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01/30/2012
Everyone has been afraid at one time or another. Fears and phobias have plagued our race since our first parents fell into sin and plunged the whole race into sin. Sinful fear is a by-product of our fall into a condition of sinfulness.
Our first parents became afraid of God in a craven way, as a slave fears its master. Since then sin has no massaged and manipulated our race that by and large, "there is no fear of God before their eyes" (Romans 3:20).
But when we no longer fear God, it is not as if we are immune from fears. As C. S. Lewis pointed out, when man abandoned fear of God, he was not afraid of nothing, but rather was now afraid of everything else!
Fear of heights, fear of spiders, fear of public speaking, fear of man, fear of death, on and on it goes ad infinitum!
How are we to face and conquer our fears? The Bible speaks about fear some 438 times. It has a lot to say about fear. The following resources give us significant help in conquering sinful fear.
THE BIBLICAL FEAR OF GOD:
Jerry Bridges, THE JOY OF FEARING GOD; NavPress
Jerry Bridges, THE JOY OF FEARING GOD
WORKBOOK; NavPress--the least read of Jerry's
great books because of the ignorance of our
generation.
Arnold Frank, THE FEAR OF GOD (A Forgotten
Doctrine); Nordskog Publishing--a clarion call.
John Bunyan, THE FEAR OF GOD; Soli Deo Gloria--
a Puritan classic.
Jeremiah Burroughs, GOSPEL FEAR; Soli Deo Gloria
also a Puritan classic.
John Murray, THE FEAR OF GOD (The Soul of
Godliness); Solid Ground Christian Books--a
modern classic
GENERAL FEARS
Martyn Lloyd-Jones, LET NOT YOUR HEART BE
TROUBLED (on John 14:1-2); Crossway--more
gold from the ministry of "the Doctor" of souls.
Edward Welch, WHEN I AM AFRAID (A Step by Step
Guide Away From Fear and Anxiety); New
Growth Press--a speciality of Dr. Welch
Elyse Fitzpatrick, OVERCOMING FEAR, WORRY AND
ANXIETY (Becoming a Woman of Faith and
Confidence); Harvest House
Stuart Scott, ANGER, ANXIETY AND FEAR; Focus
Publication
Wayne Mack and Josh Mack, FEAR FACTOR; Hensley
Publishing--a great workbook to help you really
get to the root of the matter.
Denise George, FIGHTING FEAR WITH FAITH;
Christian Focus
THE FEAR OF DEATH
Ligon Duncan, FEAR NOT; Christian Focus--pastorally
sensitive!
Sinclair Ferguson and Scott Oliphint, IF I SHOULD
DIE BEFORE I WAKE; Christian Focus--good
book on this subject.
THE FEAR OF MAN
Ed Welch, WHEN PEOPLE ARE BIG AND GOD IS
SMALL; P & R
Lou Priolo, PLEASING PEOPLE (How Not to be An
Approval Junkie); P & R
Wayne Mack and Josh Mack, FEAR FACTOR; Hensley
Publishing--covers this too.
If a person really wants to deal with crippling fear,
their are rich resources in the Word of God which the
above mentioned authors have begun to plumb.
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 02:33:58 PM :: permalink :: discuss ::
01/23/2012
Yesterday I preached on a portion of God's Word that is surprising to readers, Christian or not. Numbers 11 deals with the complaining and craving of the Israelites leaving Mt. Sinai where they received God's Law, to embark on the six week journey to inhabit the Promised Land. It was land personally promised to give them upon their going their and faithfully occupying the land.
They only marched for three days before they enraged God and began to ruin their own hearts. Beginning with the sins of murmuring, complaining and discontentment revealed in this chapter and their refusal to deal with these sins, it is the beginning of the end for this generation of Israelites. They never would enter the Promised Land. A six week journey became an forty year ordeal. God made that unbelieving generation march until they all died (except the faithful spies, Caleb and Joshua). Everyone else over twenty was accountable for their murmuring and complaining and discontent and God let them die without ever reaching the Promised Land. The book of Numbers is certainly a display of the goodness and the severity of God.
Why is God so angry about the murmuring, complaining and craving of the Israelites? Why do the resentful attitudes, bitterness and harsh gossip against Him incite His holy chastisement?
To complain about God's providential dealings is to question God's infinite wisdom, to question His unsearchable goodness, to question His sovereign power, to question His eternal love and to question His superlative holiness! To complain and murmur out of a heart of discontentment is to reject God, frankly.
Of all Christians today, American Christian ought to be the most thankful, the most grateful, the most praise-giving citizens in God's kingdom and the most effusive children in His family. But we are not. We have most of the world's Christian resources, most of the world's Christian literature, most of the world's Christian organization, churches everywhere, Bibles everywhere--and yet we are infected with the virus of discontent.
The Serpent enticed Eve to discontent in Eden
("...then you shall know good and evil"). Eve believed that God was not being good to her and her husband, not giving all that was best for them to have, God was withholding the best from His creatures because He was that kind of a 'miser king'. And Eve believed the devil's gossip about God--and history has never been the same!
What is the cure for discontent? How does a person become content? God's Word has ample resources to help the sincere Christian to put to death discontent and to learn contentment. I have listed some prime helps to open God's Word to you about discontent and equip you to triumph over it by the Spirit of grace and become a contented Christian.
PURITAN GIANTS WHO TACKLED DISCONTENT:
Thomas Watson, THE ART OF DIVINE
CONTENTMENT: Soli Deo Gloria--a fine treatment
by one of the most readable Puritans
Thomas Watson, THE ART OF DIVINE
CONTENTMENT; audio CD's from Christian Audio
(unabridged with six hours of audio)
Jeremiah Burroughs, THE RATE JEWEL OF
CHRISTIAN CONTENTMENT; Banner of Truth--
justly famous because it is so helpful.
