2] We know that time and again God allows worldly good things to pass to the very people that He hates, whom He has a fixed determination to punish, and whom He has declared to be reserved for eternal punishment and destruction. (Psalm 73:4-12,18-20). Note carefully -- things which are good in themselves, but bestowed in such a way as to make it impossible to determine whether they are given in love or in hatred, cannot reveal any facet of God's character. (The righteous and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them. All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous and to the wicked: to the good and the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as to the good, so to the sinner, Ecclesiastes 9:1-2.) God gives good temporal things to the wicked. Why conclude that He is attempting to beguile them into realizing that He can be appeased? Far rather, as sovereign, He is fattening them for the coming day of slaughter!
[3] It gives the love of God the glory of its constancy and unchangeableness. This is another star of an eminent magnitude in the heaven of love. It is not a fading, a wavering, an altering thing, but abides for ever; God rests in his love, Zeph. iii. 17 [Zephaniah 3:17]. It is a great thing, indeed, to apprehend that the great God should fix his love upon a poor creature, but add hereunto that he may love them one day and hate them the next, embrace them one hour and the next cast them into hell, one day rejoicing over them with joy, another rejoicing to destroy them; as it is dishonourable to God, and derogatory to all his divine excellencies and perfections, so, in particular, it clotheth his love with the most uncomely and undesirable garment that ever was put upon the affections of the meanest worm of the earth. -- John Owen (1616-1683)Most of the grand truths of God have to be learned by trouble; they must be burned into us with the hot iron of affliction, otherwise we shall not truly receive them. No man is competent to judge in matters of the kingdom, until first he has been tried; since there are many things to be learned in the depths which we can never know in the heights. We discover many secrets in the caverns of the ocean, which, though we had soared to heaven, we never could have known. He shall best meet the wants of God's people as a preacher who has had those wants himself; he shall best comfort God's Israel who has needed comfort; and he shall best preach salvation who has felt his own need of it. -- C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892), "Salvation of the Lord," sermon No. 131, delivered May 10, 1857, at the Music Hall, Royal Surrey Gardens
A diamond is perfectly showcased in black velvet.
Opposites attract.
The desperately wicked often masquerade as righteous.
Those we think of today as "being redneck" are an extreme example of a problem systemic to the human race, a "blunder of the flesh" -- "withholding love to control others."
It may surprise, or even shock, readers to learn that the term "redneck," associated today with the American South and southern culture, is said to have originated from the Scotch-Irish immigrants to America.
"Many words commonly used in America today have their origins in our Celtic roots. . . . . their origins are distinctly Scottish and Ulster-Scottish (Scots-Irish), and date to the mass immigration of Scottish Lowland and Ulster Presbyterians to America during the 1700's. . . .
"The origins of this term [redneck -- compiler] are Scottish and refer to supporters of the National Covenant and The Solemn League and Covenant, or 'Covenanters,' largely Lowland Presbyterians, many of whom would flee Scotland for Ulster (Northern Ireland) during persecutions by the British Crown.
"The Covenanters of 1638 and 1641 signed the documents that stated that Scotland desired the Presbyterian form of church government, and would not accept the Church of England as its official state church. Many Covenanters signed in their own blood and wore red pieces of cloth around their necks as distinctive insignia; hence the term 'red neck,' which became slang for a Scottish dissenter. One Scottish immigrant, interviewed by the author, remembered a Presbyterian minister, one Dr. Coulter, in Glasgow in the 1940's wearing a red clerical collar -- is this symbolic of the 'rednecks?'
"Since many Ulster-Scottish settlers in America (especially the South) were Presbyterian, the term was applied to them, and then, later, their Southern descendants. One of the earliest examples of its use comes from 1830, when an author noted that 'red-neck' was a 'name bestowed upon the Presbyterians.' It makes you wonder if the originators of the ever-present 'redneck' joke are aware of the term's origins?" (accessed 1/5/2014, http://www.electricscotland.com/history/world/scottish_hillbillies.htm)But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (2 Timothy 4:18)
The language of the Psalmist amounts to a declaration that God would not save the world by means of an ordinary kind, but would come forth himself and show that he was the author of a salvation in every respect so singular. He reasonably infers that mercy of such a wonderful, and, to us, incomprehensible kind, should be celebrated by no ordinary measures of praise. This is brought out still more clearly in the verse which follows, where it is said that his salvation and righteousness are shown to the nations. What could have been less looked for than that light should have arisen upon these dark and benighted places, and that righteousness should have appeared in the habitations of desperate wickedness? -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 98:1,2 and context
Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:15-20)
It would be easy to lose heart and become cynical. But No! There is One who sees all things, knows all things, and will ultimately triumph over all things. There is only one message that addresses the truth as the truth. The Lord of glory, Jesus Christ, came to this earth and was also the victim of hate. Lies sent him to the cross. Power overruled reality, as politics and religious demagogues once again made the lie seem noble. But the Lord who sees the beginning from the end amazingly conquered not in spite of the dark mystery of evil, rather, He conquered through it. James Stewart of Scotland, pointing to the cross, said it in the most powerful terms I have read. Commenting on the verse from Psalm 68:18, He led captivity captive, he said:
It is a glorious phrase -- He led captivity captive. The very triumphs of his foes, it means, he used for their defeat. He compelled their dark achievements to subserve his ends not theirs. They nailed him to a tree, not knowing that by that very act they were bringing the world to his feet. They gave him a cross, not guessing that he would make it a throne. They flung him outside the city gates to die, not knowing that in that very moment they were lifting up the gates of the universe, to let the king come in. They thought to root out his doctrines, not understanding that they were implanting imperishably in the hearts of men the very name they intended to destroy. They thought they had God with his back to the wall, pinned helpless and defeated: they did not know that it was God himself who had tracked them down. "He did not conquer in spite of the dark mystery of evil. He conquered through it." -- James Stewart (1635-1713)The lie has a shelf life. The truth abides forever. God can even conquer through our perversion.
One more thing. I would be remiss if I left the guilt and darkness out there. That is the seduction of a fake righteousness. We all have to look at our own hearts and see the evil that is within each one of us. Only then can we find the answer from which all other answers flow. Some time ago, I was in Rumania. A sculptor had some of his works on display. One was a horrific, fierce-looking, long nail. When you picked it up, as rusty and jagged as the nail was, the head was polished and shiny. And when you looked at that polished head, you saw a reflection of yourself. It is sobering. Very sobering. . . . More than ever we need the Savior. Lord have mercy! -- Ravi Zacharias in a message, Is Paris Burning? November 18, 2015The depravity of man is at once the most empirically verifiable reality, but at the same time the most intellectually resisted fact. (Genesis 6:5; Genesis 8:21b; Ecclesiastes 9:3b; Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:21-23; Ephesians 2:1-3; Titus 3:3-5) -- Malcolm Muggeridge (1903-1990). See John Calvin's Commentary on Isaiah Chapter 33 [Isaiah 33:1-66].
irenic: Promoting peace; conciliatory.
Tending to conciliate or promote peace
1. irenic -- conducive to peace; "irenic without being namby-pamby"; "an irenic attitude toward former antagonists"
peaceful, peaceable -- not disturbed by strife or turmoil or war; "a peaceful nation"; "peaceful times"; "a far from peaceful Christmas"; "peaceful sleep"
Bilezikian, Gilbert, Beyond Sex Roles: A Guide for the Study of Female Roles in the Bible, ISBN: 0801008859 9780801008856.
*Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), The Crook in the Lot: The Sovereignty of God in the Trials, Tribulations, and Troubles of This Life. Alternate title: THE SOVEREIGNTY AND WISDOM OF GOD DISPLAYED IN THE AFFLICTIONS OF MEN, TOGETHER WITH A CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT UNDER THEM. BEING THE SUBSTANCE OF SEVERAL SERMONS ON ECCLES. VII. 13. [Ecclesiastes 7:13], PROV. XVI. 19. [Proverbs 16:19], and I PET. V. 6 [1 Peter 5:6]. TO WHICH ARE ADDED SOME SERMONS ON THE NATURE OF CHURCH-COMMUNION, FROM I COR. X. 17 [1 Corinthians 10:17], 195 pages, ISBN: 1573581372. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"In this book, Thomas Boston explains how the sovereignty and wisdom of God is displayed in the afflictions of men. In his approach to this difficult subject, he is both theologically precise and pastorally tender. Boston does not commit the error of needlessly trying to protect God's reputation, nor does he go to the opposite extreme of making God a compassionate but helpless bystander. Rather, Boston brings God right into the mix of even the most disastrous events, and shows how He is actively involved in both the events and their resolution. Let the wisdom of the ages be a salve during this time of crisis and bewilderment. May the God of all comfort be your comfort in troubled times.
"When calamity and disaster strike as it did on September 11th, many people begin to ask, "Where is God?" and "Why did God allow this to happen?" These are the very questions Thomas Boston addresses in this timeless book. This book includes an introduction and a study guide to maximize the impact of this classic work.
"Thomas Boston (1676-1732), was a Scottish Presbyterian minister. He studied at the University of Edinburgh and was a recognized Hebrew scholar. His main pastorate was at Ettrick, Selkirkshire, where he was installed in 1707. His most noted works are THE CROOK IN THE LOT and HUMAN NATURE IN ITS FOURFOLD STATE." -- Publisher
"At Monergism Books we view this as one of the top five Christian books ever written . . . What captures our attention first and foremost of this book is how it is so saturated in Scripture. After reading this, no one will be able to deny God meticulously ordaining everything that comes to pass nor fail to see the great comfort there is in this truth . . . THE CROOK IN THE LOT is introduced to us by J.I. Packer." -- Publisher, describing the Monergism edition
Boston, The Crook in the Lot: or, The Sovereignty and Wisdom of God in the Afflictions of men
http://archive.org/details/christiantreasur00memeuoft
Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), Departing From Iniquity the Duty of all who Name the Name of Jesus. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON (10:9-55). Available (THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), Human Nature in its Fourfold State. A Christian classic.
"This is THE classic on human nature. It was immediately acclaimed as such, and went through several printings during the author's lifetime. The book deals with four states of human existence: the state of innocence; the state of nature; the state of grace; and, the eternal state. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
"When those who are devoid of the Spirit of God and reject revealed religion meet up with the Scriptural doctrine of original sin, their comments expose their hostility towards God and help exhibit the very principle they deny. For example, Smellie comments on one reaction to this work of Edwards as follows: 'Mr. Lechy has condemned the treatise on Original Sin as 'one of the most revolting books that have ever proceeded from the pen of man.' Edwards summarizes this book as 'a general defense of that great important doctrine,' and has skillfully answered those who would assail the revealed truth of God's Word at this point. If our doctrine is weak on man's nature and (in)ability, all manner of false 'help yourself' religion (e.g. Arminianism, Romanism, the cults, the occult, etc.), and secular seduction (e.g. psychology, socialism, etc.), based on man' inherent 'goodness' or ability to 'save himself,' will be given a wide open door to run rampant." -- Publisher
Boston, Thomas, Human Nature in its Fourfold State (1811)
http://archive.org/details/humannaturein00bost
*Sowell, Thomas, A Conflict of Visions, ISBN: 9780465002054 0465002056.
"Controversies in politics arise from many sources, but the conflicts that endure for generations or for centuries show a remarkably consistent pattern. The analysis of this pattern is the purpose of A CONFLICT OF VISIONS. Its theme is that the enduring political controversies of the past two centuries reflect radically different visions of the nature of man. Issues as diverse as criminal justice, income distribution, or war and peace repeatedly show those with one vision lining up on one side and those with another vision lining up on the other.
"Dr. Thomas Sowell describes A CONFLICT OF VISIONS as 'the culmination of thirty years of work in the history of ideas' -- a field in which he established his professional reputation years before writing any of his well-known books on ethnicity and other social issues. Dr. Sowell and his books have received a number of awards and honors, and have been translated into several languages. He has been a consultant to three administrations of both parties, as well as scholar-in-residence at three "think tanks." He is now a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institute in Stanford, California." -- Publisher
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The root cause of criminal acts of extreme depravity, Theodicy, Neighbors, The counter-reformation, Islam (muslim/moslim), muhammadanism/mohammadanism, Secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Evil, the problem of avoiding, eschewing, shunning, The inspiration and infallibility of scripture (the doctrine of revelation, the doctrine of plenary inspiration, the doctrine of divine inspiration, the doctrine of verbal inspiration, theopneustia, sufficiency of scripture), The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Trusting god, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Idolatry, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, Separation, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, substance abuse, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Sexual wholeness, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Justifying faith, The covenant faithfulness of god, The all-sufficiency of christ, Lordship of jesus christ, Christ's kingdom, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenanted reformation, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, Covenanted reformation short title listing, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The one and the many, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Individual responsibility for corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Mind control, intimidation, and coercion, Politics, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 4161
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way." -- Peter Hammondhttps://vimeo.com/242042901
Christianity vs. Communism, Peter Hammond
"In Charles Dickens' classic novel, A TALE OF TWO CITIES, he contrasts London with Paris, the fruit of the Great Evangelical Awakening of Whitefield and Wesley with the Renaissance Humanism that led to the French Revolution and The Reign of Terror. Dickens' famous opening sentence summarizes the drama of A TALE OF TWO CITIES:
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way.Christianity and communism
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 22:37-40)See the Theological Note at 1 Corinthians 13:13, "Love" in The Reformation Study Bible.
But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)See the Theological Notes: "God's Covenant of Grace" at Genesis 12:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Christians in the World," at Colossians 2:20 in The Reformation Study Bible.
In order to discover the character of people, we have only to observe what they love. -- Augustine of Hippo (354-430)
We must never forget that there are varieties in character, and that the grace of God does not cast all believers into one and the same mold.
Admitting fully that the foundations of Christian character are always the same, and that all God's children repent, believe, are holy, prayerful, and Scripture-loving, we must make allowances for wide varieties in their temperaments and habits of mind. We must not undervalue others because they are not exactly like ourselves. The flowers in a garden may differ widely, and yet the gardener feels interest in all. The children of a family may be curiously unlike one another, and yet the parents care for all. It is just so with the Church of Christ. There are degrees of grace, and varieties of grace; but the least, the weakest, the feeblest disciples are all loved by the Lord Jesus. Then let no believer's heart fail because of his infirmities; and, above all, let no believer dare to despise and undervalue a brother. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900), Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: John, volume 2, (John 11:1-6)Psalm 15, the Decalogue of Conduct.
Nothing else we can do is more worth while than kindness. There is nothing that the world needs more, and nothing else that leaves more real and far-reaching good in human lives. Some day we shall learn that the little deeds of love wrought unconsciously, as we pass on our way, are greater in their helpfulness, and will shine more brightly at the last, than the deeds of renown which we think of, as alone making a life great. -- J.R. Miller (1840-1912), excerpt from The Beauty of Kindness
Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.
His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.
Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.
A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.
Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.
He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies.
He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.
The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish. (Psalm 112)And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:50,51)The Five Marks of the Holy Spirit
I place these five grand marks of the Spirit's presence before my readers, and confidently claim attention to them. I believe they will bear inspection. I am not afraid of their being searched, criticized, and cross-examined.1) Repentance toward God.These are the real proofs of the indwelling of the Holy Ghost in a person's soul. Where He is, these marks will be seen. Where He is not, these marks will be lacking. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)
2) Faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
3) Holiness of heart and life.
4) Habits of real private prayer.
5) Love and reverence toward God's Word.Nothing perhaps affects man's character more than the company he keeps. We catch the ways and tone of those we live and talk with, and unhappily get harm far more easily than good. Disease is infectious, but health is not.
Now if a professing Christian deliberately chooses to be intimate with those who are not friends of God and who cling to the world, his soul is sure to take harm. It is hard enough to serve Christ under any circumstances in such a world as this. But it is doubly hard to do it if we are friends of the thoughtless and ungodly. Mistakes in friendship or marriage engagements are the whole reason why some have entirely ceased to grow. Evil communications corrupt good manners. . . . The friendship of the world is enmity with God. (1 Corinthians 15:33; James 4:4) -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)The World is Watching the Christian
Let us often ask ourselves whether we are doing good or harm in the world. We cannot live to ourselves, if we are Christians. The eyes of many will always be upon us. Men will judge by what they see, far more than by what they hear. If they see the Christian contradicting by his practice what he professes to believe, they are justly stumbled and offended.
For the world's sake, as well as for our own, let us labor to be eminently holy. Let us endeavor to make our religion beautiful in the eyes of men, and to adorn the doctrine of Christ in all things. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)Liberty can not be preserved without general knowledge among the people who have a right . . . and a desire to know: but besides this, they have a right, an indisputable, indefeasible, divine right to that most dreaded and envied kind of knowledge. I mean the character and conduct of their leaders. -- John Adams (1735-1826)
The upright person can often be identified by a certain beauty about their face, and visa versa.
The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves. (Isaiah 3:9)
Aprile, Michael Dante, and the Aprile Family, The Character of Elsie Dinsmore (Plano, TX [Utmost Enterprises, P.O. Box 940205, Plano, 75094-0205]: Utmost Enterprises), ISBN: 1581822014 9781581822014. An e-text book on CD-ROM.
"This book was written by members of the Aprile family who desire, as did Elsie, to follow the Godly character traits, exemplified by Jesus Christ, in their everyday walk. . . . In this book, we have attempted to show, through Elsie's eyes, how a person, whose will is to follow the Lord, is able to take up the cross and follow Him.
"You will find that this book is good for instruction and illustration in the teaching of thirty-eight Character Traits to your children. This book can serve as a supplement to your current curriculum or some creative people might find ways to use it as a curriculum itself." -- The Aprile Family
The Character of Elsie Dinsmore (excerpts)
http://www.utmost-way.com/tcoed.htm
*Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Christian Directory: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 1. Full title: A Christian Directory: or A Sum of Practical Theology, and Cases of Conscience. Directing Christians how to use Their Knowledge and Faith; How to Improve all Helps and Means, and to Perform all Duties; How to Overcome Temptations, and to Escape or Mortify Every Sin. In Four Parts.
I. Christian Ethics (or Private Duties)
II. Christian Economics (or Family Duties)
III. Christian Ecclesiastics (or Church Duties)
IV. Christian Politics (or Duties to Our Rulers and Neighbours) (Morgan, PA: Soli Deo Gloria Publications, 1997, 1990, 1838, 1707, 1678, 1673), ISBN: 1877611131 9781877611131. Foreword by J.I. Packer (Soli Deo Gloria edition only). The Soli Deo Gloria publication is a facsimile reprint of the 19th century reprint by George Virtue, London, 1846. The original 1673 edition and the 1678 edition, both printed by Robert White for Nevill Simmons. Bibliographic and scriptural footnotes. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available (less the J.I. Packer's Foreword, but searchable with an OCR-based index), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
This work is available in many editions, and in many formats.
Reformation Heritage Books has new copies of the Soli Deo Gloria edition (including the J.I. Packer Introduction), as of March 2008, even though it is generally thought to be out of print. They acquired Soli Deo Gloria from Ligonier Ministries in late 2007.
The best digital format of the reprint by George Virtue is included on the Puritan Hard Drive. It has an OCR scan in the background, meaning one can search the entire volume and copy text into another document. It also has a computer generated indexed from the OCR scan which is, of course, in Baxter's vocabulary.
A PDF image scan only of the same edition is available on the Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
The reprint by George Virtue is available online and may be downloaded in PDF format at Christian Classics Ethereal Library.
The reprint by George Virtue appears in full preview in Google Books but may not be downloaded. So it is useful if the reader wants to become acquainted with the book. Text can be searched, but can not be copied into another document. This particular Google Books scan includes the contents in detail on pages iii-xix which is not included in the Christian Classics Ethereal Library PDF files. About five other editions from libraries are available in Google Books, and may be downloaded (August 2008).
Notice that the e-text in Google Books has the advantage of being searchable. Searching an image-based PDF file (without an OCR scan in the background), is not possible, unless the user owns software such as Abode Acrobat Pro or Kirtas BookScan Editor. They both have an OCR (optical character recognition), feature that will search an image-based PDFs (bit-map scans). Searches appear to be perfect in this work, although one must know Baxter's vocabulary. Text can be cut and pasted from image-based PDF format to OCR (character) format. This particular Google Books scan can not be cut and pasted or downloaded.
One of the older, multi-volume editions of THE WORKS OF RICHARD BAXTER is available at Monergism.com in the "Puritan Library," "Richard Baxter." A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, volume 23. It can be downloaded.
http://www.puritanlibrary.com/
Another older edition is available on microfilm (Ann Arbor, MI: University Microfilms, 1970), 1 microfilm reel, 35 mm (Early English books, 1641-1700; 343:11).
"The complete practical works of Richard Baxter are in print in four volumes entitled BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS. This volume (about 1 1/4 million words, 1028 pages), is volume one of the set. The editor's preface (1707), p. xiii, stated that the works of Richard Baxter are 'perhaps the best body of practical divinity that is extent in our own or any other tongue.' Richard Baxter lived from 1615-1691. The DIRECTORY was completed in 1665. Its scope was intended to cover all of practical theology, a summa of casuistry . . ." -- Don Kistler
"Baxter's series, which grew in range and scope as it proceeded . . . is a peak point in Puritan devotional writing, and remains a precious resource for all, in this or any age, who want to know what is involved in Biblical godliness. . . . A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY may justly be described as a landmark. It is the fullest, most thorough, and in this writer's judgment, most profound treatment of Christian spirituality and standards that has ever been attempted by an English-speaking Evangelical author. The fact that it embraces both spirituality and standards (the principles of communion with God plus the specifics of obedience to God), merits approving comment in itself; nowadays spirituality and ethics have become two distinct disciplines in the schools, and books written on either say virtually nothing about the other . . ." -- J.I. Packer
Timothy Keller calls it the greatest manual on Biblical counseling ever produced.
"There are many Puritan classics on this subject. Thomas Brooks' PRECIOUS REMEDIES FOR SATAN'S DEVICES, Thomas Goodwin's A CHILD OF LIGHT WALKING IN DARKNESS, William Bridge's A LIFTING UP FOR THE DOWNCAST, and many other similar works give evidence that the Puritans were. . . . masters at applying Biblical answers and principles to problems that can only be solved by spiritual means. No Puritan work, however, has ever approached the popularity, the scope, or the depth of Baxter's classic treatise. With the widespread interest in counseling in today's church, this reprint of Baxter's work should be a welcome addition to every pastor's library, or to anyone else who wishes to give solid Biblical answers to man's questions." -- Don Kistler
"We have long waited for a purely Biblical treatment of the spiritual ills and cures of men which is untainted by the views of psychology. Since Baxter lived about 200 years before psychology arrived, his deep work is completely void of its encroachment -- thankfully!" -- John MacArthur
"The kings men sought to arrest Richard Baxter, but he traveled ceaselessly from place to place, writing his sermons and his books even on horseback (he had an inkwell in his saddle), and preached over a wide area." -- Brian H. Edwards
"Baxter was a wonder of his age. His writings total 72 large volumes, much of it written on horseback as he traveled in his widespread preaching efforts. He seldom, if ever, edited anything he wrote. Knowing this any reader will be amazed at how well he communicated his deep love for his Savior. For 26 years he was public enemy No. 1 to the king, yet he lived to see the flight of the king in 1688." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
POOR MAN'S FAMILY BOOK (1674) and THE CATECHIZING OF FAMILIES (1683), are less detailed works and are found in THE REFORMED PASTOR: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 4. They are more suitable for family instruction than are the detailed presentation in A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY.
"Ptacek in FAMILY WORSHIP: BIBLICAL BASIS, HISTORICAL REALITY, CURRENT NEED (pp. 51-52), supplies the following information in regard to Baxter and this book. He notes that after the Episcopalians ejected numerous 'nonconformists,' in what is know as the 'great ejection,' in 1662, 'Baxter pastored from house to house, visiting families of his parish in their homes. These visits contributed to Baxter's A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, a large and still very relevant manual of pastoral care.' Focusing on just one area of great importance, Ptacek demonstrates how this book's relevance is not limited by time or culture, though sometimes the use of specific words are. 'Published in 1673, but written 1664-65, a large book-length part of Baxter's CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY is devoted to the family. It is entitled 'Christian Economics' based on the archaic usage of the word, which reflects the proper sense of the Greek root oikonomos as the manager of a household, in the Christian case, the spiritual leader of the family. The family head is essential to Baxter's view of family worship and instruction. Baxter asserts that it is God's will that this instruction be carried out by the rulers of the families.' For a male head of the household to fail to do so, or to have another instruct in the family, is contrary to his position of authority.' This is the kind of book that can be passed on from generation to generation and still find much use in the service of the kingdom of God.
"Though relatively weak on corporate sanctification, corporate faithfulness and some important areas of doctrine (such as justification), Baxter's work on subjects related to personal piety can be of good practical use to the Christian -- if one is careful to separate out his aberrant doctrinal views and any practical errors they may lead to." -- Publisher
The following three excerpts are included as bonus free books on Reformation Bookshelf CD #28.
1. "The Duties of Parents for Their Children" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. X., pp. 449-454.
2. "The Special Duties of Children Towards Their Parents" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. XI., pp. 454-457.
3. "The Special Duties of Children and Youth Towards God" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. XII., pp. 457-458).
A summary of currently (2012) available publications.
http://www.lettermen2.com/pwrbcd.html
Richard Baxter, from Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Baxter
*Baxter, Richard, The Reformed Pastor: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 4, ISBN: 1877611360. A Christian classic.
"This is the fourth and final volume in this great set. Includes, 'Compassionate Counsel to all Young men,' 'The Reformed Pastor,' 'Poor Man's Family Book,' 'The Catechizing of Families,' and 'The Mother's Catechism,' in all 25 sermons, treatises, and catechisms. Dr. J.I. Packer says, 'For me, the great joy of this year is that it see the completion of Soli Deo Gloria's reprint of Baxter's incomparable PRACTICAL WORKS'." -- GCB
Richard Baxter, from Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Baxter
Compassionate Counsel to all Young men (1681), by Richard Baxter
http://www.lettermen2.com/ccaym.html
Bercovitch, Sacvan, Puritan Origins of the American Self, ISBN: 0300021178 9780300021172.
"Professor Bercovitch's brilliant analysis of these Puritan texts should be essential reading to anyone even remotely interested in understanding the . . . nature of American society. Working with original Puritan chronicles, diaries and other texts, Bercovitch shows that so much of what we take for granted in this culture has a distinctly Puritan origin . . ." -- Reader's Comment
*Bonar, Andrew A. (1810-1892), and Robert Murray M'Cheyne, Memoir and Remains of Robert Murray M'Cheyne, ISBN: 085151085X 9780851510859. A Christian classic.
Spurgeon thought every Christian should read this book.
"Bonar's LIFE OF McCHEYNE (a part of this book), displays the character of this man, and illustrates why he is one of the best-loved and most widely influential men of all time. McCheyne was a sweet, humble, hard-working Christian with a passion for souls. It is a real joy to read his sermons, letters, and other writings in this book. Bonar, himself a great one, has done us all a great favor in preserving these memoirs for us." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), The Distinguishing Characteristics of True Believers. Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BOSTON, VOLUME 5), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #5.
"Seventeen sermons (254 pages), relating to nine major areas pinpointing the marks of salvation. Includes loving your enemies, conduct in times of general declension, keeping Christ's commandments, the use of the tongue, friendship with Christ, meekness, etc." -- Publisher
Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), The State and Character of Believers. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Bruce, William Straton, The Formation of Christian Character: A Contribution to Christian Ethics, ISBN: 0837060907 9780837060903.
Case, Thomas (1598-1682), The Excellent Woman, a Sermon Preached at the Funeral of Mrs. Elizabeth Scott, Dec. 16, 1658. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"THE EXCELLENT WOMAN examines the book of Proverbs to teach of the value and character of the virtuous woman. In the forward Dr. William Sprague writes, 'This is a work that will bear to be read more than once, and each successive reading will be likely to reveal some new gem of thought, which, in the general mass of excellence, had been overlooked before. It is a book suitable for the husband to present to his wife, the mother to her daughter, and the brother to his sister; and the more widely it is circulated, the better for the country and the world'." -- Publisher
Clare, Austin, The Young Lady's Book of Piety: A Practical Manual of Christian Duties for the Formation of the Female Character.
Clare, Austin, The Young Lady's Sunday Book: A Practical Manual of the Christian Duties of Piety, Benevolence and Self-government. Prepared With Particular Reference to the Formation of the Female Character.
"By the author of THE YOUNG LADY'S BOOK OF PIETY, THE YOUNG MAN'S BOOK OF PIETY: A PRACTICAL MANUAL OF CHRISTIAN DUTIES FOR THE FORMATION OF THE MANLY CHARACTER, THE YOUNG LADY'S BOOK OF PIETY: A PRACTICAL MANUAL OF CHRISTIAN DUTIES FOR THE FORMATION OF THE FEMALE CHARACTER, and OUR EXAMPLE: TWELVE STUDIES OF THE CHARACTER OF OUR LORD, DRAWN FROM HIS PRECEPTS AND PRACTICE, FOR THE FORMATION OF THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER.
Clare, Austin, The Young Man's Book of Piety: A Practical Manual of Christian Duties for the Formation of the Manly Character.
Clark, Kristen, Love Defined: Embracing God's Vision for Lasting Love and Satisfying Relationships, ISBN: 9780801075568 0801075564.
"In a culture obsessed with love and romance, why is it so hard for us to find satisfying love that lasts?
"Maybe we've been looking at this thing called love all wrong.
"In this insightful, encouraging and totally candid book, sisters Kristen Clark and Bethany Baird share a radically better and refreshingly biblical approach to navigating your love life. Covering topics such as true love, purposeful relationships, sex, boundaries, and singleness, LOVE DEFINED will take you on a journey to discovering God's good and original design for romance." -- Publisher
Collinges, John, The Excellent Woman.
Dedrick, William, and Colleen Dedrick, The Little Book of Christian Character and Manners, ISBN: 188830622X 9781888306224.
"Are you looking for a brief and thoroughly Biblical book on training children from a Reformed perspective? The sections on eating habits, table manners, cleanliness, self-restraint, quietness, and industry are among the most helpful. You will want to use this as a 'working handbook' to read and re-read in training your children." -- Publisher
Dorrington, Theophilus, The Excellent Woman Described by her True Characters and Their Opposites.
Erskine, Ebenezer (1680-1754), The Character of a Soul Espoused to Christ. A sermon preached upon a thanksgiving day . . . in the Tolbooth Church of Edinburgh, March 6th, 1732. By Mr. Ebenezer Erskine . . . 1787. Available (WORKS OF EBENEZER ERSKINE), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Greenhill, William (1591-1671), and Jeremiah Burroughs (1599-1646), The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit Delivered in a Treatise Vpon the 14. of Numbers, Vers. 24.: Together With Moses his Self-deniall / by Jer. Burroughes . . . ISBN: 1573580244 9781573580243.
Inrig, Gary, The Call to Excellence, ISBN: 089693523X 9780896935235.
"The author issues a call for all Christians to take up the cause of Biblical excellence. This is a calling which shapes character and gives every area of life new significance." -- GCB
*Kennedy, D. James (1930-2007), with Jim Nelson Black, Character and Destiny: A Nation in Search of its Soul, ISBN: 0310443806 9780310443803.
"America faces a crisis of moral authority. In this penetrating, informative book, Dr. D. James Kennedy takes readers to the core of today's cultural erosion. The United States' rich heritage of Christian liberty is now being corrupted by those who are trying to rewrite or reinterpret history. Even our traditional values are being undermined by our educational system. More than ever, we need to assert the truth -- the truth of the existence of sin and of the absolute nature of morality." -- Publisher
Dr. Kennedy regards this work as his most important book to date.
*Kennedy, D. James (1930-2007), with Jerry Newcombe, What if the Bible had Never Been Written? ISBN: 0785271546 9780785271543.
"Following its predecessor, WHAT IF JESUS HAD NEVER BEEN BORN, WHAT IF THE BIBLE HAD NEVER BEEN WRITTEN is a veritable compendium of the major accomplishments of the western world. D. James Kennedy demonstrates quite capably that many of the most fundamental stages of advancement for mankind over the last 2000 years began with the impetus of people whose lives were influenced by the Holy Scriptures. The book reads easily and keeps the attention of the reader as the author moves from one aspect of human development to another. He also explodes some myths along the way with clear and concise excerpts from personal letters, writings and biographies of the individuals about whom he writes. All in all, I would recommend this book to those who question the validity and potency of the Bible and to those who need to bolster their faith and resolve in the Book of books." -- Reader's Comment
*Kennedy, D. James (1930-2007), with Jerry Newcombe, What if Jesus had Never Been Born? The Positive Impact of Christianity in History, ISBN: 0785271783 9780785271789.
Hospitals, universities, literacy and education, capitalism and free-enterprise, representative government, separation of political powers, justice and common law, civil liberties, abolition of slavery, modern science, and so forth, can all be attributed to Christianity.
Lewis, Paul, 40 Ways to Teach Your Child Values: Honesty, Managing Money, Making Good Choices, Controlling TV, Courage, ISBN: 0310216990 9780310216995.
Mannering, E, and B.M. Palmer, Christian Consistency: The Formation of Character, ISBN: 9781594421624 1594421625.
*Marshall, Walter (1628-1680), The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification: Growing in Holiness by Living in Union With Christ (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, Inc., 2005, 1999), ISBN: 189277724X. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Reformation Heritage Books edition is a reprint of the 1954 edition set by Oliphants and includes an introduction by Joel R. Beeke. Also includes the author's famous sermon on "The Doctrine of Justification Opened and Applied."
See the WorldCat record for various foreign language editions.
Other editions:
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, (Wipf & Stock Publishers, January 2005), 270 pages, ISBN: 1597520543 9781597520546.
"This is by far the best book on the doctrine of Sanctification in print. It was originally written in the 17th century, but has been put into modern English with this edition. This book will help you better understand the Gospel and its power not only for our Justification, but our Sanctification as well." -- Reader's Comment
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, ISBN: 1589600630 9781589600638.
"Here you will read the most closely reasoned defense of scriptural sanctification to be found anywhere. . . . Fourteen directions are given to the reader, all perfected with the aim of explaining to sincere souls what sanctification is, what it is not, and how to attain a holy walk before God. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-mystery of Sanctification, Opened, in Sundry Practical Directions: Suited Especially to the Case of Those who Labor Under the Guilt and Power of Indwelling Sin. To Which is Added a Sermon on Justification (1859)
http://archive.org/details/gospelmysteryofs02mars
McGuffey, William, McGuffey's Eclectic Readers, 1836-37, 7 volumes, ISBN: 0880620145 9780880620147.
Palmer, B.M., Formation of Character: Twelve Lectures, ISBN: 0790595567 9780790595566.
*Pike, Samuel (1717-1773), and Samuel Hayward (1718-1757), The Character of an Honest Man. In RELIGIOUS CASES OF CONSCIENCE ANSWERED IN AN EVANGELICAL MANNER . . . TO WHICH IS ADDED THE SPIRITUAL COMPANION; OR, THE PROFESSING CHRISTIAN TRIED AT THE BAR OF GOD'S WORD; AND CHARACTER OF THE HAPPY MAN, 1866.
The Character of an Honest Man
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/the-character-of-an-honest-man.php
*Price, Greg L., Christian Love is Intolerant (of Sin, Rev. 2 [Revelation 2]). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #8.
*Purves, Jock, Fair Sunshine: Character Studies of the Scottish Covenanters, ISBN: 0851511368 9780851511368. Publishing history: The material in this volume consists of two works: SWEET BELIEVING, 1948, and FAIR SUNSHINE: FURTHER STUDIES OF THE SCOTTISH COVENANTERS (91 pages), 1957.
"I first read this book several years ago at the recommendation of my late father, who was a sovereign grace Baptist minister. . . .
"I would highly recommend this book to anyone. And anyone who reads this book will be truly blessed. If it were possible the book should have more than five stars." -- Reader's Comment
An Outline of Scottish 'Covenant History' in the 17th century From Purves' Book FAIR SUNSHINE
http://www.ianpaisley.org/article.asp?cov_intro.htm
*Ryken, Leland, Worldly Saints: The Puritans as They Really Were, ISBN: 0310325005 9780310325000.
"Seeks to disabuse the term 'Puritan' of the stigma that has long been associated with the movement. Succeeds in totally revamping this era of history. Shows the Puritans to be conscientious, and cultured citizens, persons of principle, determined and disciplined, excelling in the domestic virtues, and with no obvious shortcomings save the tendency to run to words when saying anything important." -- J.I. Packer
*Sanderson, John W., The Fruit of the Spirit.
"A Biblical study of genuine character growth in the life of the Christian, as set forth in Galatians 5." -- Publisher
*Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), A Breathing After God. Or a Christians Desire of Gods Presence. By the late reverent and worthy divine Richard Sibs, Doctor in Divinity, master of Katherine Hall in Cambridge, and sometime preacher of Graies-Inne, 1639. Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Smith, Gregory A., The Role of the Library in the Character Formation of the Christian College Student.
Sprague, William Buell, The Excellent Woman as Described in the Book of Proverbs.
*Spring, Gardiner, The Distinguishing Traits of Christian Character.
"A disquieting series of studies adapted from ESSAYS ON THE DISTINGUISHING TRAITS OF CHRISTIAN CHARACTER, published in 1829. The chapters are brief, and the material contained in them is particularly pertinent to the needs of the present day." -- Cyril J. Barber
"Author's premise: Some things neither prove nor disprove the work of grace in our souls, however, there are other things that do. It is on these that he comments." -- GCB
Sykes, Charles, A Nation of Victims: The Decay of the American Character, ISBN: 0312082975 9780312082970 0312098820 9780312098827.
"With chapters covering the politically-correct movement, feminism, the trend toward revisionist history, and the preponderance of codependent psycho-speak to interpret our problems, Sykes shows in his well-researched and well-documented book how the victim mentality permeates the various corridors of life in the 1990's. If one where to gather all the victims of our time, he would find that their number adds up to 374 percent of the population." -- Reed Jolly
Terrill, John R., Notes: Vita. An Integrative Paper Submitted to the Faculty of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Religion, 55 pages.
"A critique of ethics training in the secular graduate business academy and a pedagogical approach for character formation in the lives of Christian MBA students."
Walke, Bruce, Formation of Christian Character (Proverbs 2:1-11), (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette BW103 [audio file].
*Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), Godly Man's Picture, drawn with a scripture pencil, or, Some characteristic marks of a man who is going to heaven, ISBN: 0851515959 9780851515953. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"A book on the character of the Christian. Combines rich spirituality, nourishing doctrine, and sane wisdom with fascinating illustrations . . ." -- GCB
Willard, Samuel (1639-1707), The Character of a Good Ruler as it was Recommended in a Sermon Preached Before His Excellency the Governour, and the Honourable Counsellors, and Assembly of the Representatives of the Province of Massachusetts Bay in New-England, May 30, 1694: Which was the day for election of counsellors for that province, by Samuel Willard.
Samuel Willard was pastor of a Church of Christ in Boston and Vice-President of Harvard College. See his other works.
Yates, John, and Susan Yates, What Really Matters at Home: Eight Crucial Elements for Building Character in Your Family, ISBN: 1561211052 9781561211050 0849934168 9780849934162. Alternate title: RAISING KIDS WITH CHARACTER THAT LASTS.
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Mortification of sin in the flesh, Excellence, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Manhood, Womanhood, Courage, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Medical ethics, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, "religious freedom," and neutrality, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 15, 382, 809, 836, 914, 1112, 1117, 1339, 1414, 1837, 1917, 1922, 2597, 3138, 4243, 4289-4300
Character Counts
"God blesses each one of us with unique gifts. Unfortunately, our gifts can be twisted into destructive forces in our lives and the lives of others. This week on Let My People Think, Ravi Zacharias takes a look at how talent without character is a dangerous combination."
https://www.rzim.org/listen/let-my-people-think/character-counts-part-1
Does Character Count? Rusty Lee Thomas
http://www.mttu.com/elijahmin/Tracts/DOES%20CHARACTER%20COUNT.htm
Girl Defined
https://www.girldefined.com/
*Godly Manhood (FGB #192)
True Godliness Described, Keach, Benjamin (1640-1704) | Nature of an Upright man, Steele, Richard (1629-1692) | Signs and Character of a Godly man, Watson, Thomas (c. 1620-1686) | Husbands, Love Your Wives, Gouge, William (1578-1653) | The Conversion of Family Members, Lee, Samuel (1627-1691) | A Godly Father's Anger, Gill, John (1697-1771) | Threats to Godliness in Young Men, James, John Angell (1785-1859) | How True Manhood is Restored, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892)
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/gmanfg/godly-manhood
Marks of a Right Heart Before God, J.C. Ryle
"4) A right heart is a PURIFIED heart (Acts 15:9; Matthew 5:8). It loves holiness, and hates sin. It strives daily to cleanse itself from all filthiness of flesh and spirit (2 Corinthians 7:1). It abhors that which is evil, and cleaves to that which is good. It delights in the law of God, and has that law engraved on it, that it may not forget it (Psalm 119:11). It longs to keep the law more perfectly, and takes pleasure in those who love the law. It loves God and people. Its affections are set on things above. It never feels so light and happy as when it is most holy; and it looks forward to heaven with joy, as the place where perfect holiness will at length be attained."
http://www.jcryle.info/2016/10/7-marks-of-right-heart-before-god.html
Modest Apparel (FGB #216)
Our Royal Apparel | A Crying sin of our Age | Symptoms of Bodily Pride | A Return to Modest Apparel | Christian Modesty | Your Clothing Reveals Your Heart | Avoiding Immodest Fashions | Accessories to Adultery | Thinking Like a Christian About Modest Apparel | Too Much, too Little, too Tight
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/mappfg/modest-apparel
Mortification (FGB #201)
The Doctrine of Mortification, Pink, A.W. (1886-1952), The Nature of Mortification, Flavel, John (1630-1691) | Identifying Beloved Lusts, Needler, Benjamin (1620-1682), Only a Christian can Mortify sin, Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), Directions for Mortification, Owen, John (1616-1683), Mortifying sin by the Holy Spirit, Lloyd-Jones, D.M. (1899-1981), Dangers of not Mortifying sin, Hopkins, Ezekiel (1634-1690, Gospel or Legal Mortification? Erskine, Ralph (1685-1752) | How may I Know if I am in a State of Mortification? Love, Christopher (1618-1651)
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/mortfg/mortification
Religious Test Clauses in Colonial and State Constitutions and Other Documents and Statements Supporting the Original Consensus That There Should be a Religious Test for Positions of Authority and Trust
http://www.lettermen2.com/agc001.html
Virtuousreality.com, a Website for all Women
http://www.virtuousreality.com/
See the Theological Notes: "Christians in the World," at Colossians 2:20 in The Reformation Study Bible.And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. (1 Samuel 15:22,23)A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 13:34,35)Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:13)
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
These things I command you, that ye love one another. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:16,17)So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
He saith to him again the second time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 21:15-17)Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. (James 4:17)
*Alexander, James W. (1804-1859), Family Worship: A Biblical Duty, 1847. Alternate title: THOUGHTS ON FAMILY WORSHIP, ISBN: 1573580813 9781573580816. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #22.
First printed in 1847 by the Presbyterian Board of Education.
"No minister in our church was a more accomplished scholar. The pulpit was his appropriate sphere." -- Charles Hodge
"It would be almost impossible to overemphasis the importance of daily family worship. It is a blessed privilege for those who have known it as children and/or adults. It is foundational to any lasting revival or reformation. It is a duty commanded by God in Scripture, and to neglect it is, without a doubt, sinful. The Westminster Divines made it clear, in their amazing Directory for Family Worship, that obstinacy in the sin of neglecting family worship should lead where there are faithful elders to the head of the offending house being 'suspended and debarred from the Lord's supper.' This book gives the nature, warrant, and history of family worship in easy to read large print." -- Publisher
"The author's goal is 'extending the domestic worship of God's people and especially in arousing the children of the covenant to honor the God of their fathers.' To fulfill this purpose, Alexander traces family worship from Eden on through the Old and New Testaments and church history. The universal voice of the Church, in its best periods, has been in favor of family worship. . . .' He demonstrates that family worship is a means of intellectual improvement: 'True piety improves the understanding. . . .' " -- Robert H. Duvall
*Alexander, James W. (1804-1859), Family Worship: Its Influence Over all of Life. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #22.
"Some have postulated that the Reformation would have fizzled out in no time had it not been for the faithful men who led their families in daily worship. Nothing is more calculated to enhanced and abet all other spiritual duties than daily family worship. It will curtail divorce and domestic violence, both of which were unheard of among the Puritans because of their love for the use of the means of grace within this setting, and help lead many individuals and ultimately nations to Christ. This book covers the influence of family worship on the individual piety of parents and children. It shows it to be a means of intellectual improvement and a bond of domestic harmony and love. Men, if you really want to change the world, start with your own immediate sphere of influence and responsibility. Preparing your own heart before the Lord and instituting daily family worship will do more good than most can imagine! This is your commanded duty." -- Publisher
*Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Call to the Unconverted: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 2, ISBN: 1877611158 9781877611155. A Christian classic.
"This is the second of four volumes constituting the complete works of this giant of the faith. This huge volume, over 1000 pages, gathers together such penetrating topics as THE UNPARDONABLE SIN, THE SPIRIT'S WITNESS TO THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY, THE ARROGANCY OF REASON AGAINST DIVINE REVELATION, A CALL TO THE UNCONVERTED, NOW OR NEVER, A SAINT OR A BRUTE, GOD'S GOODNESS VINDICATED, THE CHARACTER OF A SOUND, CONFIRMED CHRISTIAN, and others." -- GCB
This volume also contains A CALL TO THE UNCONVERTED, THE REASONABLENESS OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION, THE UNREASONABLENESS OF INFIDELITY, A TREATISE OF CONVERSION, AND CHARACTER OF A SOUND CONFIRMED CHRISTIANS.
Translations: A Call to the Unconverted (singly), Dutch; French; Danish; Polish.
Richard Baxter, from Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Baxter
*Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Christian Directory: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 1. Full title: A Christian Directory: or A Sum of Practical Theology, and Cases of Conscience. Directing Christians how to use Their Knowledge and Faith; How to Improve all Helps and Means, and to Perform all Duties; How to Overcome Temptations, and to Escape or Mortify Every Sin. In Four Parts.
I. Christian Ethics (or Private Duties)
II. Christian Economics (or Family Duties)
III. Christian Ecclesiastics (or Church Duties)
IV. Christian Politics (or Duties to Our Rulers and Neighbours) (Morgan, PA: Soli Deo Gloria Publications, 1997, 1990, 1838, 1707, 1678, 1673), ISBN: 1877611131 9781877611131. Foreword by J.I. Packer (Soli Deo Gloria edition only). The Soli Deo Gloria publication is a facsimile reprint of the 19th century reprint by George Virtue, London, 1846. The original 1673 edition and the 1678 edition, both printed by Robert White for Nevill Simmons. Bibliographic and scriptural footnotes. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available (less the J.I. Packer's Foreword, but searchable with an OCR-based index), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
This work is available in many editions, and in many formats.
Reformation Heritage Books has new copies of the Soli Deo Gloria edition (including the J.I. Packer Introduction), as of March 2008, even though it is generally thought to be out of print. They acquired Soli Deo Gloria from Ligonier Ministries in late 2007.
The best digital format of the reprint by George Virtue is included on the Puritan Hard Drive. It has an OCR scan in the background, meaning one can search the entire volume and copy text into another document. It also has a computer generated indexed from the OCR scan which is, of course, in Baxter's vocabulary.
A PDF image scan only of the same edition is available on the Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
The reprint by George Virtue is available online and may be downloaded in PDF format at Christian Classics Ethereal Library.
The reprint by George Virtue appears in full preview in Google Books but may not be downloaded. So it is useful if the reader wants to become acquainted with the book. Text can be searched, but can not be copied into another document. This particular Google Books scan includes the contents in detail on pages iii-xix which is not included in the Christian Classics Ethereal Library PDF files. About five other editions from libraries are available in Google Books, and may be downloaded (August 2008).
Notice that the e-text in Google Books has the advantage of being searchable. Searching an image-based PDF file (without an OCR scan in the background), is not possible, unless the user owns software such as Abode Acrobat Pro or Kirtas BookScan Editor. They both have an OCR (optical character recognition), feature that will search an image-based PDFs (bit-map scans). Searches appear to be perfect in this work, although one must know Baxter's vocabulary. Text can be cut and pasted from image-based PDF format to OCR (character) format. This particular Google Books scan can not be cut and pasted or downloaded.
One of the older, multi-volume editions of THE WORKS OF RICHARD BAXTER is available at Monergism.com in the "Puritan Library," "Richard Baxter." A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, volume 23. It can be downloaded.
http://www.puritanlibrary.com/
Another older edition is available on microfilm (Ann Arbor, MI: University Microfilms, 1970), 1 microfilm reel, 35 mm (Early English books, 1641-1700; 343:11).
"The complete practical works of Richard Baxter are in print in four volumes entitled BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS. This volume (about 1 1/4 million words, 1028 pages), is volume one of the set. The editor's preface (1707), p. xiii, stated that the works of Richard Baxter are 'perhaps the best body of practical divinity that is extent in our own or any other tongue.' Richard Baxter lived from 1615-1691. The DIRECTORY was completed in 1665. Its scope was intended to cover all of practical theology, a summa of casuistry . . ." -- Don Kistler
"Baxter's series, which grew in range and scope as it proceeded . . . is a peak point in Puritan devotional writing, and remains a precious resource for all, in this or any age, who want to know what is involved in Biblical godliness. . . . A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY may justly be described as a landmark. It is the fullest, most thorough, and in this writer's judgment, most profound treatment of Christian spirituality and standards that has ever been attempted by an English-speaking Evangelical author. The fact that it embraces both spirituality and standards (the principles of communion with God plus the specifics of obedience to God), merits approving comment in itself; nowadays spirituality and ethics have become two distinct disciplines in the schools, and books written on either say virtually nothing about the other . . ." -- J.I. Packer
Timothy Keller calls it the greatest manual on Biblical counseling ever produced.
"There are many Puritan classics on this subject. Thomas Brooks' PRECIOUS REMEDIES FOR SATAN'S DEVICES, Thomas Goodwin's A CHILD OF LIGHT WALKING IN DARKNESS, William Bridge's A LIFTING UP FOR THE DOWNCAST, and many other similar works give evidence that the Puritans were. . . . masters at applying Biblical answers and principles to problems that can only be solved by spiritual means. No Puritan work, however, has ever approached the popularity, the scope, or the depth of Baxter's classic treatise. With the widespread interest in counseling in today's church, this reprint of Baxter's work should be a welcome addition to every pastor's library, or to anyone else who wishes to give solid Biblical answers to man's questions." -- Don Kistler
"We have long waited for a purely Biblical treatment of the spiritual ills and cures of men which is untainted by the views of psychology. Since Baxter lived about 200 years before psychology arrived, his deep work is completely void of its encroachment -- thankfully!" -- John MacArthur
"The kings men sought to arrest Richard Baxter, but he traveled ceaselessly from place to place, writing his sermons and his books even on horseback (he had an inkwell in his saddle), and preached over a wide area." -- Brian H. Edwards
"Baxter was a wonder of his age. His writings total 72 large volumes, much of it written on horseback as he traveled in his widespread preaching efforts. He seldom, if ever, edited anything he wrote. Knowing this any reader will be amazed at how well he communicated his deep love for his Savior. For 26 years he was public enemy No. 1 to the king, yet he lived to see the flight of the king in 1688." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
POOR MAN'S FAMILY BOOK (1674) and THE CATECHIZING OF FAMILIES (1683), are less detailed works and are found in THE REFORMED PASTOR: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 4. They are more suitable for family instruction than are the detailed presentation in A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY.
"Ptacek in FAMILY WORSHIP: BIBLICAL BASIS, HISTORICAL REALITY, CURRENT NEED (pp. 51-52), supplies the following information in regard to Baxter and this book. He notes that after the Episcopalians ejected numerous 'nonconformists,' in what is know as the 'great ejection,' in 1662, 'Baxter pastored from house to house, visiting families of his parish in their homes. These visits contributed to Baxter's A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, a large and still very relevant manual of pastoral care.' Focusing on just one area of great importance, Ptacek demonstrates how this book's relevance is not limited by time or culture, though sometimes the use of specific words are. 'Published in 1673, but written 1664-65, a large book-length part of Baxter's CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY is devoted to the family. It is entitled 'Christian Economics' based on the archaic usage of the word, which reflects the proper sense of the Greek root oikonomos as the manager of a household, in the Christian case, the spiritual leader of the family. The family head is essential to Baxter's view of family worship and instruction. Baxter asserts that it is God's will that this instruction be carried out by the rulers of the families.' For a male head of the household to fail to do so, or to have another instruct in the family, is contrary to his position of authority.' This is the kind of book that can be passed on from generation to generation and still find much use in the service of the kingdom of God.
"Though relatively weak on corporate sanctification, corporate faithfulness and some important areas of doctrine (such as justification), Baxter's work on subjects related to personal piety can be of good practical use to the Christian -- if one is careful to separate out his aberrant doctrinal views and any practical errors they may lead to." -- Publisher
The following three excerpts are included as bonus free books on Reformation Bookshelf CD #28.
1. "The Duties of Parents for Their Children" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. X., pp. 449-454.
2. "The Special Duties of Children Towards Their Parents" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. XI., pp. 454-457.
3. "The Special Duties of Children and Youth Towards God" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. XII., pp. 457-458).
A summary of currently (2012) available publications.
http://www.lettermen2.com/pwrbcd.html
Richard Baxter, from Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Baxter
*Baxter, Richard, The Reformed Pastor: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 4, ISBN: 1877611360. A Christian classic.
"This is the fourth and final volume in this great set. Includes, 'Compassionate Counsel to all Young men,' 'The Reformed Pastor,' 'Poor Man's Family Book,' 'The Catechizing of Families,' and 'The Mother's Catechism,' in all 25 sermons, treatises, and catechisms. Dr. J.I. Packer says, 'For me, the great joy of this year is that it see the completion of Soli Deo Gloria's reprint of Baxter's incomparable PRACTICAL WORKS'." -- GCB
Richard Baxter, from Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Baxter
Compassionate Counsel to all Young men (1681), by Richard Baxter
http://www.lettermen2.com/ccaym.html
*Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), The Saint's Everlasting Rest: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 3, ISBN: 187761128X 9781877611285. A Christian classic.
"Third in the four-volume set. Includes The Saint's Everlasting Rest; Treatise of Self-Denial; The Life of Faith; Obedient Patience, and many more. Over 1000 pages." -- GCB
"This is the greatest treatment on Heaven ever to appear! . . ." -- Wilbur M. Smith.
Baxter, Richard, and Benjamin Fawcett (editor), The Saint's Everlasting Rest (singly).
"Discusses the nature, excellencies, design, rejection, necessity, of the Saints' rest. Calls us to live the heavenly life now." -- GCB
http://www.ccel.org/b/baxter/everlasting_rest/saints_rest.html
*Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Treatise of Self-Denial, ISBN: 1877611360. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21. Included in THE SAINT'S EVERLASTING REST: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 3.
"This item is the work of Baxter that has been translated into the most number of different languages." -- compiler
"It is also a great antidote to the prominent spirit (of antichrist), preached by psychologist and psychiatrists which focuses on self (self-esteem, self-actualization, etc.), and/or hedonism, in an idolatrous manner, rather than self-sacrifice and service in obedience to God. Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, . . . This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2 Peter 3:3; 2 Timothy 3:1-5)" -- Publisher
The Saint's Everlasting Rest, Richard Baxter, edited by Benjamin Fawcett
http://www.ccel.org/b/baxter/everlasting_rest/saints_rest.html
Bilezikian, Gilbert, Beyond Sex Roles: A Guide for the Study of Female Roles in the Bible, ISBN: 0801008859 9780801008856.
Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), Departing From Iniquity the Duty of all who Name the Name of Jesus. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON (10:9-55). Available (THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Brakel, Wilhelmus à (1635-1711), The Christian's Reasonable Service: in Which Divine Truths Concerning the Covenant of Grace are Expounded, defended against opposing parties, and their practice advocated, as well as the administration of this Covenant in the Old and New Testaments, vol. 1 and 2. A Christian classic.
Brakel "blends doctrine, experience, and practice with great skill and power. There is here a vast amount of nourishment for both mind and heart." -- J.I. Packer
"The four volume set so beautifully published by Soli Deo Gloria is a Calvinistic set of theology that is warm, practical and extremely Biblical. A' Brakel was often dubbed the 'Dutch Calvin.' Dr. Joel Beeke considers this set to be his favorite Dutch theological work. If you are looking for a systematic theology shot through with pastoral warmth, look no further." -- Reader's Comment
The Pastoral and Practical Theology of Wilhelmus à Brakel: A Brief Evaluation of THE CHRISTIAN'S REASONABLE SERVICE, Bartel Elshout, B.A.
http://www.frcna.org/Data/StudentSocietySpeeches/The%20Pastoral%20and%20%20Practical%20Theology%20of%20%20Wilhelmus%20%20%20Brakel%20-%20Rev.%20Bartel%20Elshout.pdf
*Burroughs, Jeremiah (1599-1646), The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment. A Christian classic.
"Well-known Puritan author of THE RARE JEWEL OF CHRISTIAN CONTENTMENT excels in deeply spiritual insights. Most authors writing today can't hold a candle to him!" -- CBD
"I am still reading this book, but I've read enough to have it significantly change my outlook on life and afflictions. I have learned in abundance what it means to trust the Lord in troubles and to realize that God will bring me out of them in His time, and it is my duty to praise the Lord and devote my heart to Him. My cup runs over when I read Jeremiah Burroughs." -- Reader's Comment
*Davies, Samuel (1723-1761, editor), et al., The Godly Family: A Series of Essays on the Duties of Parents and Children, ISBN: 1877611735 9781877611735, 341 pages.
"Gary Ezzo has collected 16 essays and sermons from 17th and 18th century pastors on ordering a godly home. The book is divided into four section: 1) The Importance of Family Religion, 2) The Duties of Parents, 3) The Duties of Children, 4) The Eternal Family. . . . All of these have been retypeset and updated for easier reading." -- Publisher
"The necessity and excellence of family religion / by Samuel Davies -- The great duty of family religion / by George Whitefield -- A plain and serious address on the important subject of family religion / by Philip Doddridge -- Parental duties illustrated / by Samuel Worcester -- The duties of parents towards their children / by Henry Venn -- Disciplining children / by Arthur Hildersham -- On the method of instructing children / by Henry Venn -- Four sermons on the religious education of children / by Philip Doddridge -- Blessings consequent upon parental fidelity / by Thomas Houston -- The duties of children to their parents / by Samuel Stennett -- The duties of children / by Henry Venn -- Heaven considered as a family / by Samuel Stennett."
*Gouge, Thomas, Riches Increased by Giving: Or the Right use of Mammon Being the Surest and Safest way of Thriving.
"This book was, in its day (around 1672), highly regarded. Comes with long recommendations by John Owen, Richard Baxter, Thomas Manton, and William Bates. Unfortunately, in an age where there is more wealth and money than ever, fewer and fewer know how to use and view money. This book provides the best theological foundation on the subject of any book we sell." -- GCB
*Marshall, Walter (1628-1680), The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification: Growing in Holiness by Living in Union With Christ (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, Inc., 2005, 1999), ISBN: 189277724X. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Reformation Heritage Books edition is a reprint of the 1954 edition set by Oliphants and includes an introduction by Joel R. Beeke. Also includes the author's famous sermon on "The Doctrine of Justification Opened and Applied."
See the WorldCat record for various foreign language editions.
Other editions:
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, 70 pages, ISBN: 1597520543 9781597520546.
"This is by far the best book on the doctrine of Sanctification in print. It was originally written in the 17th century, but has been put into modern English with this edition. This book will help you better understand the Gospel and its power not only for our Justification, but our Sanctification as well." -- Reader's Comment
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, ISBN: 1589600630 9781589600638.
"Here you will read the most closely reasoned defense of scriptural sanctification to be found anywhere. . . . Fourteen directions are given to the reader, all perfected with the aim of explaining to sincere souls what sanctification is, what it is not, and how to attain a holy walk before God. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-mystery of Sanctification, Opened, in Sundry Practical Directions: Suited Especially to the Case of Those who Labor Under the Guilt and Power of Indwelling Sin. To Which is Added a Sermon on Justification (1859)
http://archive.org/details/gospelmysteryofs02mars
*Owen, John (1616-1683), The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded: Stated and Practically Improved. Alternate title: DUTY OF BEING SPIRITUALLY MINDED. ISBN: 1333271328 9781333271329. A Christian classic. Available in THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN, volume 7, SIN AND GRACE, ISBN: 9780851511276 0851511279. Alternate title: A TREATISE OF THE DOMINION OF SIN AND GRACE. . . . BY THE LATE PIOUS AND LEARNED MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL, JOHN OWEN, D.D.
"You will find this an unforgettable spiritual experience in devotional reading, a challenge that will bring blessings upon blessings to you soul. A spiritual feast. Unabridged." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Some will say, yea, on many occasions do say, that there is not any thing in all their duty towards God wherein they are more at a loss than they are in this one, of fixing or exercising their thoughts or meditations on things heavenly or spiritual. They acknowledge it a duty; they see an excellency in it, with inexpressible usefulness: but although they often try and attempt it, they cannot attain unto any thing but what makes them ashamed both of it and themselves. Their minds, they find, are unsteady, apt to rove and wander, or give entertainment unto other things, and not to abide on the object which they design their meditation towards. Their abilities are small, their invention barren, their memories frail, and their judgments, to dispose of things into right order, weak and unable. They know not what to think on, for the most part; and when they fix on any thing, they are immediately at a loss as unto any progress, and so give over." -- John Owen in The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded
The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded, audio file, part 1 of 6
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=6230611815
Reformed Presbytery (Scotland), A Pastoral Letter to the Old Dissenters, Concerning Family and Social Duties.
*Rushdoony, Rousas J. (1916-2001), Salvation and Godly Rule, ISBN: 999144789X. Available through Exodus Books.
"The Christian is commissioned to bring all things into captivity to Christ. Godly rule in our personal, family, social, vocation, political, and economic life is a consequence of salvation. Includes 72 short chapters, over 500 pages." -- GCB
Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900), Examples of Holiness, ISBN: 0801076544 9780801076541.
"Selected from his book HOLINESS, published in 1879."
*Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900), Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots, ISBN: 0852341369. A Christian classic.
"Ryle, like his great masters, has no easy way to holiness to offer us, and no 'patent' method by which it can be obtained; but he invariably produces that 'hunger and thirst after righteousness' which is the only indispensable condition to being 'filled'." -- D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
"Newly typeset edition from Evangelical Press with preface done by J.I. Packer. Complete and unabridged." -- GCB
Holiness, J.C. Ryle
http://archive.org/details/HolinessJcRyle
Swinnock, George (1627-1673), The Works of George Swinnock, M.A. Containing These Several Treatises . . . 1665, 5 volumes, ISBN: 0851516424 9780851516424 0851516378 9780851516370 0851516386 9780851516387 0851516394 9780851516394 0851516408 9780851516400 0851516416 9780851516417. Available (THE WORKS OF GEORGE SWINNOCK) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Contents: The Christian mans calling, First part, wherein a Christian is directed how to carry himself in religious duties, natural actions, particular vocation, family direction, his own recreation --
"Second part, The Christian directed to perform his duty as parent, child, husband, wife, master, servant, and in the conditions of prosperity and adversity --
"Third part, Directing a Christian to perform his duty, in his dealings with all men, in the choice of his companions, in evil company, in good company, in solitude, on a week-day from morning to night, in visiting the sick, on a dying bed --
"Heaven and Hell epitomized, or, The true Christian characterized --
"Door of salvation opened, by the key of regeneration --
"Fading of the flesh, and flourishing of faith --
"A valedictory sermon, on Act. 20. 32 [Acts 20:32]. --
"Men are Gods, on Psal. 82. 6, 7 [Psalm 82:6,7]."
Works of George Swinnock, M.A (1868)
http://archive.org/details/worksofgeorgeswi01swin
Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), The Duty of Self-Denial and 10 Other Sermons, ISBN: 1877611956 9781877611957.
Williams, David (1643?-1716), Lectures on the Universal Principles and Duties of Religion and Morality. As They Have Been Read in Margaret-Street, Cavendish-Square, in the Years 1776, and 1777. By the Rev. David Williams. . . . 1779.
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, Christian life, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Family worship, The ten commandments: the moral law, The Larger Catechism, The love and justice of God, Discipline, Holiness, Christian character, Reconciliation of relationships, Marriage, The christian home, domestic duties, Parenting, Sharing christ with your children, Evangelism, Corporate Faithfulness, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 598, 1059-1065, 1085, 1626, 1627, 1629, 2472, 3971-3974 (see also, in the General Index, "Social Duties")
Christian Scholarship
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9cha.html#cschol
The Commandments of Jesus, J.S. McConnell (1925)
http://www.wowzone.com/commandm.htm
Nave's Topical Bible -- Duty of Man to God
http://bible.crosswalk.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T1516
Psychology and Psychiatry
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappc.html
Westminster Larger Catechism With Proof Texts
http://www.reformed.org/documents/wlc_w_proofs/index.html
Words of Christ Appearing in The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappa.html
This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 6:29b)He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:21)
Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:35 and Mark 13:31)
I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him. (Ecclesiastes 3:14)
Whatever we do within the will of God lasts throughout eternity.Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (Hebrews 11:3)
"Ideas have consequences."And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us: yea, the work of our hands establish thou it. (Psalm 90:17)
Christ taught that man was a creature of God and the lord of creation. Man's ancestry was not animal, but divine, and the Earth was made for man. Individual men were immortal; what they believed and did on Earth would have eternal consequences. After death, they did not descend into some shadowland, but each was required to give an account of his life to his maker and judge. All men were equal before God and his law, and each man would be judged individually. The classes of ancient society -- the nobles, the proletariat, the slaves, the citizens, the men, the women, the Jews, the barbarians -- meant nothing to God. In the new Christian faith, There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. . . . (Galatians 3:8) -- John W. Robbins in Christ and Civilization
Death, like a whirlwind, may blow down the tree of the body, but it cannot blast the fruit of our graces. The trees of righteousness carry their fruit with them: their works follow them (Revelation 14:13). -- Thomas Watson (1620-1686)
Put-off fulfilling the lusts of the flesh and put-on doing the will of God, because what is done for God will have eternal consequences (Acts 5:38,39; Hebrews 9:14; 1 John 2:15-17; 1 Corinthians 15:58; 2 Peter 1:5-8),
Without a due sense of predestination, we shall lack the surest and the most powerful inducement to patience, resignation, and dependence on God under every spiritual and temporal affliction. How sweet must the following considerations be to a distressed believer:
1. There most certainly exists an almighty, all-wise, and infinitely gracious God. 2. He has given me in times past, and is giving me at present (if I had but eyes to see it), many remarkable intimations of his love to me, both in a way of providence and grace. 3. This love of his is immutable; he never repents of it nor withdraws it. 4. Whatever comes to pass in time is the result of his will from everlasting. 5. Consequently, my afflictions were a part of his original plan, and are all ordered in number, weight, and measure. 6. The very hairs of my head are (every one) counted by him, nor can a single hair fall to the ground but in consequence of his determination. 7. Hence, my distresses are not the result of chance, accident, or a fortuitous combination of circumstances, but 8. The providential accomplishment of God's purpose, and 9. Designed to answer some wise and gracious ends. 10. Nor shall my affliction continue a moment longer than God sees meet. 11. He who brought me to it has promised to support me under it and to carry me through it. 12. All shall, most assuredly, work together for his glory and my good. 13. Therefore, "The cup which my heavenly Father has given me to drink: Shall I not drink it?" -- a passage from Jerome Zanchius' book Absolute Predestination, quoted by John W. Robbins in "Providence and Thanksgiving," Trinity Review, November 2006
*Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language.
"First published in 1874, THE EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS, may be the best book on the doctrine of justification by faith alone ever written.
"Since the seventeenth century, the church's adherence to the central doctrine of the Christian faith has been weakening; in the twentieth century it has all but disappeared. But to those who remain faithful -- to those who are called of God -- justification by faith alone is the best news there could ever be: that Christ died for our sins, and we shall live forever because of Christ's righteousness.
"Justification by faith alone -- the 'principal hinge of religion,' according to John Calvin, the 'doctrine by which the church stands or falls,' according to Martin Luther -- is salvation. Without it, all hope is lost; with it, Heaven gained. Bonar's discussion is without equal in the English language." -- John W. Robbins
The Everlasting Righteousness; or, How Shall man be Just With God?
http://books.google.com/books?id=nQMDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
*Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), and Charles Hodge, Not What my Hands Have Done (Unicoi, TN: The Trinity Foundation, November, 2005), ISBN: 0940931699.
"Justification by faith alone is the central doctrine of Christianity. The critical question for man is not, What is the best government? or Whom should I marry? but, How can I, a sinner, be accepted by a Holy God? The Biblical answer is that sinners can stand before the face of God only in the righteousness that belongs to another, a righteousness that is not the result of the sinner's effort, but wholly a gift, received freely by faith alone.
"But the doctrine of justification by faith alone is either not taught or is actively opposed by most American churches, and now it is under siege in Reformed churches as well, both Baptist and Presbyterian. The emerging consensus in America is that salvation comes by religious experience, and the churches differ merely over which experience is saving: baptism, Mass, religious emotion, ecstatic speech, etc.
"Horatius Bonar and Charles Hodge, both 19th-century theologians, left us with one of the best popular explanations of the Biblical doctrine of justification by faith alone, and one of the best scholarly discussions of the doctrine and its adversaries. These two books, THE EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS by Bonar and JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH ALONE by Hodge, are here combined into one volume. NOT WHAT MY HANDS HAVE DONE offers not only a primer on justification but an advanced course as well. It is must reading for anyone who wants to understand Christianity." -- Publisher
"Contents:
"The Everlasting Righteousness, by Horatius Bonar:
Foreword; Preface; God's Answer to Man's Question; God's Recognition of Substitution; The Completeness of the Substitution; The Declaration of the Completeness; Righteousness for the Unrighteous; The Righteousness of God Reckoned to Us; Not Faith, But Christ; What the Resurrection of the Substitute Has Done; The Pardon and the Peace Made Sure; The Holy Life of the Justified
"Justification by Faith Alone, by Charles Hodge:
"Foreword; Introduction; The Meaning of Justification; Christ's Satisfaction of the Law; The Righteousness of Christ; Confessional Statements of the Doctrine; Justification Is a Forensic Act; Works Not the Ground of Justification; The Righteousness of Christ the Ground of Justification; Imputation of Righteousness; Proof of the Doctrine; The Consequences of the Imputation of Righteousness; Relation of Faith to Justification; Objections to the Protestant Doctrine of Justification; Departures from the Protestant Doctrine; Scripture Index; Index."
Not What My Hands Have Done, order form
http://www.trinitylectures.org/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=158
*Institute in Basic Life Principles, The Love of God Expressed in the Commands of Christ Pocket Guide (Oak Brook, IL: IBLP [Box One, 60522-3001]).
If ye love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:14)
Notice there are 15 other resources related to this pocket guide.
"Jesus gave many commands; however, this group of commands [49 -- compiler] was chosen to represent the basic 'curriculum' that Christ gave His disciples -- commands that we are to keep and teach others in order to be His disciples."
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. (John 14:21)
*Marshall, Walter (1628-1680), The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification: Growing in Holiness by Living in Union With Christ (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, Inc., 2005, 1999), ISBN: 189277724X. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Reformation Heritage Books edition is a reprint of the 1954 edition set by Oliphants and includes an introduction by Joel R. Beeke. Also includes the author's famous sermon on "The Doctrine of Justification Opened and Applied."
See the WorldCat record for various foreign language editions.
Other editions:
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, 270 pages, ISBN: 1597520543 9781597520546.
"This is by far the best book on the doctrine of Sanctification in print. It was originally written in the 17th century, but has been put into modern English with this edition. This book will help you better understand the Gospel and its power not only for our Justification, but our Sanctification as well." -- Reader's Comment
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, ISBN: 1589600630 9781589600638.
"Here you will read the most closely reasoned defense of scriptural sanctification to be found anywhere. . . . Fourteen directions are given to the reader, all perfected with the aim of explaining to sincere souls what sanctification is, what it is not, and how to attain a holy walk before God. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-mystery of Sanctification, Opened, in Sundry Practical Directions: Suited Especially to the Case of Those who Labor Under the Guilt and Power of Indwelling Sin. To Which is Added a Sermon on Justification (1859)
http://archive.org/details/gospelmysteryofs02mars
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Individual responsibility for corporate faithfulness and sanctification, The commands of christ, The ten commandments, the moral law, Politics, and so forth, and so on.
Lessons Learned in 35 Years in the Field, Peter Hammond
https://www.frontlinemissionsa.org/news/lessons-learned-in-35-years-in-the-field
In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. (Ephesians 1:11)But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (1 Corinthians 2:9,10)To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 26:18)
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (Galatians 4:4-7)But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. (Hebrews 11:16)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:3-9)There is a City of God, and its Founder has inspired us with a love which makes us covet its citizenship. -- Saint Augustine (Aurelius Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, 354-430 AD)
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23,24)
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. (Colossians 1:11,12)Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3-5)
He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. (Revelation 21:7)
*Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language.
"First published in 1874, THE EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS, may be the best book on the doctrine of justification by faith alone ever written.
"Since the seventeenth century, the church's adherence to the central doctrine of the Christian faith has been weakening; in the twentieth century it has all but disappeared. But to those who remain faithful -- to those who are called of God -- justification by faith alone is the best news there could ever be: that Christ died for our sins, and we shall live forever because of Christ's righteousness.
"Justification by faith alone -- the 'principal hinge of religion,' according to John Calvin, the 'doctrine by which the church stands or falls,' according to Martin Luther -- is salvation. Without it, all hope is lost; with it, Heaven gained. Bonar's discussion is without equal in the English language." -- John W. Robbins
The Everlasting Righteousness; or, How Shall man be Just With God?
http://books.google.com/books?id=nQMDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
Burroughs, Jeremiah (1599-1646), The Saint's Inheritance and the Worldling's Portion, Representing the Glorious Condition of a Child of God, and the misery of having ones portion in this world, unfolding the state of true happiness with the marks, means, and members, thereof, 1657. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Guthrie, Thomas (1620-1665), Christ and the Inheritance of the Saints.
"A Presbyterian preacher of the last century, Guthrie pastored the Edinburgh Church of Old Greyfriars for nearly thirty years. These expository discourses cover Colossians 1:12-20. First published in 1858." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Marshall, Walter (1628-1680), The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification: Growing in Holiness by Living in Union With Christ (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, Inc., 2005, 1999), ISBN: 189277724X. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Reformation Heritage Books edition is a reprint of the 1954 edition set by Oliphants and includes an introduction by Joel R. Beeke. Also includes the author's famous sermon on "The Doctrine of Justification Opened and Applied."
See the WorldCat record for various foreign language editions.
Other editions:
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, (Wipf & Stock Publishers, January 2005), 270 pages, ISBN: 1597520543 9781597520546.
"This is by far the best book on the doctrine of Sanctification in print. It was originally written in the 17th century, but has been put into modern English with this edition. This book will help you better understand the Gospel and its power not only for our Justification, but our Sanctification as well." -- Reader's Comment
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, ISBN: 1589600630 9781589600638.
