« CVBBS: Expert Book Advice
01/25/2012
I want to have a Bible study with an individual who is struggling in his Christian walk. Do you have any recommedations for Bible study books that cover foundational truths including Romans 5-8 and assurance of salvation? I want the book to be one he can write in and take notes Thanks Tim
Tim,
Thank you for your question. My recommendation would be to use the workbook/study LIFE-CHANGE STUDY ON ROMANS by NavPress.
Also, Robert Spinney's excellent little booklet studies are gold in my estimation. The one germane to your need is NOT THE WAY I USED TO BE (Practical Implications of the Bible's Large Doctrine of Regeneration); Tulip Booklets. It covers several areas that encourage any believer, but certainly a real believer who is struggling. There are ample verses to look up but this is no fill in the blank study book.
John Benton has an excellent workbook with good text, good illustrations/pictures and a fill in the blank format on GOD'S RICHES (THE DOCTRINES OF GRACE) from Banner of Truth.
I hope these help you.
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 08:12:00 AM :: permalink
01/10/2012
Dear Pastor,
I am married with two older children at home, 20 and 23 years old. Due to having a problem with anger, I have alienated them, where they will not confide in me and have made them and my wife bitter and depressed. Often I've thought that I have overcome it, and then something occurs which I respond negatively to.
I have seen some books which I believe might be helpful, one by Wayne Mack Managing Anger and Stress, and one by Robert Jones called Uprooting Anger. Do you know of others which you think might be better? My other question is, do you know of any books which offer help to a family as a whole in my situation? (There are a lot of books dealing with raising a family, but I'm not familiar with any that deal with a family already grown and hurt.
Thank you so much in advance for your help, and God Bless You
Ralph
Dear Ralph,
I am copying what I wrote in my BOOK BLOG for today. I made your question that issue for wider exposure and wiser help to those who suffer the dictatorship of sinful anger. I hope others will be helped by the help I am listing for you. May it be so.
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin (P. S. See my counsel below)
=================================
One of the sins that is so prevalent and gets little attention from the pulpit or from many Christians is the sin of anger. The first murder in recorded history comes in Genesis 4 when Cain kills his brother Abel in a rage of envy and bitterness...about acceptable worship to God.
Since the Fall of Cain and Abel's parents, Cain has not been the only son of Adam who was afflicted with anger, seething, boiling, simmering, burning, Christ-dishonoring, people scalding anger. The Bible speaks about anger, gives examples of anger (beginning with Cain), tells us to put sinful anger to death (Ephesians 4:17-32) and instructs us that anger flows out of our sinful hearts. We are to put sin to death by the power of the Holy Spirit through prayerful, trusting obedience in the promises and power of God (Romans 8:13).
For all those who struggle with bouts of anger, out of control anger, ugly, sinful, Christ-dishonoring, soul-defiling, people scalding anger, this BLOG is for you. There are many good resources to help you to face anger fully and put it to death and put on the Lord Jesus Christ and the fruit of the Spirit.
Let me recommend the following initial steps before listing the resources on anger. FIRST, you must face anger as the sin that it is before God; SECOND you must face anger for the sin it is against your fellow human beings created in the image of God. THIRD, you must fact anger as the soul defiling enemy of your Christian life. Men are disqualified from serving from elders if they have out of control tempers. Anger which controls a person leads to so many hard words, bruised loved ones, spousal and child abuse, murder and manslaughter, etc, etc. etc. Anger is an terrible sin and must be faced as such, never sugar-coated and renamed in some polite way such as "I was beside myself", or "I have a temper problem", or "That's just the way I am sometimes". No, it is sin and it must be confessed as such, put to death as such and the resources of God used to bring out its death and covering with the pardon and righteousness of Christ.
Now let me name what I think would be the best arrangement of resources to help any person with their sinful anger.
Wayne Mack, ANGER & STRESS MANAGEMENT GOD'S
WAY; P & R--a great resource from a biblical
counselor with many years experience helping
angry people.
Wayne Mack, HOMEWORK MANUAL FOR BIBLICAL
LIVING (Personal and InterPersonal Problems);
P & R--great material dealing with anger and how
to replace angry thoughts with biblical thoughts.