19TH CENTURY GIANTS WHO TACKLED DISCONTENT:
J. C. Ryle, SHALL WE KNOW ONE ANOTHER (and
other addresses); Charles Nolan Publishers--
Ryle's helpful treatment of discontent vs.
contentment is one of the "other addresses".
William S. Plumer, VITAL GODLINESS; Sprinkle
Publications--a 19th century Presbyterian
pastor/scholar, Plumer is not as famous as he
ought to be. He was both a pastoral scholar and
a scholarly pastor. All his works are excellent.
Contentment is an aspect of "vital godliness".
21st CENTURY WORTHIES WHO TACKLE DISCONTENT
William Barcley, THE SECRET OF CONTENTMENT;
P & R Publishing--a contemporary scholar
(Professor of New Testament at Reformed
Theological Seminary) and pastor (Sovereign
Grace Presbyterian Church in Charlotte). Bill
Barcley has put us all in his debt by distilling
the best of the past authors with his own
insights into God's Word on contentment.
Mark Deckard, HELPFUL TRUTH IN PAST PLACES
(The Puritan Practice of Biblical Counseling);
Christian Focus/Mentor--a goldmine of goodness
taken from the Puritan greats Jeremiah
Burroughs (THE RARE JEWEL OF CHRISTIAN
CONTENTMENT), John Flavel (THEY MYSTERY OF
PROVIDENCE), John Owen (THE MORTIFICATION
OF SIN IN BELIEVERS), John Bunyan (THE
PILGRIM'S PROGRESS), Jonathan Edwards
(RELIGIOUS AFFECTIONS), William Bridge (A
LIFTING UP FOR THE DOWNCAST) and Thomas
Brooks (PRECIOUS REMEDIES AGAINST SATAN'S
DEVICES). Here is a library of biblical counseling
in a small space.
May our Lord impress us freshly with the reality that discontent is rebellion and cosmic treason and grant us hearts of repentance and faith in putting discontent to death and becoming content for our happiness and His glory!
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 02:50:00 PM :: permalink :: discuss ::
01/16/2012
Again I am listing some of the better of the new titles about to come out from various publishers. You will want to save up your pennies and take advantage of these excellent titles.
FOR THE FAMILY:
R. C. Sproul, THE DONKEY WHO CARRIED A KING;
Reformation Trust--another great book by
Dr. Sproul for children and their parents.
Stuart Scott, BIBLICAL MANHOOD; Focus Publishing
Much needed help for men who grew up in our
confused culture, with men having no fathers,
mothers who tell them what to do all their
lives, and media and education telling them
that they should get in touch with their
feminine side. Thank you Stuart Scott.
Milton Vincent, THE GOSPEL PRIMER (now in
Leather)--Focus Publishing--a modern work in
a Puritan way of expressing the gospel.
John Flavel, KEEPING THE HEART; Christian Focus
A Puritan classic back in print.
Thomas Boston, THE CROOK IN THE LOT; Christian
Focus--one of the best of the treatments of
why God's people suffer.
BIOGRAPHIES
Allan Harman, MATTHEW HENRY (His Life and
Influence); Christian Focus--the best selling
commentary series in church history is by
Matthew Henry. While tens of thousands have
profited from his work, few know much about
the man. This should fill in our gaps and help
us to know that late Puritan giant.
Tom Grass, F. F. BRUCE; Eerdmans--the leading
evangelical (and Calvinistic when it was in the
text) New Testament scholar of the last half of
the 20th century. Many modern evangelical
and Reformed leaders trained under him and
all pastors are in his debt for his commentaries.
Here is the first biography of the man.
Steve Lawson, THE GOSPEL FOCUS OF CHARLES
SPURGEON; Reformation Trust--find out why
Spurgeon still ministers today and is read by all
Bible lovers and Christ lovers today.
Michael Bentley, BILLY BRAY (Saved From The
Deepest Pit); Christian Focus--Cornish tin miner
who was gross and blasphemous comes to
Christ and becomes outspoken lover and
preacher for Christ.
FOR PASTORS AND TEACHERS:
Rob Roy McGregor, JOHN CALVIN'S SERMONS ON
GENESIS, Vol. 2); Banner of Truth--we
continue to be in Dr. McGregor's debt for
making the riches of John Calvin's preaching
available.
Danny Hyde, GOD IN OUR MIDST (The Tabernacle
and Our Fellowship With God); Reformation
Trust--some of the riches of the Old Testament
unveiled in the teaching of the whole Bible.
Ian Shaw, CHURCHES, REVOLUTIONS AND
EMPIRES; Christian Focus--shows what
happened to Christianity in Europe from 1794
to the end of the 19th century. How Europe,
its empires and the churches of these nations
changed.
William Barrick, ECCLESIASTES (Philippians of the
Old Testament); Christian Focus--see if he's
right.
D. A. Carson, CHRIST AND CULTURE REVISITED
(now in paperback); Eerdmans--a perpetual
struggle for Christians and churches to under-
stand. Carson weighs in from his New
Testament scholar and Free Church perspective.
D. A. Carson, THE INTOLERANCE OF TOLERANCE;
Eerdmans--cuts at the root of the modern
shibboleth of "tolerance" which is ruining
people's discernment and ability to speak out.
May the Lord bless you as your "read for your life" in 2012 !