"Here you will read the most closely reasoned defense of scriptural sanctification to be found anywhere. . . . Fourteen directions are given to the reader, all perfected with the aim of explaining to sincere souls what sanctification is, what it is not, and how to attain a holy walk before God. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-mystery of Sanctification, Opened, in Sundry Practical Directions: Suited Especially to the Case of Those who Labor Under the Guilt and Power of Indwelling Sin. To Which is Added a Sermon on Justification (1859)
http://archive.org/details/gospelmysteryofs02mars
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, The believer's position in christ and sonship, The love and justice of god, oneness, Heaven, Happiness, Holiness, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 743, 1743, 1753, 1754, 2812-2814
I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; [it] shall not cleave to me. (Psalm 101:3)
Entertainment very often depicts immoral conduct, crime, and other sins. To view such entertainment (in movies, cable TV, on The Internet, in the theater, and etc.), is to participate in that sin.And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2)
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. (1 Corinthians 15:33)
The friendship of the world is enmity with God. (James 4:4; 1 Corinthians 15:33)
By this law of habit, the sensibilities are inevitably dulled by repeated impressions. By the same law, the appetancies and law are strengthened by voluntary exercise. Thus, if impressions on the sensibilities are followed by their legitimate exertion of the active powers, the soul as a whole, while it grows calmer and less excitable, grows stronger and more energetic in its activities, and is confirmed in the paths of right action. But if the sensibilities are stimulated by objects which make no call, and offer no scope for right action, as by fictitious and unreal pictures of human passion, the soul is uselessly hackneyed and worn, and thus depraved. Here we find one of the fundamental objections to habitual novel reading. The excitement of the sympathies by warmly colored, but unreal, portraitures of passions, where there cannot possibly be any corresponding right action by the reader inasmuch as the agents and sufferers are imaginary, depraves the sensibilities without any retrieval of the soul's state in the corresponding cultivation of the active powers. The longer the reading is continued, the more does the young person become at once sentimental and unfeeling. The result is a selfish and morbid craving for excitement, coupled with a callous selfishness, dead to the claims of real charity and duty. The same objection lies against theatrical exhibitions, and for the same reason. -- Robert Dabney (1820-1898), in Spurious Religious Excitements, Discussions iii, 464-465
All great amusements are dangerous to the Christian life; but among all those which the world has invented there is none more to be feared than the theatre. It is a representation of the passions so natural and so delicate that it excites them and gives birth to them in our hearts, and, above all, to that of love, principally when it is represented as very chaste and virtuous. For the more innocent it appears to innocent souls, the more they are likely to be touched by it. Its violence pleases our self-love, which immediately forms a desire to produce the same effects which are seen so well represented; and, at the same time, we make ourselves a conscience founded on the propriety of the feelings which we see there, by which the fear of pure souls is removed, since they imagine that it cannot hurt their purity to love with a love which seems to them so reasonable.
So we depart from the theatre with our heart so filled with all the beauty and tenderness of love, the soul and the mind so persuaded of its innocence, that we are quite ready to receive its first impressions, or rather to seek an opportunity of awakening them in the heart of another, in order that we may receive the same pleasures and the same sacrifices which we have seen so well represented in the theatre. -- Blaise Pascal, Pensees, 1.11A description of the dissolute, and their irreverent language, does injure. Nor is it even necessary for literature to be specifically immoral to have this effect. Books that constantly convey a purely secular mindset, that treat the present world as though it were the only world, that studiously avoid truths revealed in Scripture (unless to scoff) -- such books impart a godless view of life, and teach their readers to regard this world as the only "reality." -- Iain Murray, in The Undercover Revolution: How Fiction Changed Britain, p. 69
God cannot be heard until we have put off our earthly thoughts. . . . The remedy of the first evil is to reflect on the nature of God. . . . For since the nature of God is spiritual, it is not allowable to imagine respecting him anything earthly or gross. -- John Calvin commenting on Exodus 3:4
Merriam-Webster Online states that the first known use of the word "amuse" in the 15th century was "to divert the attention of so as to deceive." It's obsolete meaning was to "distract" or to "bewilder."
Notice the drift of meaning is to define amusement (entertainment) as fiction that deceives, distracts, bewilders, and deludes the individual. The Greek etymology (from mousa/muse) is "a," anti, and "muse," Greek goddess.
So, why are we attracted by amusements and entertainment? One somewhat enigmatic answer, they, in part, offer an escape from the reality of total human depravity.Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. (1 Timothy 3:6). For example, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Brittany Spears, Jim Bakker, Jimmy Swaggart, some other TV evangelists, Sinclair Lewis's Elmer Gantry, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Delanor Roosevelt, Barrack Hussein Obama, Enron's executive Kenneth Laye, Health Insurance Executives, Bernie Madof, Rob Blagoyavich, George W. Bush, General Motors Executives, Tiger Woods, and so forth, and so on.
Anderson, George, The use and Abuse of Diversions (1733). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #22.
"A sermon on Luke 19:13: And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. Contains two appendices showing that the stage in particular is an unchristian diversion. Commenting on the modern equivalent of the stage (and the movie theater could be included here also), giving us an example of how 'the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light,' Postman writes,
Television is, after all, a form of graven imagery far more alluring than a golden calf. I suspect (though I have no external evidence of it), that Catholic objections to Bishop Fulton Sheen's theatrical performances on television (of several years back), sprang from the impression that viewers were misdirecting their devotions, away from God and toward Bishop Sheen, whose piercing eyes, awesome cape and stately tones were as close a resemblance to a deity as charisma allows. Television's strongest point is that it brings personalities into our hearts, not abstractions into our heads. That is why 'CBS programs about the universe were called Walter Cronkite's Universe.' One would think that the grandeur of the universe needs no assistance from Walter Cronkite. One would think wrong. CBS knows that Walter Cronkite plays better on television than the Milky Way. And Jimmy Swaggart plays better than God. For God exists only in our minds (please disregard Postman's theologically imprecise language in referring to God -- RB), whereas Swaggart is there, to be seen, admired, adorned. Which is why he is the star of the show. And why Billy Graham is a celebrity, and why Oral Roberts has his own university, and why Robert Schuller has a crystal cathedral all to himself. If I am not mistaken, the word for this is blasphemy." (Amusing Ourselves to Death, p. 123)"Anderson's book (of 224 pages), gives more insight into this very pertinent, pressing and prevalent subject. Are you of the spirit of the Psalmist when he declares, I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. (Psalm 101:3)? If not, why not?" -- Publisher
Associate Presbytery of Miami (sometimes attributed to James H. Henderson), Amusements and Levity: A Pastoral Letter. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Remembering that the word 'amuse' literally means 'no-think,' this is a very useful resource for our day -- when even ministers are found to publicly violate Ephesians 5:4. The authors, however, are careful to distinguish between cheerfulness and levity. They note, 'We mean a spirit of levity, as engendered or fostered by indulgence in frivolous amusements. We wish not to be understood as setting ourselves against every species of youthful amusement. We do not look for the gravity of old age in the morning of life, nor do we think that the religion of the Bible requires it. Christianity, rightly understood, has nothing to do with a demure preciseness of manner, or an affection of singularity, which God does not require. Cheerfulness, especially in youth, is perfectly compatible with spirit of the Bible; and as far as amusements are rational in their character, moral in their nature and tendency, rightly timed and enjoyed in moderation, we have nothing to object. But cheerfulness and levity belong to different families, and whenever the former is suffered to degenerate into the latter, the consequences must be evil'." (pp. 2,3) -- Publisher
*Baehr, Ted, The Christian Family Guide to Movies and Videos: Volumes I and II, ISBN: 0943497612 9780943497617.
"This is a very helpful guide . . ." -- GCB
*Baehr, Ted, Hollywood's Reel of Fortune: A Winning Strategy to Redeem the Entertainment Industry (Fort Lauderdale, FL: Coral Ridge Ministries).
"Explains the power and impact of the movie industry upon our society and analyzes the moral problems currently besetting our nation. He outlines specific remedial actions we can all take to correct a situation that has long been allowed to exist." -- CRM
"A critique that is both professionally informed and Biblically reasoned. . . . ." -- George Grant
Calvin, John (1509-1564), A Sermon on the Duty of Civil Rulers to Enforce and Defend the True Religion and True Godliness in their Realms by drawing out the sword against all Heretics and others who trouble the Church, and by strictly punishing whoredom, drunkenness, dancing, stage plays, &c., John Calvin. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
A sermon on 1 Timothy 2:1-2.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/calvin/calvin_12_on_Timothy.html
Doner, Colonel V., The Responsible Parent's Guide to TV: A Noted Expert Looks at Television's Role in Changing our Children's Values, ISBN: 0910311501 9780910311502.
"Drawn from scientific surveys, expert opinion, and insightful commentary the evidence indicates the media has become the cutting edge of a new anti-family revolution."
Gosson, Stephen (1554-1624), and Thomas Lodge, The Schoole of Abuse, Conteining a Plesaunt Inuectiue Against Pipers, Plaiers, Iesters, and Such Like Caterpillers of a Commonwelth . . . 1579. ISBN: 0824005856 9780824005856.
Haselden, Kyle, Morality and the Mass Media, ISBN: 0805461116.
"An important, revealing study of the effect of radio, TV, newspapers, and novels on the moral climate." -- Cyril J. Barber
Houston, Thomas (1803-1882), The Races: The Evils Connected With Horse-racing and the Steeple-chase and Their Demoralizing Effects.
Miller, C. John (1928-1996), A Christian Perspective on Literature.
Morrison, George H., Christ in Shakespeare: Ten Addresses on Moral and Spiritual Elements in Some of the Greater Plays.
Murray, Iain H., The Undercover Revolution: How Fiction Changed Britain, ISBN: 9781848710122 1848710127.
"Late Victorian and Edwardian Britain saw a mega-change in reading habits. For the first time fiction took the primary place in book publishing, and the medium was taken up by brilliant and entertaining authors with an agenda for 'a brave new world.' Such men as Thomas Hardy, H.G. Wells and George Bernard Shaw were the opinion-makers for coming generations." -- Publisher
This book . . . focused on a particular class and era of novelists such as Robert Louis Stevenson and Thomas Hardy. It devotes a chapter to each of those two men and seeks to show that their lives tell a very different story than their books. Their books paint the 'new morality' or rather immorality of 'free love' and other sins in glowing colors and soft lights. They make sin look happy. But when you look at their lives as they seek to live this way, the picture is very different. Their lives are not like the lives of their characters. Reality shows sin in all of its ugly colors and there is nothing happy about it. I think this is a danger in much of fiction. It is dangerous to be able to write the world anyway we want. Even Christian fiction writers can fall into describing the world the way they want it to be (i.e. Christians always prosper) and not the way God in his wisdom allows it to be." -- Reader's Comment
Smith, Jane S., and Betty Carlson, The Gift of Music: Great Composers and Their Influence, ISBN: 089107869X 9780891078692.
"The purpose of this book is to encourage listening to the finest music with understanding and pleasure, and to stretch one's ear and imagination. It sets forth the lives of about three dozen of the greatest composers, many of whom enriched the Christian church with artistic compositions." -- GCB
Includes bibliography and index.
Swinnock, George (1627-1673), The Christian-man's Calling, or, A Treatise of Making Religion Ones Business wherein, the nature and necessity of it is discovered: as also, the Christian directed how he may perform it, in religious duties, natural actions, his particular vocation, his family directions, and his own recreations / by George Swinnock, 1662. Available (WORKS OF GEORGE SWINNOCK), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Includes bibliographical references.
Swinnock, George, Works of George Swinnock, M.A (1868), volume 1 of 5.
http://archive.org/details/worksofgeorgeswi01swin
Winchester, S.G., The Theatre, 1840. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Witherspoon, John, and Samuel Miller, A Serious Inquiry Into the Nature and Effects of the Stage: and a Letter Respecting Play Actors, 1812. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #22.
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Glory in iniquity, the temptation of vainglory, The glory of the lord jesus christ, Christian biography, Christian fiction, Mind control, intimidation, and coercion, The media, DVD and multimedia, Public schools, public education, Theater, sports, and entertainment, Gambling, Modern myths and fallacies, Politics, The decline of american society, irrationality, the decline of western thought, Male role and responsibility, gender equality, suffrage, reproductive rights, and the decline of american society, Healing of the mind, Appendix c: psychology and psychiatry, Spiritual discernment, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, Sexual wholeness, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Holidays, Christmas, Gambling, Carnality, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 133, 134, 1940-1943, 3200-3203, 3405
Card-playing, Dicing and the use of Lots in Gaming
http://www.covenanter.org/subjects-1/2015/6/29/card-playing-dicing-and-the-use-of-lots-in-gaming
The Christian and the Theatre
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/6/30/theatre
ChristianCinema.com
"Faith Affirming and Family Approved Entertainment"
http://www.christiancinema.com/catalog/default.php?cPath=22
Christians and Dancing Homepage
"A Dance is the Devils Procession. He that enters into a Dance, enters into his Possession. The Devil is the Guide, the middle and the end of the Dance. -- Increase Mather, 'An Arrow Against Profane and Promiscuous Dancing Drawn Out of the Quiver of the Scriptures (1684)'."
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/6/29/dancing
On Dangerous Reading: A Warning Against the Reading of Novels, Fiction, and Other Poisonous Literature, Robert L. Dabney
http://www.truecovenanter.com/against_the_world/dabney_on_dangerous_reading.html
Fake News
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fake_news
Increase Mather's Testimony Against that Prophane and Superstitious Custom of Theatre-going (1687)
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/19/increase-mathers-testimony-against-that-prophane-and-superstitious-custom-of-theatre-going-1687
F.H. Newhall's Discourse on The Theater (1863)
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/19/fh-newhalls-discourse-on-the-theater-1863
Samuel Miller's Sermon on Theatre Attendance (1812)
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/19/samuel-millers-sermon-on-theatre-attendance-1812
Tabloid Journalism
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tabloid_journalism
Thomas Brainerd's Sermon on the Influence of Theatres (1840)
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/19/thomas-brainerds-sermon-on-the-influence-of-theatres-1840
I. Those whom God effectually calls, He also freely justifies; not by infusing righteousness into them, but by pardoning their sins, and by accounting and accepting their person as righteous; not for any thing wrought in them, or done by them, but for Christ's sake alone; nor by imputing faith itself, the act of believing, or any other evangelical obedience to them, as their righteousness; but by imputing the obedience and satisfaction of Christ unto them, they receiving and resting on Him and His righteousness by faith; which faith they have not of themselves, it is the gift of God.
II. Faith, thus receiving and resting on Christ and His righteousness is the alone instrument of justification: yet is it not alone in the person justified, but is ever accompanied with all other saving graces, and is no dead faith, but works by love.
III. Christ, by His obedience and death, did fully discharge the debt of all those that are thus justified, and did make a proper, real and full satisfaction to His Father's justice in their behalf. Yet, in as much as He was given by the Father for them; and His obedience and satisfaction accepted in their stead; and both, freely, not for any thing in them; their justification is only of free grace; that both the exact justice, and rich grace of God might be glorified in the justification of sinners.
IV. God did, from all eternity, decree to justify all the elect, and Christ did, in the fullness of time, die for their sins, and rise again for their justification: nevertheless, they are not justified, until the Holy Spirit does, in due time, actually apply Christ unto them. God does continue to forgive the sins of those that are justified; and although they can never fall from the state of justification, yet they may, by their sins, fall under God's fatherly displeasure, and not have the light of His countenance restored unto them, until they humble themselves, confess their sins, beg pardon, and renew their faith and repentance.
VI. The justification of believers under the old testament was, in all these respects, one and the same with the justification of believers under the New Testament." -- The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), Chapter XI: Of JustificationThe Treasury of David, Psalm 32, C.H. Spurgeon
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. (Psalm 32:1-5)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps032.phpFor I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (Romans 1:16,17)
Justification is the beginning of love. -- John Calvin in Institutes of the Christian Religion (McNeill/Battles), 3.14.6, p. 773 and context (1 John 4:10,11)
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17)
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:18-21)See Calvin: Institutes of the Christian Religion 3.11.1 -- 3.18.10, for a lengthy treatment of Justification
Acts 10:43, 1 John 1:7, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Corinthians 1:13, Acts 20:28, Hebrews 10:14, Revelation 7:14, and so forth, and so on. -- Calvin: Institutes of the Christian Religion, 3.5.1-5
See the Theological Notes: "The Atonement," at Romans 3:25 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "The Resurrection of Jesus," at Luke 24:2 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Faith and Works," at James 2:24 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Justification and Merit," at Galatians 3:11 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Adoption," at Galatians 4:5 in The Reformation Study Bible.
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. (Romans 3:20-28)
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures. (1 Corinthians 15:3,4)
For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. (Acts 17:28)
Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. (Psalm 85:10)
I cordially embrace the opinion which is held by many, that we have here a prophecy concerning the kingdom of Christ. . . . the design of the prophet is to show how bountifully God deals with his Church after he is reconciled to her. The fruits which he represents as springing from this reconciliation are, first, that mercy and truth meet together; and, secondly, that righteousness and peace embrace each other. From these words, Augustine deduces a beautiful sentiment, and one fraught with the sweetest consolation, That the mercy of God is the origin and source of all his promises, from whence issues the righteousness which is offered to us by the gospel, while from that righteousness proceeds the peace which we obtain by faith, when God justifies us freely. According to him, righteousness is represented as looking down from heaven, because it is the free gift of God, and not acquired by the merit of works; and that it comes from heaven, because it is not to be found among men, who are by nature utterly destitute of it. He also explains truth springing out of the earth as meaning, that God affords the most incontestable evidence of his faithfulness, in fulfilling what he has promised. . . . the natural meaning of the passage, which is, that mercy, truth, peace, and righteousness will form the grand and ennobling distinction of the kingdom of Christ. The prophet does not proclaim the praises of men, but commends the grace which he had before hoped for, and supplicated from God only; thus teaching us to regard it as an undoubted truth, that all these blessings flow from God. . . . there is described in these four words all the ingredients of true happiness. . . . Whence it follows, that nothing can contribute more effectually to the promotion of a happy life, than that these four virtues should flourish and rule supreme. The reign of Christ, in other parts of Scripture, is adorned with almost similar encomiums. . . . The springing of truth out of the earth, and the looking down of righteousness from heaven, without doubt, imply that truth and righteousness will be universally diffused, as well above as beneath, so as to fill both heaven and earth. . . . there will be no corner of the earth where these qualities do not flourish. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 85:10Yea 5. Its a false ground to say that by justification or remission of sins (as some say, but they are not every way the same) only the guilt of sin is removed, or only deliverance from eternal punishment; for Christ's dying and satisfying is ours, he dying in our stead and place, and we dying in him legally (not physically) and so are we not only by his satisfaction which is made ours, and by faith applied to us, negatively freed from Hell, but positively righteous; (I say not inherently or personally) for Christ's satisfaction is not a mere dying, nor mere suffering; for beasts may die and suffer much. But such a dying and such a suffering, for 1. Christ's dying and satisfying hath an excellency from the subject God-man who dyed, Act. 20. 28. 2. It hath an excellent qualification from the patience, submission, willingness of God-man, the like whereof could be in no simple Man, in no Angel, in no Creature; for the personal influence of God was in him & his obedience. As for the damned in Hell, their satisfaction is of another nature different from Christ's, & is only satispassion [penitential suffering] and pure torment, not holy, willing, suffering as the Law requires sinless sufferings as contradistinguished from active obedience. How be it the Law moral doth require patient and submissive suffering without despairing or blaspheming, in any reasonable Creature; for the holy Law cannot but condemn sin and blasphemy, adhering either to our acting or suffering." -- Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661) in Influences of the Life of Grace
When I look into my heart and take a view of its wickedness, it looks like an abyss infinitely deeper than hell. And it appears to me that, were it not for free grace, exalted and raised up to the infinite height of all the fullness and glory of the great Jehovah, I should appear sunk down in my sins below hell itself, far below the sight of everything but the eye of sovereign grace, that alone can pierce down to such a depth. And it is affecting to think how ignorant I was, when a young Christian, of the bottomless depths of wickedness, pride, hypocrisy, and deceit left in my heart. -- Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758)
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you. (Acts 3:19,20)
I also saw, moreover, that it was not my good frame of heart that made my righteousness better, nor yet was my bad frame that made my righteousness worse, for my righteousness was Jesus Christ himself, The same yesterday, today, and forever. Now did my chains fall off my legs indeed. I was loosed from my afflictions and irons; my temptations also fled away; so that from that time those dreadful scriptures of God [about the unforgivable sin] left off to trouble me; now went I also home rejoicing for the grace and love of God. -- John Bunyan in Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners
All the great fundamentals of Christian truth centre in this of justification. The trinity of persons in the Godhead; the incarnation of the only begotten of the Father; the satisfaction aid to the law and justice of God, for the sins of the world, by his obedience and sacrifice of himself in that flesh he assumed; and the divine authority of the Scriptures which reveal all this: these are all straight lines of truth that centre in this doctrine of justification of a sinner by the imputation and application of that satisfaction. There can be no justification without a righteousness; no righteousness can suffice but that which answers fully and perfectly the holy law of God; no such righteousness can be performed, but by a divine person; no benefit can accrue to a sinner unless it is in some way his, and applied to him; no application can be made of this but by faith in Jesus Christ. -- Robert Traill, from Justification Vindicated, first quoted by Puritanical
Feel the Importance of Your Sins Forgiven
Do you feel anything of the importance of being forgiven? Then, in the name of God, I call upon you to encourage that feeling more and more. This is the point to which we desire to bring all people's souls.
We want you to understand that religion does not consist in professing certain opinions, and performing certain outward duties, and going through certain outward forms. It consists in being reconciled to God, and enjoying peace with Him. It consists in having our sins cleansed away, and knowing that they are cleansed. It consists in being brought back into friendship with the King of kings, and living in the sunshine of that friendship.
Do not listen to those who are inclined to persuade you that if you only "go to church" regularly you will go to heaven. Settle it rather in your mind, that true saving religion, such as the Bible teaches, is another kind of thing altogether. The very foundation of real Christianity is to know that you have many sins, and deserve hell -- and to feel the importance of having these sins cleansed away, in order that you may go to heaven. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)For although true faith is not without good works, yet doth it justify without good works, by itself alone. -- Heinrich Bullinger
We are justified by faith. Being justified, all our sins are covered. God beholdeth us in the righteousness which is imputed, and not in the sins which we have committed. But imputation of righteousness hath covered the sins of every soul which believeth. God, by pardoning our sin, hath taken it away; so that now, although our transgressions be multiplied above the hairs of our head, yet, being justified, we are as free and as clear as if there were not one spot or strain of any uncleanness in us. Now, sin being taken away, we are made the righteousness of God in Christ. No man is blessed but in the righteousness of God: every man whose sin is taken away is blessed; therefore every man whose sin is covered is made the righteousness of God in Christ. This righteousness doth make us to appear most holy, most pure, most unblameable before him. -- Richard Hooker
Fully understanding the Doctrine of Justification can redeem a relationship broken by sexual sin.
It is a clear understanding of the Doctrine of Justification that enables us to repair broken relationships, both with God and with man. Repentance and forgiveness bridges the gap between man and God. It enables man and wife to reconcile their broken relationships, and to live together in harmony. It enables individuals to repair relationships broken by sin and to live and work together in unity in society.
If the reader would be interested in a full discussion of current errors in the Doctrine of Justification, as well as the doctrine in its wholeness, we recommend the following books:For basic background on the doctrine of justification:
- THE CURRENT JUSTIFICATION CONTROVERSY, by O. Palmer Robertson
- A COMPANION TO THE CURRENT JUSTIFICATION CONTROVERSY, by John W. Robbins
- NOT REFORMED AT ALL: MEDIEVALISM IN 'REFORMED' CHURCHES, by John Robbins and Sean Gerety
- THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD: WESTMINSTER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY IN PHILADELPHIA, by Mark W. Karlberg
In 1870 Charles Spurgeon commented on the apostasy in the Presbyterian Church in Scotland. The current Justification Controversy among Reformed Presbyterians makes his words just as relevant today as in 1870. A friend sent this quote to the Trinity Foundation who in turn shared it by e-mail. Here it is for your consideration.
- THE EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS, by Horatius Bonar
- JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH ALONE, by Charles Hodge
- WHAT IS SAVING FAITH? by Gordon H. Clark. -- John Robbins
In the same establishment may be found believers in nearly every dogma of the Popish creed, who nevertheless have declared their faith in articles which are distinctly Calvinistic; and now last, and, to our minds, most sorrowful of all, it comes out that there are men to be found among Caledonia's once sternly truthful sons who can occupy the pulpits and the manses of an orthodox Presbyterian church, and yet oppose her ancient confession of faith. Our complaint is in each case, not that the men changed their views, and threw up their former creeds, but that having done so they did not at once quit the office of minister to the community whose faith they could no longer uphold; their fault is not that they differed, but that, differing, they sought an office of which the prime necessity is agreement. All the elements of the lowest kind of knavery meet in the evil which we now denounce. Treachery is never more treacherous than when it leads a man to stab at a doctrine which he has solemnly engaged to uphold, and for the maintenance of which he receives a livelihood. The office of minister would never wittingly be entrusted by any community to a person who would use it for the overthrow of the principles upon which the community was founded. Such conduct would be suicidal. A sincere belief of the church's creed was avowedly or by implication a part of the qualification which helped the preacher to his stipend, and when that qualification ceases the most vital point of the compact between him and his church is infringed, and he is bound in honor to relinquish an office which he can no longer honestly fulfill. -- Charles Spurgeon in "Ministers Sailing Under False Colours," Sword and Trowel, February 1870.For Christians to be linked in association with ministers who do not preach the gospel of Christ is to incur moral guilt. A union which can continue irrespective of whether its member churches belong to a common faith is not fulfilling any scriptural function. The preservation of a denominational association when it is powerless to discipline heretics cannot be justified on the grounds of the preservation of 'Christian unity.' It is error which breaks the unity of churches, and to remain in a denominational alignment which condones error is to support schism. -- Charles Spurgeon, as cited in The Forgotten Spurgeon by Iain Murray, pp. 164-165
*Alexander, Archibald (1772-1851), A Treatise on Justification by Faith (1837). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Justification by faith played a large role in throwing off the shackles of Popery and superstition early in the first Reformation, especially among the Lutherans. And 'although Calvin refers to justification by faith as "the principal article of the Christian religion," it seems that he is acknowledging its importance to an earlier generation, rather than stating its importance to his own theological position. Justification is not demonstrably of central importance to Calvin's conception of the Christian faith. Nevertheless, the issues raised by the doctrine of justification remained active, even in Calvin's day.' (Oxford Encyclopedia of the Reformation, vol. 2, p. 365). In our day this issue bears reinvestigating in light of the predominance and resurgence of Romanism and the heresies which follow close on her heels, Arminianism and eventually Pelagianism or even Universalism. In our modern context this book should provide a very helpful shorter statement of the classic Protestant position pertaining to what Alexander himself terms 'the most important question which can possibly be conceived'." -- Publisher
Balnaves, Henry (d. 1579), and John Knox (1505-1572), Balnaves on Justification, With a Preface and Notes. Alternate titles: JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH AND THE TREATISE BY BALNAVES ON JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH, AS REVISED BY KNOX.
"Written A.D. 1548 -- Printed A.D. 1584 -- Reprinted 1831."
Reprint of: THE CONFESSION OF FAITH, CONTAINING HOW THE TROUBLED MAN SHOULD SEEK REFUGE AT HIS GOD, THERETO LED BY FAITH; WITH THE DECLARATION OF THE ARTICLE OF JUSTIFICATION AT LENGTH; THE ORDER OF GOOD WORKS WHICH ARE THE FRUITS OF FAITH; AND HOW THE FAITHFUL AND JUSTIFIED MAN SHOULD WALK AND LIVE IN THE PERFECT AND TRUE CHRISTIAN RELIGION, ACCORDING TO HIS VOCATION.
*Beeke, Joel R., Justification by Faith: A Bibliography Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, Inc.).
Nearly 400 works on justification are arranged alphabetically by author. Includes the works of Augustine, Calvin, Zanchius, Owen, Manton, Boston, Watson, Edwards, and many others.
Bell, Thomas, View of the Covenants of Works and of Grace: And a Treatise on the Nature and Effects of Saving Faith. To Which are Added, Several Discourses on the Supreme Deity of Jesus Christ, 1814.
"A view of the covenants of work and grace: and a treatise on the nature and effects of saving faith. To which are added, several discourses on the supreme deity of Jesus Christ." -- Publisher
*Berkouwer, Gerrit C., Faith and Perseverance.
Translated by Robert D. Knudsen. "Provides a penetrating study of the Biblical teaching on perseverance from the perspective of the historical Reformed tradition. Does not confine itself to statements about the doctrine drawn from the early era of the Christian church, but ably evaluates the teaching of Ritschl, Schleiermacher, Schlink, and Barth. Gives helpful assurance to believers in the midst of a world caught up in the tides of change and transition." -- Cyril J. Barber
Boersma, Hans, A hot Pepper Corn: Richard Baxter's Doctrine of Justification in its Seventeenth-century Context of Controversy, ISBN: 9023901797 9789023901792.
*Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language.
"First published in 1874, THE EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS, may be the best book on the doctrine of justification by faith alone ever written.
"Since the seventeenth century, the church's adherence to the central doctrine of the Christian faith has been weakening; in the twentieth century it has all but disappeared. But to those who remain faithful -- to those who are called of God -- justification by faith alone is the best news there could ever be: that Christ died for our sins, and we shall live forever because of Christ's righteousness.
"Justification by faith alone -- the 'principal hinge of religion,' according to John Calvin, the 'doctrine by which the church stands or falls,' according to Martin Luther -- is salvation. Without it, all hope is lost; with it, Heaven gained. Bonar's discussion is without equal in the English language." -- John W. Robbins
The Everlasting Righteousness; or, How Shall man be Just With God?
http://books.google.com/books?id=nQMDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
*Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), God's Way of Holiness, ISBN: 085234130X 9780852341308.
"He describes the new life; the indwelling of Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Then he clarifies what is the root and soil of holiness. He shows us the Cross and its power, and expounds how the saint is not under the law, but under grace. Then a look at Romans 7 shows us how far we must go after we have the new life. We must have a true creed in our true life. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
"Covers such things as: the new life, the Spirit in us, root and soil of holiness, strength against sin, the cross and its power, the saint and the law, the saint and Romans 7, and more." -- GCB
God's Way of Holiness, by Horatius Bonar
http://www.pionet.net/~cultrsch/bgwhtoc.htm
Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), and Charles Hodge, Not What my Hands Have Done (Unicoi, TN: The Trinity Foundation, November, 2005), ISBN: 0940931699.
"Justification by faith alone is the central doctrine of Christianity. The critical question for man is not, What is the best government? or Whom should I marry? but, How can I, a sinner, be accepted by a Holy God? The Biblical answer is that sinners can stand before the face of God only in the righteousness that belongs to another, a righteousness that is not the result of the sinner's effort, but wholly a gift, received freely by faith alone.
"But the doctrine of justification by faith alone is either not taught or is actively opposed by most American churches, and now it is under siege in Reformed churches as well, both Baptist and Presbyterian. The emerging consensus in America is that salvation comes by religious experience, and the churches differ merely over which experience is saving: baptism, Mass, religious emotion, ecstatic speech, etc.
"Horatius Bonar and Charles Hodge, both 19th-century theologians, left us with one of the best popular explanations of the Biblical doctrine of justification by faith alone, and one of the best scholarly discussions of the doctrine and its adversaries. These two books, THE EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS by Bonar and JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH ALONE by Hodge, are here combined into one volume. NOT WHAT MY HANDS HAVE DONE offers not only a primer on justification but an advanced course as well. It is must reading for anyone who wants to understand Christianity." -- Publisher
"Contents:
"The Everlasting Righteousness, by Horatius Bonar:
Foreword; Preface; God's Answer to Man's Question; God's Recognition of Substitution; The Completeness of the Substitution; The Declaration of the Completeness; Righteousness for the Unrighteous; The Righteousness of God Reckoned to Us; Not Faith, But Christ; What the Resurrection of the Substitute Has Done; The Pardon and the Peace Made Sure; The Holy Life of the Justified
"Justification by Faith Alone, by Charles Hodge:
"Foreword; Introduction; The Meaning of Justification; Christ's Satisfaction of the Law; The Righteousness of Christ; Confessional Statements of the Doctrine; Justification Is a Forensic Act; Works Not the Ground of Justification; The Righteousness of Christ the Ground of Justification; Imputation of Righteousness; Proof of the Doctrine; The Consequences of the Imputation of Righteousness; Relation of Faith to Justification; Objections to the Protestant Doctrine of Justification; Departures from the Protestant Doctrine; Scripture Index; Index."
Not What My Hands Have Done, order form
http://www.trinitylectures.org/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=158
Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), Of the Benefits Flowing From Justification, Adoption, and Sanctification. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON (2:15-27).
*Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), Of Justification. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON. (1:581-612).
Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:24)
Boston, Thomas, A Sermon on Justification
"Excerpted from his COMMENTARY ON THE SHORTER CATECHISM."
http://www.truecovenanter.com/sermons/boston_justification.html
*Brown, John (of Wamphray, 1610-1679), The Life of Justification Opened, or, A Treatise Grounded Upon Gal. 3.11 [Galatians 3:11]: Wherein the Orthodox Doctrine of Justification by Faith, and Imputation of Christ's Righteousness, is clearly expounded, solidly confirmed, and learnedly vindicated from the various Objections of its Adversaries. Whereunto are subjoined some Arguments against Universal Redemption, 1695. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive (a single copy may be downloaded). Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #20.
"In 1828 Dr. Burns wrote, 'Mr. John Brown was unquestionably one of the most eminent divines Scotland has yet produced, as his numerous writings, still carefully sought after by solid and judicious Christians, fully evince.' (Johnston, Treasury of the Scottish Covenant, p. 339). Regarding this book Dr. Walker noted, 'By far our most thorough exposition and discussion of the doctrine it handles; and all the more to be prized because of the particular bearing it has on the new views which Baxter and others had begun to propagate, and which in some shape are ever returning upon ourselves.' (Ibid., p. 341). Interestingly, Brown, in the preface, after warning against Arminianism 'as the immediate way to introduce Popery' states, 'Yea even those who were purer in appearance, pressing the moral duties and practical doctrine of piety (I mean the followers of that famous Minister Mr. Richard Baxter), did corrupt the true doctrine of justification, because they adopted universal grace and redemption.' One of the best, if not the best, books ever written on the topic of justification!" -- Publisher
The Life of Justification Opened, John Brown (of Wamphray, 1610-1679)
http://reformedlayman.com/LifeofJustification_by_Brown/Cover.htm
*Buchanan, James (1804-1870), The Doctrine of Justification: An Outline of its History in the Church and of its Exposition From Scripture. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #20. (ACL, DVD Five, CD #25)
"The doctrine of justification by faith is like Atlas: it bears a world on its shoulders, the entire evangelical knowledge of saving grace." -- Publisher
"This is still the best textbook on its subject, from the standpoint of the classic covenant theology." -- J.I. Packer
Bunyan, John (1628-1688), A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus Christ; Shewing, True Gospel-Holiness Flows From Thence; or, Mr. Fowler's pretended design of Christianity, proved to be nothing more than to trample under foot the blood of the Son of God; and the idolizing of man's own righteousness. In THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN (2:278-334). Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Pilgrim's Page: A John Bunyan Archive
This is the complete set of THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN, George Offor edition, reprinted by The Banner of Truth. It is free online, and is downloadable in the following formats: HTML, RTF, TEXT, and PDF.
http://www.chapellibrary.org/literature/bunyan/
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN is also available at Project Gutenberg.
*Bunyan, John (1628-1688), Justification by an Imputed Righteousness. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Pilgrim's Page: A John Bunyan Archive
This is the complete set of THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN, George Offor edition, reprinted by The Banner of Truth. It is free online, and is downloadable in the following formats: HTML, RTF, TEXT, and PDF.
http://www.chapellibrary.org/literature/bunyan/
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN is also available at Project Gutenberg.
*Calvin, John (1509-1564), The Necessity of Reforming the Church (1544). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also found in CALVIN'S SELECTED WORKS, TRACTS AND LETTERS. Available in Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library. Available in THE CHURCH EFFEMINATE AND OTHER ESSAYS.
"It [THE NECESSITY OF REFORMING THE CHURCH (1544) -- compiler], has still been correctly acknowledged as one of the most important documents of the Reformation.
"C.H. Spurgeon once said, 'the longer I live the clearer does it appear that John Calvin's system is the nearest to perfection.' (cited in Christian History, Vol. 5, No. 4). . . . Like Calvin, some few believers today see 'the present condition of the Church . . . to be very miserable, and almost desperate.' Our context is different in one key respect however. The church needing reformation in Calvin's day was the tradition-encrusted church of Rome. Shortly after the Reformation, for those leaving Rome behind, two streams became apparent. One was the stream of classical Protestant orthodoxy, represented today by a handful of Gideons in their desktop publishing wine vats. The other was the left wing of the Reformation -- the anabaptist movement. In the early years, the anabaptists were suffering outsiders. But today the anabaptist church is the Establishment -- an establishment governed by a chaos of traditions instead of biblical worship. Everywhere we look we see Christians approaching God with observances in worship which Calvin calls 'the random offspring of their own brain.' Though this work is not an elaborate systematic presentation of the foundations of Christianity, such as CALVIN'S INSTITUTES, it has still been correctly acknowledged as one of the most important documents of the Reformation. Calvin here pleads the cause dearest to his heart before an assembly perhaps the most august that Europe could have furnished in that day. It has been said that the animated style used by Calvin in this work would not lose by comparison with any thing in the celebrated 'Dedication' prefixed to his INSTITUTES. To this day, THE NECESSITY OF REFORMING THE CHURCH remains a powerful weapon, both defensive and offensive, to fight the contemporary battle for Protestantism -- the everlasting gospel of truth. Here, in our modern setting, we find the answers to many of the vexing questions which continue to agitate the Church." -- Publisher
The Necessity of Reforming the Church (1543), by John Calvin
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/NRC_ch00.htm
*Calvin, John (1509-1564), The Westminster Divines and others, Larry Birger (compiler), Selected Writings on Justification by Faith and the Free Offer of the Gospel for the Succor and Comfort of the Troubled Saint, and the Convicted Sinner. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #20.
"Includes writings by John Calvin, the Westminster Divines, Robert Traill, the Reformed Presbytery, William Guthrie, and pertinent articles from the Original Covenanter and Contending Witness magazine defending the Protestant view of justification and the preaching of the Gospel." -- Publisher
Clark, Gordon H. (1902-1985), What is Saving Faith? ISBN: 0940931656 9780940931657 (Unicoi, TN: The Trinity Foundation, 1990).