And an important word: DO THE HOMEWORK !!!
Stuart Scott, ANGER, ANXIETY AND FEAR; Focus
Publications--deals with the underlying causes of
anger
Paul David Tripp, WAR OF WORDS; P & R--how anger
does not have to be a part of how we speak to
others. Ending angry speech and argumentative
ways.
Chris Lundgaard, THE ENEMY WITHIN; P & R--a very
fine treatment of the reality of indwelling,
remaining sin in believers and how it works
Jerry Bridges, THE GOSPEL FOR REAL LIFE; NavPress
Jerry Bridges, THE BOOKENDS OF THE CHRISTIAN
LIFE; NavPress
These two books should be mastered by every
Christian and certainly every pastor. How does the
gospel apply to my daily sinning? How to keep from
becoming a victim of despair because of my sinning
or a victim of self-righteousness when I see some
progress?
WHAT ABOUT THOSE YOU ALREADY HURT ?
William Smith, HOW TO STOP LOSING IT WITH MY
KIDS; New Growth Press booklet
Edward Welch, LIVING WITH AN ANRY SPOUSE;
CCEF booklet
Michael Emlet, ANGRY CHILDREN; CCEF booklet
WHAT ABOUT MY LOCAL CHURCH ?
What about it? You do not sin in isolation. You do not live your Christian life in isolation. You should be a part of a local Christian fellowship, a church of Jesus Christ. You are no longer a loose election in a universe of your own making. You spent enough time living in that elusion. Speak with your pastor or an elder you trust and tell him of your sins, your need to put this sinful habit to death and ask for his prayers as you seek to follow Christ's word in putting sins to death.
Sin thrives when hidden. Sin never wants to be exposed to the light of God's truth. Having Christian leaders praying for you, holding your accountable and interfacing with you is what you need though remaining sin will resist it.
As you read through the epistles of the New Testament, have you ever realized that most of the times when the word "you" is used, it is used in the plural, "you all" we like to say in the South versus the singular "you" (just you and no one else). The Spirit inspired the biblical writers to address the local body of believers and their need together.
Do not try to live with your sins as a Lone Ranger facing down the enemies of truth, justice and the Christian way. Face your problems honestly, before God, before your family and before mature leaders in your local church.
May God give us all grace to put sinful anger to death and put on the fruit of the Spirit in its place.
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 10:37:00 AM :: permalink
12/31/2011
Pastor Steve,
Thank you for your faithfulness in this ministry at CVBBS, God is glorified and magnified through each and every advise concerning literature with sound doctrine. You are a blessing to us 'the readers' of Reformed theology, and worshipers of a Sovereign King Jesus. Can you recommend any books on the Canons of Dordt? For the praise of His Glory, and the glory of His grace,
Tonin. Soli Deo Gloria.
Tonin,
Thank you for your kind encouragement. CVBBS does carry the helpful book by Thomas Scott, THE ARTICLES OF THE SYNOD OF DORDT. It is published by Sprinkle Publications and is 371 pages in hardback.
As you may not know, Thomas Scott went into the ministry because his father said it was not too strenuous and Thomas liked to read. Once in the ministry, he met and married a woman whom he was attracted to because she was such a good card player.
He was unregenerate and a wolf in sheep's clothing.
But the Anglican vicar nearby was John Newton, a winsome evangelical Anglican and a convinced Calvinist. Thomas Scott eventually was saved but was a convinced Arminian. But through Newton's patient ministrations, he became a convinced Calvinist. He was so convicted by his slurs and anger against the truth that he translated the Articles of the Synod of Dordt into English from the original Latin as a means of repentance. You can read about Scott's life and transformation in THE FORCE OF TRUTH, his autobiography published by the Banner of Truth.
In publishing history, the best selling series of commentary on the whole Bible is Matthew Henry. But second to him was Thomas Scott, whose labors were also prodigious and evangelical and Calvinist.
I hope you enjoy the book.