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 03:49:21 PM :: permalink :: discuss ::
01/10/2012
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: 01:19:16 PM :: permalink :: discuss ::
01/02/2012
While religious freedom still exists in the West, God is allowing many great and many good books to be published for the building up of Christ's Body and for the evangelism of the lost. Here are some books coming out in early 2012 to be on the lookout for and purchase and read.
BOOKS FOR PASTORS AND ELDERS:
Gerald Bray, GOD IS LOVE (A Biblical and Systematic
Theology); Crossway
Graeme Goldsworthy, CHRIST-CENTERED BIBLICAL
THEOLOGY;IVP
James Bell, FROM THE LIBRARY OF CHARLES
SPURGEON (Selections From Writers Who
Influenced His Spiritual Journey); Baker
G. R. Evans, THE ROOTS OF THE REFORMATION
(Tradition, Emergence and Rupture); IVP
Carl Beckwith, EZEKIEL, DANIEL (Reformation
Commentary on Scripture); IVP
Allan Harman, PSALMS, 2 volumes; Christian Focus/
Mentor
Allen P. Ross, THE PSALMS; Kregel--covers Psalms
1-41; the first of a projected 3 volume set.
IVP DICTIONARY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT
PROPHETS; IVP
Stanley Porter, ed.; BIBLICAL HERMENEUTICS:
FIVES VIEWS; IVP
Kelly Kapic and Bruce McCormack, eds.; MAPPING
MODERN THEOLOGY; Baker Academic--various
contributors examine how modern or liberal
theology impacts each facet of theology.
John Olney, THE MESSAGE OF KINGS (The Bible
Speaks Today Series); IVP
Robert Kolb, LUTHER AND THE STORIES OF GOD
(Biblical Narratives as a Foundation for Christian
Living); Baker Academic
Tim Meadowcroft, THE MESSAGE OF THE WORD OF
GOD (The Bible Speaks Today Series); IVP
John Hannah, THE KREGEL PICTORIAL GUIDE TO
CHURCH HISTORY (Vol. 6--The Church and
Post-Modernity); Kregel.
Eckhard Schnabel, 40 QUESTIONS ABOUT THE END
TIMES; Kregel
James Hamilton, REVELATION (The Spirit Speaks to
the Churches) ; Crossway--from the PREACHING
THE WORD expositional series
Michael Kruger, CANON REVISITED (Establishing
the Origins and Authority of the New Testament
Books); Crossway
Thabiti Anyabwile, FINDING FAITHFUL ELDERS
AND DEACONS; Crossway
BOOKS FOR EVERYONE
J. I. Packer, GOD'S WILL (Finding Guidance for
Everyday Decisions); Baker
Jerry Bridges, THE TRANSFORMATIONAL POWER OF
THE GOSPEL; NavPress
Thomas McCall, FORSAKEN (The Trinity, The Cross
and Why It Matters); IVP
Sean Lucas, DANIEL: TRUSTING THE TRUE HERO;
Christian Focus
James Emery White, A TRAVELER'S GUIDE TO THE
KINGDOM (Journeying through the Christian
Life); IVP
Jeffery Burton Russell, EXPOSING MYTHS ABOUT
CHRISTIANITY (A Guide to Understanding 14
Viral Lies and Legends); IVP
R. C. Sproul, A WALK WITH GOD; Christian Focus--
daily devotions from Luke's gospel.
John Keddie, ERIC LIDDELL:FINISH THE RACE;
Christian Focus
Philip Graham Ryken, IS JESUS THE ONY WAY?;
Crossway
Timothy George, THE GREAT TRADITION OF
CHRISTIAN THINKING (A Student's Guide);
Crossway
Jonathan Lehman, CHURCH MEMBERSHIP (How
the World Knows Who Represents Jesus);
Crossway
Dave Harvey, AM I CALLED ? (The Summons to
Pastoral Ministry); Crossway
Ray Ortlund, PROVERBS (Wisdom That Works);
Crossway
Nancy Guthrie, THE WISDOM OF GOD (Seeing
Jesus in the Psalms and Wisdom Literature);
Crossway
Kent Hughes and Carey Hughes, DISCIPLINES OF
A GODLY YOUNG MAN; Crossway
Richard Winter, WHEN LIFE GOES DARK (Finding
Hope in the Midst of Depression); IVP
Philips Graham Ryken, LOVING THE WAY JESUS
LOVES; Crossway
These and many other treasures will be coming out in the first three months of 2012. Read for your life in 2012--our God promises no blessings for the willfully ignorant.
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 02:24:00 PM :: permalink :: discuss ::
12/26/2011
An important doctrine in the New Testament has been under-studied, distorted or over allegorized. It is the doctrine of 'union with Christ'. One can find near centuries when the doctrine was not examined. One can find many books where the doctrine of union with Christ is distorted by allegorizing (e.g. one book called VINELIFE ends up teaching mysticism because of the distortion of the doctrine of union with Christ in Christ's analogy of the vine and the branches in John 15).Other authors push examples to unbiblical positions (for example some theologians connect union with Christ to water baptism leading to presumptive regeneration among those baptized). Still others teach that believers become 'in-godded' through union with Christ. Surely there must be carefulness and clarity for this biblical doctrine.
Of late, evangelical and Reformed authors have sought to rectify the situation with several meaty and truly helpful studies on the New Testament doctrine of the believer's union with Christ. I can recommend the following materials.
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.
John Murray, REDEMPTION: ACCOMPLISHED AND
APPLIED; Eerdmans--one of the greatest Reformed
theologians of the 20th century has a great
chapter on 'Union with Christ'.
John Stott, LIFE IN CHRIST; IVP--a very helpful study
of the New Testament's teaching on the believer
being 'in Christ', 'with Christ', 'from Christ', etc.