"This is the combined edition of two of Dr. Clark's seminal books: FAITH AND SAVING FAITH and THE JOHANNINE LOGOS. Both books deal with the crucial issue of justification by faith alone in a new fashion: by deriving a definition of faith (belief) from the Greek New Testament rather than from Latin theologians. It is both ironic and telling that most Protestants, when asked to define the word 'faith,' sound like they are exegeting the Vulgate. No one before Dr. Clark has examined, collated, and systematized the wealth of Scriptural material relevant to the definition of faith. The result is a refreshing and exhilarating defense of the doctrine of justification through belief alone." -- The Trinity Foundation
Contents:
Faith and Saving Faith: Foreword, Preface, Introduction, Generic Faith: Brand Blanshard, Generic and Secular Belief: H.H. Price, Roman Catholic Views, Biblical Data, John Calvin, Thomas Manton, John Owen, Charles Hodge, Interlude on the Head and the Heart: B.B. Warfield, Minor Men: John Anderson and J.H. Bavinck, John Theodore Mueller, The End of History, The Necessity of Faith, The Language, Person or Proposition? The Object, A Conclusion, The Johannine Logos: Introduction, The Prologue, Logos and Rheemata, Truth, Saving Faith, Conclusion, Scripture Index, Index, The Crisis of Our Time, Intellectual Ammunition
Clarkson, David (1622-1686), The Doctrine of Justification is Dangerously Corrupted in the Roman Church, 1675. In THE WORKS OF DAVID CLARKSON. In THE MORNING EXERCISE AGAINST POPERY. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #17.
Cunha, Stephen M., The Emperor has no Clothes: Dr. Richard B. Gaffin Jr.'s Doctrine of Justification (Unicoi, TN: The Trinity Foundation, November, 2011), ISBN: 1891777327 9781891777325.
From the conclusion:
Justification is by faith alone! True, it is not by a faith that is alone. Only the kind of faith that evidences itself as true faith through the production of good works in the kind of faith that justifies. Good works play a purely evidential or demonstrative role with respect to justification. The Bible teaches this and, for this reason, all of the Reformers taught this. Heinrich Bullinger, another Reformer of prodigious stature and tremendous influence, is fairly representative of all the Reformers when he says, "For although true faith is not without good works, yet doth it justify without good works, by itself alone."(1) Amen!
Lest anyone attempt to gloss Bullinger's words with a shade of meaning foreign to his intent, it is to be observed that, in the same sermon, only a few sentences later, the great Reformer approvingly cites the following comments on the third chapter of Romans made by the Ante-Nicene writer Origen:Paul saith that the justification of faith alone is sufficient for a man; so that every one that doth believe only is justified, although no works are once wrought by him. Now if we require an example, where any was ever justified by faith alone without good works; that thief, I suppose, is example good enough, who, being crucified with Christ, did cry from the cross, "Lord Jesus, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom." In the writings of the evangelists there is mention made of no good work which he in his life did; and yet, because of this his faith only, Jesus said unto him: "Verily I say unto thee, this day thou shalt be with me in paradise." Therefore this thief was through faith justified without the works of the law. For after this request and prayer of his the Lord made no inquisition what his works were all his life long; neither did he look what works he would do after this faith and believing; but did immediately, upon his confession, both justify, and take him as a companion to go with him to paradise.(2)This is good news! Thanks be to God!
1. Henry Bullinger, The Decades of Henry Bullinger, Volume 1 (Reformation Heritage Books, 2004), 339 (Decade 3, Sermon 9). 2. The Decades of Henry Bullinger, Volume 1, 339-340 (Decade 3, Sermon 9).
Dabney, Robert L. (1820-1898), The Moral Effects of a Free Justification. Available DISCUSSIONS: EVANGELICAL AND THEOLOGICAL, VOL. 1. on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #20.
"There is no law superior to God, restraining his holy and righteous discretion as to the shape in which his justice shall demand and receive its satisfaction. Hence, when divine mercy proposed a vicarious satisfaction, the free, optional acceptance of the Sovereign was as essential to its validity as the divine worthiness of the Substitute. Now, the greater includes the less, and the whole its parts. If the divine creditor has discretionary right to devise and accept a substitution, of course he has the included right, when he accepts it, to reserve any terms or conditions with the released debtor which he chooses. What terms he has seen fit, in his mercy, holiness and wisdom, to reserve and stipulate with us sinners, is therefore simply a question of fact. What saith he in his gospel of this? The substance of the answer is this: That he graciously accepts Christ as the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth, reserving to himself these two points -- both entirely consistent with a blessed reconciliation -- that the beneficiary shall still observe the law as his rule of holy living (though no longer as his covenant of works), and that the Father shall have the option of chastening the reconciled child during his militant state, for his good, in love and not in wrath. These things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth. Now, such being the transactions, and God having expressly stipulated these reservations in the very offer of his mercy, it is a simple impertinence to say that he can no longer require obedience of us without claiming the same debt twice." -- Robert Dabney
Dickinson, Jonathan (1688-1747), and Thomas Foxcroft, The True Scripture-doctrine Concerning Some Important Points of Christian Faith, Particularly Eternal Election, Original Sin, Grace in Conversion, Justification by Faith, and the Saints Perseverence: Represented and Apply'd in Five Discourses. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
A Discourse on Justification by Faith, Jonathan Dickinson
http://www.truecovenanter.com/sermons/dickinson_justification.html
Dickson, David (1583-1663), Honey-Drops or Crystal Streams.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/dickson/hdrops.html
Dickson, David (1583-1663), Of Justification, from David Dickson's TRUTH'S VICTORY OVER ERROR.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/dickson/truthsvictory11.html
*Dickson, David (1583-1663), and Robert Wodrow (1679-1734), Truth's Victory Over Error: A Commentary on the Westminster Confession of Faith. Alternate title: TRUTH'S VICTORY OVER ERROR: OR, THE TRUE PRINCIPLES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION, STATED AND VINDICATED . . . BY THE LATE . . . DAVID DICKSON, . . . TO THIS EDITION IS PREFIXED, A SHORT ACCOUNT OF THE AUTHOR'S LIFE, BY . . . ROBERT WODROW . . . KILMARNOCK, 'THE TRUE PRINCIPLES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION, STATED AND VINDICATED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING HERESIES, VIZ, ARIANS, ARMINIANS, ANABAPTISTS, ANTINOMIANS, BROWNISTS, DONATISTS, EPICURIANS, EUTYCHIANS, ERASTIANS, FAMILISTS, JESUITS, INDEPENDENTS, LIBERTINES, MANICHEANS, PELAGIANS, PAPISTS, QUAKERS, SOCINIANS, SABELLIANS, SCEPTICS, VANINIANS, ETC. THE WHOLE BEING A COMMENTARY ON ALL THE CHAPTERS OF THE (Westminster -- RB), CONFESSION OF FAITH, BY WAY OF QUESTION AND ANSWER: IN WHICH, THE SAVING TRUTHS OF OUR HOLY RELIGION ARE CONFIRMED AND ESTABLISHED; AND THE DANGEROUS ERRORS AND OPINIONS OF ITS ADVERSARIES DETECTED AND CONFUTED . . . TO THIS EDITION IS PREFIXED, A SHORT ACCOUNT OF THE AUTHOR'S LIFE, BY THE LATE MR. ROBERT WODROW . . .'," ISBN: 0851519490 9780851519494. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"One of the best commentaries on the Westminster Confession of Faith. This item is part of the elder's reading/training list in the Puritan Reformed Church (the church of the Covenanted Reformation)." -- Publisher
Dickson, David, Truth's Victory Over Error
http://www.truecovenanter.com/dickson/truthsvictory.html
Of Justification, from David Dickson's TRUTH'S VICTORY OVER ERROR
http://www.truecovenanter.com/dickson/truthsvictory11.html
Dickson, David (1583-1663), and Robert Wodrow (1679-1734, short account of the Reverend Mr. David Dickson), Truth's Victory Over Error, or, the True Principles of the Christian Religion, Stated and Vindicated Against the Following Heresies, viz. Arians . . . Vaninians, &c. The whole being a commentary on all the chapters of the Confession of Faith, by way of question and answer: in which, the saving truths of our holy religion are confirmed and established; and the dangerous errors and opinions of its adversaries detected and confuted. (1764)
Bound with the author's: TRUE CHRISTIAN LOVE.
https://archive.org/details/truthove00dick
Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), Justification by Faith Alone, ISBN: 1573581070 9781573581073. Available (THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
If we agree that we are all sinners, forgiven and justified by God in Christ, then it becomes easier to forgive a spouse.
"This book is the substance of two of Edward's earliest printed lectures from 1738. He was endeavoring to respond to encroaching Arminianism in Northampton, as well as an abiding antinomianism in the colonies since the days of Anne Hutchinson. This classic work demonstrates Edwards' lucid reasoning and solid Biblical approach to the crucial issue of salvation. Edwards made the doctrine of justification the centerpiece of evangelism. God Himself confirmed this priority by graciously sending a revival to New England known as the Great Awakening." -- Publisher
*Elliott, Paul M., Christianity and Neo-Liberalism: The Spiritual Crisis in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and Beyond (Unicoi, TN: The Trinity Foundation; October, 2005), ISBN: 0940931680 9780940931688.
"Paul M. Elliott, a former Ruling Elder in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, carefully traces the origin of the spiritual crisis in the OPC and similar denominations to the pernicious teaching of Westminster Theological Seminary. That teaching is that God is unknowable, that Scripture is contradictory, and that salvation is by faith-plus-works. Elliott provides copious quotations from faculty members, from the Westminster Theological Journal, and from pastors in OPC congregations to document his analysis. This book is must reading for all Presbyterians.
"Elliott's book is a massive documentation of Liberalism at Westminster Seminary (Philadelphia) and in the OPC on the doctrines of Scripture, God, salvation, and hermeneutics. Officers of the OPC should not even begin to think, 'We are the children of Machen,' for if they were, they would do the deeds of Machen." -- The Trinity Foundation
" 'The Marks of Neo-liberalism' is taken from chapter 2 of . . . CHRISTIANITY AND NEO-LIBERALISM: THE SPIRITUAL CRISIS IN THE ORTHODOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AND BEYOND.
"In this chapter Mr. Elliot lists the marks of Neo-liberalism -- they are the principles of the Liberalism that Machen opposed -- and shows how the OPC displays those marks, even while claiming that 'there's no one here but us Reformed folks.'
The Marks of Neo-liberalism, Paul M. Elliott
http://www.trinityfoundation.org/journal.php?id=219
"I would like to recommend Paul Elliot's new book, CHRISTIANITY AND NEO-LIBERALISM. This is a book that everyone who loves Jesus Christ, loves the truth, and loves the Gospel must read.
"It is a riveting and horrifying story. Elliot explains in great detail how the enemies of the faith have been able to surreptitiously supplant the true Gospel with a clever fraud and, more importantly, how they were able to succeed in the OPC. The track Elliot outlines in the OPC is mirrored in many respects in the PCA as well. Further, the politics involved and how these enemies of Christ have positioned themselves in places of power and influence over the years and their success in neutralizing their opposition is a lesson all of us need to learn, but I'm afraid few of us have. The incredible gullibility and complacency of countless churchmen recounted in this book is frightening. The comparison to Machen's CHRISTIANITY AND LIBERALISM is more than fitting. I would argue Elliot's book is considerably better on a number of counts. His account of the Kinnaird affair alone is worth the price of the book. Yet, there is so much I haven't even considered, like the "hermeneutic of trust" which has supplanted the Reformed hermeneutic yin many circles is an eye-opener. This is simply an amazing book." -- Sean Gerety
Contents:
Part One: Liberalism and Neo-liberalism: A Little Leaven; The Marks of Neo-liberalism.
Part Two: Historical Background: Those Who Ignore the Errors of History; Embracing the Principles of the Auburn Affirmation.
Part Three: The Growth of Neo-liberalism: The Shepherd Controversy: Entry of Another Gospel; Richard Gaffin's New Perspective on Paul; The Kinnaird Case and its Aftermath; The Hermeneutic of Trust: Prescription for Doctrinal Anarchy; How Did It Happen?
Part Four: How Shall We Respond?: The Biblical Imperative.
Appendices: The Auburn Affirmation; Kinnaird Memorandum; Proposed (Rejected) Overture to the 2004 OPC General Assembly; Scripture Index; Index.
Erskine, Ebenezer (1680-1754), The Believer Exalted in Imputed Righteousness. A Sermon preached at a sacramental occasion. By the late Rev. Mr. Ebenezer Erskine. Available (THE WORKS OF EBENEZER ERSKINE), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Eyre, William (1612/13-1670), and Owen John (1616-1683), Vindiciae Justificationis Gratuitae = Justification Without Conditions, or, The Free Justification of a Sinner: Explained, confirmed, and vindicated, from the exceptions, objections, and seeming absurdities, which are cast upon it, by the assertors of conditional justification: more especially from the attempts of Mr. B. Woodbridge in his sermon, entitled (Justification by faith), of Mr. Cranford in his Epistle to the reader, and of Mr. Baxter in some passages, which relate to the same matter: wherein also, the absoluteness of the New Covenant is proved, and the arguments against it, are disproved / by W. Eyre . . . Alternate title: APHORISMES OF JUSTIFICATION.
*Girardeau, John L., Calvinism and Evangelical Arminianism Compared as to Election, Reprobation, Justification and Related Doctrines, ISBN: 0873779665. Available (in WORKS OF JOHN GIRARDEAU), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"A thorough but graceful refutation of Wesley's arminianism." -- Lloyd T. Sprinkle
"This powerful and penetrating book has been called the best on the subject . . . ." -- GCB
*Haldane, Robert (1764-1842), Commentary on Romans, ISBN: 0851517080. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"This is a solid work on the book of Romans and was previously published by the Banner of Truth in their Geneva series." -- GCB
"First published between 1835-1839, this Reformed commentary by a Christian layman has enjoyed a wide-spread ministry since its first appearance. The lectures were delivered in Geneva and brought about a genuine movement of the Spirit among theologues who heard them." -- Cyril J. Barber
Exposition of the Epistle to the Romans (1874)
http://archive.org/details/expositionofthee00halduoft
Hamilton, Patrick (1503-1527), and A Most Excelent and Fruitful Treatise, Called Patericks Places: Concerning the Doctrine of Fayth, and the Doctrine of the Law: Which Being Knowen, you Haue the Pith of all Diuinitie. With a Briefe Collection or Exposition of a Summe of S. Pauls Doctrine Touching Iustification by Fayth, in Jesus Christ: Which is the Only Marke to Shoote at, and the Only Meanes to Obtaine Saluation, c1526.
Patrick Hamilton's Loci Communes
Alternate title: THE COMMON PLACES OF DIVINITY AS SET FORTH BY MR. PATRICK HAMILTON.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/gospel/hamilton_loci_communes.html
*Hodge, Charles (1797-1878), Justification by Faith Alone, ISBN: 0940931427 9780940931428. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #20.
Hoeksema, Herman, and John W. Robbins (editor), The Clark-Van Til Controversy, ISBN: 0940931443 9780940931442.
"This book is a series of editorials written at the time of the so-called Clark-Van Til controversy in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in the mid-1940's. The essays are some of the best analyses of its meaning we have seen in print, written by the editor of the Standard Bearer. Far from being a sideshow, and far from being dead, the assault on the doctrines of Scripture by the faculty of Westminster Seminary determined the path that the Seminary, and to some extent, the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, would follow for the remainder of the century." -- The Trinity Foundation
Contents: Introduction: The Text of a Complaint; The Views of Gordon H. Clark; The Incomprehensibility of God; The Answer; The Primacy of Truth; The Primacy of Intellect; Rationalism; Sovereignty and Responsibility; The Sincere Offer of the Gospel; Arminianism; Saving the Reprobate; John Calvin; Calvin on Common Grace; Contradicting Scripture; An Arminian Gospel; Presbytery Minutes; The General Assembly's Decisions; Postscript; Index; Scripture Index
Karlberg, Mark W., The Changing of the Guard: Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia (Unicoi, TN: The Trinity Foundation, 2001), ISBN: 0940931583 9780940931589.
"A critical discussion of Westminster Seminary's anti-Reformational and unbiblical teaching on the Doctrine of Justification."
The Changing of the Guard, Mark W. Karlberg
http://trinityfoundation.org/reviews/last.asp
Karlberg, Mark W., Gospel Grace: The Modern-day Controversy, ISBN: 1592443524 9781592443529.
"This book, sequel to Dr. Karlberg's COVENANT THEOLOGY IN REFORMED PERSPECTIVE, is written in the hope that an understanding of the dispute at Westminster Seminary will provide some insight into the origination and spread of false teaching in once-orthodox centers of learning. In this particular case, as in most, there is the exploitation of false notions and misformulations, some of which are deeply embedded within the theological tradition. Such misconceptions can be the seeds for heresy, the fruit of further development and maturation of erroneous teaching (sometimes appearing in succeeding generations). Alongside the doctrinal substance of the current dispute are the machinations of once-respected teachers in the Reformed churches. Dr. Mark W. Karlberg, widely recognized as a leading representative of Reformed covenant theology, obtained his Th.D. from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. Standing in the line of Old Westminster, Dr. Karlberg has championed the Protestant doctrine of justification by faith alone, which doctrine now occupies center stage in the critical debate at the opening of the third millennium of Christian theology." -- Publisher
*Knox, John (1505-1572), On Justification by Faith. Alternate title: THE TREATISE BY BALNAVES ON JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH, AS REVISED BY KNOX. Available in the THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #20.
"Luther called justification by faith alone (i.e. apart from works), the doctrine by which the church stands or falls. 'From,' this book 'which clearly enunciated Luther's great theme of justification by faith, it can be certain that Knox was squarely in the mainstream of the Reformation's purpose of restoring the gospel of Jesus Christ to its rightful place . . . The Scottish reformer asserted that the wicked believe works to be a part of salvation, but a true preacher must exclude them from justification as did Christ and the prophets. Yet Knox did not condemn good works, for as shall be seen, he held them to be a fruit of justification, but not the cause of it. . . . Finally, he contended that the faith of the Old Testament fathers and that of the New Testament, which he possessed, were one and the same. The patriarchs stood in God's favor in the future promised Seed, and Knox stood in God's grace by faith in the Seed that had already been revealed. Such a position of exact continuity in the promise of the gospel and in the content and object of the faith bore some resemblance to the 'Federal Theology' or the covenant theological system that developed more formally at a later date'." (Kyle, The Mind of John Knox, pp. 85, 98) -- Publisher
*Leith, John H., John Calvin's Doctrine of the Christian Life, ISBN: 0664213308 9780664213305.
"This work provides a thorough analysis of Calvinist doctrine, defining Christian life in relation to four aspect of Calvinist thought: justification by faith, providence and predestination, history and the transhistorical, and church and society. The relationship between God and man is seen as the most central." -- GCB
*Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Growing in the Spirit: Assurance of our Salvation (John 17:20-26), ISBN: 0891075356 9780891075356.
"The late preacher of righteousness, Lloyd-Jones, was a pastor of Westminster Chapel in London. He has authored many truly good books. This is a study of John 17:17-24, the marvelous prayer of the Lord Jesus for His own. And the theme is that in these verses we can find much assurance of our salvation. The author points out that though we are sanctified, set apart, from eternity, and begin to see its effects upon our New Birth, yet sanctification is a life-long process in which we are given a part to play. For we must respond to the leading of God the Spirit in a very personal way. The practical instructions of The Doctor, as the author was called, are plain and easily understood. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
*Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Romans: Atonement and Justification: An Exposition of Chapters 3:20 -- 4:35, ISBN: 0310278805 9780310278801.
"A superb exposition of the doctrines of the atonement and justification. Here is expository preaching at its best." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Luther, Martin (1483-1546), Commentary on Galatians, English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge, ISBN: 0825431247. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"I prefer this book of Martin Luther's (except the Bible), before all the books I have ever seen, as most fit for a wounded soul." -- John Bunyan
"This is a great, historic work, and is beyond criticism on account of its great usefulness. As a comment its accuracy might be questioned; but for emphatic utterances and clear statements of the great doctrine of the Epistle it remains altogether by itself, and must be judged per se." -- C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)
"The reissue of a famous series of lectures delivered at Wittenberg University in 1553." -- Cyril J. Barber
Commentary on Galatians, Martin Luther
http://archive.org/details/cu31924029294133
Luther's Commentary on Galatians, That He might deliver us from the present evil world. (Galatians 1:4 excerpt), English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge
http://www.lettermen2.com/luther2.html
Luther's Commentary on Galatians, Who hath bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth. (Galatians 3:1 excerpt), English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge
http://www.lettermen2.com/luther1.html
*Machen, J. Gresham (1881-1937), and N.B. Stonehouse (editor), God Transcendent, ISBN: 0851513557 9780851513553.
"Machen was a bright professor at Princeton Theological Seminary, and one of the professors who moved to found Westminster Theological Seminary so that they could teach the whole counsel of God. He was noted for his brilliance, which may be seen in both his sermons and his books. . . . In this reviewer's opinion, Dr. Machen is the 'Martin Luther' of what could have been the Twentieth Century Reformation! May God yet raise up believers!
"Listen to his defense of the King James Version of the Bible: 'The truly English beauty of the King James Version is attained without any of that freedom -- not to say license -- in translation which modern translators pronounce necessary. The original in this version is followed with admirable closeness; paraphrase is eschewed; and yet the result is an English masterpiece'." -- Robert H. Duvall
"Dr. J. Gresham Machen was one of the true giants of 20th century Christianity. His brilliant defense of traditional, Reformed orthodoxy in the face of ever more vicious attacks was the stuff of legend. His THE VIRGIN BIRTH OF CHRIST is still the finest apologetic for this controversial point of Christian truth, and his cogent polemic CHRISTIANITY AND LIBERALISM is more pertinent now than when he wrote it in 1923. He was a superb scholar and his Greek text (NEW TESTAMENT GREEK FOR BEGINNERS), is still in use at many seminaries. GOD TRANSCENDENT is a collection of 20 sermons by Dr. Machen. Most of them were never intended for publication. In them the warrior shares his heart. They are sermons of unusual clarity, power, and wisdom. Dr. Machen considered himself first and foremost a herald of God's Word and that is never more obvious than in these wonderful sermons. The final four sermons were preached on the last four Sunday's of Dr. Machen's life -- indeed the last sermon ("The Bible and the Cross"), was preached only five days before he died on January 1st, 1937. I highly recommend these sermons to anyone as devotional material of rare depth and substance. Our shallow age needs such preaching more than ever, and you will find Dr. Machen as current as tomorrow's newspaper." -- Reader's Comment
Marshall, Stephen (1594?-1655), The Sinne of Hardnesse of Heart: The Nature, Danger, and Remedy of it. Opened in a Sermon, Preached to the Honorable House of Commons, July 28. 1648. being the day of their solemne monethly fast. By Stephen Marshall, B.D. minister of Gods Word at Finchingfield in Essex. Published by order of that House, 1648. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Marshall, Walter (1628-1680), The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification: Growing in Holiness by Living in Union With Christ (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, Inc., 2005, 1999), ISBN: 189277724X. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Reformation Heritage Books edition is a reprint of the 1954 edition set by Oliphants and includes an introduction by Joel R. Beeke. Also includes the author's famous sermon on "The Doctrine of Justification Opened and Applied."
See the WorldCat record for various foreign language editions.
Other editions:
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, 270 pages, ISBN: 1597520543 9781597520546.
"This is by far the best book on the doctrine of Sanctification in print. It was originally written in the 17th century, but has been put into modern English with this edition. This book will help you better understand the Gospel and its power not only for our Justification, but our Sanctification as well." -- Reader's Comment
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, ISBN: 1589600630 9781589600638.
"Here you will read the most closely reasoned defense of scriptural sanctification to be found anywhere. . . . Fourteen directions are given to the reader, all perfected with the aim of explaining to sincere souls what sanctification is, what it is not, and how to attain a holy walk before God. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-mystery of Sanctification, Opened, in Sundry Practical Directions: Suited Especially to the Case of Those who Labor Under the Guilt and Power of Indwelling Sin. To Which is Added a Sermon on Justification (1859)
http://archive.org/details/gospelmysteryofs02mars
Marshall, Walter (1628-1680), The Doctrine of Justification Opened and Applied.
Marshall, Walter, A Sermon on Justification
http://www.truecovenanter.com/sermons/marshall_justification.html
*Morris, Leon, The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross, ISBN: 080281512X 9780802815125.
"Brilliant word studies on redemption, covenant, blood propitiation, reconciliation, and justification. Deserves a place in every preacher's library." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Owen, John (1616-1683), The Doctrine of Justification by Faith, ISBN: 1892777975. A Christian classic. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #20.
"A scholarly exposition of this vital doctrine. First published in 1677." -- Cyril J. Barber
The Doctrine of Justification by Faith, John Owen
http://www.ccel.org/owen/justification/justification.txt
*Owen, John (1616-1683), The Gospel Defended, ISBN: 0851511295 9780851511290. A Christian classic.
"Contains chapters on: the mystery of the Gospel, the death of Christ, Justification, and an examination of Socinianism."
Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), The Redemption and Restoration of man in the Thought of Richard Baxter: A Study in Puritan Theology, ISBN: 1842271474 9781842271476.
"Originally presented as the author's thesis (Doctoral) -- University of Oxford, 1954."
Pink, Arthur W. (1886-1952), The Doctrines of Election and Justification, ISBN: 0801069696 9780801069697. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Pink, Authur W. (1886-1952), The Doctrine of Justification, ISBN: 0585035148 9780585035147.
The Doctrine of Justification by Authur W. Pink
http://www.ccel.org/p/pink/justification/justification.htm
*Robertson, O. Palmer, The Current Justification Controversy -- Westminster Theological Seminary (Trinity Paper No. 63), [unabridged], ISBN: 094093163X 9780940931633.
Contents: About the Author, Foreword, Introduction, 1. The Beginnings of the Controversy, 2. The October 1976 Paper, 3. Reactions to the October 1976 Paper, 4. The Issue before the Presbytery, 5. The Downingtown Conference, 6. The "Committee to Draw Up a Statement," 7. The Commission on Allegations, 8. Implications for Church Union and Unity, 9. The Removal of Mr. Shepherd, 10. Challenge, Response-and Continuation, 11. The Causes of the Controversy, Index, Scripture Index, The Crisis of Our Time, Intellectual Ammunition.
The Current Justification Controversy O. Palmer Robertson
(Unicoi, TN: The Trinity Foundation, 2003).
"These two issues [of The Trinity Review], are excerpts from Dr. O. Palmer Robertson's book, THE CURRENT JUSTIFICATION CONTROVERSY, which is a detailed history of the controversy surrounding Norman Shepherd in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and Westminster Theological Seminary from 1975 to 1982.
"Dr. Robertson's book is essential background for understanding what is happening today with the case of John O. Kinnaird in the OPC, the Monroe 4 (Barack, Schlissel, Wilkins, and Wilson), in the PCA (and micro-denominations), and the widespread departure from Christ and his Gospel in professedly Reformed churches.
"In fact, some of the actors in Act 1 have reappeared in Act 2, despite the elapse of 20 years. More importantly, one can see arguments used 20 years ago to defend Norman Shepherd's views now being used to defend the views of men who are echoing his heretical opinions." -- The Trinity Foundation
http://www.trinityfoundation.org/reviews/journal.asp?ID=203a.html
*Robbins, John W. (1949-2008), Can the Orthodox Presbyterian Church be Saved? ISBN: 0940931672 9780940931671.
"The Orthodox Presbyterian Church was founded in 1936 by about 135 people who were offended by the lack of discipline in and doctrinal errors of the Presbyterian Church in the USA. The purpose of the OPC was to be a spiritual successor to the PCUSA, which had abandoned the Westminster Confession of Faith [1646], even though it still affirmed the Confession as its official statement of faith. But early in its history the OPC fell under the influence of an agnostic view of propositional revelation emanating from Westminster Seminary -- a view that said that there is no identity of content between the 'Christian system' of theology, meaning Reformed confessions of faith, and the 'divine system' of theology, known only to God. This agnosticism has now brought the OPC to the point of falling. Like its predecessor, the PCUSA, the OPC has failed to discipline teachers who teach contrary to Scriptures and the Confession of Faith, and it has endorsed unbiblical teaching about Scripture and the Gospel. CAN THE OPC BE SAVED? is designed to inform members of the OPC of events and doctrines about which the OPC leadership has not been forthright." -- The Trinity Foundation
Contents: Can the Orthodox Presbyterian Church be Saved? | The 2004 General Assembly | The OPC Magazine, New Horizons | The Controversy Continues | "An Appeal to Fundamentalists" | Summary and Conclusion | Reformation Day Declaration
Can the Orthodox Presbyterian Church be Saved?
"This is the December 2004 -- January 2005 issues of The Trinity Review in booklet form. [It may be read online under Reviews at The Trinity Foundation website]. This 40-page booklet is intended to be an alarm to awaken slumbering members of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, who have been both misled and uninformed by their current leadership.
"If you are a member of the OPC, you need to read this booklet. If you know OPC members, you will want to get this booklet into their hands as soon as possible."
http://www.trinitylectures.org/catalog/index.php?cPath=21
Robbins, John W. (1949-2008), A Companion to the Current Justification Controversy (Unicoi, TN: The Trinity Foundation, 2003), ISBN: 0940931648 9780940931640.
Contents:
1. The Roots and Fruits of the Shepherd Controversy: Neo-orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, The New Perspective on Paul, Reconstructionism, Biblical Theology, Gaffin and Bavinck, Vantilianism, The Kinnaird Case, The Auburn Avenue Presbyterian Church; by John W. Robbins
2. The Sanders/ Dunn "Fork in the Road" in the Current Controversy over the Pauline Doctrine of Justification by Faith; by Robert L. Reymond
3. Some Reasons for Dissenting from the Majority Report; by Philip E. Hughes
4. Letter of Concern; by 45 theologians
5. Reason and Specifications Supporting the Action of the Board of Trustees in Removing Professor Shepherd; by the Executive Committee of the Board of Westminster Theological Seminary
6. A Resolution to the Eleventh General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America; by O. Palmer Robertson
Index, Scripture Index, The Crisis of Our Time. Intellectual Ammunition
A Companion to the Current Justification Controversy, Trinity Review
http://www.trinityfoundation.org/ammo/closeup.asp?ID=81
*Robbins, John (1949-2008), and Sean Gerety, Not Reformed at all: Medievalism in 'Reformed' Churches (Unicoi, TN: The Trinity Foundation, 2004), ISBN: 0940931664 9780940931664.
"NOT REFORMED AT ALL is an analysis of and rejoinder to Douglas Wilson's book, 'REFORMED' IS NOT ENOUGH: RECOVERING THE OBJECTIVITY OF THE COVENANT.
"Wilson's book is a manifesto of the theological movement sometimes called Neolegalism, hypercovenantalism, the Moscow-Monroe Axis, Federal Vision, and the Auburn Avenue Theology. That movement, an attack on the Biblical Covenant of Grace and a repudiation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, has gained currency in nominally Reformed churches.
"Contents: Foreword, 1. The Revolution was, 2. Theological Sophistry, 3. The Matrix, 4. Dodging the Charge of Heresy, 5. Tradition, 6. The 'Objectivity' of the Covenant, 7. What is a Christian?, 8. Westminster Versus Wilson, 9. The New Birth, 10. The Arch-heresy of Individualism, 11. Justification not by Faith Alone, 12. The Biblical Covenant of Grace, 13. Wilson's Counterfeit Covenant, 14. The Church Tangible and Intangible, 15. Church Unity, 16. Conclusion, Index, Scripture Index, The Crisis of our Time, Intellectual Ammunition"
Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900), Justification. In OLD PATHS: BEING PLAIN STATEMENTS ON SOME OF THE WEIGHTIER MATTERS OF CHRISTIANITY, (211-38), ISBN: 0851517609.
*Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), The Patristic Foundations of Calvinism, in JOHN CALVIN: HIS ROOTS AND FRUITS, (1-6).
Strong, William (d. 1654), and Theophilus Gale (1628-1678), A Discourse of the two Covenants Wherein the Nature, Differences, and Effects of the Covenant of Works and of Grace are Distinctly, Rationally, Spiritually and Practically Discussed: Together With a Considerable Quantity of Practical Cases Dependent Thereon / by William Strong, 1678.
*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Jesus Christ Himself. (Ephesians 2:20) A sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day morning, December 9, 1877, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 1388.
"Beyond all argument or miracle, Jesus Christ Himself is the proof of His own Gospel. And as He is the proof of it, so, Beloved, He is the marrow and essence of it. When the Apostle Paul meant that the Gospel was preached, He said, Christ is preached, for the Gospel is Christ Himself! If you want to know what Jesus taught, know Him! He is the incarnation of that Truth of God which by Him and in Him is revealed to the sons of men. Did He not, Himself say, I am the way, the truth, and the life?
"You have not to take down innumerable books, nor to pore over mysterious sentences of double meaning in order to know what our great Teacher has revealed. You have but to turn and gaze upon His countenance, behold His actions and note His spirit and you know His teaching. He lived what He taught. If we wish to know Him, we may hear His gentle voice saying, Come and see. Study His wounds and you understand His innermost philosophy. To know Him and the power of His Resurrection is the highest degree of spiritual learning. He is the end of the Law and the soul of the Gospel -- and when we have preached His Word to the fullest, we may close by saying, Now, of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum -- we have an High Priest who is set on the right hand of the Throne of the Majesty in the heavens." -- C.H. Spurgeon
http://www.spurgeongems.org/vols22-24/chs1388.pdf
Thornwell, J.H. (1812-1862), Sacramental Sorcery: The Invalidity of Roman Catholic Baptism. ISBN: 1891777165 9781891777165. Available from (The Trinity Foundation, 2006).
"In 1845 the General Assembly of the American Presbyterian Church declared that Roman Catholic baptism is not Christian baptism. But in the ecumenical twentieth century, that declaration was all but forgotten by American Presbyterians -- deliberately so. The leading southern Presbyterian theologian of the nineteenth century, J.H. Thornwell, wrote a defense of the 1845 declaration that has never been refuted by any theologian -- it has simply been ignored. The publication of this book is intended to end that ignorance.
"In an age when so-called Protestants favor tradition over Scripture, Thornwell reminds us of the Biblical truth: "We should not be deterred from admitting a Scriptural conclusion because it removes the structures of antiquity. . . . We are first to ascertain from Scripture what the true sacrament of baptism is, and then judge the practice of the church in every age by this standard. . . . The unbroken transmission of a visible Church in any line of succession is a figment of papists and prelatists. Conformity with the Scriptures, not ecclesiastical genealogy, is the true touchstone of a sound church." -- The Trinity Foundation
Traill, Robert (1642-1716), The Throne of Grace Discoursed of From Heb. IV, 16 [Hebrews 4:16] / by Robert Trail, 1696, ISBN: 085151393X. Available (THE WORKS OF ROBERT TRAILL), on Puritan Hard Drive. Available (SELECT PRACTICAL WRITINGS OF ROBERT TRAILL), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.
Traill, Robert (1642-1716), Twenty Nine Sermons, viz. XIII. On the Throne of Grace, . . . and XVI. On the Lord's Prayer, . . . Together with the Protestant Doctrine of Justification Vindicated. All by the Late Revd. and Learned Mr. Robert Trail . . . 1731. Available (THE WORKS OF ROBERT TRAILL), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Traill, Robert (1642-1716), A Vindication of the Protestant Doctrine Concerning Justification, and of its Preachers and Professors, From the Unjust Charge of Antinomianism in a letter from a minister in the city, to a minister in the country, 1692. Available (THE WORKS OF ROBERT TRAILL), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (SELECT PRACTICAL WRITINGS OF ROBERT TRAILL), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.
A Vindication of the Protestant Doctrine of Justification, and its Preachers and Professors, from the Unjust Charge of Antinomianism
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/7/27/robert-traills-book-a-vindication-of-the-protestant-doctrine-of-justification-and-its-preachers-and-professors-from-the-unjust-charge-of-antinomianism
Traill, Robert (1642-1716), A Vindication of the Protestant Doctrine Concerning Justification, and of its Preachers and Professors, From the Unjust Charge of Antinomianism in a letter from a minister in the city, to a minister in the country, 1692. Available (THE WORKS OF ROBERT TRAILL), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (SELECT PRACTICAL WRITINGS OF ROBERT TRAILL), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.
A Vindication of the Protestant Doctrine of Justification, and its Preachers and Professors, from the Unjust Charge of Antinomianism
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/7/27/robert-traills-book-a-vindication-of-the-protestant-doctrine-of-justification-and-its-preachers-and-professors-from-the-unjust-charge-of-antinomianism
Ursinus, Zacharias (1534-1583), Of Justification, From Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism
http://www.truecovenanter.com/gospel/ursinus_justification.html
VanderKemp, Johannes, A Sermon on Ecclesiastes 7:29, Titled "The First Cause of Good and Evil"
http://www.truecovenanter.com/sermons/vanderkemp03.html
VanderKemp, Johannes, A Sermon Entitled The Doctrine of Justification Defended
http://www.truecovenanter.com/sermons/vanderkemp24.html
VanderKemp, Johannes, A Sermon Entitled The Justification of the Sinner Before God
http://www.truecovenanter.com/sermons/vanderkemp23.html
*Wallace, Ronald, Calvin's Doctrine of the Christian Life, ISBN: 1579100473 9781579100476.
"This renowned student of Calvin's theology says that the great Reformer did not hold that the doctrine of the priesthood of believers was an individualistic idea apart from the Church. Also sets forth Calvin's views on prayer, ethics, and other Christian disciplines. Always the idea of assurance, achievement, and hope was present because of our union with Christ." -- GCB
Waters, Guy Prentiss, Justification and the new Perspectives on Paul: A Review and Response, ISBN: 0875526497 9780875526492.
