Pillars of Grace

In celebration of Reformation Day, Reformation Trust is making Steven Lawson's "Pillars of Grace: A Long Line of Godly Men" available for just 99¢ from now until October 31st...

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Additional Reformation Trust books by Steven Lawson:

Foundations: An Overview of Systematic Theology

Ligonier Ministries is making "Foundations: An Overview of Systematic Theology" available for a donation of any amount. The list price for the 8 volume DVD alone is $150... but they're including a study guide and a CD of the lectures in MP3 format as well.

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More great resources from R.C. Sproul and Ligonier Ministries:

New (Old) Books...

I obtained several great books today. Many of them are old, but most are in really good condition. Here are the titles (click on the images to learn more)...

I am really excited about Benjamin Keach's text on typology. I am fascinated by the biblical study of types and metaphors, and it looks to be a good resource for such an endeavor. The "Dogmatic Theology" by W.G.T. Shedd is actually Zondervan's three volume edition, which is a welcome addition to my growing Systematics section (and they look sleak as well). Berkouwer's "Studies in Dogmatics: Holy Scripture" is also a great addition to my Systematics collection, which I see myself returning to regularly in my study of the doctrine of Scripture. I've been trying to get my hands on Carson & Beale's "Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament" for years, so I am extremely happy I was able to get a "gently used" copy at a low price. There were a couple Historical Theology additions also: Shelley's "Church History in Plain Language" and Torbet's "A History of the Baptists" (of which I am eager to look at since I am ignorant of much of credobaptist heritage). I was also able to get my hands on a few coveted commentaries by F.F. Bruce, Charles Bridges, D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones and Derek Kidner.

A Puritan Theology

This newly released Systematic Theology by Joel Beeke and Mark Jones–which draws from the labors of theological giants such as John Owen, William Perkins, and Thomas Goodwin–is currently 50% off at Westminster Bookstore. A volume of tremendous historical significance, this work is not only a must-have for Pastors, Theologians, and Church Historians... but all seeking to grow in the knowledge of Christ. This book is certain to be a reference tool par excellence for students of Scripture for years to come:

Here are are some notable recommendations...

"A landmark book in every way." (J.I. Packer)

"A necessary text for seminarians and all serious students of theology." (Derek Thomas)

"An indispensable guidebook to Puritan thought and practice..." (Michael Haykin)

"An enduring reference work as well as devotional resource." (Michael Horton)

"This work is scholarly, well-researched, precise, and comprehensive in scope, yet accessible in style." (Steven Lawson)

"I will be returning again and again, both for scholarly reference and personal devotion." (Carl Trueman)

A Simple Understanding of the Profound Gospel

I have listened to several sermons over the last few weeks in order to help prepare me for teaching on "the spiritual gifts"... during this time I have been challenged and blessed by the work of many pastors and theologians. I was especially struck by the words of Stuart Olyott (former pastor of Belvidere Road Church in Liverpool, England) towards the end of his sermon on 1 Cor. 14:1-25...

"Away with the 'simple gospel' mentality. Now, we thank God the gospel is simple–even a child can know that he's a great sinner and that Jesus Christ is a great Savior–and he can know that as a great sinner, he can call on the great Savior and be saved. You can put the gospel so simply, but because you can put the gospel simply, and because simple people can be saved by the gospel, don't be content to only have a simple understanding of the gospel... because the gospel is not simple. It's because the gospel is so profound, that it saves the simple. It's because the gospel is so profound, that it can be put so simply... but if you are content only with a simple understanding of the profound gospel, then you have cause–on the ground of Scripture–to be utterly ashamed... because Scripture says, 'in understanding, be men.' And the man with the highest intellect, and the longest life, and the most advanced spiritual perception–should he spend every waking hour studying the gospel–he will never plum it's depths or scale it's heights... it is the gospel of the infinite God! Any meeting which does not stretch the mind... any Christian book that does not inform the mind... any spiritual exercise which does not envigorate the mind–should be forsaken.