The various prepositional phrases that show that
the believer has a vital union with Christ are
explored.
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.
Other classic studies to be consulted by the diligent student are:
Thomas Boston, HUMAN NATURE IN ITS FOUR-FOLD STATE; Banner of Truth--see the chapter 'Mystical Union Between Christ and Believers'.
Jonathan Edwards, "Safety, Fulness and Sweet Refreshment to be Found in Christ' in THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS (2 VOLUMES); Banner of Truth;
2:929-936 and included in JONATHAN EDWARDS ON KNOWING CHRIST; Banner of Truth; pp. 156-182
John Flavel, 'The Union of the Believer with Christ a Principal Part of Effectual Application'; THE WORKS OF JOHN FLAVEL; 2:33-49
John Flavel, 'The Method of Grace in the Gospel of Redemption' ; THE WORKS OF JOHN FLAVEL; 2:3-474
Richard Sibbes, 'A Christian's Portion...'; THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES; Banner of Truth; 4:1-38
John Newton, 'On Union with Christ'; THE WORKS OF JOHN NEWTON; Banner of Truth; 1:322-323
Benjamin B. Warfield, "Communion With Christ'; FAITH AND LIFE; Banner of Truth; pp. 415-427
One can also examine the systematic theologies of the Hodges, Shedd, Strong, Berkhof, Grudem and Horton for further treatments in a larger context of theology.
May the Lord enrich your life and your understanding of the profundity of your salvation with your study of this marvelous doctrine and reality.
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 12:36:00 PM :: permalink :: discuss ::
12/19/2011
With Christmas almost upon us, our minds frequently turn to the children in our lives (and grandchildren). The cultural trappings of Christmas are a delight to most adults and all children. How many children go to bed with dreams of toys and sugarplums dancing in their heads!
With Christmas comes travels to relatives. With Christmas comes extra church services. With Christmas comes an avalanche of temptations for greed, selfishness, envy and jealousy over toys, clothes, techno-gadgets and almost everything else. With Christmas comes changes in schedules and late nights. With Christmas comes a tsunami of sweets and desserts. And with Christmas comes displays of sin by our children.
What are we to do about that? Write it off to the season and just put our heads down and persevere? Write it off to late nights and too much sugar? Write if off as remnants from our spouses side of the family?
Disciplining our children so that they learn self-dsicipline is a job that continues with variations until they leave home. And then we must pray for them as they are still in a learning mode as they go out into the world we have tried to prepare them for. Our goal for our children should be that each child is independently dependent upon Jesus Christ.
We have no power to give any one the new birth but we can regularly have them under the means of grace as we discipline ourselves to be in church faithfully, to have family devotions faithfully, to pay special attention at baptismal and communion services, to winsomely and straight-forwardly discuss the things just experienced in church. We need to do these things faithfully and winsomely and we must!
But when it comes to discipline as chastening, discipline as corporal punishment, discipline as training, we often struggle to be faithful, to become weary and give in ("I've spanked Reginald now 17 times and he still won't stay in bed; I'll just let him stay up until he falls asleep.").
But Proverbs 25:28 says that "A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls." In the biblical world right up to our so-called Middle Ages, cities were protected by great walls that surrounded them. That is why the book of Nehemiah is so focused on rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem. The city was defenseless until the protective wall was rebuilt. The Proverbs says that a person who has reached manhood without learning significant self-control or self-discipline is facing life defenseless. The temptations of this fallen world will ravish his soul unless he learns self-discipline. And the best place to learn to discipline oneself is in the home with loving discipline applied faithfully by parents who love one another and practice self-discpline.
Today's Blog is about those books in print to help you learn to discipline your children. Hebrews 12:11 says that at the time of learning (applying the board of education to the seat of learning), no discipline is pleasant. It makes it plain. "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness TO THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN TRAINED BY IT (emphasis mine)."
Let's see some of the tools available to instruct and motivate the faithful parent who dares to discIpline.
1. PRAYER--You thought you were going to raise your
children without laboring over them in prayer?
2. BIBLE STUDY-- You thought you were going to
raise your children without searching the Scriptures
to make sure you were on track with God's way of
doing it?
3. MODELING THE TRUTH--You thought you could live
differently than you want your children to live and
they would still, somehow, get it?
4. BOOKS TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU
SHOULD BE DOING AND HOW TO DO IT
a. Eric Lane, SPECIAL CHILDREN? (A Theology of
Childhood); Evangelical Press--what the Bible
says about all aspects of childhood, including
discipline.
b. Ann Benton, DON'T THEY LOOK LOVELY WHEN
THEY'RE ASLEEP ?; Christian Focus--a good
complement to Lane's book.
c. Tedd Tripp, SHEPHERDING A CHILD'S HEART;
Shepherd Press--has become something of the
gold standard among Reformed evangelicals.
d. Tedd and Margy Tripp, INSTRUCTING A CHILD'S
HEART; Shepherd Press--follow up with more
information to the above book.
e. Bruce Ray, WITHHOLD NOT CORRECTION; P & R
a classic book on child discipline that should NOT
be overlooked by parents.
f. Gardiner Spring, HINTS FOR PARENTS; Shepherd
Press--19th century biblical insights applied to
21st century learners.
g. Ginger Plowman, DON'T MAKE ME COUNT TO
THREE; Shepherd Press--personal tips of how
to apply SHEPHERDING A CHILD'S HEART.
h. Paul David Tripp, AGE OF OPPORTUNITY: P & R
What to do with teenagers.
**Gary Brady, PROVERBS; Evangelical Press--the
book of wisdom for life as a believer, especially
important in raising children and disciplining
them.