"Among the reasons for writing this book, Waters, in the Preface, writes,
'I want to illustrate the ways in which the New Perspectives on Paul deviate from the doctrines set forth in the Westminster Standards. I also want to show how Reformed theology surpasses the New Perspectives on Paul in explaining Paul's statements regarding the law, the righteousness of God, justification, and a host of other topics and doctrines.'"Waters concludes his book with these remarks":
'All expressions of Christianity are on the path to one of two destinations, Rome or Geneva. What the New Perspectives on Paul offer us is decidedly not 'Genevan.' It seems that there are elements active in the Reformed churches that wish to lead the church into a sacramental religion, all in the name of being 'more Reformed.' If we examine their arguments carefully, we see that what they are really and increasingly saying is that Luther and Calvin were mistaken, and that Trent was right. May God give us grace that we may not squander the rich theological heritage bequeathed to us by the Reformers, historic British Calvinism, and American Presbyterianism. May we model, in spirit and teaching, that 'pattern of teaching' preserved so faithfully by our forefathers.' -- quoted by Guy Waters
Federal Vision, David Engelsma
A book review of THE FEDERAL VISION, Steve Wilkins and Duane Garner, editors. Monroe, Louisiana: Athanasius Press, 2004. 299 pages.
http://www.trinityfoundation.org/latest.php
*Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), The Doctrine of Repentance, ISBN: 0851515215. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Knowing what repentance is, and actually repenting are essentials 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 language. . . . 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 twentieth century." -- Publisher
The Doctrine of Repentance, Thomas Watson
http://archive.org/details/TheDoctrineOfRepentance
The Doctrine of Repentance, Thomas Watson
http://ntslibrary.com/PDF%20Books/Repentance%20by%20T%20Watson.pdf
The Doctrine of Repentance, Thomas Watson
http://books.google.com/books?id=V1QCAAAACAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
The Doctrine of Repentance, Thomas Watson (excerpts)
http://www.fivesolas.com/watson/drepenti.htm
Wesley, John, A Letter From George Whitefield to the Rev. Mr. John Wesley in Answer to Mr. Wesley's Sermon Entitled "Free Grace"
In GEORGE WHITEFIELD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE GREAT EVANGELIST OF THE 18TH CENTURY REVIVAL, 2 volumes (Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust), ISBN: 0851510264 9780851510262 085151300X 9780851513003.
Arnold Dallimore explains in detail how Wesley's possibly contrived difference with Whitefield over "sinless perfection" had the effect of carving out a 'spiritual empire' for John Wesley and of bringing him to pre-eminence.
See also "Iain Murray on Whitefield and Wesley."
http://www.spurgeon.org/~phil/wesley.php
*Witsius, Herman (1636-1708), The Economy of the Covenants. Alternate title: THE OECONOMY OF THE COVENANTS BETWEEN GOD AND MAN, COMPREHENDING A COMPLETE BODY OF DIVINITY. BY HERMAN WITSIUS, . . . FAITHFULLY TRANSLATED FROM THE LATIN, AND CAREFULLY REVISED, BY WILLIAM CROOKSHANK, D.D. TO WHICH IS PREFIXED THE LIFE OF THE AUTHOR, VOL. 1, 1774, 3 VOLS., ISBN: 0875528708. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27. A Christian classic.
Witsius is considered to be the father of Covenant Theology.
"Witsius (1636-1708), was a Dutch theologian, professor of Divinity at the Universities of Frankes, Utrecht, and Leyden. . . . In the very full introduction by J.I. Packer, you can get a very good overview. And at the same time you will get a succinct but amazingly appropriate overview of the scriptural covenants. . . . Packer compares Witsius to John Owen as a thorough, meticulous scholar who thought through everything before he set his pen to paper. It was this reviewer's blessing to obtain a set of Witsius in his early Christian life, and can testify to much help from them." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Witsius, Herman, The Economy of the Covenants Between God and Man: Comprehending a Complete Body of Divinity (1837)
http://archive.org/details/MN41373ucmf_5
Witsius, Herman, Of Election from ECONOMY OF THE COVENANTS BETWEEN GOD AND MAN
http://www.truecovenanter.com/gospel/witsius_election.html
Witsius, Herman, Of Justification, from ECONOMY OF THE COVENANTS BETWEEN GOD AND MAN.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/gospel/witsius_justification.html
Witsius, Herman, Of the Violation of the Covenant of Works on the Part of Man from ECONOMY OF THE COVENANTS BETWEEN GOD AND MAN
http://www.truecovenanter.com/gospel/witsius_violation_of_the_Covenant_of_Works.html
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, Antinomians, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Reconciliation of relationships, The local church, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Soteriology, The blood of christ, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The all-sufficiency of christ, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 1203, 1985, 1986, 3217
MGTP: Justification
Calvin on the 'Pernicious Hypocrise' of Justification by Faith and Works by Robert L. Reymond appearing in The Trinity Review, April 2006.
"More tragically, it ignores the Apostle Paul's inspired warning that those who to any degree intermingle with their faith in Christ and his obedience their own obedience as the ground of their final justification before God
Christ's Imputed Righteousness, a video, C. Matthew McMahon
"In attempting to understand the biblical doctrine of justification (see the books of Isaiah, Romans and Galatians), we find that lying underneath and propping up justification by faith alone is the doctrine of imputation. This doctrine is critical in understanding the character of God, the righteousness of God, the work of Christ, covenant theology, justification, and a myriad of other important theological doctrines.
"It is essential for the sinner and the Christian to understand how a person is saved, and how they truly come to Christ on the merit of Christ's work.
"Take some time to meditate on the importance of the doctrine of imputation, and the active and passive work of Jesus Christ for his people."
https://vimeo.com/239168540
Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Church (CRPC)
This is the authorized website of the Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Church (CRPC), a Reformed and Presbyterian denomination organized in 1998.
They subscribe to the original Westminster Confession of Faith (1646).
https://www.covref.org/index.htm
The Evangelical Reformed Presbyterian Church
The Evangelical Reformed Presbyterian Church is "a new association of congregations that stand unequivocally for justification by faith alone.
"The ERPC is spearheaded by former members of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church who believe that the testimony of that denomination has been compromised for the past 30 years by its toleration of the teaching of two different gospels, the Biblical Gospel of justification by faith alone, and the false gospel of justification by faith and works/faithfulness/obedience. [See Paul M. Elliott' book, CHRISTIANITY AND NEO-LIBERALISM]
"If you or your congregation are looking for an association that unambiguously proclaims the doctrines of salvation by belief alone, grace alone, and Christ alone, please visit their website." -- John Robbins
"The Doctrinal Standards of the Evangelical Reformed Presbyterian Church, consisting of the American version of the Westminster Confession of Faith . . . adopted by the first American Presbyterian Assembly of 1789, including their proof texts." -- "Doctrinal Distinctives" at the ERPC website
Unfortunately these revisions removed Christian Magistracy from the Confession (WCF 1646), essentially emasculated Christianity, and set aside Christ's Crown and Covenant. Conveniently this removed churchmen and laymen from the battlefront of Christian Magistracy, standing for Christ's Crown and Covenant.
The Evangelical Reformed Presbyterian Church (ERPC)
http://www.erpchurch.org/news/pres_release_051705.html
Good Works (FGB #199)
Do you Think you Have any Good Works? Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Works, Grace, and Salvation, Lloyd-Jones, D.M. (1899-1981) | The Scriptures and Good Works, Pink, A.W. (1886-1952) | Good Works and the Justified, Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889) | Saving Faith and Good Works, Erskine, Ebenezer (1680-1754) | Zealous of Good Works, Manton, Thomas (1620-1677) | The Necessity of Maintaining Good Works, Erskine, Ebenezer (1680-1754) | The Best way to Provoke Good Works, Bunyan, John (1628-1688) | Judgment and the Saints' Reward, Bunyan, John (1628-1688)
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/gworfg/good-works
How can a Person sin Like That and Still be a Christian?
https://rickthomas.net/podcast/can-person-sin-like-still-christian-2/
Iain Murray on Whitefield and Wesley
"This article first appeared in the 1960 edition of Whitefield's Journals, published by The Banner of Truth Trust. Here Iain Murray discusses the historical background that led to George Whitefield's famous letter to John Wesley."
http://www.spurgeon.org/~phil/wesley/murray.php
Inquisitions, Confessionals, or Courts? a review by John W. Robbins in
The Trinity Review, May 2006.
"The essay analyzes the reasons many Christians have little or no respect for church courts. The chief reason is that church courts rarely act like courts, but almost always act like inquisitions or confessionals, the two perversions of church courts that characterize the Roman Catholic Church-State. The author provides illustrations using recent court actions in the PCA and OPC.
"Church courts, in turn, act like confessionals and inquisitions because churches have little or no respect for either rationality or justice. Their interests lie elsewhere: emotions (feelings, experience), and ecclesiastical power.
"If you are interested in the condition of the churches, please read "Inquisitions, Confessionals, or Courts?" -- John W. Robbins
http://www.trinityfoundation.org/journal.php?id=224
John Owen on Justification
http://www.ccel.org/owen/justification/justification.txt
*Justification (FGB #187)
Justification Made Plain, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Meaning of The Justification, Hodge, Charles (1797-1898) | Justification is a Forensic act, Hodge, Charles (1797-1898) | Immediate and Only Ground of Justification, Buchanan, James (1804-1870) | The Instrument of Justification, Pink, A.W. (1889-1952) | Not Faith, but Christ, Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889) | Reconciling Paul and James, Pemble, William (1591-1623) | Abuse of Justification, Traill, Robert (1642-1716) | Peace Through Justification, Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900)
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/justfg/justification
Justification by Faith Alone and the Nature of Saving Faith
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/6/29/justification-and-saving-faith
Justifying Faith
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1cha.html#justfaith
A Resolution to the Eleventh General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America, O. Palmer Robertson (Justification)
http://www.fpcjackson.org/resources/apologetics/Covenant%20Theology%20&%20Justification/robertson.htm
Robbins, John W. (1949-2008), Forgotten Principles of the Reformation, an article.
"These also are principles of the Reformation, largely forgotten among those who call themselves Reformed. We ought to remember and defend the solas, [Sola Scriptura, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Solus Christus, Soli Deo Gloria -- compiler], but we ought also to remember and defend the equally Biblical principles of logical consistency, Scripture alone, the right of private judgment, and separation of church and state."
http://www.trinityfoundation.org/journal.php?id=202
The Ronald W. Taber Memorial Lectures 2005, "The Justification Controversy" (Collection 13. The Trinity Foundation Lecture Series).
"The Justification Controversy" is a five lecture series by John W. Robbins, including:
Sanctification (FGB #215)
Holiness in Little Things | Let us Then Shine | The Nature of Sanctification | Mortification and Vivification | The Importance of Sanctification | Justification and Sanctification | Definitive and Progressive Sanctification | Christ and Sanctification | The Definition of Sanctification | The Motive of Sanctification
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/sancfg/sanctification
A Sermon on Justification by the Rev. Walter Marshall. The Doctrine of Justification Opened and Applied.
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD; Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom god hath set forth to be a propitiation, through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of god; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness, that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. (Romans 3.23-26)
http://www.truecovenanter.com/sermons/marshall_justification.html
The Topical Listing "A Theological Interpretation of American History"
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chc.html#stiahis
The Trinity Foundation Church Registry and Clearinghouse
"By publishing this church registry we hope to offer some modest help to both individual Christians looking for an acceptable place to worship, and to congregations seeking Christians for mutual edification and to evangelize their communities. We do not guarantee that everyone will be satisfied with every church in this Registry; the user is always under the obligation to compare what is taught by these churches with Scripture."
http://www.trinityfoundation.org/churchregmain.php
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)I. They, who are once effectually called, and regenerated, having a new heart, and a new spirit created in them, are further sanctified, really and personally, through the virtue of Christ's death and resurrection, by His Word and Spirit dwelling in them: the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed, and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified; and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces, to the practice of true holiness without, which no man shall see the Lord.
II. This sanctification is throughout, in the whole man, yet imperfect in this life, there abiding still some remnants of corruption in every part; whence arises a continual and irreconcilable war, the flesh lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.
III. In which war, although the remaining corruption, for a time, may much prevail; yet, through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part does overcome; and so, the saints grow in grace, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." -- The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), Of Sanctification, Chapter XIIISanctify them by thy truth. This sanctification includes the kingdom of God and his righteousness; that is, when God renews us by his Spirit, and confirms in us the grace of renewal, and continues it to the end. He asks, first, therefore, that the Father would sanctify the disciples, or, in other words, that he would consecrate them entirely to himself, and defend them as his sacred inheritance. . . .
Thy word is truth; for the word here denotes the doctrine of the Gospel, which the apostles had already heard from the mouth of their Master, and which they were afterwards to preach to others. In this sense Paul says that the Church has been cleansed with the washing of water by the word of life, (Ephesians 5:26) True, it is God alone who sanctifies; but as the Gospel is the power of God to salvation to every one that believeth, (Romans 1:16,) whoever departs from the Gospel as the means must become more and more filthy and polluted.
The truth is here taken, by way of eminence, for the light of heavenly wisdom, in which God manifests himself to us, that he may conform us to his image. The outward preaching of the word, it is true, does not of itself accomplish this, For that preaching is wickedly profaned by the reprobate; but let us remember that Christ speaks of the elect whom the Holy Spirit efficaciously regenerates by the word. Now, as the apostles were not altogether destitute of this grace, we ought to infer from Christ's words, that sanctification is not instantly completed in us on the first day, but that we make progress in it through the whole course of our life, till at length God, having taken away from us the garment of the flesh, fills us with his righteousness. -- John Calvin commenting on John 17:17 and contextSee the Theological Notes: "Sanctification: The Spirit and the Flesh," at 1 Corinthians 6:11 in The Reformation Study Bible.
For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. (Acts 17:28)
I now see that godliness is more than the outside and the ornaments and the deckings of this world. Who knoweth the truth of grace without a trial? Not one! O, how little Christ getteth of us but that which He winneth with much toil and pains! And how soon faith would freeze without a cross! -- 31 Days With Samuel Rutherford
See the Theological Notes: "The Freedom and Bondage of the Will," at Jeremiah 17:9 in The Reformation Study Bible.
It is absurd to imagine that God should justify a people and not sanctify them, He should justify a people whom He could not glorify. -- Thomas Watson (1620-1686)
Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
*Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language.
"First published in 1874, THE EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS, may be the best book on the doctrine of justification by faith alone ever written.
"Since the seventeenth century, the church's adherence to the central doctrine of the Christian faith has been weakening; in the twentieth century it has all but disappeared. But to those who remain faithful -- to those who are called of God -- justification by faith alone is the best news there could ever be: that Christ died for our sins, and we shall live forever because of Christ's righteousness.
"Justification by faith alone -- the 'principal hinge of religion,' according to John Calvin, the 'doctrine by which the church stands or falls,' according to Martin Luther -- is salvation. Without it, all hope is lost; with it, Heaven gained. Bonar's discussion is without equal in the English language." -- John W. Robbins
The Everlasting Righteousness; or, How Shall man be Just With God?
http://books.google.com/books?id=nQMDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
*Brooks, Thomas (1608-1680), The Crown and Glory of Christianity: or Holiness the Only way to Happiness. Discovered in 58 Sermons, From Heb. 12:14 [Hebrews 12:14]. Where you have the necessity, excellency, rarity, beauty and glory of holiness set forth: with the resolution of many weighty questions and cases. Also motives and means to perfect holiness: with many other things of very high and great importance to all the sons and daughters of men, that had rather be blessed than cursed, saved than damned. In THE WORKS OF THOMAS BROOKS, 1886 (4:1-446). Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BROOKS), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Brooks, Complete Works of Thomas Brooks (1866), vol. 1 of 6.
http://archive.org/details/completeworksoft01broo
*Brown, John (of Wamphray, 1610-1679), Corporate Sanctification: Holding Fast the Attainments of Reformation. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1. Available in OBSERVATIONS ON THE PUBLIC COVENANTS BETWIXT GOD AND THE CHURCH: A DISCOURSE.
Corporate Sanctification: Holding Fast the Attainments of Reformation
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/attain.htm
Charnock, Stephen (1628-1680), The Sinfulness and Cure of Thoughts. In PURITAN SERMONS 1659-1689: BEING THE MORNING EXERCISES AT CRIPPLEGATE, ST. GILES IN THE FIELDS, AND IN SOUTHWARK BY SEVENTY-FIVE MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL IN OR NEAR LONDON WITH NOTES AND TRANSLATIONS BY JAMES NICHOLS. (2:386-420)
The Sinfulness and Cure of Thought, Biblical Sanctification, a sermon by Stephen Charnock. Available in Charnock and M'Cosh,
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF STEPHEN CHARNOCK (1865),
The Sinfulness and Cure of Thought, Biblical Sanctification
http://digitalpuritan.net/stephen-charnock/
*Foster, David Kyle, Sexual Healing: God's Plan for the Sanctification of Broken Lives: A Reference Manual for Ministering to Those Trapped in Sexual sin and Brokenness, ISBN: 0830737154 9780830737154 0830737340 9780830737345.
This is a unique work and the best resource known to the compiler offering biblical counsel for healing sexual brokenness. See: "Foundations" and "Divine Intent for Sexuality" for a biblical explanation of the spiritual significance of sexuality. These two chapters alone make the purchase of the book worthwhile. Includes chapters, study guides, and exercises for Root sources for improper sexual development, Sexual identity confusion, Child sex abuse, Sexual addition, Pornography, Masturbation, voyeurism and exhibitionism, Why people remain in sexual sin and bondage, Failure and self-condemnation, A comprehensive game plan for sexual healing, and so forth.
Includes bibliography and index.
Mastering Life Ministries
http://www.MasteringLife.org
*Marshall, Walter (1628-1680), The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification: Growing in Holiness by Living in Union With Christ, ISBN: 189277724X. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Reformation Heritage Books edition is a reprint of the 1954 edition set by Oliphants and includes an introduction by Joel R. Beeke. Also includes the author's famous sermon on "The Doctrine of Justification Opened and Applied."
See the WorldCat record for various foreign language editions.
Other editions:
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, ISBN: 1597520543 9781597520546.
"This is by far the best book on the doctrine of Sanctification in print. It was originally written in the 17th century, but has been put into modern English with this edition. This book will help you better understand the Gospel and its power not only for our Justification, but our Sanctification as well." -- Reader's Comment
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, ISBN: 1589600630 9781589600638.
"Here you will read the most closely reasoned defense of scriptural sanctification to be found anywhere. . . . Fourteen directions are given to the reader, all perfected with the aim of explaining to sincere souls what sanctification is, what it is not, and how to attain a holy walk before God. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-mystery of Sanctification, Opened, in Sundry Practical Directions: Suited Especially to the Case of Those who Labor Under the Guilt and Power of Indwelling Sin. To Which is Added a Sermon on Justification (1859)
http://archive.org/details/gospelmysteryofs02mars
*Orr, James Edwin, Full Surrender.
"A full discussion of the doctrine of sanctification." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Owen, John (1616-1683), The Holy Spirit, ISBN: 0851511252 9780851511252. Alternate title: HOLY SPIRIT GIFTS AND POWER: EXPOSITION OF THE SPIRIT'S NAME, NATURE, PERSONALITY, DISPENSATION, OPERATIONS AND EFFECTS. A Christian classic.
"Contains: Work of the Holy Spirit, His name, personality, operations, effects, work in regeneration, in the Old Testament, work on the mind, in sanctification, mortification of sin, and more."
John Newton calls Owen's discourse on the Holy Spirit. "An epitome, if not the masterpiece of his writings."
"Goodwin (THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN OUR SALVATION), and Owen were both excellent expositors. Goodwin interpreted by the insight of a renewed heart, Owen by the patient and prayerful study of words and phrases. . . . These two books complement one another. Together they form a definitive answer to virtually every book concerning the Holy Spirit which has appeared since these two were written in the 17th century . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
*Preston, John (1587-1628), Richard Sibbes (1577-1635), and John Davenport (1597-1670), The Saints Qualification: or, A Treatise I. Of Humiliation, in Tenne Sermons. II. Of Sanctification, in Nine Sermons.
The Subtitle Continues: "Whereunto is Added a Treatise of Communion With Christ in the Sacrament, in three sermons. Preached by the late faithfull and worthy minister of Jesus Christ, Iohn Preston, Doctor in Divinity, Chaplaine in Ordinary to his Majestie, Master of Emanuel Colledge in Cambridge, and sometime preacher of Lincolnes Inne," 1637.
"A sermon preached at a generall fast before the Commons-House of Parliament: the second of Iuly, 1625. In the time of the plague" and "The cup of blessing: delivered in three sermons upon I Cor. 10.16 [1 Corinthians 10:16]."
Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Sanctification, 30 pages.
A booklet.
Welwood, John, Heartwork, Assurance and National Judgment, an MP3 file, audio file. Available (SERMONS DELIVERED IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION IN SCOTLAND and MP3) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (SERMONS DELIVERED IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION IN SCOTLAND) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29. Also found in SERMONS DELIVERED IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION IN SCOTLAND.
"Although Welwood focuses on personal sanctification, searching out the differences between hypocrites and true believers, he does not leave national issues untouched. He shows how God's anger builds in the life of backsliding individuals, churches and nations and how sometimes faithful individuals are swept away in the deluge that ensues as God's wrath is poured out upon the earth. The situation in Scotland at the time of this sermon (c. 1678), provides a perfect example illustrating this point. The forces of Antichrist (Royalist and Prelatical), were hounding the faithful Covenanters and many were suffering (even unto death), on account of their faithfulness to Second Reformation attainments and covenant engagements (in the battle for the crown rights of King Jesus). At this point Welwood seeks to comfort and strengthen those saints suffering under the hand of these wicked, persecuting, 'incarnate devils' -- as Welwood calls them. Occasional hearing, unlawful authorities in church and state and neutrality in the cause of Christ are all sternly rebuked. There is great edification here as this sermon encourages the Christian in his unrelenting battle against sin and defection (individually and in his duties relative to the church and state). This sermon is read (by Ruling Elder Lyndon Dohms), from the book SERMONS IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION IN SCOTLAND, BY SUFFERS FOR THE ROYAL PREROGATIVES OF JESUS CHRIST. Regarding the preacher, this arresting account of one of Welwood's last sermons is recounted in SERMONS IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION." -- Publisher
Heartwork, Assurance and National Judgement
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?currSection=sermonssource&sermonID=8250514593
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The glory of the lord jesus christ, Commitment, surrender, Discipleship, Sanctification, Healing of the mind, Puritanism: works by and about puritans, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Holiness and happiness, Discipline, Corporate faithfulness, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 3140-3142
Psychology and Psychiatry
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappc.html
Sanctification (FGB #215)
Holiness in Little Things | Let us Then Shine | The Nature of Sanctification | Mortification and Vivification | The Importance of Sanctification | Justification and Sanctification | Definitive and Progressive Sanctification | Christ and Sanctification | The Definition of Sanctification | The Motive of Sanctification
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/sancfg/sanctification
See the Theological Notes: "The Fall," at Genesis 3:6 in The Reformation Study Bible.See the Theological Notes: "Miracles," at 1 Kings 17:22 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Satan," at Job 1:6 in The Reformation Study Bible.
Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:15-20)
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. -- (Matthew 7:21)
And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:11-13)
And Jesus answered and said to them, See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, "I am the Christ," and will mislead many. You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.
Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:4-14)Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (1 John 4:1-3)
What is the best safe-guard against false teaching? Beyond all doubt the regular study of the word of God, with prayer for the teaching of the Holy Spirit. The Bible was given to be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. (Psalm 119:105) The man who reads it aright will never be allowed greatly to err. It is neglect of the Bible which makes so many a prey to the first false teacher whom they hear.
They would have us believe that "they are not learned, and do not pretend to have decided opinions." The plain truth is that they are lazy and idle about reading the Bible, and do not like the trouble of thinking for themselves. Nothing supplies false prophets with followers so much as spiritual sloth under a cloak of humility. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. (1 Corinthians 2:15), (John 12:48)
1 Corinthians 2:11 [1]For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the [2]spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the [1]spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; [2]that we might [3]know the things that are freely given to us of God.[the highest ethical standard known to mankind -- compiler]
13 [1]Which things also we speak, not in the [1 Corinthians 1:17; 2 Peter 1:16]words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; [2]comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 [1]But the [2]natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are [3]spiritually discerned. 15 [1]But he that is spiritual [2]judgeth all things, ye [3]he himself is judged of [4]no man. (1 Corinthians 2:11-15, AKJV)
2:11 1 He setteth that forth by a similitude, which he spake of the inspiration of the Spirit. As the force of man's wit searcheth out things pertaining to man, so doth our mind by that power of the holy Ghost, understand heavenly things.
2 The mind of man, which is endued with ableness to understand and judge.
2:12 1 The Spirit which we have received, doth not teach us things of this world, but lifteth us up to God, and this place teacheth us against the Papists, what faith is, from whence it cometh, and what force it is of.
2 That which he spake generally, he restraineth now to those things which God hath opened unto us of our salvation in Christ: lest that any man should separate the Spirit from the preaching of the word and Christ: or should think that those fantastical men are governed by the Spirit of God, which wandering besides the word, thrust upon us their vain imaginations for the secrets of God.
3 This word (know) is taken here in his proper sense, for true knowledge, which the Spirit of God worketh in us.
2:13 1 Now he returneth to his purpose, and concludeth the argument which he began verse 6, and it is thus: the words must be applied to the matter, and the matter must be set forth with words which are meet and convenient for it: now this wisdom is spiritual and not of man, and therefore it must be delivered by a spiritual kind of teaching, and not by enticing words of man's eloquence, that the simple, and yet wonderful majesty of the holy Ghost may therein appear.
2 Applying the words unto the matter, to wit, that as we teach spiritual things, so [must] our kind of teaching be spiritual.
2:14 1 Again he preventeth an offence or stumbling block: how cometh it to pass that so few allow these things? This is not to be marveled at, sayeth the Apostle, seeing that men in their natural powers (as they termed them) are not endued with that faculty, whereby spiritual things are discerned (which faculty cometh another way) and therefore they accompt [account] spiritual wisdom as folly: and it is as if he should say, It is no marvel that blind men cannot judge of colors, seeing that they lack the light of their eyes, and therefore light is to them as darkness.
2 The man that hath no further light of understanding than that which he brought with him, even from his mother's womb, as Jude defineth it, Jude 19.
3 By the virtue of the holy Ghost.
2:15 1 He amplifieth the matter by contraries.
2 Understandeth and discerneth.
3 The wisdom of the flesh, saith Paul, determined nothing certainly, no not in its own affairs, much less can it discern strange, that is, spiritual things. But the Spirit of God, wherewith spiritual men are endued, can be deceived by no means, and therefore be reproved of no man.
4 Of no man: for when the Prophets are judged of the Prophets, it is the Spirit that judges, and not the man. -- Geneva Notes, 1599 Geneva Bible, Tolle Lege editionWhosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. (2 John 9)
Does a man really and sincerely boast in the cross of Christ? That is the grand question. If he does, he is my brother -- we are traveling on the same road; we are journeying towards a home where Christ is all, and everything outward in religion will be forgotten.
But if he does not boast in the cross of Christ, I cannot feel comfort about him. Union on outward points only, is union only for a time -- union about the cross is union for eternity. Error on outward points is only a skin deep disease -- error about the cross is disease at the heart. Union about outward points is a mere man-made union -- union about the cross of Christ can only be produced by the Holy Spirit. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Of sin, because they believe not on me;
Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you.
All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 16:8-15)But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Hebrews 5:14)
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22)
Remember that the grand design of the devil, and all deceivers, is to delude and corrupt the rulers of the people, knowing how much they signify by their laws, power, and examples; and how sad it will be to be judged as a persecutor, or a captain of iniquity. And therefore you must have a greater self-suspicion, and fear of seduction and sin, than others; and must watch more carefully against wicked counsel and example, but especially the temptations of your own flesh and corrupted nature, and of your wealth and place. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)
I know of no man since the Apostles' days whom I value and honor more than Calvin, and whose judgment in all things, one with another, I more esteem and come nearer to. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)
It would not be possible for me too earnestly to press upon you the importance of reading the expositions of that prince among men, John Calvin! I have often felt inclined to cry with Scalinger, "Oh! how well has Calvin reached the meaning of the prophets -- no one better." Of all commentators I believe John Calvin to be the most candid. He was no trimmer or pruner of texts. He gave their meaning as far as he knew it. His honest intention was to translate the Hebrew and the Greek originals as accurately as he possibly could, and then to give the meaning which would naturally be conveyed by such Greek and Hebrew words; he labored, in fact, to declare, not his own mind upon the Spirit's works, but the mind of the Spirit as couched in those words. -- C.H. Spurgeon
Thus, fictitious sanctity dazzles the eyes of almost all men, while love is neglected, or, at least, driven to the farthest corner. -- John Calvin commenting on 1 John 4:11
I admit fully that the manner of the Spirit's working is invisible. It is like the wind. It is like the attractive power of the magnet. It is like the influence of the moon upon the tides. There is something about it far beyond the reach of a person's eyes or understanding.
But while I admit this decidedly, I maintain no less decidedly that the effects of the Spirit's work in conversion will always be seen. Those effects may be weak and feeble at first; to the natural man they may hardly be visible, and not understood. But effects there always will be; some fruit will always be seen where there is true conversion. Where no effect can be seen, there you may be sure there is no grace. Where no visible fruit can be found, there you may be sure is no conversion. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)I see this tendency to lean on man everywhere. I know no branch of the Protestant Church of Christ which does not require to be cautioned upon the point. It is a snare, for example, to the English Episcopalian to make idols of Bishop Pearson and 'the Judicious Hooker.' It is a snare to the Scotch Presbyterian to pin his faith on John Knox, the Covenanters, and Dr. Chalmers. It is a snare to the Methodists in our day to worship the memory of John Wesley. It is a snare to the Independent to see no fault in any opinion of Owen and Dodderidge. It is a snare to the Baptist to exaggerate the wisdom of Gill and Fuller and Robert Hall. All these are snares, and into these snares how many fall!
Infallibility is not to be found in the early fathers, but in the Bible.
What are the best of ministers but men -- dust, ashes, and clay -- men of like passions with ourselves, men exposed to temptations, men liable to weaknesses and infirmities?
It is amazing to observe how vast a man's intellectual attainments may be, and yet how little he may know of the grace of God.
We have no right to expect anything but the pure Gospel of Christ, unmixed and unadulterated -- the same Gospel that was taught by the Apostles -- to do good to the souls of men.
Peace without truth is a false peace; it is the very peace of the devil. Unity without the Gospel is a worthless unity; it is the very unity of Hell.
False doctrine and heresy are even worse than schism.
It was controversy that won the battle of Protestant Reformation.
Three things there are which men never ought to trifle with -- a little poison, a little false doctrine, and a little sin.
A church may have good forms and regularly ordained ministers, and the sacraments properly administered, but a church will not see conversion of souls going on under its pulpits when this doctrine [Justification by Faith], is not plainly preached.
"Once let a man get wrong about justification, and he will bid a long farewell to comfort, to peace, to lively hope, to anything like assurance in his Christianity. An error here is a worm at the root.
An ignorant laity will always be the bane of a church.
"True Gospel in the pulpit, true Gospel in every Religious Society we support, true Gospel in the books we read, true Gospel in the friends we keep company with -- let this be our aim, and never let us be ashamed to let men see that it is so.
Let the meekness of St. Peter in taking a reproof be as much our example as the boldness of St. Paul in reproving." -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900), "The Fallibility of Ministers," in Warnings to the Churches, pp. 93-121.Dr. Southey thought that By-Ends [a personification in PILGRIM'S PROGRESS -- compiler], was the picture of some particular individual; but Bunyan often depicts the whole generation of such gentry, with graphic accuracy. "I observe," he [Bunyan -- compiler], says, in his BARREN FIG-TREE, "that as there are trees wholly noble, so there are also their semblance; not right, but ignoble. There is the Grape, and the Wild-grape; the Rose, and the Cankerrose; the Apple, and the Crab. Now, fruit from these wild trees, however it may please children to play with, yet the prudent and grave count it of little or no value. There are also in the world a generation of Professors, that bring forth nothing but wild olive-berries; Saints only before men; Devils and Vipers at home. Saints in world; but sinners in heart and life. Well, saith God, this profession is but a cloak. I will loose the Reins of this man, and give him up to his own vile affections. I will answer him by myself! Ezek. xiv. 7 [Ezekiel 14:7]. Thou art too hard for the Church. She knows not how to deal with thee. Well, I will deal with that man myself!"
So also in his RIGHTEOUS MAN'S DESIRES, he [Bunyan -- compiler], says, "Some men's Hearts are narrow upwards, and wide downwards; narrow as for God, but wide as for the world. They gape for the one, but shut themselves up against the other. The heart of a wicked man is widest downward; but it is not so with the Righteous. His desires, like the temple Ezekiel saw in vision, are still widest upwards, and spread towards heaven. A full Purse, with a lean soul, is a great curse. Many, while lean in their Estates, had fat souls; but the fattening of their estates made their souls as lean as a rake, as to all good." In like manner, it is not in By-path Meadow, where Christian listened to Vain-Confidence; nor at Beelzebub's Orchard, where little Matthew ate grapes which gave him "the gripes," that Bunyan displayed his deepest acquaintance with the "bane and antidote" of Temptation. He says in his NOTES ON GENESIS, "In time of temptation, it is our wisdom and duty to keep close to the Word, which forbids the sin, and not to reason with Satan as Eve did. So long as we retain the simplicity of the Word, we have Satan at the end of the staff; for unless we give way to a doubt of it, he gets no ground on us. Eve went to the outside of her liberty, and set herself upon the brink of danger, when she said, 'We may eat of all, but one tree.' When people dally thus with the Devil, they fall by temptation." -- Robert Philip in A Chronological Critique on the Writings and Genius of Bunyan, 1845, pp. vi, viiFor such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
(2 Corinthians 11:13-15)Consider, there are but two sorts of men in the world, and you are one of them. There is no neutral, no middle state; there are but two principles that men are influenced by, the flesh and the spirit; and there are but two ends men propound to themselves, either the pleasing of the flesh upon earth, or the enjoyment of God in heaven; and two places they issue into, heaven or hell. The Scripture is peremptory, and tells you who shall go to heaven, and who shall go to hell: Romans 8:13, If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die; but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live; Galatians 6:8, He that soweth to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Or consider that, Proverbs 14:14, The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways, and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. There are two different persons commencing and setting forth in the pursuit of happiness, the backslider in heart and the good man. The backslider in heart is one that continues in the apostasy and defection of mankind, that indulgeth his lusts and vain pleasures, and for a seeming good leaves God, who is the chief good. But the good men are those who make it their business to keep their hearts chaste and loyal to God. They both desire to be filled and to be satisfied. The one takes his own way, and the other God's counsel; and in the event both are filled. The backslider in heart hath enough of his own ways when they have brought him to hell; and the good man hath enough when he comes to the enjoyment of the blessed God. And there is one truth more there, they are both filled from themselves, their own ways. The backslider shall have the fruit of his own choice, and a good man is satisfied with that course of godliness that he hath chosen, Proverbs 1:31. Those that turn away from God, it is said, They shall eat of their own ways, and be filled with the fruit of their own devices; and Isaiah 3:10, Say unto the righteous, it shall be well with him, for he shall eat of the fruit of his own doings. -- Thomas Manton (1620-1677)
There are only two types of people in the world, those who say to God, Not my will, but thine be done, and those to whom God says "Not my will, but thine be done." -- Dr. Donald Ewing (1916-1997)
Encouragement from John Calvin for persons who, to some degree, find it necessary to stand alone in order to be obediently to God's calling.
Here Jeremiah confesses that he had departed from the people; but he did so, because he could not have otherwise obeyed God . . . . On account of thy hand; that is, because I attended to what thou [God] hast commanded, nor had I any other object but to obey thee. Hence, On account of thine hand, because I regarded thee and wished wholly to submit to thy will, I sat apart . . . . We see that there is a rule here prescribed to us by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of Jeremiah. To refute then the calumnies of those who object to us our separation, this very passage [Jeremiah 15:17] is sufficient. -- John Calvin commenting on Jeremiah 15:17 and contextThe tapes included in this catalog are recordings of sermons and lectures given by various pastors, theologians, Bible teachers, and conference speakers who confess adherence to the broad perspectives of historic Reformed theology. We have diligently tried to screen all the materials as to their basic commitment to the Biblical perspectives reflected in the Reformed creeds and confessions.
Since, however, no human interpreter of God's Word is infallible, it is the prayer of those responsible for sending forth these tapes that all who listen to them will cultivate the spirit of the Bereans, who 'searched the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.'
Also, it should be emphasized that the tapes included in this catalog have been evaluated in terms of their basic content as they were originally given, and the inclusion of them in this catalog should not be construed as an unreserved approval of the men who originally gave them. Christians grow in grace and knowledge with the passing of time, yet it must be recognized that some turn aside from the norms of Scripture. It is our hope, therefore, that no one will attach himself to any of the men whose tapes are included in this catalog on the basis of the tapes alone. We are all commanded to be discerning toward those who would instruct us in the faith.
Finally, it would be a tragic abuse of the intent in providing these sermons and lectures should they in any way cultivate a party spirit so clearly condemned by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 3. Paul reminded the Corinthians that all things were theirs -- Paul, Cephas, and Apollos included. We, too, may recognize that the various servants of Christ whose voices are heard on these tapes are God's gifts to us and that we are to follow them only insofar as they follow Christ and the clear teachings of His holy and infallible Word! Since not all men have the same gifts, learn to drink from the gifts of many men -- not just one fountain. -- The Introduction to the Mount Olive Tape CatalogThere is "power in numbers" whether numbers of persons under the Lordship of Jesus Christ or numbers of persons enslaved to Satan, but the spiritually discerning individual is not tempted by the power of ungodly alliance.
John Ankerberg and John Weldon have written over 70 books on pseudo-Christian movements. In the 80s it was said that there were over 600 books exposing corruption in America. (An advanced search in Worldcat.org on November 14, 2017, using the key word "political corruption," resulted in "about 107,953" records.
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), A Call to Discernment: Distinguishing Truth from Error in Today's Church, ISBN: 0890815887 9780890815885, 139 pages.
"The contemporary church lacks discernment. Christians attempt to sort out life from a conglomerate of 'misinformation, disinformation, distortion, and truth.' The Bible calls you to develop discernment, as opposed to the mentality which views discernment as synonymous with self-righteous heresy-hunting. Presents a plan for readers to grow in discernment. 'Discernment thrives in an atmosphere of absolutes, among people whose minds have been molded to think antithetically.' How can you develop biblical discernment? Here's both the what-to and the how-to." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Winning the war Within: A Biblical Strategy for Spiritual Warfare, ISBN: 188903200X 9781889032009. Alternate title: THE WAR WITHIN: A BIBLICAL STRATEGY FOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE.
"The Christian life is war. The holy war between God and Satan gets played out within ourselves in the conflict between the Holy Spirit and the flesh. 'It is to the enemy within that Satan, the world, and the demons must make their appeal.' Describes Satan's tactics and power, and then the strategies for victory: the Spirit's sword, prayer, faith, the help of believers. 'The prime purpose of this book is to encourage faltering Christians'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
Albrecht, M., Spiritual Counterfeits (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette NA101 [audio file].