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 06:14:00 PM :: permalink
12/26/2011
Recently I have seen more out about the doctrine of union with Christ. Two books have recently come on union with Christ, one is Robert Letham's Union with Christ: In Scripture, History, and Theology and the other is J. Todd Billing's Union with Christ: Reframing Theology and Ministry for the Church. Would your read one of these first or believe one better than the other and also where else would you recommend one start in study with this doctrine. The only thing I have read so far is the Free Grace Broadcaster on Union and chapters our of Murray's redemption accomplished and applied and Fergusons The Christian life. Thank You for your Help Kenneth Clayton
Kenneth,
Thank you for your good question on an important subject. Periodically throughout church history, this doctrine has been ignored or twisted beyond biblical dimensions.
I recommend the following in the order given.
Robert Spinney, NOT THE WAY I USED TO BE (The
Bible's Large Doctrine of Regeneration); Tulip
Booklets--a great primer on the profound nature
of regeneration. Along the way, Dr. Spinney shows
the relationship of regeneration to union with
Christ and why believers are inwardly compelled
to change.
Anthony Hoekema, SAVED BY GRACE; Eerdmans--a
contemporary classic by a theologian who was
never less than clear. Shows in chapter four how
union with Christ is a major part of our salvation.
Edward Donnelliy, LIFE IN CHRIST; Evangelical Press
originally sermons given at the annual evangelical
movement of Wales summer conference. Very
good sermons showing the interconnectedness of
union with Christ and our salvation.
Maurice Roberts, UNION AND COMMUNION WITH
CHRIST; Reformation Heritage--Scottish minister
who was formerly editor of the BANNER OF TRUTH
MAGAZINE whose monthly devotionals were gems.
Shows the interrelationship between union with
Christ and communion with God.
John Owen, COMMUNION WITH THE TRIUNE GOD;
Crossway--edited with updated language and
outlined by Kelly Kapic--a Puritan classic made
more accessible by Dr. Kapic's editorial work.
John Owen, COMMUNION WITH GOD; Banner of Truth
(edited by R. K. Law); a Puritan classic made
accessible by Dr. Law's skillful editing.
Robert Letham, UNION WITH CHRIST (in Scripture,
History and Theology); P & R--very helpful work by
by a very helpful contemporary Reformed
theologian.
J. Todd Billings, UNION WITH CHRIST (Reframing
Theology and Ministry for the Church); Baker
Academic--also very good but aimed at a more
academic audience.
That would be my suggested order of reading too. I hope this list is helpful. You have a feast ahead of you.
I also made this issues the object of my BLOG for today so if you go there you can read even more on the subject and its importance.
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 09:46:00 AM :: permalink
12/13/2011
Hello Pastor Steve,
I have been encountering some brethren whose consciences are in bondage to Bill Gothard's teaching on "generational sins", the idea that our forefathers ate sour apples and therefore our teeth are on edge. Can you recommend some books that give a sound interpretation of Exodus 20:5-6 and that deal with the falsehood of psychic determinism? I think such works would be of great value to these poor enslaved souls. In Christ, Pastor Jerry
Jerry,
Thank you for your important question. I recommend the following two commentaries for exegetical, interpretive help here.
Douglas Stuart, EXODUS (New American Commentary
Series); Broadman & Holman
Philip Ryken, EXODUS (Preach the Word Commentary
Series); Crossway
John Currid, EXODUS; Evangelical Press (2 volumes)
These should give you sufficient coverage by careful exegetes and biblical theologians.
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 09:28:00 AM :: permalink
12/09/2011
Any suggestions for a book to give candidates for baptism, to help their understanding of baptism and, perhaps, as well, church membership?
Martin,
Thank you for your question. There are very helpful
tools that I heartily recommend.
Bill James, BAPTISM AND CHURCH MEMBERSHIP--a
booklet showing that baptism is more than being
baptized and more than an individual act--it has a
relation to the body of Christ and identifying with it.
Robert Spinney, WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM ?
This is a very helpful booklet for middle school age
on up through adulthood.
I think you will find both these booklets very helpful.
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 07:04:00 PM :: permalink
12/02/2011
What apologetic type book would you recommend for a young man raised in a Christian home, graduated from a Christian school but questions the faith?
Bob,
Thank you for your question. Without knowing more about the young man or his background, I must deal with him as a generic unbeliever who has been exposed to Christianity but has so far rejected it.