These books do not have everything, but they do have more than enough to equip the faithful parent who stays engaged at the high calling of raising human beings to the glory of God.
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 12:11:00 PM :: permalink :: discuss ::
12/12/2011
One of God's best gifts to humanity is the gift of speech and language. Through language we can formulate and communicate ideas and the issues of our hearts. God has communicated to humanity in His written Word that we might not miss what He has promised, planned and done for us sinners in His Son Jesus.
When the first books were published on moveable type, books became much less expensive and literacy became the aim of enlightened government and church leaders. Protestants have always been people of the book and have always encouraged their people to read. To have the Word of God in your own language and not read it is a sin.
We live in the nation with the greatest access to good Christian books in the history of the world. Reading the best books and praying through them and seeking God's grace to put into practice what you learn makes for a growing, faithful Christian.
BOOKS FOR YOU TO PURCHASE & READ IN 2012
(You don't have to read them in the order listed, BUT
it might help.)
1. Sinclair Ferguson, GROW IN GRACE; Banner of
Truth--paperback that packs a whallop!
2. Philip Ryken, OUR TRIUNE GOD; Crossway--learning
to live in fellowship with the Three in One God.
3. R. C. Sproul, THE HOLINESS OF GOD; Tyndale--a
powerful book that goes to the heart of what our
God is essentially like. To not get this book is to not
get sin, judgement, the need of Christ, the work of
Christ nor the calling of the believer to be holy!
4. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, THE CROSS; Crossway--a
simple yet profound classic.
5.Jerry Bridges, THE GOSPEL FOR REAL LIFE;
NavPress--the best overview of the work of Christ
for sinners in print--I wish all pastors would master
it !
6.James Packer and Mark Dever, IN MY PLACE
CONDEMNED HE STOOD; Crossway--profound
treatment of the substitutionary work of Christ
for His people, every one of them!
7.Joel Beeke, HEIRS WITH CHRIST (The Puritans On
Adoption); Reformation Heritage--a subject that we
cannot study too much.
8.Geoff Thomas, THE HOLY SPIRIT; Reformation
Heritage--a great new book that is biblical, clear and
experiential.
9.Earl Blackburn, JESUS LOVES THE CHURCH AND SO
SHOULD YOU; Solid Ground--a sweet book about
that which is close to the heart of the Savior--but
sadly far from the hearts of so many Christians.
10.Jerry Bridges, TRUSTING GOD (Even When Life
Hurts); NavPress--the best book on the doctrine
of God's providence ("the hand of God in the glove
of circumstances").
11.Geoff Thomas, THE SURE WORD OF GOD;
Evangelical Press--a great place to learn why you
trust your very life to the Bible and all that it does
in your life.
12.S. M. Houghton, SKETCHES FROM CHURCH
HISTORY; Banner of Truth--imagine a history
book that you will thoroughly enjoy and profit
from !!!
**13. (A Baker's Dozen) Ted Donnelly, THE BIBLICAL
DOCTRINE OF HEAVEN AND HELL; Banner of Truth
the most exhilarating and the most fearsome book
I have ever read.
May our Lord grow you in grace as you read and digest and seek to implement the truths contained in them by God's grace.
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 02:43:19 PM :: permalink :: discuss ::
12/05/2011
In my last blog I listed several titles one could give as gifts at Christmas and these gifts were Christmas themed--the book had something to do about Christmas!
What other books could you give that would make great gifts, even life changing gifts, that were not Christmas themed? Let me list some of my favorites.
BOOKS FOR MEN AND TEENAGE BOYS
Mark Chanski, MANLY DOMINION--why and how Christian men are to be Christian MEN. Much needed and well conceived. Every Christian man or teenage boy should read and digest this book--then put it into practice!
Rick Philips, MASCULINE MANDATE--DITTO
Stuart Scott, THE EXEMPLARY HUSBAND--
Mega-dittoes!
Laura Hillenbrand, UNBROKEN--the amazing true biography of a young man from Los Angeles who was always in trouble with the law when he was not winning track meets! He ran for American in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, impulsively ran over and shook Hitler's hand when receiving a medal, stole a Nazi flag to take home as a souvenir, enlisted in World War II, his plane crashed in the Pacific and he was adrift at sea for weeks--only to be rescued by the Japanese--and things really got ugly. Men will be challenged and horrified to read about life in a Japanese POW camp,
his liberation at the end of the war, his descent in alcoholism to deal with his post-traumatic stress, his amazing conversion and subsequent return to Japan to forgive his brutal captors. You could not make this story up, but it is all blessedly true and a testimony of God's sovereign grace!
Jerry Bridges, THE GOSPEL FOR REAL LIFE--if I had the power I would make every pastor in America read this book and then preach it to their congregation. It is that good. Great for small groups to work through. It covers all that Christ did for us on the cross and thus why the gospel is what is needed every day.
Jerry Bridges, THE BOOKENDS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE--applies the book above on an everyday basis and helps you climb out of defeat and despondency into trust and obedience in the finished work of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.
BOOKS FOR WOMEN & TEENAGE GIRLS
Sharon James, MY HEART IN HIS HANDS--the challenging and encouraging and stretching life story of Ann Judson, wife of the first American foreign missionary, Adoniram Judson. She was as amazing as her husband and brought great glory to Christ in her life.
Elizabeth Prentiss, STEPPING HEAVENWARD--the biblical and Reformed doctrine of sanctification worked out in a woman's diary and life. (It has a glowing recommendation in the forward from Elizabeth Elliot.) Gripping!