Alleine, Joseph (1634-1668), A Sure Guide to Heaven or An Alarm to the Unconverted, ISBN: 0851510817 9780851510811. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"The book that is a must read by all people who claim themselves to be genuinely converted or born again. Read this book and you'll be benefited from detail exhortation given in this book with regards to the subject of true conversion and the unconverted." -- Reader's Comment
Ankerberg, John, and John Weldon, Cult Watch: What you Need to Know About Spiritual Deception, ISBN: 0890818517 9780890818510.
"Provides historical background and vital facts on the major beliefs of modern religious movements in question and answer format." -- GCB
Ankerberg, John, The Facts on False Teaching in the Church, ISBN: 0890817146 9780890817148.
"If you are concerned about the new philosophies and psychologies that are infiltrating today's churches, THE FACTS ON FALSE TEACHING IN THE CHURCH is an invaluable resource to help you judge which teachings are biblical and which are not." -- Publisher
Bobgan, Martin, and Deidre Bobgan, James Dobson's Gospel of Self-Esteem and Psychology, ISBN: 094171716X 9780941717168.
"Another well written, well documented and footnoted book by the Bobgans. They do not attack Dr. Dobson personally, but they do quote extensively from his work and then show where he has moved away from biblical truth. It is a very eye opening book and is a must read for anyone who is wanting to hone their discernment skills. Don't take what the Bobgans say at face value, get your Bible out and see for yourself. Be a "Berean!" -- Reader's Comment
*Brooks, Thomas (1608-1680), The Distinguishing Marks of False Teachers: An Extract From Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices, ISBN: 1879737027 9781879737020. Available (PRECIOUS REMEDIES AGAINST SATAN'S DEVICES and THE WORKS OF THOMAS BROOKS), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Distinguishing Marks of False Teachers, Thomas Brooks
http://www.graceonlinelibrary.org/revival/full.asp?ID=397
Brooks, Thomas (1608-1680), and Alexander Balloch Grosart, What a Hypocrite Cannot do. Alternate title: HOW FAR AN HYPOCRITE CANNOT GO. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #20.
*Brown, Colin, Miracles and the Critical Mind, ISBN: 0802835902 9780802835901 0802819699 9780802819697 0853643857 9780853643852.
"This is the fullest and clearest survey of the debate that has yet been written. Dr. Brown's analysis of 19 centuries of discussion is a major enrichment of both apologetics and theology." -- J.I. Packer
Brown, Harold O.J., Heresies: Heresy and Orthodoxy in the History of the Church, ISBN: 1565633652 9781565633650.
"Dr. Brown is currently with the Reformed Theological Seminary Resident Faculty, in Charlotte NC. Heresies is a comprehensive history book as well as a copious treatise of various heresies since the first century A.D. This would explain its renaming for the current editions.
"Dr. Brown brings this to us in a logical, well written, chronological narrative. It is easy reading, chock full of interesting details and bibliography/footnoting par excellence. He discusses the early persecutions and shows that even some heretics were genuine martyrs. Most importantly to the layman, he explains clearly the ramifications of any particular heresy. He does not stop with an explanation of why it is wrong, but discusses thoroughly the logical implications, conclusions, even actions to which this variant belief brings the heretic." -- Reader's Comment
Brown, Harold O.J., The Sensate Culture: Western Civilization Between Chaos and Transformation, ISBN: 0849913136 9780849913136.
"THE SENSATE CULTURE: WESTERN CIVILIZATION BETWEEN CHAOS AND TRANSFORMATION is a probing work grappling with the reasons so many moderns worship the sensuous, the material, the merely colossal -- but still feel empty and shallow. Building on the work of the late Pitirim Sorokin, Harold Brown finds the roots of cultural disintegration in the abandonment of the spiritual dimension. The author shows how most societies have descended from spiritual values to a period like our own, when materialism and sensuality rule. The result will be not just apostasy, but revolution, and the collapse of civilization. However, this need not be inevitable. The profound connections THE SENSATE CULTURE makes between Christianity and culture are accessible to every thoughtful person who takes seriously the crises faced by a world spinning out of control." -- Midwest Book Review
*Bunyan, John (1628-1688), and Robert Philip (1791-1858), The Greatness of the Soul: and The Unspeakableness of the Loss Thereof; No way to Heaven but by Jesus Christ; The Strait Gate. Alternate title: THE GREATNESS OF THE SOUL, AND UNSPEAKABLENESS OF THE LOSS THEREOF: WITH THE CAUSES OF THE LOSING IT: FIRST PREACHED AT PINNERS HALL, AND NOW ENLARGED, AND PUBLISHED FOR GOOD. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"In the 1660s, Charles II, King of England, asked John Owen (1616-1683), why he went to hear the preaching of an uneducated tinker. [John Bunyan -- compiler]. Looking the King in the eye, Owen answered, 'May it please your Majesty, could I possess the tinker's ability for preaching, I would willingly relinquish all my learning'." -- Andrew Thomson, John Owen, Prince of Puritans
Owen would not have been surprised to learn that Bunyan's most influential work, PILGRIM'S PROGRESS, would be translated into more languages over the next 400 years than any book except the Bible.
The Greatness of the Soul: and The Unspeakableness of the Loss Thereof; No way to Heaven but by Jesus Christ; The Strait Gate
http://archive.org/details/greatnessofsoulu00bunyuoft
Pilgrim's Page: A John Bunyan Archive
This is the complete set of THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN, George Offor edition, reprinted by The Banner of Truth. It is free online, and is downloadable in the following formats: HTML, RTF, TEXT, and PDF.
http://www.chapellibrary.org/literature/bunyan/
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN is also available at Project Gutenberg.
*Burroughs, Jeremiah (1599-1646), Hosea. A Christian classic. Available (AN EXPOSITION OF THE PROPHECY OF HOSEA, 1643, 1843 edition, exposition completed by Hall and Reynolds, revised and corrected by James Sherman. This seems to be the preferred edition, along with modern reprints of the same -- compiler), on the Puritan Hard.
"Burroughs' style in this long work will seem to be breaking fresh ground, for he is constantly doing what modern writers on Holy Scripture fail to do -- that is, drawing out truths about God's will, work, and ways with us humans that will enable us to discern, if we are willing to do so, how he regards our nation and our churches today, and how we should deal with him in light of the way we may expect him to deal with us. In fact, however, Burroughs represents an older, wiser, and more fruitful type of Bible teaching with which the modern church, conservative, no less than liberal, is for the moment largely out of touch. We are the eccentrics; Burroughs is the main stream. Let us be clear about that! . . . What, finally, may the late twentieth-century reader expect to gain from the major investment of time and effort that is involved in working through Hosea? He will learn about God, and God's ways; much about personal godliness, and the many-sided concern for holiness, peace, and love, that should always mark the godly; much about things to hope for, and pray for; much about dangers to watch against, forms of spiritual ill-health to learn to recognize, and in general principles for taking stock of his own Christian life, and that of the church and community to which he belongs. These are matters of unchanging truth, on which it is not at all incongruous for seventeenth-century masters to instruct us, their twentieth-century pupils. No doubt the historical exegesis of Hosea has gone further during the past 350 years than Burroughs was able to take it, but whether theological understanding of the God of Hosea has advanced beyond what we find in Burroughs -- whether, indeed, we are as well acquainted with the God of Hosea as Burroughs was -- is another question entirely. I find in Burroughs any number of precious truths that without him I might well have missed, and I want others to be enriched as I have been. I count it, therefore, a great and happy privilege to commend this new edition to today's Christian readers. Burrow into Burroughs! You will profit enormously." -- J.I. Packer
"Cotton Mather's assessment, that these sermons [Caryl on Job], belong alongside Greenhill on Ezekiel, Burroughs on Hosea, Owen on Hebrews, and Manton on James, can still be made." -- Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas, professor of Systematic and Practical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary
Burroughs, Jeremiah (1599-1646), An Exposition of the Prophesie of Hosea, Begun in Divers Lectures, Upon the First Three Chapters, at Michaels, Cornhill, London (1643)
http://archive.org/details/expositionofprop00burr
*Calvin, John (1509-1564), Calvin's Commentaries, 22 volumes. A Christian classic.
THE EPISTLE OF THE APOSTLE PAUL TO THE ROMANS is Paul's most comprehensive statement of the Gospel.
Romans is also the key to understanding all Scripture. It unites the various themes of the Bible.
"No doubt the Epistle next in importance to that to the Romans is this to the Hebrews." -- the translator of Calvin's Commentary on Hebrews
"I know of no man since the Apostles' days whom I value and honor more than Calvin, and whose judgment in all things, one with another, I more esteem and come nearer to." -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)
"Of all commentators I believe Calvin to be the most candid. . . . He was no trimmer and pruner of texts. He gave their meaning as far as he knew it." -- C.H. Spurgeon
"A large volume could not contain all that has been written in praise of Calvin's commentaries, by men of all theological persuasions. Anyone who neglects consulting Calvin is going to be the poorer for their neglect." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
It is recommended that CALVIN'S COMMENTARIES be used for daily devotions.
Calvin's Commentaries at BibleStudyGuide.org
http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_index.htm
Calvin's Commentaries at BibleStudyGuide.org
http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_index.htm
Calvin's Commentaries, complete
From the Calvin Translation Society edition.
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/commentaries.i.html
Monergism: Commentaries
From Mongergism.com search "commentaries."
http://www.monergism.com
*Calvin, John (1509-1564), The Institutes of the Christian Religion, 2 volumes, ISBN: 0664220207 9780664220204. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. A Christian classic.
"Edited by John McNeill and translated by Ford Lewis Battles, this is the definitive English language edition of one of the monumental works of the Christian church -- Calvin's INSTITUTES.
"Still considered by many to be the finest explanation and defense of the Protestant Reformation available.
"The work is divided into four books: I. The Knowledge of God the Creator, II. The Knowledge of God the Redeemer in Christ, III. The Mode of Obtaining the Grace of Christ, IV. The External Means or Helps by Which God Allures us Into Fellowship With Christ and Keeps us in it. . . . THE INSTITUTES is praised by the secular philosopher, Will Durant, as one of the ten books that shook the world." -- GCB
Calvin spent a lifetime writing and perfecting INSTITUTES OF CHRISTIAN RELIGION. His Prefatory Address makes it clear that he intended the work to be a defense of Christianity to the King of France.
Therefore, plainly stated, one of the most influential works ever published in the English language is a defense of Christianity to leaders of State.
Prefatory Address to His Most Christian Majesty, The Most Mighty and Illustrious Monarch, Francis, King of the French, His Sovereign, John Calvin. Available in THE INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION.
"Indeed, this consideration makes a true king: to recognize himself a minister of God in governing his kingdom. Now, that king, who in ruling over his realm does not serve God's glory, exercises not kingly rule but brigandage. [Footnote: 'Nec iam regnum ille sed latrocinium exercet.' An echo of Augustine's famous phrase: 'When justice is taken away, what are kingdoms [[regna]] but a vast banditry [[magna latocinia]]?' City of God, IV. iv (MPL [[Migne, J.P., Patrologiae cursus completus, series Latina]], 41. 115; tr. NPNF [[A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, second series]], II. 66)]. Furthermore, he is deceived who looks for enduring prosperity in his kingdom when it is not ruled by God's scepter, that is, his Holy Word; for the heavenly oracle that proclaims that where prophecy fails the people are scattered [Prov. 29:18 (Proverbs 29:18)], cannot lie." (Battles translation)
"The characteristic of a true sovereign is, to acknowledge that, in the administration of his kingdom, he is a minister of God. He who does not make his reign subservient to the divine glory, acts the part not of a king, but a robber. He, moreover, deceives himself who anticipates long prosperity to any kingdom which is not ruled by the sceptre of God, that is, by his divine word. For the heavenly oracle is infallible which has declared, that where there is no vision the people perish (Proverbs 29:18), (Beveridge translation)."
See the entire Prefatory Address, Beveridge translation. Considered to be one of the greatest prefaces ever written.
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/institutes.ii.viii.html
"The doctrines of covenant liberty were rediscovered in the Reformation. John Calvin went further than anyone else in defining liberty and what Christians need to do to maintain it. Includes bibliographies."
It is recommended that INSTITUTES OF CHRISTIAN RELIGION be used for daily devotions and may be used in combination with Ford Lewis Battles and John Walchenbach, AN ANALYSIS OF THE INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION OF JOHN CALVIN and with CALVIN'S COMMENTARIES.
Calvin's Commentaries at BibleStudyGuide.org
http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_index.htm
Calvin's Commentaries, complete
From the Calvin Translation Society edition.
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/commentaries.i.html
One Hundred Aphorisms, Containing, Within a Narrow Compass, the Substance and Order of the Four Books of The Institutes of the Christian Religion
http://www.lettermen2.com/pringle.html
Contents and Chapter Sections for Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion, 1559 (McNeill/Battles)
http://www.lettermen2.com/icrcont.html
Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion; A New Translation by Henry Beveridge (1845), Volume: 1
http://archive.org/details/instituteschrist01calvuoft
Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion; A New Translation by Henry Beveridge (1845), Volume: 2
http://archive.org/details/institutesofreli02calvuoft
Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Beveridge translation
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/institutes.iii.vii.html
Monergism: Commentaries
From Mongergism.com search "commentaries."
http://www.monergism.com
Clark, Kristen, Love Defined: Embracing God's Vision for Lasting Love and Satisfying Relationships, ISBN: 9780801075568 0801075564.
"In a culture obsessed with love and romance, why is it so hard for us to find satisfying love that lasts?
"Maybe we've been looking at this thing called love all wrong.
"In this insightful, encouraging and totally candid book, sisters Kristen Clark and Bethany Baird share a radically better and refreshingly biblical approach to navigating your love life. Covering topics such as true love, purposeful relationships, sex, boundaries, and singleness, LOVE DEFINED will take you on a journey to discovering God's good and original design for romance." -- Publisher
Cooke, Ronald N., Do Miracles Then Continue?
Dabney, Robert L. (1820-1898), Spurious Religious Excitements. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
DeMoss, Robert G., Jr., Learn to Discern, ISBN: 0310518318 9780310518310 156121096X 9781561210961.
"Movie and record companies spend billions each year to seduce your kids. They're creative. They're smart. They know what they're doing. To protect your children read this very frank book." -- GCB
*Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), The Religious Affections. Alternate title: A TREATISE CONCERNING RELIGIOUS AFFECTIONS, IN THREE PARTS; PART I. CONCERNING THE NATURE OF THE AFFECTIONS, AND THEIR IMPORTANCE IN RELIGION. PART II. SHEWING WHAT ARE NO CERTAIN SIGNS THAT RELIGIOUS AFFECTIONS ARE GRACIOUS, OR THAT THEY ARE NOT. PART III. SHEWING WHAT ARE DISTINGUISHING SIGNS OF TRULY GRACIOUS AND HOLY AFFECTIONS. BY JONATHAN EDWARDS, A.M. AND PASTOR OF THE FIRST CHURCH IN NORTHAMPTON. [TWELVE LINES OF SCRIPTURE TEXTS], ISBN: 0851514855 9780851514857. A Christian classic. RELIGIOUS AFFECTIONS is volume two of THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS, 26 volumes (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1957-2006), ISBN: 0300022824 9780300022827 0300060599 9780300060591. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
Edwards "sets forth 12 distinguishing signs of truly gracious and holy affections: (1) [those] truly spiritual affections which arise from spiritual, supernatural, Divine influences on the heart; (2) those affections grounded in the intrinsic excellence of Divine things, without relating to our self-interest; (3) those primarily founded on the loveliness of the moral excellency of Divine things. . . ." -- William Young
"This treatise soberly, thoroughly, and scripturally covers hypocrisy within the Christian church. We recommend it to everyone in full-time Christian service, and to anyone who may be discouraged by hypocrisy among professing Christians.
"It is by the mixture of counterfeit religion with true, not discerned and distinguished, that the devil has had his greatest advantage against the cause and kingdom of Christ. [For Edward's work on the positive side of the revival in New England see THE DISTINGUISHING MARKS OF A WORK OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD, APPLIED TO THAT UNCOMMON OPERATION THAT HAS LATELY APPEARED ON THE MINDS OF MANY OF THE PEOPLE IN NEW-ENGLAND -- compiler]. It is by this means, principally, that he has prevailed against all revivings of religion, since the first founding of the Christian church. . . . By this, Satan prevailed against the reformation, began by Luther. Zwinglius, etc., to put a stop to its progress, and bring it into disgrace, ten times more than by all those bloody and cruel persecutions of the church of Rome. By this, principally, has he prevailed against revivals of religion in our nation. By this he prevailed against New England, to quench the love and spoil the joy of her espousals, about a hundred years ago. And I think, I have had opportunity enough to see plainly, that by this the devil has prevailed against the late great revival of religion in New England, so happy and promising in its beginning." -- Jonathan Edwards, in the Preface to The Religious Affections
A Treatise Concerning the Religious Affections, Edwards
http://archive.org/details/treatiseconcern00edwa
Religious Affections, Jonathan Edwards
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/edwards/affections.i.html?highlight=religious,affections#highlight
This work also appears full view in Google Books.
Ellul, Jacques (1912-1994), Living Faith: Belief and Doubt in a Perilous World, ISBN: 0060622385 9780060622381.
Foster, K. Neil, The Discerning Christian: How the Believer Detects Truth From Error in the Midst of Today's Religious Confusion, ISBN: 0875093124 9780875093123.
*Grant, George, Trial and Error: The American Civil Liberties Union and its Impact on Your Family, ISBN: 0943497663 9780943497662.
"The ACLU is having a profound impact on America's Legal System. A superbly written and well researched book on the ACLU, considered by some to be Public Enemy #1."
Groothuis, Douglas, Confronting the New Age: How to Resist a Growing Religious Movement, ISBN: 0830812237 9780830812233.
"A clear, systematic guide on how to witness to New Agers. Lays out a concise strategy on confronting the New Age movement, especially in the areas of cultural change, education, and business.
"A book that tells how to stem the tide of this growing religious movement. Will help you to: witness to New Age adherents; identify New Age influences in business seminars; expose New Age curriculum in public schools; discern New Age influences in pop psychology, biofeedback therapy, visualization, and New Age music." -- GCB
Groothuis, Douglas, Deceived by the Light, ISBN: 1565073010 9781565073012.
"Doug Groothuis a well-respected expert on new religious movements, takes us to the teaching of Scripture for some surprising answers about death, near-death experiences, and what comes after death." -- Publisher
"This book begins with an evaluation of the claims of Bettie Eadie's account of her supposed near-death experience (NDE), explores the concept of the NDE, and evaluates the idea logically, evidentially, and theologically. I argue that there is little reason to support Eadie's NDE, given the lack of evidence (she refused to release medical records, etc.), and the internal incoherence of her account. It doesn't ring true to medical facts. Moreover, her worldview is an unstable compound of Mormonism, New Age thought, and a bit of Christian terminology. I critique the work of Raymond Moody, Kenneth Ring, and other NDE researchers. I also address the sticky question of hellish or "near-hell" experiences. I conclude after argumentation that the biblical account of the afterlife is true and rational. Jesus Christ, who tasted death and rose from the grave, is the only one in the position to reveal the realities of life after death." -- Douglas Groothuis
*Kelly, Douglas F., The Emergence of Liberty in the Modern World: The Influence of Calvin on Five Governments From the 16th Through 18th Centuries, ISBN: 0875522971.
"Examines Calvin's influence on the civil governments of Geneva, Huguenot France, Knox's Scotland, Puritan England, and Colonial America. Shows how Calvin's legacy continues to bear upon the issues that guide and agitate Western nations today." -- Publisher
Knox, John (1505-1572), Against Apostasy and Indifference. Alternate title: AN EPISTLE TO THE INHABITANTS OF NEW CASTLE AND BERWICK, 1558. Available in John Knox, and David Laing, WORKS OF JOHN KNOX. Available (WORKS OF JOHN KNOX), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.
"Formerly titled AN EPISTLE TO THE INHABITANTS OF NEW CASTLE AND BERWICK, 1558, one subheading reads; 'John Knox to the Inhabitants of Newcastle and Berwick, and Unto All Others, Who Sometime in the Realm of England Professed Christ Jesus, and Now Be Returned to the Bondage of Idolatry, Wishes True and Earnest Repentance By the Power and Operation of That Same Spirit Who Called From Death Jesus, the Only Pastor of Our Souls.' Written to stem the tide of backsliding and compromise during the dark days of Mary's reign in England, Knox sends a pastoral exhortation of repentance to those who had reverted to idolatrous worship. Grieving, he says that he was 'wounded almost to death' over these developments. Nevertheless he remained faithful to his readers, directing them to consider the great reward awaiting those who persevere and noting 'how horrible are the torments which the slaves of Satan (I mean idolaters, and such as for fear refuse the known truth), shall suffer with the Devil, and with his angels, without end.' Herein we see the serious nature of idolatry and of turning away from truth once attained." -- Publisher
*Knox, John (1505-1572), and Kevin Reed, True and False Ministries: Selections From the Writings. Available in THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX. 6 volumes, David Laing (editor). THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1,
Notes: "Based upon selections from volume 6 of the definitive ed. of 'The works of John Knox', edited by David Laing (Edinburgh, 1895)."
*Luther, Martin (1483-1546), Commentary on Galatians, English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge, ISBN: 0825431247. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"I prefer this book of Martin Luther's (except the Bible), before all the books I have ever seen, as most fit for a wounded soul." -- John Bunyan
"This is a great, historic work, and is beyond criticism on account of its great usefulness. As a comment its accuracy might be questioned; but for emphatic utterances and clear statements of the great doctrine of the Epistle it remains altogether by itself, and must be judged per se." -- C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)
"The reissue of a famous series of lectures delivered at Wittenberg University in 1553." -- Cyril J. Barber
Commentary on Galatians, Martin Luther
http://archive.org/details/cu31924029294133
Luther's Commentary on Galatians, That He might deliver us from the present evil world. (Galatians 1:4 excerpt), English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge
http://www.lettermen2.com/luther2.html
Luther's Commentary on Galatians, Who hath bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth. (Galatians 3:1 excerpt), English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge
http://www.lettermen2.com/luther1.html
MacArthur, John, Avoiding Spiritual Counterfeiters (1 Timothy 1:3-11; 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 2:14-19), ISBN: 0802453759 9780802453754.
*Machen, Gresham J., Education, Christianity and the State, ISBN: 0940931192 9780940931190.
"Machen was one of the foremost educators, theologians, and defenders of Christianity in the twentieth century. The author of numerous scholarly books, Machen saw clearly that if Christianity is to survive and flourish, a system of Christian grade schools must be established. This collection of essays captures his thought on education over nearly three decades.
"What role does the government have to play in education? What is the relationship between faith and knowledge? Is scholarship important, or is education the same as training? This book has been adopted as required reading by a large college in Florida. It may be studied with profit by teachers, parents, and students. Contents include: Faith and Knowledge, The Importance of Christian Scholarship, Christianity and Culture, Reforming the Government Schools, The Necessity of The Christian School, Shall We Have a Federal Department of Education? Proposed Department of Education, The Christian School: The Hope of America, Westminster Theological Seminary: Its Purpose and Plan." -- The Trinity Foundation
Masters, Peter, The Healing Epidemic, ISBN: 1870855000 9781870855006.
"This book traces the origins of the upsurge of healing ministries, then takes each of the main arguments used by healers in support of their methods, and shows how each is mistaken. Important facts are provided about demonology, showing just what demons can and cannot do. It is then proved from Scripture that the sign-gifts have ceased. A chapter describes how James 5 should be implemented in churches today. Two important chapters present the biblical commands that the conscious mind should always be alert and rational for all worship and spiritual service. Included is an assessment of miraculous healing by a leading British doctor who was for many years a professor at Leeds University Medical School, the late Professor Verna Wright. This book has been translated into a number of languages including Chinese and Russian.
"Dr. Peter Masters has been Minister of the Metropolitan Tabernacle (Spurgeon's) in central London since 1970. His weekly television and radio sermons are aired in the UK (Sky-UCB), and in the USA." -- Publisher
*Michaelsen, Johanna, The Beautiful Side of Evil, ISBN: 0890813221 9780890813225.
"The last 15 years have witnessed an unprecedented explosion of interest in psychic phenomena. Johanna Michaelsen shares an extraordinary story about how she became a personal assistant to a psychic surgeon and witnessed miraculous healings, yet realized the true occultic source behind THE BEAUTIFUL SIDE OF EVIL. Over 235,000 sold!" -- Publisher
"I read this book years ago and never forgot it! I was so inspired by Johanna's courage. The truth about what can happen when one gets involved in the occult without knowledge of the consequences. I have recommended this book to people since then. Truly amazing testimony of the Power of Good vs. Evil!" -- Reader's Comment
A significant work in spiritual discernment. Includes bibliography.
Morey, Robert, How to Keep Your Faith in College, ISBN: 0925703036 9780925703033.
For high school and college students. "Dr. Morey's book will help every student to know God, know himself, grasp the essentials, gain a Christian worldview, discern cultural considerations, spot humanism, avoid deception, and stay away from cults and occult. . . . An easy to read study guide with discussion questions at the end of each chapter makes this book perfect for group study." -- Publisher
*Morey, Robert, The new Atheism and the Erosion of Freedom, ISBN: 0875523625 9780875523620.
"Exposes the godless suppression of religious freedom today and presents effective ways to convert atheists to Christ. In case you have not noticed atheism/secular humanism is gaining ground. Are you grounded in what these philosophies teach? Can you refute them? Dr. Morey will show you how." -- GCB
The American Atheist Union has said this is the most dangerous book ever written about religion.
Includes bibliography.
*North, Gary, Crossed Fingers: How the Liberals Captured the Presbyterian Church, ISBN: 0930464745 9780930464745.
Many of Gary North's works contain research of value to the Reformed church. CROSSED FINGERS is valuable in documenting the decline of the Presbyterian church. However, we take strong exception to the content in Appendix C: "The Strange Legacy of the Westminster Assembly."
Crossed Fingers: How the Liberals Captured the Presbyterian Church, by Gary North
http://entrewave.com/freebooks/docs/html/gncf/table_of_contents.htm
*North, Gary, Political Polytheism: The Myth of Pluralism, ISBN: 093046432X 9780930464325.
"Political pluralism is not simply a political philosophy; it is a theology. This theology teaches that there must never be a nation that identifies itself with any religion." -- Publisher
"This book presents a new vision of politics and a new vision of America, a vision self-consciously tied to the Bible. . . . Dr. North, a trained historian, seeks to lead us from this downward spiral to full recovery." -- GCB
Institute for Christian Economics Freebooks.com
http://www.garynorth.com/freebooks/
*North, Gary, Unholy Spirits: Occultism and New Age Humanism, ISBN: 0930462025 9780930462024.
"According to this in-depth analysis by renowned historian and author Dr. Gary North, the New Age movement is indeed a serious threat and its adherents are no laughing matter. By tracing the historical and theological roots of modern occultic practices, Dr. North paints a frightening portrait of just exactly what we are up against. It's not a pretty sight. Fortunately though, UNHOLY SPIRITS is not simply another 'doom and gloom' forecast. He offers parents, teachers, pastors, and other committed Christians practical steps of action to nullify and ultimately eliminate the effects of the New Age infiltration into our homes, our schools, our communities, and our nation." -- Publisher
A revision of his earlier work NONE DARE CALL IT WITCHCRAFT, published in 1974. Includes bibliographic footnotes, index, and Scripture index.
Institute for Christian Economics Freebooks.com
http://www.garynorth.com/freebooks/
Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), Gary S. Greig, Kevin Springer, et al., The Kingdom and the Power: Are Healing and the Spiritual Gifts Used by Jesus and the Early Church Meant for the Church Today?: A Biblical Look at how to Bring the Gospel to the World With Power, ISBN: 0830716343 9780830716340.
*Pike, Samuel (1717-1773), and Samuel Hayward (1718-1757), Discerning Providential Guidance. In RELIGIOUS CASES OF CONSCIENCE ANSWERED IN AN EVANGELICAL MANNER . . . TO WHICH IS ADDED THE SPIRITUAL COMPANION; OR, THE PROFESSING CHRISTIAN TRIED AT THE BAR OF GOD'S WORD; AND CHARACTER OF THE HAPPY MAN, 1866.
Discerning Providential Guidance
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/discerning-providential-guidance.php
*Pike, Samuel (1717-1773), and Samuel Hayward (1718-1757), Distinguishing Faith and Feelings. In RELIGIOUS CASES OF CONSCIENCE ANSWERED IN AN EVANGELICAL MANNER . . . TO WHICH IS ADDED THE SPIRITUAL COMPANION; OR, THE PROFESSING CHRISTIAN TRIED AT THE BAR OF GOD'S WORD; AND CHARACTER OF THE HAPPY MAN, 1866.
Distinguishing Faith and Feelings
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/distinguishing-faith-and-feelings.php
Pink, A.W. (1886-1952), Profession Tested. Available in THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT, Chapter 56.
Reed, Kevin, The Decline of American Presbyterianism, a book review of Gary North's CROSSED FINGERS: HOW THE LIBERALS CAPTURED THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. Available in LIBRARY OF PRESBYTERIAN HERITAGE PUBLICATIONS AND PROTESTANT HERITAGE PRESS CD-ROM LIBRARY.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/decline.htm
Crossed Fingers: How the Liberals Captured the Presbyterian Church, by Gary North
http://entrewave.com/freebooks/docs/html/gncf/table_of_contents.htm
Reed, Kevin, Presbyterian Worship: Old and New, a book review regarding John Frame. Available in LIBRARY OF PRESBYTERIAN HERITAGE PUBLICATIONS AND PROTESTANT HERITAGE PRESS CD-ROM LIBRARY.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/FrameWor.htm
Ridenour, Fritz, So What's the Difference? ISBN: 0830707212 9780830707218.
"A very helpful and handy guide to the real points of difference between Biblical Protestantism and Roman Catholicism, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Unitarianism, Jehovah's Witnesses, Christian Science, and Mormonism." -- GCB
"With more than 800,000 copies in print since it was first published in 1967, SO WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? now appears in this updated and enlarged edition.
"Fritz Ridenour is one of America's bestselling authors. He has written more than a dozen books which have sold millions of copies. He has written this book for adults as well as for youth to answer their questions about Christianity." -- Publisher
Robbins, John W. (1949-2008), Pat Robertson: A Warning to America, ISBN: 0940931249 9780940931244.
"One of the distinctive marks of a cult is its reliance on revelation from sources other than the Bible. . . .
"If the Bible's claim is true (2 Timothy 3:16,17); then the claims of the Charismatic movement, the Roman Catholic church, the Mormon church, the Christian Science church, the Muslim religion, the Unification church, and many other religions to have direct revelations and oral messages from God are false. God has given men of God all the information they need in the Bible. It is only men who are not of God who desire such additional 'revelations'.
"The evidence from Scripture that Satan and his ministers can perform miracles is abundant and overwhelming. . . . (Galatians 1:6-9). The final test of a prophet, or of an angel, or of an ordinary preacher, the test that separates the true from the false, is, What does he teach? Moses in Deuteronomy 13 states the doctrinal test; Isaiah repeats it (Isaiah 8:19-20); Christ in Matthew emphasizes it; and Paul in Galatians makes it unmistakably clear. The test is not, Does he perform miracles. . . . (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). It follows that Pat Robertson's claim to have witnessed or performed thousands of miracles is worthless either in establishing his claim to be a prophet or in getting him into Heaven. . . .
"Miracles are the stock in trade of every false religion, Roman, Greek, Babylonian, Egyptian, and Persian. . . .
"Robertson's basic agreement with the cultic positive confession movement is but one more indication of how much he opposes Biblical Christianity. What he advocates, and what the positive confession movement teaches, is indistinguishable from sorcery. . . .
"Contents: The origin and destiny of the charismatic movement, Wesleyanism, American revivalism and the holiness movement, The pentecostal movement, The trend toward rome, The neo-pentecostal, or charismatic movement, The charismatic movement and rome."
Endnotes, Sources, Scripture Index, and Index.
*Rushdoony, Rousas J. (1916-2001), Christianity and the State, ISBN: 9996717755. Available through Exodus Books.
"The need to return to a Biblical doctrine of civil government is evidenced by our century's worldwide drift into tyranny. Humanism invariably rushes in to fill the world's theological vacuums: the need of the hour is to restore a full-orbed, Biblical, theology of the state. This work sets forth that theology." -- GCB
*Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900), Warnings to the Churches, ISBN: 0851510434 9780851510439.
"I see this tendency to lean on man everywhere. I know no branch of the Protestant Church of Christ which does not require to be cautioned upon the point. It is a snare, for example, to the English Episcopalian to make idols of Bishop Pearson and 'the Judicious Hooker.' It is a snare to the Scotch Presbyterian to pin his faith on John Knox, the Covenanters, and Dr. Chalmers. It is a snare to the Methodists in our day to worship the memory of John Wesley. It is a snare to the Independent to see no fault in any opinion of Owen and Dodderidge. It is a snare to the Baptist to exaggerate the wisdom of Gill and Fuller and Robert Hall. All these are snares, and into these snares how many fall!
"Infallibility is not to be found in the early fathers, but in the Bible.
"What are the best of ministers but men -- dust, ashes, and clay -- men of like passions with ourselves, men exposed to temptations, men liable to weaknesses and infirmities?
"It is amazing to observe how vast a man's intellectual attainments may be, and yet how little he may know of the grace of God.
"We have no right to expect anything but the pure Gospel of Christ, unmixed and unadulterated -- the same Gospel that was taught by the Apostles -- to do good to the souls of men.
"Peace without truth is a false peace; it is the very peace of the devil. Unity without the Gospel is a worthless unity; it is the very unity of Hell.
"False doctrine and heresy are even worse than schism.
"It was controversy that won the battle of Protestant Reformation.
"Three things there are which men never ought to trifle with -- a little poison, a little false doctrine, and a little sin.
"A church may have good forms and regularly ordained ministers, and the sacraments properly administered, but a church will not see conversion of souls going on under its pulpits when this doctrine [Justification by Faith], is not plainly preached.
"Once let a man get wrong about justification, and he will bid a long farewell to comfort, to peace, to lively hope, to anything like assurance in his Christianity. An error here is a worm at the root.
"An ignorant laity will always be the bane of a church.
"True Gospel in the pulpit, true Gospel in every Religious Society we support, true Gospel in the books we read, true Gospel in the friends we keep company with -- let this be our aim, and never let us be ashamed to let men see that it is so.
"Let the meekness of St. Peter in taking a reproof be as much our example as the boldness of St. Paul in reproving." -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) "The Fallibility of Ministers" in Warnings to the Churches, pp. 93-121
The Fallibility of Ministers, by J.C. Ryle
http://www.trinityfoundation.org/journal.php?id=182
Pharisees and Sadducees, J.C. Ryle
https://gracegems.org/23/Ryle_pharisees_and_sadducees.htm
*Scott, Otto, R.J. Rushdoony, M.R. Rushdoony, Martin G. Selbrede, and John Lofton, Jr., The Great Christian Revolution: The Myths of Paganism and Arminianism, ISBN: 1879998025 9781879998025.
"Dr. Warfield noted that Calvinism represents the Christian religion in its highest and purest form, for Calvinism alone acknowledges the totality of God's kingly prerogatives over every square inch of our world. This volume supports these powerful truths from three different perspectives, with each author supplying cumulative weight to the proposition that God rules in the affairs of all men, from the least to the greatest. This book will help you sort out much of the current error in theology in our day." -- GCB
"Never has so broad a sweep of Christian history been so swiftly or dramatically told. From the savage tribes of Europe to the rise of the most wealthy and intellectual civilization in the world; from the Dark Ages to the Reformation; from the tyranny of English kings to the spirit of freedom in Philadelphia. Otto Scott takes you on a gripping journey through the rise and fall of men and empires, while the Christian faith has always shined through every generation. Get this book for your library." -- Publisher
Strong, William (d. 1654), The Certainty of Heavenly and the Uncertainty of Earthly Treasures Together With a Discovery Where the Treasure and Heart is Placed / As it was Delivered in Severall Sermons by That Eminently Faithfull Servant of Christ, 1656.
*Warfield, B.B. (1851-1921), Counterfeit Miracles: The Cessation of the Charismata, Patristic and Medieval Marvels, Roman Catholic Miracles, Irvingite Gifts, Faith Healing, Mind Cure, ISBN: 085151166X (Unicoi, TN: The Trinity Foundation.
"This book is based on a series of lectures on counterfeit miracles that Professor Benjamin Warfield of Princeton Theological Seminary delivered in 1918; they are as relevant and as important today as they were ninety years ago.
"Warfield, one of the most accomplished theologians of the twentieth century, a Professor at Princeton Seminary for more than 30 years, and a prolific systematic theologian, defends and expresses once again the skepticism commanded by Christ in Scripture.
"There are demonic miracles in the modern world; there are unscrupulous impostors; there are weak-minded and gullible churchgoers; there is the power of suggestion; but there are no divine miracles. Divine miracles had a specific purpose, and when that purpose was accomplished, divine miracles ceased.