The Bible's teaching is that the heart is only reached through the head. You can't get to it any other way. The affections are stirred up by things that we know–and it's when we are informed in our minds, and our hearts are touched, and our affections are moved–that then, the will is brought into action. And the sad thing about so much Christian activity today, is that it seeks to bypass the mind and go straight to the emotions and affections, and try to move the will that way... the will is temporarily moved, and we get all sorts of people who honestly believe they've made a responsible decision for the Lord Jesus Christ, and it's just been an emotional reaction to a sort of 'salesmanship pressure' which has been put upon them... and their mind has been completely untouched. The Spirit of God is the spirit of a sound mind. Forget that, and your whole future Christian life is in danger."

You can listen to the whole sermon here:
Stuart Olyott: "Principles Applying to the Gifts of Prophecy and Tongue"

 

"The Creedal Imperative" by Carl Trueman

Dr. Carl Trueman of Westminster Theological Seminary talks about confessionalism in this promotion of his new book, "The Creedal Imperative"...



Head over to Westminster Bookstore and get your copy today... only $10!

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's Day is May 13th. Here are some gift ideas for those moms who love to read!

The True Woman by Susan Hunt

Have you sensed God's call to change your world? Do you believe you can be one of those women who, by her virtue, wisdom, dignity, and faith, makes an impact in her home and community?

Maybe you've heard the call but weren't sure how to maximize the opportunities God has given you. Maybe society's definition of "true womanhood"—claiming it's about reproductive rights, doing things "your way," assuming the power, and gaining control of your life—has clouded your view of who you are in Christ. Or maybe you've just been waiting for a little encouragement and inspiration. In any case, author Susan Hunt says, "Start now." And let this book be your encourager and companion.

Through it you will hear how other Christian women are reflecting Christ despite difficult and sometimes tragic circumstances—and how you can reflect Him too. You'll explore what the Bible has to say about your mission and your identity as a true woman of God. You'll learn how to broaden your sphere of influence in the everyday. And you'll discover how to further develop a biblically shaped and Spirit-driven character that people are drawn to.

Begin today not only to draw closer to God, but also to deepen your impact in all you do. This exhortation to biblical womanhood will set your heart on fire and excite you about the unique opportunity you have as a woman of God. An opportunity to make an impact again and again for eternity.

The Organized Heart by Staci Eastin

The fight against chaos is universal, whether it be the outward chaos of disorder and frenzy or the inward chaos of fear and self-criticism. Even if we already know how to do better, something falls apart between our good intentions and getting it done.

Most books on organization just add more rules to your life, whether it be another plan, another calendar, or another method. This book will show you a different, better way that is grounded in the grace of God.

Jesus taught that true change doesn’t come by the addition of more rules, but from the inside out, with a change of the heart that only the gospel can bring. When you identify the heart problems behind the chaos in your life, lasting change can happen. This will not only reduce the stress in your life, but help you be more effective in your service to God.

Radical Womanhood by Carolyn McCulley

Biblical womanhood is not for the weak. In an age that seeks to obliterate God and His authority, modeling biblical womanhood involves spiritual warfare. Radical Womanhood seeks to equip new believers and long-time Christians alike, exposing the anti-God agenda of the three waves of feminism to date and presenting the pro-woman truth of the Scriptures. Illustrated with numerous personal testimonies, this book will dig deep into the Word and show how it can be lived out today. The foundation and core message of Radical Womanhood is consistent with the traditional complementarian teaching on biblical womanhood. However, the target audience, tone, and style are radically different. Most books on this subject take a heavily didactic tone that assumes an awareness of Christian lingo and a high degree of spiritual maturity. Radical Womanhood has the narrative approach appreciated by postmodern readers, but still incorporates solid, biblically-based teaching for personal application and growth.

Women's Ministry in the Local Church by Ligon Duncan & Susan Hunt

Susan Hunt and Ligon Duncan walk through the Scriptures to help readers better understand what it means to have an effective, biblical women's ministry in the church. The benefits of women's ministries are great: training and discipling, evangelizing, and reaching out to the poor and needy. This book, written by seasoned ministry leaders, provides many proven tools to help start a women's ministry in your church.

Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney

Carolyn Mahaney identifies with the challenges facing women in today's world and meets them with the guidance of God's Word. The feminine virtues described in Titus 2 have transformed her life and the lives of countless other women. This book will show you the appeal of being a woman who lives for God and helps others do the same.