Nancy Leigh DeMoss, CHOOSING GRATITUDE--how to avoid being an old grump (or a young cynic). A true mind and attitude changer.
Peter Jeffery, BITE-SIZED THEOLOGY--just the right size bites of biblical truth to help a young Christian of any age to grow.
Mark Chanski, WOMANLY DOMINION--the right complement to his book listed above for men.
Jerry Bridges, THE GOSPEL FOR REAL LIFE--ditto above!
Jerry Bridges, THE BOOKENDS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE; mega-dittoes!
BOOKS FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN:
Sinclair Ferguson, THE MAGNIFICENT, AMAZING TIME MACHINE--tells the whole flow of the biblical story of getting ready for Jesus' arrival.
R. C. Sproul, THE BARBER WHO WANTED TO PRAY--draws from Martin Luther's little book on how to pray which he taught to his barber who asked Luther how he prayed!
R. C. Sproul, THE LIGHTLINGS
R. C. Sproul, THE PRIEST WITH DIRTY CLOTHES
R. C. Sproul, THE POISON CUP
R. C. Sproul, THE KING WITHOUT A SHADOW-- great children's stories that teach biblical truth in a winsome way.
FOR SLIGHTLY MORE INTELLECTUAL READERS ON YOUR SHOPPING LIST:
D. A. Carson, THE GAGGING OF GOD--shows how God is moved to gag and also how God's Word is gagged by today's "everything is relative" mindset (commonly called "post-modernism").
John Piper, THINK (THE LIFE OF THE MIND AND THE LOVE OF GOD)--small book that packs a punch and challenges to bring your mind into conformity with Christ.
Steven Lawson, PILLARS OF GRACE (A.D. 100-1564)--A LONG LINE OF GODLY MEN--the second volume of his history of the best men in the first 1500 years of Christian history and what they did.
Roland Bainton, HERE I STAND--the best life of Luther to read to understand why the Reformation was needed and how it happened and why we are glad we are not under Roman tyranny.
These should get you started and bless those you give the books to.
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 04:10:48 PM :: permalink :: discuss ::
11/28/2011
Christmas is perhaps THE TIME OF THE YEAR to communicate to others about the coming of Jesus Christ. It really is THE REASON FOR THE SEASON! The gospel of Jesus Christ is begging to be told at this time of year. There is no other reason to even have the holiday and exchange of presents if there were not the historical reality that God visited this planet that first Christmas.
Why does Christianity even exist ? (Because God really did visit this planet.) What is the central theme of the Bible (HINT--the promise and the fulfillment of that promise in the coming of Christ). Why do millions around the world celebrate Christmas ? (Because it shows that God cares about sinful human beings AND that our sins and Satan shall not have the last say about our lives--forgiveness of sins and new life and eternal life and knowing God are now all possible because Jesus was born that first Christmas!)
Have you thought of having your neighbors in for coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cookies, breads and stuff and a cookie exchange? Have the time be low key and then close with sharing your testimonies and give out copies of ULTIMATE QUESTIONS or WHY IN THE WORLD DID JESUS COME ? to those who attend. Tell them warmly that you want to be a good neighbor to them and that involves being transparent about who you are and where you have come from. Tell them that if they don't want to read the booklet, they can just leave it behind. Don't have the speaking time go on too long (20 minutes is a long time in our culture).
Tell them how Christ changed your time (the details of life that have changed) and your eternity (forgiveness of sins, peace with God, new spiritual life, eternal life, adoption into God's family, etc.) Have a second round of refreshments available for any who might want to stay and mingle. And pray, pray, pray. Before, during and after the event. (Let me know how it goes!)
I have used good literature for 35 years to give to people at Christmas. Immediate family, distant relatives, neighbors, co-workers, school friends, frequently visited store workers (cleaners, grocery store, convenience store, BOOKSTORE (!) , gas station, etc--all are great places to find people to need to look again at Christmas.
What would I recommend for the different categories of people in our lives? Here are my recommendations...
CHRISTMAS FOCUSED EVANGELISTIC MATERIALS
ESV NEW TESTAMENT--paperback Christmas edition
a great give-away New Testament that is
Christmas themed in its cover decoration.
John Blanchard, WHY ON EARTH DID JESUS COME ?
booklet--why did God become a man is answered
as only John Blanchard can do. Very good.
Peter Jeffery, THE TRUTH ABOUT CHRISTMAS;
booklet--with a rosy Santa on the cover, this
booklet beckons the reader to look beneath the
Christmas glitz and superfluous cultural wrapping
and find Jesus Christ--God's greatest gift.
James M. Boice, THE CHRIST OF CHRISTMAS; book
Answer in more detail why Jesus came and who
He is and why WHO He is matters.
Kent Hughes, THE GIFT OF CHRISTMAS; book--
Another great gift book on God's gift of His Son
for guilty sinners.
CHRISTMAS FOCUSED DEVOTIONS FOR BELIEVERS
COME THOU LONG EXPECTED JESUS; Crossway;
compilation of great articles by famous Christian
communicators down through the centuries.
Tom Houston, CHARACTERS AROUND THE CRADLE
great historical and biblical study on the various
people in the foreground and the background
of the Christmas story.
Roger Ellsworth, CHRISTMAS PICTURES (Devotional
Thoughts for Christians)
Ray Rhodes, FAMILY WORSHIP FOR THE CHRISTMAS
SEASON--real helps to faithful parents.
Noel Piper, TREASURING GOD IN OUR TRADITIONS;
ditto.
HANDEL'S MESSIAH (2 CD set)--what else could you
listen to at such a time as this?
May the LORD Himself fill your soul with greater visions of His glory and worthiness this Christmas season and the New Year.