R. C. Sproul, WHAT IS FAITH ?
R. C. Sproul, SAVED FROM WHAT ?
Peter Jeffery, I WILL NEVER BECOME A CHRISTIAN !
Kent Hughes, SOUGHT BY GRACE
Jerry Bridges, THE GOSPEL FOR REAL LIFE
These should deal with some of the issues that are on his plate. Without knowing more about him, general
materials dealing with the problems all sinners have is the place I must start.
The Lord bless your efforts to reach this young man, especially your prayers.
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 03:30:00 PM :: permalink
12/01/2011
Can you recommend any books on church history and Christmas? I know celebrating is a matter of Christian freedom,but would like to dive into this more as it seems today many people in evangelical churches assume that this holiday has always been celebrated as we do and that Santa is historical and I even was told from my mom a few years back that St. Nicholas was a Christian which she read from a resource from Dr. Charles Stanley and that Santa is based on him. Thank you in advance brother. God bless! In Him, John
John,
Thank you for your question. CVBBS currently carries
a booklet by Peter Jeffery, THE TRUTH ABOUT CHRISTMAS, written for children or to be read to children by their parents.
Nelson publishes a short biography and history of St. Nicholas by Joe Wheeler entitles simply, ST. NICHOLAS. He was a fourth century bishop and friend to the poor and downtrodden and his reputation has been adopted in various countries in various ways.
That's all I know of. Let me know if they help!
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 12:17:00 PM :: permalink
11/30/2011
Hi there, I'm preparing for a Bible overview in the new year which would basically introduce the hearers to the Biblical storyline. Any there any resources in that vein (e.g. Biblical theology) which would be helpful? Thanks.
Doug,
Thank you for your question. There is now a wealth of good material to help you in your class. You might check out the following:
ESV STUDY BIBLE; Crossway--with many helps to
give you the overview and flow of the Bible's plan
of redemption.
D. A. Carson, THE GOS WHO IS THERE; Crossway--a
big picture overview of the Bible
R. C. Sproul and Robert Wolgemuth, WHAT'S IN THE
BIBLE; Nelson--a classic Sproul way of easy to
understand communication.
Alec Motyer, ROOTS: LET THE OLD TESTAMENT SPEAK;
Christian Focus--detailed overview of the Old
Testament story and message.
Gareth Crossley, THE OLD TESTAMENT: EXPLAINED
AND APPLIED; Evangelical Press--overview and
book by book explanation of the Old Testament.
Mark Dever, THE MESSAGE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT:
PROMISES MADE; Crossway--one message on each
book of the Old Testament and its flow.
Mark Dever, THE MESSAGE OF THE NEW TESTAMENT:
PROMISES KEPT; Crossway--ditto
Gerard Chrispin, THE BIBLE PANORAMA (Enjoying the
Whole Bible with A Chapter by Chapter Guide);
Day One Publications--a really good overview.
Rodger Crooks, ONE LORD, ONE PLAN, ONE PEOPLE
(A Journey Through The Bible From Genesis to
Revelation); Banner of Truth--very good
I personally use and recommend each of these titles. I am currently going through an Old Testament survey with my church and use all of the above.
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 06:07:00 PM :: permalink
11/18/2011
Pastor Martin, Could recommend a book on understanding Covenant Theology from a Baptistic position? I saw Greg Nichols new book; but I'm not sure it is written for laymen, or is it's design more of a reference work for pastors? Thanks, Dan
Dan,
Thank you for your important question on covenant theology and how Reformed Baptists understand it.
The subject is important and somewhat complex. So it is a subject to be studied and thought about. Let me recommend the following.
Earl Blackburn, COVENANT THEOLOGY (A Reformed
Baptist Overview); Reformed Baptist Publications
booklet
Walt Chantry, IMPUTATION OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
AND COVENANT THEOLOGY; Reformed Baptist
Publications booklet
Walt Chantry, BAPTISM AND COVENANT THEOLOGY;
Reformed Baptist Publications booklet
Fred Malone, THE BAPTISM OF DISCIPLES ALONE;
Founders Ministries--a chapter on covenants and
covenant theology and the hermeneutics (proper
Bible study methods) are most helpful.