"The present fascination with miracles, no longer restricted to the superstitions of the Roman Catholic Church-State, but now spread throughout the world by the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements, is not a sign of resurgent Christianity, as so many have said, but a sign of resurgent paganism. The sort of religion that pervaded ancient Rome and medieval Rome has returned, just as, and because, Christianity is fading from the modern mind." -- The Trinity Foundation
"Warfield carefully examines the claims of Roman Catholics, Christian Science, and others. Such alleged miracles as tongue-speaking, faith-healing, etc. are considered and catalogued. Then he sets out a carefully worded (does Warfield know any other way to word), defense of the view of Christianity of the nature, function, and cessation of certain spiritual gifts -- and of course he equates this with what the Bible says, and quotes appropriate places." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
"It is well and good to say (with fingers in ears, repeating like a mantra), "Miracles happen every day . . . I've seen them . . . everybody's seen them . . . God never changes . . . etc., etc." But when one gets down to brass tacks, the complete dearth of evidence for -- as an example -- miracles of regeneration or resurrection is embarrassingly obvious. Does anyone think that if Benny Hinn had more to offer than mind-cures, suggestion, and cures of psychosomatic illnesses that he would not FLOOD the airways with footage to prove it? TBN would be ALL MIRACLES, ALL DAY. I was raised in a charismatic home and fully believe that God gives special providences and that our prayers ARE answered. But the special apostolic gifts are, whether you gauge it by quality or quantity, not with us anymore. I understand the worldview of the charismatic; but charismatics need to learn that whether or not the last regenerative miracle was in 70 AD or yesterday actually has no bearing on the truth of Christianity. Warfield's excellent exegesis not only answers questions of charismata that endure to this day, but also reminds us that there is nothing new under the sun. Read this 80 year old tome, change the names, and you have a scathing indictment of the modern practitioners of faith healing. Bravo to a scintillating intellect." -- Reader's Comment
*Westminster Assembly (1643-1652), The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), [completed and first printed in 1646, approved by the Assembly, August 27, 1647, Session 23 -- compiler] (Glasgow, Scotland: Free Presbyterian Publication [133 Woodlands Road, Glasgow G3 6LE], 1994), ISBN: 0902506080 (case-bound), and ISBN: 0902506358 (paperback). Among the ten greatest works in the English language. Available (THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646) with all its subordinate documents in searchable format) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also available (THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646) with all its subordinate documents in searchable format) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) With Scripture Proofs
http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/
The Confession of Faith, the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, With the Scripture Proofs at Large: Together With The sum of Saving Knowledge (contained in the Holy Scriptures, and held forth in the said Confession and Catechisms), and Practical use Thereof, Covenants National and Solemn League, Acknowledgment of Sins and Engagement to Duties, Directories, Form of Church-government, &c. of Public Authority in the Church of Scotland, With Acts of Assembly and Parliament, Relative to, and Approbative of the Same (1757) [the original version of 1646, prior to the changes of the "American Version" of 1789 -- compiler]
http://archive.org/details/confessionofscot00chur
" 'The product of Puritan conflict,' stated Shedd, reaching 'a perfection of statement never elsewhere achieved.' All that learning the most profound and extensive, intellect the most acute and searching, and piety the most sincere and earnest, could accomplish, was thus concentrated in the Westminster Assembly's Confession of Faith, which may be safely termed the most perfect statement of Systematic Theology ever framed by the Christian Church,' writes Hetherington. (The History of the Westminster Assembly of Divines, p. 345).
"Concerning The Shorter Catechism, which is one of the items also included in this book, Mitchell notes: 'it is a thoroughly Calvinistic and Puritan catechism, the ripest fruit of the Assembly's thought and experience, maturing and finally fixing the definitions of theological terms to which Puritanism for half a century had been leading up and gradually coming closer and closer to in its legion of catechisms.' (Westminster Assembly: Its History and Standards, p. 431).
"THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646) is the greatest of all the creeds of the Christian church. The church of Christ cannot be creedless and live. Especially in an age of doubt and confusion, it is her duty to define and proclaim the one true faith. Nowhere has the Reformed church done this so effectively as in the WESTMINSTER CONFESSION, and family of documents. This book represents Reformed thinking at its purest and best. It was intended, as part of the Covenanted Reformation taking place during its compilation, to be adopted as the binding confessional standard for every individual, family, court, church, and legislature in the British Isles." -- Publisher
This is considered to be the definitive publication of the Westminster family of documents. It includes the following:
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Blindness, spiritual, Glory in iniquity, the temptation of vainglory, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, The westminster confession of faith (1646, westminster standards) and related works, The shorter catechism, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, Heresy and apostasy, Spiritual warfare, Churches that abuse, The occult, spiritism, witchcraft, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The theology of freedom, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Protecting children from dangers, Mind control, Modern myths and fallacies, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, The decline of american society, irrationality, the decline of western thought, Male role and responsibility, gender equality, suffrage, reproductive rights, and the decline of american society, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 509, 1007, 1008, 1196, 2025, 4096
Beware of Men, Trinity Review, July 1999, John W. Robbins (1949-2008)
http://trinityfoundation.org/journal.php?id=136
Christian Scholarship
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9cha.html#cschol
The Dangerous Dark Side of a Shared Belief System, Rick Thomas
"The dangerous dark side of these communities is when the benefits, e.g., finding approval, become more crucial to you than whatever the group believes. The temptation is to compromise what you believe because the benefits of connecting with a relational community are more vital."
https://rickthomas.net/the-dangerous-dark-side-of-a-shared-belief-system/
Girl Defined
https://www.girldefined.com/
Mount Olive Tape Library of Reformed Theology
This collection has been in the custody of the Greenville Presbyterian Seminary since 2006. It appears (September 8, 2016) that the Media Center at the Seminary have digitized practically none of the audio cassette and video tape addresses.
"The following listing was developed by George Calhoun, the founder of Mt. Olive Tape Library, over the course of some thirty years. This catalog reflects the personal quest of Mr. Calhoun for a balanced education in Reformed Theology. The speakers herein have been scrutinized for their faithfulness to the Bible. These tapes will enable students to pursue the study of Reformed theology at a minimum of financial expense."
"FOR YOUR INFORMATION . . . [from the introduction to the Mount Olive Tape Catalog -- compiler]
"The tapes included in this catalog are recordings of sermons and lectures given by various pastors, theologians, Bible teachers, and conference speakers who confess adherence to the broad perspectives of historic Reformed theology. We have diligently tried to screen all the materials as to their basic commitment to the Biblical perspectives reflected in the Reformed creeds and confessions.
"Since, however, no human interpreter of God's Word is infallible, it is the prayer of those responsible for sending forth these tapes that all who listen to them will cultivate the spirit of the Bereans, who 'searched the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.'
"Also, it should be emphasized that the tapes included in this catalog have been evaluated in terms of their basic content as they were originally given, and the inclusion of them in this catalog should not be construed as an unreserved approval of the men who originally gave them. Christians grow in grace and knowledge with the passing of time, yet it must be recognized that some turn aside from the norms of Scripture. It is our hope, therefore, that no one will attach himself to any of the men whose tapes are included in this catalog on the basis of the tapes alone. We are all commanded to be discerning toward those who would instruct us in the faith.
"Finally, it would be a tragic abuse of the intent in providing these sermons and lectures should they in any way cultivate a party spirit so clearly condemned by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 3. Paul reminded the Corinthians that all things were theirs -- Paul, Cephas, and Apollos included. We, too, may recognize that the various servants of Christ whose voices are heard on these tapes are God's gifts to us and that we are to follow them only insofar as they follow Christ and the clear teachings of His holy and infallible Word! Since not all men have the same gifts, learn to drink from the gifts of many men -- not just one fountain."
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Mount Olive Tape Library lectures (MP3 audio files), approximately 161 of 171
http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?speakeronly=true&currsection=sermonsspeaker&keyword=Dr._C._Gregg_Singer
The Catalog of the Mount Olive Tape Library in PDF Format
http://www.lettermen2.com/olivecat.pdf
Mt. Olive Audio Library, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
http://gpts.edu/media/index.php?currpage=1&sa_action=
Greenville Seminary and Mt. Olive
http://www.sermonaudio.com/source_detail.asp?sourceid=gpts
Pseudo-Christian Movements: A Selection of Works
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html
A Redneck Resolution Against Self-destruction
http://www.lettermen2.com/redneck.html
A Resolution to Combat Mind Control With Truth
http://www.lettermen2.com/mindc.html
Virtuousreality.com, a Website for all Women
http://www.virtuousreality.com/
Unfaithful Reformed Ministries
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html#unfaith
Using Discernment to Deal With Deceit, [audio file] Frontline Fellowship
"God is Truth. God's Word is Truth. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (John 14:6)
"And war broke out in Heaven -- that serpent of old, called the devil and satan who deceives the whole world." (Revelation 12:7)
"Deceiving the Nations -- Satan is deceiving the nations.
"Education teaches you how to think. Indoctrination teaches you what to think.
"The ability to think critically is becoming less and less common. We are being subjected to the greatest flood of misinformation and disinformation in the history of mankind."
https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=124191214501729
See the Theological Notes: "The Image of God," at Genesis 1:27 in The Reformation Study Bible.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (Genesis 1:27)For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. (Acts 17:28)
See the Theological Notes: "The Fall" at Genesis 3:6 in The Reformation Study Bible.
But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. (Genesis 3:3-7)
Matthew Henry commenting on Genesis 3:6-13
https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/genesis/3.html
John Gill commenting on Genesis 3:7
https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/genesis-3-7.htmlSee the Theological Notes: "God's Covenant of Grace" at Genesis 12:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 4:4)
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:48)
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
But many [that are] first shall be last; and the last [shall be] first. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:28-30)To be without love to Christ is a clear proof that the whole of our manhood is out of order. -- C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892), in the sermon, Love to Jesus the Great Test
"Real men love Jesus."
The Christ is the only One truly called. . . . The flesh has always struggled against Him, as we see when we survey the history of God's people. The struggle was especially acute at Golgotha. -- S.G. De Graaf in Promise and Deliverance
Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. (1 Timothy 3:6)
The four "Servant Songs" of Isaiah are Isaiah 42:1-9; Isaiah 49:1-7; Isaiah 50:4-11; and Isaiah 52:13 -- Isaiah 53:12. See the annotations in The Reformation Study Bible.
Our Triune God has ordained that the preeminent leader of the Church is the Lord Jesus Christ, the God Man, Our Righteousness. (John 1:1-18; Matthew 19:30; Matthew 28:18-20; Isaiah 49:7; Colossians 1:16-19; Colossians 2:9,10; Hebrews 12:1,2; Revelation 5:1-14; Revelation 19:11-15; Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 22:12, and so forth, and so on). Human leadership is also divinely ordained and tends to devolve to those who are most perfectly at one with Christ, and to those who also know the most Truth (the Apostle Paul, Saint Augustine, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Puritan leaders, The Scots Worthies, and so forth, and so on).
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:28). See: (Matthew 19:28, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Then his master said unto him, It is well done good servant and faithful, Thou hast been faithful in little, I will make thee ruler over much: enter into thy master's joy. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:21) (Matthew 25:21 1599 Geneva Bible)
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:34). See: (Matthew 25:34, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And he said unto him, Well, good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little thing, take thou authority over ten cities. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 19:17) (Luke 19:17, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Therefore I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 22:29) (Luke 22:29, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:17). See: (Romans 8:17, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? (1 Corinthians 6:3). See: (1 Corinthians 6:3, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6). See: (Ephesians 2:6, 1599 Geneva Bible)
To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and corrections among the people:
To bind their kings in chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron,
That they may execute upon them the judgment that is written: this honor shall be to all his Saints. Praise ye the Lord. (Psalm 149:7-9) (Psalm 149:7-9, 1599 Geneva Bible)
But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. (1 Timothy 2:12), (1 Timothy 2:12, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 2:26). See: (Revelation 2:26, 1599 Geneva Bible)
To serve God is to reign. -- Seneca (4 BC -- 65 AD)So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
He saith to him again the second time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 21:15-17)The man is truly free who is most truly a slave to Jesus Christ. -- Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD)
"Jesus only" indicates our manhood. It is a sign of a higher growth when we can see Jesus only. -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon entitled Jesus Only, p. 645
Still remember that the GREAT MEANS of all the good that here or hereafter you can expect, is the GREAT MEDIATOR, the GREAT TEACHER, RULER, and INTERCESSOR for his people; and therefore, out of him you can do nothing. All duty that you offer to God, must be by his mediation; and so must all mercy which you receive from God. To come to God by him, who is the way, the truth, and the life, must be your daily work of faith. His blood must wash you from all sin past, and from the guilt of daily failings and infirmities. None but he can effectually teach you to know God and yourselves, your duty and your everlasting hopes. None but he can render your persons, praises, and actions acceptable to God; because you are sinners, and unmeet for God's acceptance without a Mediator. All power in heaven and earth is given him, and your lives and souls are at his will. And it is he that must judge you, and with whom you hope to live in glory. Therefore you must so live by the faith of the Son of God, who hath loved you and given himself for you, that you may say it is he that liveth in you, Gal. ii. 20, 21 [Galatians 2:20,21]. This is the fountain from whence you must daily fetch your strength and comfort.
X. And still remember that it is by the operation of the HOLY SPIRIT that the Father and the Son do sanctify souls, and regenerate and breed them up for glory. It is by the Holy Ghost that God dwelleth in us by love, and Christ by faith. Therefore see that you rest not in corrupted nature, and trust not to yourselves or to the flesh. Your souls are dead to God and holiness, and your duties dead, till the Spirit of Christ do quicken them. You are blind to God and made in vain, till the Spirit illuminate you, and give you understanding. You are like enemies, out of love with God, heaven, and holiness, till this Spirit reconcile you, and sanctify your wills. You will have no man-like, spiritual, holy pleasure, till the Holy Spirit renew your hearts, and make them fit to delight in God. Oh that men knew the great necessity of the illuminating, quickening, sanctifying, comforting influence of the Spirit of God, how far would they be from deriding it, as some profane ones do! By this Holy Spirit the sacred records were written; and by miracles of Christ and his apostles, and evangelists and prophets, sealed and delivered to the churches. And by this Spirit, the orders and government of the church were settled; and by Him we are enlightened to understand the Scriptures, and inclined to love them, and delightfully to believe them and obey them. Study therefore obediently these writings of the Holy Ghost, and confidently trust them. O be not found among the resisters or neglecters of the Spirit's help and motions, when proud self-confidence or fleshly lust do rise against them.
Christ's bodily presence is taken from the earth; he promised instead of it (which was but in one place at once), to send his Spirit, which is to the soul more than the sun's light to the eye, and can shine in all the world at once. This is his agent on earth, by whom (in teachers and learners), he carrieth on his saving work. This is his advocate, who pleadeth his cause effectually against unbelief, and fleshly lusts, and worldly wisdom. This is the well of living water, springing up in us to everlasting life; the name, the mark of God on souls; the divine regenerator, the author of God's holy image; and the divine nature, even divine life, and light, and love; the conqueror of the world and flesh, the strengthener of the weak, the confirmer of the wavering, the comforter of the sad, and the pledge, earnest, and firstfruits of everlasting life. O therefore pray earnestly for the Spirit of grace, and carefully obey him, and joyfully praise God, in the sense of his holy encouragement and help! -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)As the apostle says to Timothy, so also he says to every-one, Give yourself to reading. [1 Timothy 4:13] . . . He who will not use the thoughts of other men's brains proves that he has no brains of his own . . . You need to read. Renounce as much as you will all light literature, but study as much as possible sound theological works, especially the Puritanic writers, and expositions of the Bible . . . the best way for you to spend your leisure is to be either reading or praying. -- Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892)
One role of real men is to act as an "umbrella of protection" over wife, children, family, church, local community, and the nation. Their role is to protect others from evil.
Christianity is the only religion that offers a solution to the problem of evil. Christ took away the sin of the world. Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29). Christianity is also the highest ethical standard known to mankind. Christ was the Son of God and walked the face of the earth to teach us how to live. He transformed time and eternity for the elect by his sacrificial love. Obedience to him is an expression of love. We become like the objects of our love, our worship, persons whom we allow to control and influence us. Therefore, "Real Men Love Jesus." Real manhood is being Christ-like. Loving obedience to Christ enables a man to fulfill his role of protecting family, church, and state from evil. It is obedience to The Teaching of The Lord Jesus Christ that nurtures true manhood. Real men strive to be true to Christ. Christianity defines manhood.Do not be afraid of them, remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses. (Nehemiah 4:14)
From these, and many other, passages of Scripture (including Numbers 32:20; Judges 5:8; 1 Samuel 13:19-22), we can see that a man is responsible to be armed and prepared to protect his household. -- Peter HammondTo limit a person's access to lethal weapons is to limit his ability for self and family defence. Weapons control interferes with our basic right and responsibility for self-defence. Ultimately gun control can deprive you of your right to life. The right of citizens to use lethal force to defend themselves is a great deterrent to thieves and attackers. -- Peter Hammond
Andrews, Gini, Sons of Freedom: God and the Single Man.
August, Eugene R., Men's Studies: A Selected and Annotated Interdisciplinary Bibliography, ISBN: 0585211272 9780585211275.
"Provides a starting point for those pursuing further research. . . . The bibliography will prove useful to D.Min. students involved in pastoral counseling as well as to those in evangelism who seek to chart a course for the church in the closing decades of this century. The information treats outreach, as well as the needs of men in school, public life, academia, institutions, and, in fact, all walks of life." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), Compassionate Counsel to all Young men, The Mother's Catechism, The Catechizing of Families, and The Poor Man's Family Book. Available in Baxter, Richard, THE REFORMED PASTOR: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 4, 1877611360 9781877611360.
"This is the fourth and final volume in this great set. Includes, 'The Reformed Pastor' and 25 other sermons, treatises, and catechisms. Dr. J.I. Packer says, 'For me, the great joy of this year is that it see the completion of Soli Deo Gloria's reprint of Baxter's incomparable PRACTICAL WORKS'." -- GCB
Baxter, Compassionate Counsel to all Young men, 1681.
Compassionate Counsel to all Young men (1681), by Richard Baxter
http://www.lettermen2.com/ccaym.html
Bilezikian, Gilbert, Beyond Sex Roles: A Guide for the Study of Female Roles in the Bible, ISBN: 0801008859 9780801008856.
Bounds, E.M. (1835-1913), The Complete Works of E.M. Bounds on Prayer, ISBN: 0801009855 9780801009853.
"Eight classics in one volume using modern language." -- GCB
*Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), Human Nature in its Fourfold State. A Christian classic.
"This is THE classic on human nature. It was immediately acclaimed as such, and went through several printings during the author's lifetime. The book deals with four states of human existence: the state of innocence; the state of nature; the state of grace; and, the eternal state. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
"When those who are devoid of the Spirit of God and reject revealed religion meet up with the Scriptural doctrine of original sin, their comments expose their hostility towards God and help exhibit the very principle they deny. For example, Smellie comments on one reaction to this work of Edwards as follows: 'Mr. Lechy has condemned the treatise on Original Sin as 'one of the most revolting books that have ever proceeded from the pen of man.' Edwards summarizes this book as 'a general defense of that great important doctrine,' and has skillfully answered those who would assail the revealed truth of God's Word at this point. If our doctrine is weak on man's nature and (in)ability, all manner of false 'help yourself' religion (e.g. Arminianism, Romanism, the cults, the occult, etc.), and secular seduction (e.g. psychology, socialism, etc.), based on man' inherent 'goodness' or ability to 'save himself,' will be given a wide open door to run rampant." -- Publisher
Boston, Thomas, Human Nature in its Fourfold State (1811)
http://archive.org/details/humannaturein00bost
*Brown, John (of Wamphray, 1610-1679), A Pious and Elaborate Treatise Concerning Prayer; and The Answer of Prayer. Written by . . . John Brown . . . Glasgow, 1745. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #8, #21.
Dalbey, Gordon, Father and Son: The Wound, The Healing, the Call to Manhood.
Eisenman, Tom L., Temptations men Face, ISBN: 0830813799 9780830813797.
Flavel, John (1630-1691), Husbandry Spiritualized: or, The Heavenly use of Earthly Things, in Which Husbandmen are . . . (1824). Available in (THE WORKS OF JOHN FLAVEL) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Husbandry Spiritualized
http://archive.org/details/husbandryspirit00flavgoog
*Hughes, Philip E., The True Image: The Origin and Destiny of Man in Christ, ISBN: 0802803148 9780802803146.
"In this wide-ranging, Biblical, historical, and theological study, Hughes makes convincing use of the concept of the divine image to integrate the doctrines of man and Christ. His Biblical bases are solid, his expositions weighty and his historical interactions judicious and enlightening. A valuable piece of work." -- J.I. Packer
*Knox, John (1505-1572), Select Practical Writings of John Knox. Alternate title: SELECTED WRITINGS OF JOHN KNOX: PUBLIC EPISTLES, TREATISES AND EXPOSITIONS TO THE YEAR 1559. Available (WORKS OF JOHN KNOX) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (WORKS OF JOHN KNOX) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"In this 1845 edition, we find some of Knox's writings addressed to individuals. Deep, experimental dealing with souls and consciences, high toned, manly and practical, all describe this work." -- Publisher
See also the following political writings of John Knox single on both the Puritan Hard Drive and in The Reformation Bookshelf: CD #1, John Knox Debates God's Law, Idolatry and Civil Resistance in the General Assembly of 1564 | CD #1, Select Practical Writings of John Knox | CD #15, Against Romish Rites and Political and Ecclesiastical Tyranny (1554) | CD #26, Against Romish Rites and Political and Ecclesiastical Tyranny (1554) | CD #17, An Admonition to Flee Idolatry, Romanism and All False Worship (1554) | CD #25, The First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment of Women (This book is on the first CD in this set). | CD #26, Reformation, Revolution and Romanism: An Appeal to the Scottish Nobility (1558).
*Laidlaw, John, The Bible Doctrine of Man: Or, the Anthropology and Psychology of Scripture.
"The Cunningham Lectures, New College, Edinburgh, 1880. Provides one of the ablest introductions to Biblical anthropology ever written. Excellent." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Marshall, Walter (1628-1680), The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification: Growing in Holiness by Living in Union With Christ (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, Inc., 2005, 1999), ISBN: 189277724X. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Reformation Heritage Books edition is a reprint of the 1954 edition set by Oliphants and includes an introduction by Joel R. Beeke. Also includes the author's famous sermon on "The Doctrine of Justification Opened and Applied."
See the WorldCat record for various foreign language editions.
Other editions:
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, ISBN: 1597520543 9781597520546.
"This is by far the best book on the doctrine of Sanctification in print. It was originally written in the 17th century, but has been put into modern English with this edition. This book will help you better understand the Gospel and its power not only for our Justification, but our Sanctification as well." -- Reader's Comment
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, ISBN: 1589600630 9781589600638.
"Here you will read the most closely reasoned defense of scriptural sanctification to be found anywhere. . . . Fourteen directions are given to the reader, all perfected with the aim of explaining to sincere souls what sanctification is, what it is not, and how to attain a holy walk before God. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-mystery of Sanctification, Opened, in Sundry Practical Directions: Suited Especially to the Case of Those who Labor Under the Guilt and Power of Indwelling Sin. To Which is Added a Sermon on Justification (1859)
http://archive.org/details/gospelmysteryofs02mars
Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Becoming a Full-Time Man (cont.); Prayer and Christian Manliness, Available (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation), audio cassette CM103 [audio file].
Nave's Topical Bible -- Christ, Prayers of
http://bible.crosswalk.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T2807
Keller, Timothy J., Sinclair B. Ferguson, C. John Miller, Glenn Blossom, Benjamin Smith, Pastor of Deliverance Church, Ronald E. Lutz, Joseph F. Ryan, Rev., John F. Bettler, Albert N. Martin, and Edmund P. Clowney, Studies in Personal Holiness, 5 sound cassettes [audio file], (MP3s), (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Look Magazine, The Decline of the American Male.
Miller, C. John (1928-1996), The Puritan Style of Love and Marriage, (part 1 and 2), [audio file]. Available from the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation.
Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Jonathan Edward's View of the Greatness of God (parts 1 and 2), audio file (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Miller, C. John (1928-1996), God's Plan of Faith vs. The American Confidence man (part 1 and 2) (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette CM308 [audio file].
Miller, C. John (1928-1996), A Christian View of Sexuality (parts 1 and 2) (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassettes CM108 and CM108A [audio file].
Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Becoming a Full-Time Man (cont.); Prayer and Christian Manliness, Available (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation), audio cassette CM103 [audio file].
Nave's Topical Bible -- Christ, Prayers of
http://bible.crosswalk.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T2807
Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Repentance and 20th Century man.
"What is true Biblical repentance? How does it manifest itself? Is there a relationship between humility and repentance." -- GCB
Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Husband and Father as Spiritual Leader (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Morley, Patrick M., The man in the Mirror: Solving the 24 Problems men Face, ISBN: 0943497469 9780943497464.
"Reveals twenty-four secrets about living successfully . . ." -- CRM
*Robbins, John W. (1949-2008, editor), The Church Effeminate and Other Essays (Unicoi, TN: The Trinity Foundation, 2002), ISBN: 0940931540 9780940931541.
Contents: Robbins: The Church; Witherow: The Apostolic Church; Ryle: The True Church; Lloyd-Jones: The Primacy of Preaching; Adams: Preaching to the Heart; Ryle: The Fallibility of Ministers; Crampton: Exclusive Psalmody; The Geneva Service Book of 1556: Scripture and the Ordering of Worship; Miller: The Christian Education of the Children and Youth in the Presbyterian Church; Calvin: The Teachers of the Church; Clark: The Presbyterian Doctrine of Ordination; Warfield: Paul on Women Speaking in Church; Clark: The Ordination of Women; Robbins: The Church Effeminate; Luther: On the Councils and the Church; Hodge: The Relation of Church and State; Calvin: The Roman Church-State; Dostoyevsky: The Grand Inquisitor; Burroughs: Episcopacy; Witherspoon: Secrets of Church Polity; McFetridge: Calvinism and the Church; Chan: The New Babylonian Captivity of the Church; Robbins: The Reconstructionist Road to Rome; a Lasco: The Abolition of Vestments; Hanko: Ought the Church to Pray for Revival? Hodge: The Great Revival of Religion, 1740-1745; Luther: The Power of the Word; Clark: What Is Evangelism? Clark: Art and the Gospel; Calvin: The Necessity of Reforming the Church; Ryle: Idolatry; Ryle: Pharisees and Sadducees; Machen: The Good Fight of Faith; Ryle: Apostolic Fears; Machen: The Separateness of the Church; Robbins: The Sin of Signing Ecumenical Declarations; M'Crie: Fundamentalism and Ecumenism; Calvin: The Unity of the Church; Robbins: The Church Irrational; Index; Scripture Index.
The Necessity of Reforming the Church (1543), by John Calvin
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/NRC_ch00.htm
Calvin's Commentary on Hosea
http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/m.sion/calvhose.htm
*Smith, Guy, Guns and Control: A Nonpartisan Guide to Understanding Mass Public Shootings, Gun Accidents, Crime, Public Carry, Suicides, Defensive use, and More, ISBN: 1510760075 9781510760073.
"Non-aligned voters are often baffled by gun control. This book is designed to be a guide to thoughtful discussion; it arms readers with facts and observations behind the conflicting arguments, leaves emotional rhetoric to the pundits, and focuses on the thorny perspectives underlying the debate." -- Publisher
"Guy Smith is a man after my own heart. He's curious, doesn't accept pronouncements of truth by authority, and digs deeper in order to prove it himself. His entry into the topsy-turvy world of contrafactual 'research' by, shall we say, skeptics about guns, parallels my own. We both moved from accepting popular disapproval of firearms in society, to wondering why, to making our own inquiries and analyses. We both discovered the truth is opposite: Firearms are an important part of American culture, are overwhelmingly safely, responsibly owned and used, and help protect more citizens from harm than they are involved in hurting them.
"There are differences in his favor. Smith has been at this over 20 years and has developed an encyclopedic website called GunFacts. He posts everything he learns there (now with help from a dedicated group of volunteer researchers as the Gun Facts Project). I go back 10 years as an amateur -- DRGO is a volunteer project run by practicing physicians. You can learn a lot from searching DRGO, but all that and more is on Smith's GunFacts website, and better organized.
"All those years and thousands of facts later, he has collected in GUNS AND CONTROL everything you need to know about gun ownership and the efforts to weaponize research to justify restricting it. Its title precisely states the conflict we face, in this election year and every day. The activists who argue for licensing users, banning guns and other infringements on our natural, constitutional rights are primarily motivated by and depend on emotional arguments. Smith cuts through that and focuses on 'Just the facts, ma'am.' The subtitle, A NONPARTISAN GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING MASS PUBLIC SHOOTINGS, GUN ACCIDENTS, CRIME, PUBLIC CARRY, SUICIDES, DEFENSIVE USE, AND MORE makes that clear." -- Reader's Comment
Waters, Robert A., The Best Defense: True Stories of Intended Victims who Defended Themselves With a Firearm, ISBN: 1888952970 9781888952971.
Whitefield, George (1714-1770), Christ the Best Husband: Or an Earnest Invitation to Young Women to Come and see Christ, preached to a Society of Young Women in Fetter-Lane.
http://www.jesus-is-lord.com/whitefie.htm
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, Soteriology, The incarnation of our lord (the deity of the lord jesus christ), The glory of the lord jesus christ, Christ's kingdom, The mediatorial reign of christ: the crown rights of christ, Knowing christ, The lordship of jesus christ, The person and work of jesus christ the lord, The cross of christ, The blood of christ, The resurrection, The all-sufficiency of christ, Knowing christ, The teachings of the lord jesus christ, Christ our example, Affliction, adversity, trials, suffering, chastisement, Prayer, Intercessory prayer, The free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, the covenant of eternal salvation, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, Book-length presentations of the free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, The believer's position in christ and sonship, Discipleship, Christian character, Happiness, holiness, Singleness, Counsel for young men, Courtship, Counsel for young women, Men, women and God, Men and women, Marriage, Fatherhood, Family, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Temptation, History, his-story, The promises of christ, Christ's influence on western civilization, Family worship, The teaching of our lord jesus christ, Servant leadership, Holiness, Sanctification, Self-denial, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 359, 774, 852, 1682, 2071-2074, 2243, 2774, 3366, 3901, 4105 (see in the General Index "Man," "Man of God," and "Man's")
Patriarchy: The Urgent Need for Biblical Manhood Rusty Lee Thomas
http://www.mttu.com/elijahmin/Tracts/PATRlARCHY.htm
Virtuous Womanhood (FGB #196)
Christianity's Influence on the Condition of Women, James, John Angell (1785-1859) | Woman's Mission, James, John Angell (1785-1859) | The Virtuous Woman Described, Bridges, Charles (1794-1869) | Christ's Call to Young Women, Vincent, Thomas (1634-1678) | Grace for a Wife's Submission, Gouge, William (1578-1653) | For Mother's, Experienced or New, James, John Angell (1785-1859) | Christ's Work and Single Women, Tweedie, W.K. (1803-1863) | To a Recent Woman Convert, Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758) | A Grandmother in Glory, Burns, Jabez (1805-1876)
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/vwomfg/virtuous-womanhood
See the Theological Notes: "The Image of God," at Genesis 1:27 in The Reformation Study Bible.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (Genesis 1:27)See the Theological Notes: "Body and Soul, Male and Female" at Genesis 2:7 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "God's Covenant of Grace" at Genesis 12:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 3:12)
The four "Servant Songs" of Isaiah are Isaiah 42:1-9; Isaiah 49:1-7; Isaiah 50:4-11; and Isaiah 52:13 -- Isaiah 53:12. See the annotations in The Reformation Study Bible.
Our Triune God has ordained that the preeminent leader of the Church is the Lord Jesus Christ, the God Man, Our Righteousness. (John 1:1-18; Matthew 19:30; Matthew 28:18-20; Isaiah 49:7; Colossians 1:16-19; Colossians 2:9,10; Hebrews 12:1,2; Revelation 5:1-14; Revelation 19:11-15; Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 22:12, and so forth, and so on). Human leadership is also divinely ordained and tends to devolve to those who are most perfectly at one with Christ, and to those who also know the most Truth (the Apostle Paul, Saint Augustine, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Puritan leaders, The Scots Worthies, and so forth, and so on).
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:28). See: (Matthew 19:28, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Then his master said unto him, It is well done good servant and faithful, Thou hast been faithful in little, I will make thee ruler over much: enter into thy master's joy. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:21) (Matthew 25:21 1599 Geneva Bible)
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:34). See: (Matthew 25:34, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And he said unto him, Well, good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little thing, take thou authority over ten cities. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 19:17) (Luke 19:17, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Therefore I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 22:29) (Luke 22:29, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:17). See: (Romans 8:17, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? (1 Corinthians 6:3). See: (1 Corinthians 6:3, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6). See: (Ephesians 2:6, 1599 Geneva Bible)
To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and corrections among the people:
To bind their kings in chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron,
That they may execute upon them the judgment that is written: this honor shall be to all his Saints. Praise ye the Lord. (Psalm 149:7-9) (Psalm 149:7-9, 1599 Geneva Bible)
But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. (1 Timothy 2:12), (1 Timothy 2:12, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 2:26). See: (Revelation 2:26, 1599 Geneva Bible)
To serve God is to reign. -- Seneca (4 BC -- 65 AD)Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become [as] sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed [the poor], and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Charity never faileth: but whether [there be] prophecies, they shall fail; whether [there be] tongues, they shall cease; whether [there be] knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these [is] charity. (1 Corinthians 13)
Bilezikian, Gilbert, Beyond Sex Roles: A Guide for the Study of Female Roles in the Bible, ISBN: 0801008859 9780801008856.
Case, Thomas (1598-1682), The Excellent Woman, a Sermon Preached at the Funeral of Mrs. Elizabeth Scott, Dec. 16, 1658. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"THE EXCELLENT WOMAN examines the book of Proverbs to teach of the value and character of the virtuous woman. In the forward Dr. William Sprague writes, 'This is a work that will bear to be read more than once, and each successive reading will be likely to reveal some new gem of thought, which, in the general mass of excellence, had been overlooked before. It is a book suitable for the husband to present to his wife, the mother to her daughter, and the brother to his sister; and the more widely it is circulated, the better for the country and the world'." -- Publisher
Clark, Kristen, Love Defined: Embracing God's Vision for Lasting Love and Satisfying Relationships, ISBN: 9780801075568 0801075564.
"In a culture obsessed with love and romance, why is it so hard for us to find satisfying love that lasts?
"Maybe we've been looking at this thing called love all wrong.
"In this insightful, encouraging and totally candid book, sisters Kristen Clark and Bethany Baird share a radically better and refreshingly biblical approach to navigating your love life. Covering topics such as true love, purposeful relationships, sex, boundaries, and singleness, LOVE DEFINED will take you on a journey to discovering God's good and original design for romance." -- Publisher
Cleaver, Robert, Roger Carr, Robert Cawdry, and John Dod, A Godly Forme of Houshold Gouernment: For the Ordering of Priuate Families, According to the Direction of Gods Word. Whereunto is adioyned in a more particular manner, the seuerall duties of the husband towards his wife: and the wiues dutie towards her husband: the parents dutie towards their children; and the childrens towards their parents: the masters dutie towards his seruants; and also the seruants dutie towards their masters. First gathered by R.C. and now newly perused, amended, and augmented, by Iohn Dod and Robert Cleuer.
Duties of Husband and Wife, John Dod and Robert Cleaver
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/duties-of-husband-and-wife.php
Dabney, Robert Lewis (1820-1898), and Benjamin Breckinridge, Women's Rights Women (Feminism, Infidel Democracy, Egalitarianism and . . .). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Davies, Samuel (1723-1761, editor), et al., The Godly Family: A Series of Essays on the Duties of Parents and Children, ISBN: 1877611735 9781877611735, 341 pages.
"Gary Ezzo has collected 16 essays and sermons from 17th and 18th century pastors on ordering a godly home. The book is divided into four section: 1) The Importance of Family Religion, 2) The Duties of Parents, 3) The Duties of Children, 4) The Eternal Family. . . . All of these have been retypeset and updated for easier reading." -- Publisher
"The necessity and excellence of family religion / by Samuel Davies -- The great duty of family religion / by George Whitefield -- A plain and serious address on the important subject of family religion / by Philip Doddridge -- Parental duties illustrated / by Samuel Worcester -- The duties of parents towards their children / by Henry Venn -- Disciplining children / by Arthur Hildersham -- On the method of instructing children / by Henry Venn -- Four sermons on the religious education of children / by Philip Doddridge -- Blessings consequent upon parental fidelity / by Thomas Houston -- The duties of children to their parents / by Samuel Stennett -- The duties of children / by Henry Venn -- Heaven considered as a family / by Samuel Stennett."
*Davies, Samuel (1723-1761), The Necessity and Excellence of Family Religion. Available in THE GODLY FAMILY: A SERIES OF ESSAYS ON THE DUTIES OF PARENTS AND CHILDREN. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #22.
"Promotes daily family worship based on an indirect application of 1 Tim. 5:8 [1 Timothy 5:8], 'But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel'." -- Publisher
De Conick, April D., Holy Misogyny: Why the sex and Gender Conflicts in the Early Church Still Matter, ISBN: 9781623565565 1623565561.
"This book is a superbly researched 200-page compendium by the author presenting the origins of such Christian doctrinal issues as why God is male, the association of women with sin, the denial of priesthood to females, and more. Informed and informative, thoughtful and thought-provoking this book is a strongly recommended read for anyone concerned with the origin of gender equality issues within the contemporary Christian community." -- The Midwest Book Review
Elliot, Elisabeth, Let me be a Woman, ISBN: 0842321616 9780842321617 0842321624 9780842321624.
" 'In order to learn what it means to be a woman, we must start with the One who made her.' Working from Scripture, well-known speaker and author Elisabeth Elliot shares her observations and experiences in a number of essays on what it means to be a Christian woman, whether single, married, or widowed. . . .
"We are called to be women. The fact that I am a woman does not make me a different kind of Christian, but the fact that I am a Christian does make me a different kind of woman. For I have accepted God's idea of me, and my whole life is an offering back to him of all that I am and all that he wants me to be. In these days of conflicting demands and cultural pressures, what kind of woman do you wish to be? How should you respond? What should you think? Elisabeth Elliot is one of Christendom's most able and articulate writers. In this profound and moving book she presents her unique perspective. Now married a third time after losing two husbands through death, she offers golden insights which apply to the single, the married, and the widowed. These notes on womanhood, written to her daughter Valerie a few weeks before Val's marriage, are a gift of lasting worth for all Christian women." -- Publisher
*Finley, Martha (1828-1909), Book 2: Elsie's Holidays at Roselands, ISBN: 9781888306323 1888306327.