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 04:43:00 PM :: permalink :: discuss ::
11/22/2011
A good pastor or seminarian loves to get books for Christmas (or any time of the year)! Called to be "men of one Book", pastors are to spend their lives studying God's Word, praying over God's Word and then preaching God's Word. Good books help make pastors better students of God's Word.
Here are my recommendations for books that any Bible-loving pastor or seminarian would love to have to aid them in the study of God's Word.
LESS EXPENSIVE BOOKS:
SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES; IVP--a classic for nearly fifty years, this study of the whole Bible takes you through each book of the Bible by asking questions of the text. Most stimulating and helpful for laymen or pastor!
D. A. Carson, THE GOD WHO IS THERE (Finding Your Place in God's Story); Baker--shows the story line of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Great resource for showing the flow of God's plan in history.
Timothy George, READING SCRIPTURE WITH THE REFORMERS; IVP--look over Dr. George's shoulders as he shows us how the Reformers read their Bibles, became soaked in their Bible and exuded their Bibles. As Spurgeon said about John Bunyan, "When he bled, his blood was Bibline!"
RYKEN'S BIBLE HANDBOOK; Tyndale--former pastor of 10th Presbyterian in Philadelphia and now president of Wheaton College in Illinois, Phil Ryken, along with his father, Professor Leland Ryken of Wheaton College have given pastors and Bible students a great gift in this handbook. It gives many stimulating helps and facts and suggestive ideas. I found several great ideas for future sermons just skimming it when I bought it.
MORE EXPENSIVE BOOKS (BUT NOT EXORBITANT !)
Gareth Crossley, THE OLD TESTAMENT: EXPLAINED AND APPLIED; Evangelical Press--an overview of each book of the Old Testament which seeks to understand the text and apply it to the churches today.
Gerard Chrispin, THE BIBLE PANORAMA; Day One Publications--excellent overview of each book of the Bible.
Leland Ryken, James Wilhoit and Tremper Longman, eds; DICTIONARY OF BIBLICAL IMAGERY; IVP--a great resource which show how so much of the Bible is images of another thing. A source book that will be referred to over and over again. Invaluable.
G.K. Beale and D. A. Carson, eds.; COMMENTARY ON THE NEW TESTAMENT USE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT;
Baker--a great resources to see how the Old Testament is quoted, alluded to, summarized, etc. throughout the New Testament. Two testaments but one Bible.
G. K. Beale, A NEW TESTAMENT BIBLICAL THEOLOGY (The Unfolding of the Old Testament in the New); Baker--a great work that will repay careful reading and reflection by one of American's foremost New Testament scholars and biblical theologian.
These great resources should keep your pastor or seminarian busy and make him thankful.
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 05:08:59 PM :: permalink :: discuss ::
11/14/2011
I am currently preaching a "fly-over" of the Old Testament, the Bible that Jesus and the Apostles used. I am seeking to ground my congregation in the basics of the Bible--and if you don't really know your Old Testament, you won't really grasp the message of the New Testament. I have preached through Genesis, Exodus and Leviticus and was greatly blessed personally by doing it. It is a lot of hard study and prayer but it is certainly worth it all. I know I have been a huge beneficiary of the whole process. I don't teach every verse and sometimes not every chapter but the main points to "take away" from each book.
Now I am beginning Numbers and settling into that book. What helps are available for the layman to grasp the book? What helps are available for the campus minister, the Sunday School teacher, the neighborhood Bible study teacher, or the pastor?
Here are my suggestions for the best helps on the book of Numbers.
INTRODUCTORY HELPS ON THE BOOK OF NUMBERS:
SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES; IVP--classic personal
study book which takes the user through the
books of the Bible by asking questions of each
paragraph or section. Compiled from the work of
several venerable scholars who had been involved
with British InterVarsity.
NEW BIBLE COMMENTARY (21st century edition);
IVP--the commentary section on the book of
Numbers is done by veteran scholar and
commentator, Peter Naylor.
Steven Lawson, FOUNDATIONS OF GRACE, Vol. 1--
A Long Line of Godly Men (1400BC--A. D. 100);
Reformation Trust--an insightful overview of the
revelation of God's saving grace in the Old
Testament. Shows how things fit together.
Gareth Crossley, THE OLD TESTAMENT: EXPLAINED
AND APPLIED; Evangelical Press--a goldmine of
useful information to help understand and apply
the teachings of the book of Numbers.
Gerard Chrispin, THE BIBLE PANORAMA (Enjoying
the Whole Bible with A Chapter by Chapter Guide);
Day One Publications--another goldmine to help
the diligent reader dig into the Scripture beneath
the usual surface reading.
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL HELPS ON NUMBERS
Mark Dever, THE MESSAGE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT
(Promises Made); Crossway--the gist of each book
of the Old Testament given in one chapter, each a
transcribed sermon which does wonders to help
with the big picture of each book. Ought to be read
entirely through by each Christian!
R. C. Sproul and Robert Wolgemuth, WHAT'S IN THE
BIBLE ?; Thomas Nelson--a Genesis to Revelation
survey to give the reader the flow of God's plan of
redemption.
Rodger Crooks, ONE LORD, ONE PLAN, ONE PEOPLE
(A Journey Through the Bible From Genesis to
Revelation); Banner of Truth--a meaty and
insightful overview of the Bible showing how it all
hangs together and is not a mishmash of
unconnected data!
Alec Motyer, LOOK TO THE ROCK (An Old Testament
Background to our Understanding of Christ);
Kregel--an outstanding treatment by the dean of
evangelical and Reformed Old Testament scholars
in the U. K.