James Renihan, ed.; COVENANT THEOLOGY: FROM
ADAM TO CHRIST; Reformed Baptist Academic
Press--the work of Nehemiah Coxe and John Owen
on the biblical understanding of covenants is
compared.
Jeff Johnson, THE FATAL FLAW (of the Theology
Behind Infant Baptism); Free Grace Press.
These should give you plenty and lead you to other resources if you want to explore further.
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 10:56:00 AM :: permalink
11/04/2011
Pastor Steve: Can you recommend books that describe and extol the loveliness of Christ in a devotional way that warms and inspires the heart of the Christian? The books could focus more on His attributes as our Lord and Savior but also on the interactions he had with people throughout the gospels. Thank you. Al
Al,
Thank you for your good question. Let me recommend some of the following treasures.
Octavius Winslow, THE SYMPATHY OF CHRIST;
Sprinkle--19th century classic on Christ's dear
sympathy for His people by the man whom Charles
Spurgeon had preach on the opening of his
Tabernacle.
Frederick Leahy, THE CROSS HE BORE; Banner of
Truth
Frederick Leahy, IS IT NOTHING TO YOU?; Banner of
Truth
Two modern devotional classics on the person and
work of Christ.
Joel Beeke, ed.; THE BEAUTY AND GLORY OF CHRIST;
Reformation Heritage--various authors combine
under Dr. Beeke's leadership to show us more of
the beauty of the Savior.
J. C. Ryle, EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS ON LUKE: Banner
of Truth--2 volumes--classic exposition written
originally for people without local churches to
attend. Since Luke deals with so many of our
Lord's encounters with people, it is a running
devotional on Christ and how He treats His sheep
and those that are goats.
May our Lord fill your heart with love for Him as you ready about Him more closely.
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 05:44:00 PM :: permalink
10/24/2011
Do you have any recommendations for a children's bible? It is for a child who is 5 years old. Also, related to this question: do you know if Zondervan is still going to sell the 1984 NIV? Or will they only sell the updated NIV?
Matt,
Thank you for your question. I recommend a couple of children's Bibles.
-THE JESUS STORY BOOK BIBLE; Zondervan--editor
Sally Lloyd-Jones has done a superb job showing
the flow of God's plan of salvation. Highly
recommended by Tim Keller.
--ZONDERVAN NIV CHILDREN'S STUDY BIBLE--just
enough photos, pictures, questions and such to
help the child focus and stay on target.
In regards to your second question, I checked and Zondervan no longer publishes any NIV Bibles that are not of the "updated" variety.
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 04:17:00 PM :: permalink
10/13/2011
Pastor Steve, Could you recommend a book or books dealing with the issue of self control/food/eating habits in church ministry? I am writing a paper on respectable sins in the church ministry - obesity in church leadership. Thanks.
Thank you for your question. Regarding your specific question, I do not know of a book specifically targeting "respectable sins in the church ministry". You might read Jerry Bridges, RESPECTABLE SINS. You might also look at Walter Chantry, THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS (Studies in Self-Denial). Ken Sande, JUDGING OTHERS: THE DANGER OF PLAYING GOD and Thomas Watson, THE BEATITUDES.
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 12:40:00 AM :: permalink
10/03/2011
Pastor Steve: Can you suggest any materials, books or a curriculum to assist with leading and teaching an elementary age boys group at church? Thank you. Al
Al,
Thank you for your important question. If you would click onto my Book Blog here at CVBBS.COM, just to the left of EXPERT BOOK ADVICE, you could read last week's BLOG and find the books appropriate to the age group you want to teach and lead. Let me know if that does not help and I shall look for more.
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 07:50:00 AM :: permalink
09/16/2011
Greetings in Christ, brother Steve. Do you have any suggestions for a book to use for our church to teach about Family Worship? The audience will be from kids to the old, and we are looking for a practical, yet convicting way to instruct and encourage it consistent practice. In Him Martin
Martin,
Thank you for your question. I recommend Don Whitney's FAMILY WORSHIP to get you started. It is
practical, biblical and warm hearted--and short.
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 01:13:00 PM :: permalink