"When Elsie's father becomes ill, she takes on the job of nurse-companion, and all goes well until Elsie, because it is the Sabbath, as a matter of conscience refuses to read to him from a secular book. The battle of wills that ensues nearly causes first her father's death, and then Elsie's. Lonely Elsie -- punished, ostracized, and then abandoned by her father -- turns to her heavenly Father for comfort and assurance. Will her father realize that Elsie's obedience to God must be paramount, and submit himself to the same Divine Authority?" -- Publisher
On an even more serious note, one moral of this story is the broader life and death struggle between Truth and Falsehood (See: Absolute truth and relativism [duality and non-duality], Epistemology of theology, the theory of knowledge, and Christian scholarship.) The consequence of conflict of will is death of the "One," or war of the "Many" (see Rushdoony, THE ONE AND THE MANY: STUDIES IN THE PHILOSOPHY OF ORDER AND ULTIMACY. Conflict of will (see Will and recalcitrance, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation,) may begin when one individual (see The doctrine of man [human nature, total depravity],) or the corporate body (see Corporate faithfulness and sanctification), tries to usurping authority over others (see Power, Authority) -- tries to control and possess the other (see Tyranny, Slavery, our systems of enslavement, economic enslavement.) The means of control may be either outward or occult (see The occult, spiritism, witchcraft), deceit, repression or suppression of the truth, replacing moral and ethical absolutes with relativism (see Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Medical ethics, Absolute truth and relativism [duality and non-duality], unfaithfulness to the highest ethical standards (see The ten commandments: the moral law, The holy bible), Heresy and apostasy (apostacy, old english), Spiritual adultery [spiritual whoredom/harlotry,] (see Idolatry, syncretism, Jeremiah and lamentations,) invocation of the demonic, Oaths, ensnaring vows, promises, and covenants, bonds with the ungodly Carnality and flesh pleasing: desires, pleasure, Justice, judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord,) attempts to take authority over another politically or by mental malpractice (see Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, making up their own rules (see Absolute truth and relativism [duality and non-duality],) ignoring or changing constitutional or creedal documents, unjust laws for the accumulation of wealth and power, indebtedness, disenfranchisement, (see denial of freedom,) Priestcraft, pharisaism, soul-stealing, possessiveness, physical seduction and whoredom, political economic or sexual enslavement (see Sexual relationship,) and so forth, and so on.
This abuse, this soul-violence, quenches the Holy Spirit (see Owen, God's Presence With a People the Spring of Their Prosperity; With Their Special Interest in Abiding in Him.) If either side is immovable, then death is the consequence (see Soteriology, atonement, The blood of christ, Hell, and Heaven.)
How are conflicts of will resolved? By submission to the Absolute Truths of God's word, the great common denominator, Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6)
All this bears a strain of the Gospel (see Book-length presentations of the free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, The westminster confession of faith.)
Book 2: Holidays at Roselands
http://archive.org/details/holidaysatrosel00finlgoog
Holidays at Roselands (Gutenberg text)
http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/gutbook/lookup?num=14280
Mantle Ministries (Elsie Dinsmore Series and Mildred Series)
http://www.mantlemin.com
Finley, Martha (1828-1909), Book 11: The Two Elsies (Bulverde, TX: Mantle Ministries), ISBN: 1581821042 9781581821048.
The Two Elsies (Gutenberg text)
http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/gutbook/lookup?num=13379
Gallagher, Philip J., Gail Linda Mortimer, and Eugene R. Cunnar, Milton, the Bible, and Misogyny, ISBN: 0826207359 9780826207357.
"The question of whether Milton was a mysogynist has exercised the pens and minds of many scholars recently. This book argues that Milton moved away from the mysogynist approach that some scholars have argued the Bible takes toward women and interpreted the ways of God in a humanitarian light." -- Publisher
*Graglia, F. Carolyn, Domestic Tranquility: A Brief Against Feminism, ISBN: 0965320863 9780965320863 1890626090 9781890626099.
"It is the definitive refutation of modern feminism. At 418 pages, including endnotes, it is a comprehensive exposé of the modern feminist movement; if the reader is not persuaded by the extensive evidence Graglia presents, he (she!) is most likely devoted to the ideology of feminism in a way which cannot be shaken by overwhelming, cogent evidence." -- Andrew Sandlin
The Coup de Grace to Feminism, Rev. P. Andrew Sandlin
http://www.chalcedon.edu/cgi-bin/PrintPage.asp?REF=/report/99may/sandlin1.shtml
*Hardisty, Margaret, Forever my Love: What Every man Should Know About his Wife, ISBN: 0890810117 9780890810118.
"Excellent book for husbands on learning to live with their wives in understanding." -- Robert B. Somerville
Hurley, James B., Man and Woman in Biblical Perspective, ISBN: 0310427312 9780310427315.
"A thorough, sound, Biblical, and background survey. It is valuable not only for its erudition and meticulous reasoning but for its great sensitivity in the application of Biblical principles." -- John Gerstner
Dr. Hurley is Associate Professor of Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary.
"This is an excellent study of the roles of men and women in Old Testament, New Testament, and Inter-Testamental times. Roles covered include family life, commercial, managerial, governmental and religious. Except for the inter-testamental period, the analysis sticks strictly to the scriptures and is very objective. When the subject of religious roles is discussed, the author, who is a member of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) denomination, is careful to define modern church offices in terms of their New Testament counterparts.
"Mr. Hurley is well qualified for this inquiry since he has a doctorate in Pauline Theology and also extensive experience in marriage counseling.
"I found the book to be very helpful as I went through the process of deciding whether ordination of women was an approved biblical practice." -- Reader's Comment
*Knight, George W., and Wayne A. Grudem, The Role Relationship of men and Women: New Testament Teaching, ISBN: 0802473695 9780802473691.
"One of the best works of its kind. Treats all the New Testament passages that perplex modern minds. Because so much confusion has arisen over whether or not kephale means 'source' or 'authority,' an appendix by Wayne Grundem has been added in which that issue is discussed at length. . . ." -- Cyril J. Barber
Contains material useful in counseling.
*Luther, Martin (1483-1546), J.I. Packer (translator), and O.R. Johnston (translator), Bondage of the Will, ISBN: 0800753429 9780800753429. A Christian classic. Available (PDF and MP3) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"THE BONDAGE OF THE WILL is fundamental to an understanding of the primary doctrines of the Reformation. In these pages, Luther gives extensive treatment to what he saw as the heart of the gospel. Free will was no academic question to Luther; the whole gospel of the Grace of God, he believed, was bound up with it and stood or fell according to the way one decided it . . . This is the greatest piece of writing that came from Luther's pen. In its vigour of language, its profound theological grasp, and the grand sweep of its exposition, it stands unsurpassed among Luther's writings." -- Publisher
"Luther recognized this book as his most important work and even said that if all his other books perished, he would hope that this one, along with his SMALL CATECHISM, would be the only ones to remain. As noted above, this is one of the most important books of the early Reformation, for it deals with what Luther saw to be the heart of the Gospel. Luther here refutes the Romish notion of 'free will' in man and upholds the absolute sovereignty of God in the salvation of sinners -- as well as justification by faith alone. Luther clearly saw the issue of free will as the primary cause of his separation from Rome.
"In this book he replied to the Roman Catholic scholar, Erasmus, and his diatribe THE FREEDOM OF THE WILL. Though disagreeing with just about everything else Erasmus wrote, Luther commended Erasmus for recognizing the crux of the matter at issue between Rome and the Bible believers, the debate over 'free will.' In this regard Luther wrote,
that unlike all the rest, you alone have attacked the real issue, the essence of the matter in dispute [i.e. man's so-called free-will -- RB] . . . You and you alone saw, what was the grand hinge upon which the whole turned, and therefore you attacked the vital part at once; for which, from my heart, I thank you." 'This book is most needful at the present day,' noted Atherton in 1931, for 'the teachings of many so-called Protestants are more in accordance with the Dogmas of the Papists, or the ideas of Erasmus, than with the Principles of the Reformers; they are more in harmony with the Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent than with the Protestant or Reformed Confessions of Faith.'
Luther, Martin (1483-1546), and Walter Lynne (translator), A VVatch-vvord for VVilfull VVomen. An Excellent Pithie Dialogue Betvveene two Sisters, of Contrary Dispositions: the one a Vertuous Matrone: Fearing God: The Other a VVilfull Husvvife: of Disordered Behauioure. Wherein is righte Christianly discoursed, what singuler commodity commeth by vertuous education, as otherwise what torment to a quiet man, a skowlding [and] vndiscrete woman is. Alternate title: FRUTEFUL PREDICATION OR SERMON OF D. MART. LUTH. CONCERNYNGE MATRIMONY, 1581.
*Marshall, Walter (1628-1680), The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification: Growing in Holiness by Living in Union With Christ (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, Inc., 2005, 1999), ISBN: 189277724X. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Reformation Heritage Books edition is a reprint of the 1954 edition set by Oliphants and includes an introduction by Joel R. Beeke. Also includes the author's famous sermon on "The Doctrine of Justification Opened and Applied."
See the WorldCat record for various foreign language editions.
Other editions:
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, ISBN: 1597520543 9781597520546.
"This is by far the best book on the doctrine of Sanctification in print. It was originally written in the 17th century, but has been put into modern English with this edition. This book will help you better understand the Gospel and its power not only for our Justification, but our Sanctification as well." -- Reader's Comment
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, ISBN: 1589600630 9781589600638.
"Here you will read the most closely reasoned defense of scriptural sanctification to be found anywhere. . . . Fourteen directions are given to the reader, all perfected with the aim of explaining to sincere souls what sanctification is, what it is not, and how to attain a holy walk before God. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-mystery of Sanctification, Opened, in Sundry Practical Directions: Suited Especially to the Case of Those who Labor Under the Guilt and Power of Indwelling Sin. To Which is Added a Sermon on Justification (1859)
http://archive.org/details/gospelmysteryofs02mars
Miles, Herbert Jackson, and Fern Harrington Miles, Husband-Wife Equality, ISBN: 0800709063 9780800709068.
Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Husband and Father as Spiritual Leader in the Home (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
*Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Woman's Role in the Home (part 1 of 2) (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette CMR03 [audio file].
World Harvest Mission
http://www.whm.org/home.htm
*Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Woman's Role in the Home (part 2 of 2) (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette CMR04 [audio file].
World Harvest Mission
http://www.whm.org/home.htm
Nathanson, Paul, and Katherine K. Young, Spreading Misandry: The Teaching of Contempt for men in Popular Culture, ISBN: 9780773522725 0773522727 9780773569690 0773569693.
"Nathanson and Young urge us to rethink prevalent assumptions about men that result in profoundly disturbing stereotypes that foster contempt. SPREADING MISANDRY breaks new ground by discussing misandry in moral terms rather than purely psychological or sociological ones and by criticizing not only ideological feminism but other ideologies on both the left and the right." -- Publisher
Nelson, Timothy, The Head Covering: What Saith the Scriptures?
Neuer, Werner, and Gordon Wenham (translator), Man and Women in Christian Perspective, ISBN: 0891076069 9780891076063.
"MAN AND WOMAN IN CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE has a strong pastoral concern. . . . It deals honorably and critically with all facets of the problem. . . . Here is an author whose concern is Truth . . . and whose writing takes the reader through the confusing pluralism of today onto firm ground." -- James Atkinson
Pawson, J. David, Leadership is Male, ISBN: 0840790236 9780840790231.
Foreword by Elisabeth Elliot.
Rinck, Margaret (Josephson), Christian men who Hate Women: Healing Hurting Relationships, ISBN: 0310517516 9780310517511.
Tiger, Lionel, The Decline of Males: The First Look at an Unexpected New World for men and Women, ISBN: 0312263112 9780312263119.
"Why have the sexual and family norms of American society changed so dramatically in the last few decades?
"Distinguished anthropologist and author Lionel Tiger offers a unique biological perspective on major questions of the age that have thwarted sociological, economic, and political explanation:
Various, Gender: Feminism, Woman, Gender role, Misogyny, Gender identity disorder, Chauvinism, Sissy, Misandry, Glam rock, Gender studies, Sex-selective abortion, Cisgender (sic), Coalition for positive sexuality, Radical faeries, Digit ratio, Third gender, ISBN: 9781156772539 1156772532.
Various, The Gerritsen Collection of Women's History, 1543-1945: A Bibliographic Guide to the Microform Collection, ISBN: 0667006834 9780667006836.
*Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), and Don Kistler (editor), The art of Divine Contentment, 2nd edition, ISBN: 1573581135 9781573581134. Alternate title: AUTARKEIA. Available (MP3 files), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
This is an exposition of Philippians 4:11.
"Like all the good Puritans he majored in the art of teaching humble hearts to live the Christ-like life. In this book it is the art of contentment that is pressed on all of us." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
"Watson, one of the most understandable and practical of the Puritans, gives us a much needed remedy for the discontent that is rampant in our society today, even among Christians. He gives a warm and God-centered view of how contentment as a Christian is not only possible, but should be normal. His thesis is: 'That a gracious spirit is a contented spirit. The doctrine of contentment is very superlative; and til we have learned this, we have not learned to be Christians.' (p. 19). He rightly focuses the source of contentment on God's promises and His sovereign keeping of them. 'There is one promise brings much sweet contentment into the soul, "They that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing," Ps. xxxiv. 10 [Psalm 34:10]. If the thing we desire be good for us, we shall have it; if it be not good, then the not having it is good for us. The resting satisfied with this promise gives contentment.' (p. 108)
"All Christians can benefit from this kind of work, that we might be different, and not live in the same discontent that we see all around us. If you're looking for a treatment for your heart, Watson is a fine physician of the soul." -- Reader's Comment
The Art of Divine Contentment, Thomas Watson
http://www.ccel.org/w/watson/contentment/contentment.html
The Art of Divine Contentment, 1 of 8, audio file
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=92007123630
Watson, A Body of Practical Divinity Sermons on the Shorter Catechism of the Westminster Assembly, also Select Sermons on Various Subjects, Together with The Art of Divine Contentment, and Christ's Various Fulness (1859)
http://archive.org/details/bodyofpracticald00watsuoft
Wilson, P. Bunny, Liberated by Submission, ISBN: 1565077202 9781565077201. Alternate title: LIBERATED THROUGH SUBMISSION.
Submission is the whole thing, submission to God, the Ultimate Judge, Lawgiver, Holiness, and submission to others. The caveat -- everyone tries to play god, and thus interferes with what God is doing, thus the need for discerning submission.
"LIBERATED THROUGH SUBMISSION has given me the boldness to stand up and say that my desire is to be a submitted wife and the reasons why. Before I read this book, I sat silently when other women exploded about the forbidden 's' word. The Bible tells us clearly to submit and I did, as an act of obedience to God, however, I did not like it. As a result of reading Bunny's book, not only do I want to submit, but I recognize that I cannot afford not to. I am now 'Liberated' because submission allows me to step back and watch God move. . . !" -- Reader's Comment
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, Sexual wholeness, Feminism, The occult, spiritism, witchcraft, Male role and responsibility, gender equality, suffrage, reproductive rights, and the decline of american society, Men and women, misogyny, misandry, Trusting god, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, Commitment, surrender, The commandments of christ, God's deliverance of nations, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenant of redemption, The covenant faithfulness of god, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, Sexual wholeness, Suffrage, Feminism, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Authority, Power, Men and women, Christian fiction, Classic christian fiction by martha finley, the elsie books series, Oaths, ensnaring vows, promises, and covenants, bonds with the ungodly, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, The national covenant, The solemn league and covenant, The covenanted reformation of scotland author/title listing, Biography of covenanters, Acts of faithful assemblies, Covenanting in america, The scottish covenanting struggle, alexander craighead, and the mecklenburg declaration, Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, "religious freedom," and neutrality, Confession of national sin and covenant renewal, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, and so forth, and so on.
Headcoverings and the Christian Woman
http://www.covenanter.org/Attire/Headcoverings/headcoverings.htm
Virtuousreality.com, a Website for all Women
http://www.virtuousreality.com/
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:33)Fret not thyself because of evildoers,
neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
and wither as the green herb.
Trust in the LORD, and do good;
so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
Delight thyself also in the LORD;
and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (Psalm 37:1-4)For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Mark 9:41)
The fulness of the earth can never satisfy the soul. All satisfaction and contentment arise from the conjunction of a convenient with a convenient; the conjunction of suitables. If a man have never so great an estate, if his heart be not suited to it, he hath no content. If a man have never so small an estate, if his heart be suited to it, he is content. What suitableness is there between the fulness of the earth and the better part of man, the soul! A thing is never said to be full till it be full of that for which it is made: a chest or trunk is not said to be full of air, though it be full of air. So take one of these meeting-houses; though the place be full of stools, or full of air, yet we say the church is empty; because though it be full, yet it is not full of that for which it is made, full of people.
So now, take a man that hath all the fulness of the earth; because that his soul was never made for the fulness of the earth, therefore he is said to be empty; in the midst of all his fulness, the man is an empty man, because his heart is not full of that for which he was made, and that is Christ. -- William BridgeProsperity is no friend to a sanctified memory, and therefore we are cautioned, when we are full, lest we forget God. Noah, who had seen the whole world drowned in water, was no sooner safe on shore, and in the enjoyment of plenty, than he forgot God, and drowned himself in wine. -- William Gurnall (1617-1679)
Each year, some 30 million Americans are defrauded of more than $50 billion, according to a 2011 report by the Financial Fraud Research Center, a joint project of the Stanford Center on Longevity and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation." -- Mitch Lipka in "Devious by Design: Spotting the Telltale Signs of Shady Deals, Scams, and Fraudulent Investment Offers," in USAA Magazine, Spring 2014, volume 50, number 1.
The "Devious by Design" article offers basic information and lists warning signs for uninformed investors.
According to the FBI, securities fraud includes false information on a company's financial statement and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings; lying to corporate auditors; insider trading; stock manipulation schemes, and embezzlement by stockbrokers.
Securities regulators and other prominent groups estimate civil securities fraud totals approximately $40 billion per year. . . .
Securities fraud is becoming more complex as the industry develops more complicated investment vehicles. In addition, white collar criminals are expanding the scope of their fraud and are looking outside the United States for new markets, new investors, and banking secrecy havens to hide unjust enrichment. . . .
Any investor can become a victim, but persons aged fifty years or older are most often victimized, whether as direct purchasers in securities or indirect purchasers through pension funds. Not only do investors lose but so can creditors, taxing authorities, and employees.
Potential perpetrators of securities fraud within a publicly-traded firm include any dishonest official within the company who has access to the payroll or financial reports that can be manipulated to: overstate assets, overstate revenues, understate costs, understate liabilities. -- Securities FraudNot knowing the expected rate of return for an particular investment is one of the greatest weaknesses of the investor. This leaves them vulnerable to fraud by unscrupulous advisers who promise unrealistic high rates of return. These promises are often a sign of a typical Ponzi scheme. Such schemes have been extensively reported in the television series American Greed: Scams, Schemes, and Broken Dreams.
Devious by Design: Spotting the Telltale Signs of Shady Deals, Scams, and Fraudulent Investment Offers
http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/pace/usaa_2014spring/#/18According to the FBI, securities fraud includes false information on a company's financial statement and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings; lying to corporate auditors; insider trading; stock manipulation schemes, and embezzlement by stockbrokers.
Securities regulators and other prominent groups estimate civil securities fraud totals approximately $40 billion per year. . . .
Securities fraud is becoming more complex as the industry develops more complicated investment vehicles. In addition, white collar criminals are expanding the scope of their fraud and are looking outside the United States for new markets, new investors, and banking secrecy havens to hide unjust enrichment. . . .
Any investor can become a victim, but persons aged fifty years or older are most often victimized, whether as direct purchasers in securities or indirect purchasers through pension funds. Not only do investors lose but so can creditors, taxing authorities, and employees.
Potential perpetrators of securities fraud within a publicly-traded firm include any dishonest official within the company who has access to the payroll or financial reports that can be manipulated to: overstate assets, overstate revenues, understate costs, understate liabilities. -- Securities FraudThe Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is now the only Self-Regulatory Organization in the United States for the financial industry. FINRA operates BrokerCheck where investors may view online the disciplinary record of their stock broker or prospective stock broker. However, see also: FINRA Criticism.
The emergence of "Food, Incorporated," corporate farming, and the decline of family farms, has undermined our democratic republic. A man who owns a farm is relatively independent, and can not be coerced into voting the mind of those who have power over his livelihood.
Birch, Bruce C., The Predicament of the Prosperous, ISBN: 0664242111 9780664242114.
Blue, Ron, The Debt Squeeze, ISBN: 0929608275 9780929608273 0929608283 9780929608280.
"In a straightforward manner, this nationally renowned financial adviser presents a realistic step-by-step plan for getting out of debt, and offers wise money management counsel to guide your borrowing decisions."
Blue, Ron, Money Matters for Parents and Their Kids, ISBN: 0840790880 9780840790880.
"A much needed book that will offer practical help and encouragement to parents in teaching their children how to become financially independent, to make correct financial decisions, to handle money wisely, and much more. Focuses on four skills: budgeting, purchasing, decision making, and goal setting." -- GCB
Blue, Ron, and Jeremy White, The New Master Your Money: A Step-by-step Plan for Gaining and Enjoying Financial Freedom, ISBN: 0802481612 9780802481610.
"Ron Blue, a CPA with more than 18 years' experience, deals with problems of repaying a debt, managing the family budget, and having an adequate retirement fund. Included are charts, figures and guides for personal planning." -- GCB
Burkett, Larry, Business by the Book: The Complete Guide of Biblical Principles for the Workplace, ISBN: 0785287973 9780785287971.
"For business owners and managers who found Burkett's original BUSINESS BY THE BOOK helpful (and especially if you missed it!), here's a new expanded edition in paperback. Burkett uses Scripture to illustrate principles for sound financial planning, compensation, employer-employee relationships, bankruptcy, and hiring, and firing. Included in this expanded edition are the how-tos of debt-free business, fair pricing of products and services, and planning for retirement. Business people -- let's do it by the Book! . . ." -- CBD
Burkett, Larry, What the Bible Says About Money: A Topical Concordance Containing Every Verse in the Bible Related to Money and Personal Financial Matters, ISBN: 0943497752 9780943497754.
"This is actually a 'topical concordance' to every verse in the Bible relating to money and personal financial matters. A valuable reference and study tool for pastors, students, teachers and all serious Christians." -- GCB
Chilton, David, The Wealthy Barber: The Common-Sense Guide to Becoming Financially Independent, ISBN: 1559580968 9781559580960.
Clason, George S., The Richest Man in Babylon, ISBN: 0451165209 9780451165206.
"It essentially teaches that as long as we spend all we earn, we are enslaved. In this circumstance we are forced to work because we have to, not because we want to. Financial pressure forces us to think of ourselves and interferes with our ability to concentrate on serving others. . . .
"Many times, men and women with talent, opportunity, and good incomes are unable to utilize their abilities and enjoy life because of their self-imposed financial pressures. . . ." -- W. Steven Brown
Fooshee, George, Jr., You can be Financially Free, ISBN: 0800707907 9780800707903.
"A practical, and in may respects excellent, book on financial management with an emphasis on being a good steward of the resources God has entrusted to us." -- Cyril J. Barber
Ford, Roger Hayes Boardroom Basics: A Pocket Guide for Directors, ISBN: 0966037200 9780966037203.
"Answers the prayers of every director who has rifled through back issues of Director's Monthly in search of a past "Private Company Boards" column by this prominent consultant to family businesses. It can also benefit directors not yet acquainted with Ford, Showker Professor of Entrepreneurship and Professor of Management at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia." -- Reader's Comment
Ford, Roger H., Boards of Directors and the Privately Owned Firm: A Guide for Owners, Officers, and Directors, ISBN: 0899305679 9780899305677.
*Grant, George, Bringing in the Sheaves: Transforming Poverty Into Productivity, ISBN: 0915815036 9780915815036 0915815044 9780915815043. Alternate title: PRAYING IN THE SHEAVES: TRANSFORMING POVERTY INTO PRODUCTIVITY.
"The Biblical mandate is to care for the poor, the oppressed, and the disenfranchised -- to take the salve of Gospel love to the stranger, the hungry, and the misbegotten. Rev. Grant knows the dismal failures and the Biblical solutions. He believes the Bible and the blueprint it offers can transform poverty into productivity. Unlike most other books on poverty, it is not primarily theory; it is primarily practice, Biblical practice. This is the single most helpful book on the subject." -- Publisher
Harris, Gregg, The Home and Family Business Workshop: A Complete Workshop for Parents and Teens on how to Start a Successful Business for Your Family.
This series of seven audio cassette tapes [audio file], includes: The Biblical Basis for Your Family Business, How to Start Your Family Business, The Marks of Truly Christian Business People, Home Banking and Other Strategies to Avoid Debt, Proven Business Ideas You Can Start Immediately, How to Find and Keep Your Customers, and How to Manage Yourself and Your Time.
*Gouge, Thomas, Riches Increased by Giving: Or the Right use of Mammon Being the Surest and Safest way of Thriving.
"This book was, in its day (around 1672), highly regarded. Comes with long recommendations by John Owen, Richard Baxter, Thomas Manton, and William Bates. Unfortunately, in an age where there is more wealth and money than ever, fewer and fewer know how to use and view money. This book provides the best theological foundation on the subject of any book we sell." -- GCB
*Lockyer, Herbert, All the Promises of the Bible, ISBN: 0310281318.
"A devotional expositional compilation of all the promises [about 3,300 of the approximate 8,810 promises -- compiler], that are found in Scripture." -- Publisher
"Lockyer's in-depth look at the scope of God's promises arranges them in categories that cover the full array of human concerns, from the spiritual to the material and the corporate to the personal. As you come to understand Gods promises and how they apply to every aspect of your life, you'll gain a trust in God that will sustain you through the worst of times and be your source of rejoicing in the best.
"Dr. Herbert Lockyer was born in London in 1886, and held pastorates in Scotland and England for 25 years before coming to the United States in 1935. In 1937 he received the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Northwestern Evangelical Seminary. In 1955 he returned to England where he lived for many years. He then returned to the United States where he continued to devote time to the writing ministry until his death in November of 1984." -- Publisher
*Mack, Wayne, A Homework Manual for Biblical Counseling, Vol. II: Family and Marital Problems, ISBN: 0875523579 9780875523576.
"Homework covering a wide range of marital and child-rearing issues: communication, finances, data gathering (e.g., 'Rate Your Marriage' and 'Log Lists'), ways to show love, how parents provoke children to wrath, principles of bringing up children God's way. Includes teaching outlines, self-evaluation forms and questions, plans for biblical change, Bible studies." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
"These are tested and proven books and are most helpful for study and assignments. Great refreshers and topical studies in areas dealt with most often." -- CCEF
Mooney, S.C., Usury: Destroyer of Nations.
"Nothing quite like this book to be found anywhere which thoroughly covers this important topic of usury (charging interest), from a foundation of God's Word. A definition and history of usury is given along with a survey of Biblical texts and popular excuses for usury. Mooney concludes with a call to repentance." -- GCB
Includes bibliographical references.
Moore, Gary D., The Thoughtful Christian's Guide to Investing, ISBN: 0310531314 9780310531319.
"Moore, a senior vice-president of a major Wall Street investment firm, calls investors back to basic and fundamental Christian ethics. In great detail, he guides the investor through the myriad of options." -- GCB
North, Gary, Introduction to Christian Economics,
Institute for Christian Economics Freebooks.com
http://www.garynorth.com/freebooks/
North, Gary, The Pirate Economy, ISBN: 0930462254 9780930462253.
Institute for Christian Economics Freebooks.com
http://www.garynorth.com/freebooks/
North, Gary, Successful Investing in an Age of Envy, ISBN: 0930462084 9780930462086.
Institute for Christian Economics Freebooks.com
http://www.garynorth.com/freebooks/
*Perkins, William (1558-1602), The True Gaine More in Worth Than all the Goods in the World, 1601. Alternate title: CHRIST THE TRUE AND PERFECT GAINE.
Petty, James C., Money, Ambition and the Christian Family (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette HFTF10 [audio file].
Petty, James C., When the Money Runs out: Hope and Help for the Financially Stressed, ISBN: 9781935273059 1935273051.
Rose, Tom, Economics: Principles and Policy From a Christian Perspective, ISBN: 0915134225 9780915134229.
"This book covers the nature of economics and the nature of man, the Bible and economics, basic economics, the distribution and market system, and more. Here is a good place to start for a proper understanding of money. Could easily be used as a textbook." -- GCB
Salatin, Joel, Family Friendly Farming: A Multi-generational Home-based Business Testament, ISBN: 0963810936 9780963810939.
Straus, Jack, Jr., Financial Freedom: A Step by Step Guide, ISBN: 0943497310 9780943497310.
"The Bible offers a clear prescription for financial freedom, according to the author. Here are all the tools we need to escape the 20th century snares of spiraling indebtedness, skyrocketing living costs, and materialism run rampant. Straus is an attorney in Dallas, Texas, and an instructor of Law for Small Business at Richland College." -- GCB
Sullivan, Teresa A., Elizabeth Warren, and Jay Westbrook, The Fragile Middle Class: Americans in Debt, ISBN: 0300091710 9780300091717.
"More than a million American families now file for federal bankruptcy annually, and many more are perilously close to financial disaster. In this important analysis of hard-pressed families, recently featured in articles in Newsweek, Forbes, Chronicle of Higher Education, and the New York Times, the authors discover that financial stability for many middle-class Americans is all too fragile. The authors consider the changing cultural and economic factors that threaten financial security and what they imply for the future vitality of the middle class.
"Teresa A. Sullivan is Vice President and Graduate Dean and professor of sociology at the University of Texas at Austin. Elizabeth Warren is Leo Gottlieb Professor of Law at Harvard Law School. Jay Lawrence Westbrook is Benno C. Schmidt Chair of Business Law at the University of Texas School of Law." -- Publisher
"As a 20-year bankruptcy practitioner, I believe this book is a 'must read' for any one whose income is less than seven-figure. It could happen to you! The factors leading to bankruptcy are varied, but have a common thread: an over extension of credit and a 'hiccup' in life that makes it unduly burdensome or impossible to shoulder the debt. The seductive siren call of 'For everything else there is MasterCard' and 'VISA, everywhere you want to be' or 'nothing down, no interest, and no payments for a year' is for many irresistible. Credit cards can be very convenient but also, as the authors point out, hazardous to one's economic health. Credit cards should come with a warning similar to the Surgeon General's warning for tobacco. While the explosion in bankruptcy filings during the past decade is fairly spread over the various age groups, it is the under 30 group that is the most vulnerable in the future. With almost limitless student loan availability and multiple multi-purpose credit cards, i.e., VISA and MasterCard (even to high schoolers), the ability to incur indebtedness far beyond any reasonable realistic expectation of ability to repay is pandemic. When a person can leave college saddled with $50,000 or more in student loan obligations and incur an additional $50,000, or more, in 'small bite at a time' debt in the span of less than 5 years, it does not take much of a 'hiccup' in life to bring the house of cards down. As the authors so well illustrate, consumer finance education and teaching fiscal discipline at the high school level is an absolute must. Those who practice 'immediate gratification,' like Humpty Dumpty, are headed for a major fall and bankruptcy can not put them back together again." -- Reader's Comment
Swartz, David, The Magnificent Obsession: Seeking First the Kingdom of God, ISBN: 0891092889 9780891092889.
Wilson, M. Moore, The Financial Planner: A Simple Common Sense Biblical Guide to Family Budgeting.
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Trusting god, Prayer, Christianity and the workplace, Political and economic freedom, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, Politics and economics, Biblical economics, Slavery, our systems of enslavement, economic enslavement, Bribery, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, Secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, Oaths, ensnaring vows, promises, and covenants, bonds with the ungodly, Carnality and flesh pleasing: lust, desires, ambition, pleasure, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Bribery, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Worry, The promises of christ, Bible promises, Monopoly and anti-trust law enforcement, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 2129-2132, 2396
Christian Financial Concepts
http://www.cfcministry.org/
DuraKit Shelters
2785 Hwy 27, Bond Head ON L0G 1B0
Phone: +1 905-778-0053
Pre-fabricated housing for $15/sq.ft. anywhere in the world.
Polyface Farm
"Joel Salatin, 59, calls himself a Christian libertarian, environmentalist, capitalist, lunatic, farmer. Others who like him call him the most famous farmer in the world, the high priest of the pasture, and the most eclectic thinker from Virginia since Thomas Jefferson. Those who don't like him call him a bio-terrorist, Typhoid Mary, charlatan, and starvation advocate.
"With a room full of debate trophies from high school and college days, ten published books, and a thriving multigenerational family farm, he draws on a lifetime of food, farming and fantasy to entertain and inspire audiences around the world. He's as comfortable moving cows in a pasture as addressing CEOs in a Wall Street business conference."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAjlzD2jdC8
Real Homes: Small, Frugal, and Green
"With 5 million houses in foreclosure, we are rediscovering that living sustainably includes living affordably."
http://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/making-it-home/real-homes-small-frugal-and-green
The Treasury of David, Psalm 37, C.H. Spurgeon
Fret not thyself because of evildoers,
neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
and wither as the green herb.
Trust in the LORD, and do good;
so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
Delight thyself also in the LORD;
and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (Psalm 37:1-4)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps037.php
Trinity Credit Counseling, Inc.
http://www.trinitycredit.org/
Segway Human Transport
http://www.segway.com/
See the Theological Notes: "The Wisdom and Will of God," at Daniel 2:20 in The Reformation Study Bible.I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. (Psalm 40:8)
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:21)
And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Galatians 6:9)
The most signal demonstrations of Providence are not to be accepted against a Scripture-rule. -- John Flavel
This revealed will of God is either manifested to us in His Word, or in His works. The former is His commanding will, the latter His affecting or permitting will. -- John Flavel
Bainton, Ronald H., Yesterday, Today, and What Next? Reflections on History and Hope, ISBN: 0806616709 9780806616704.
"Important reflections on history, the discernible patterns that may be used to guide our decision today, and what we may expect in the future." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Payne, Franklin E., Making Biblical Decisions, ISBN: 0962320404 9780962320408.
"Dr. Payne's book should be found on the shelf of every Christian home . . . it is bound to become a practical classic." -- Jay Adams
"Biblical perspective to inform a range of ethical decisions: birth control, artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, genetic engineering, and death. 'We frequently overlook the fact that we live in a universe where the primary reality is supernatural.' 'My intent is to help all Christians know what is darkness and what is light within the practice of medicine'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
Rose, Ben Lacy, Confirming Your Call in Church, Home and Vocation.
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The overruling providence of god, Waiting on god, Self-control, patience, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Discipleship, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Anger, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 1003, 1465-1468, 1470, 1471, 2691-2694, 3762
The Catalog of the Mount Olive Tape Library in PDF Format
http://www.lettermen2.com/olivecat.pdf
Helps: Key, Acronyms, Permissions, Information for Librarians and Booksellers
http://www.lettermen2.com/help.html
How to Find a Book
http://www.lettermen2.com/findbook.html
Martyn Lloyd-Jones Homepage
http://www.mlj.org.uk/mlj.nsf/INDEX?openform
Mount Olive Tape Library of Reformed Theology
This collection has been in the custody of the Greenville Presbyterian Seminary since 2006. It appears (September 8, 2016) that the Media Center at the Seminary have digitized practically none of the audio cassette and video tape addresses.
"The following listing was developed by George Calhoun, the founder of Mt. Olive Tape Library, over the course of some thirty years. This catalog reflects the personal quest of Mr. Calhoun for a balanced education in Reformed Theology. The speakers herein have been scrutinized for their faithfulness to the Bible. These tapes will enable students to pursue the study of Reformed theology at a minimum of financial expense."
"FOR YOUR INFORMATION . . . [from the introduction to the Mount Olive Tape Catalog -- compiler]
"The tapes included in this catalog are recordings of sermons and lectures given by various pastors, theologians, Bible teachers, and conference speakers who confess adherence to the broad perspectives of historic Reformed theology. We have diligently tried to screen all the materials as to their basic commitment to the Biblical perspectives reflected in the Reformed creeds and confessions.
"Since, however, no human interpreter of God's Word is infallible, it is the prayer of those responsible for sending forth these tapes that all who listen to them will cultivate the spirit of the Bereans, who 'searched the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.'
"Also, it should be emphasized that the tapes included in this catalog have been evaluated in terms of their basic content as they were originally given, and the inclusion of them in this catalog should not be construed as an unreserved approval of the men who originally gave them. Christians grow in grace and knowledge with the passing of time, yet it must be recognized that some turn aside from the norms of Scripture. It is our hope, therefore, that no one will attach himself to any of the men whose tapes are included in this catalog on the basis of the tapes alone. We are all commanded to be discerning toward those who would instruct us in the faith.
"Finally, it would be a tragic abuse of the intent in providing these sermons and lectures should they in any way cultivate a party spirit so clearly condemned by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 3. Paul reminded the Corinthians that all things were theirs -- Paul, Cephas, and Apollos included. We, too, may recognize that the various servants of Christ whose voices are heard on these tapes are God's gifts to us and that we are to follow them only insofar as they follow Christ and the clear teachings of His holy and infallible Word! Since not all men have the same gifts, learn to drink from the gifts of many men -- not just one fountain."
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Mount Olive Tape Library lectures (MP3 audio files), approximately 161 of 171
http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?speakeronly=true&currsection=sermonsspeaker&keyword=Dr._C._Gregg_Singer
The Catalog of the Mount Olive Tape Library in PDF Format
http://www.lettermen2.com/olivecat.pdf
Mt. Olive Audio Library, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
http://gpts.edu/media/index.php?currpage=1&sa_action=
Greenville Seminary and Mt. Olive
http://www.sermonaudio.com/source_detail.asp?sourceid=gpts
Reformed Publishers and Booksellers Online
http://www.lettermen2.com/refpub.html
SermonAudio.com
"SermonAudio.com is the largest library of audio sermons on the web from conservative Christian churches and ministries with over 438,500 FREE MP3 sermons which can be streamed online for immediate listening or downloaded to your computer or MP3 player for listening at a later time. You can easily search through the entire sermon library by broadcaster, Bible reference, topic, speaker, date preached, language, or any keyword.
"The mission of SermonAudio.com is to help faithful, local churches broadcast their audio sermons to the maximum amount of people with the least amount of cost. Our chief purpose is for the preservation and propagation of great Bible preaching and teaching in its audio form for this generation and the next.
"Additionally, through our Transcription and Translation service, any sermon that is available on SermonAudio.com can be professionally and accurately transcribed by a real human and then machine-translated into 20 plus foreign languages."
http://www.sermonaudio.com/
Disclaimer: Weblinks and related resources listed are given only for purposes of research.
Views and opinion expressed at other websites do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of this webmaster.
Arrangement of weblinks does not in any way indicate that independent authors or webmasters hold similar views and opinions.
Researchers are urged to exercise the utmost discernment in navigating the World Wide Web. See the topical listing "Spiritual Discernment."
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Updated -- July 5, 2023, Lettermen Associates