Alec Motyer, ROOTS: LET THE OLD TESTAMENT
SPEAK; Kregel--another outstanding contribution
to our understanding of how the Old Testament is
the unfolding revelation of God and His eternal
purposes on earth.
Gordon Keddie, ACCORDING TO PROMISE (The
Message of the Book of Numbers); Evangelical
Press--a fine study by a leading pastor/theologian.
John Currid, NUMBERS (EP Study Commentary);
Evangelical Press--a leading Reformed Old
Testament scholar of the best sort gives us his
measured insights into the fourth of his five
commentaries on the five books of Moses (the
Pentateuch). Solid help.
Raymond Brown, THE MESSAGE OF NUMBERS
(The Bible Speaks Today Series); IVP--a fine
contribution by the former Principal of Spurgeon's
College in London. Very helpful.
HELPS FOR PASTORS AND TEACHER ESPECIALLY:
Gordon Wenham, (Tyndale Old Testament
Commentary Series); IVP--a most insightful
commentary by the leading Old Testament
scholar still active in the U. K. A very important
work!
Iain Duguid, NUMBERS (God's Presence in the
Wilderness); [PREACH THE WORD SERIES];
Crossway--shows how the faithful pastor and
Bible student might preach the book of Numbers.
James Philip, NUMBERS (The Communicators
Commentary Series); Nelson--a most helpful
exposition of Numbers by a leading Scot's pastor
and scholar who has been in the lead of
reformation among the Scot's churches.
Dennis Cole, NUMBERS (New American Commentary
Series); B & H--help from a leading evangelical Old
Testament scholar and archeologist.
There was once a scarcity of good helps on Numbers.
Now there is an embarrassment of riches for the faithful Christian student of God's Word.
May the Lord show you more of His glory and your life be transformed as your study the book of Numbers!
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 07:59:00 PM :: permalink :: discuss ::
11/09/2011
A real Christian grows in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Since the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, Protestant Christians have taken advantage of their privilege of reading the Word of God in their own language. They read their Bibles and they read books about the Bible and its teachings (doctrine).
Here is my suggested reading list of books every Christian ought to read and ought to have in their home library for others to read and learn.
BASIC LIBRARY FOR A GROWING CHRISTIAN
FIRST STEPS IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
Peter Jeffery, From Religion to Christ, Calvary Press
Peter Jeffery, Seeking God, Brynterion Press
Peter Jeffery, All Things New, Brynterion Press
Peter Jeffery, Walk Worthy, Brynterion Press
Peter Jeffery, Stand Firm, Brynterion Press
Peter Jeffery, Christian Handbook, Brynterion Press
Peter Jeffery, Firm Foundations, Brynterion Press
Peter Jeffery is the best at putting the historic and
biblical doctrines that we cherish in language and
on a level that students and seldom reading adults
can deeply profit.
THE CHARACTER OF OUR GREAT GOD
R.C. Sproul, The Holiness of God, Tyndale
Arthur Pink, The Sovereignty of God, Banner of Truth
Sinclair Ferguson, A Heart for God, Banner of Truth
Stuart Olyott, The Three are One, Evangelical Press
Peter Jeffery, Great God of Wonders, Evangelical Pr.
MAN--AS GOD MADE HIM, AS SIN LEFT HIM, AS GOD
REMAKES HIM, AS HE WILL BE IN GLORY
Martin Luther, Born Slaves, Grace Publications
J. Gresham Machen, The Christian View of Man,
Banner of Truth
Thomas Boston, Human Nature in Its Fourfold State;
Banner of Truth
JESUS CHRIST: WHO HE IS AND WHAT HE
ACCOMPLISHED IN LIFE, DEATH & RESURRECTION
Stuart Olyott, Son of Mary, Son of God, EP
John Blanchard, Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?
Evangelical Press
John Benton, God’s Riches (Workbook), Banner of
Truth
Martyn Lloyd-Jones, The Cross; Crossways
Michael Horton, Mission Accomplished, Evangelical
Press
Caesar Malan, The Cross: Where All Roads Meet,
Evangelical Press
Tom Wells, A Price For a People, Banner of Truth
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT & HIS HOLY WORD:
Edwin Palmer, The Holy Spirit, P & R
Octavius Winslow, The work of the Holy Spirit,
Banner of Truth
Jerry Bridges, The Fruitful Life; NavPress
Geoff Thomas, The Sure Word of God; Brynterion Pr.
Brian Edwards, Nothing But the Truth, Evangelical
Press
James I. Packer, Fundamentalism and the Word of
God, Eerdmans
Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Authority, Banner of Truth
SALVATION: NEW BIRTH, CONVERSION, JUSTIF-
ICATION, ADOPTION--
Peter Jeffery, From Religion to Christ; EP
Ernest Kevan, Salvation, Evangelical Press
Sinclair Ferguson, THE GRACE OF REPENTANCE;
Crossway
Tom Wells, Faith: The Gift of God, Banner of Truth
Jerry Bridges, The Gospel for Real Life, NavPress
William Webster, The Chrristian: Following Christ as
Lord, Banner of Truth
Sinclair Ferguson, Children of the Living God, Banner
of Truth
SANCTIFICATION: LIVING AND GROWING UP IN HOLY
CHRIST-LIKENESS
John Bunyan, Pilgrim’s Progress; various editions
Jerry Bridges, Transforming Grace, NavPress
Jerry Bridges, The Pursuit of Holiness, NavPress
Jerry Bridges, The Discipline of Grace, NavPress
Jerry Bridges, Trusting God, NavPress
Jerry Bridges, Is God Really In Control?, NavPress
J.C. Ryle, Holiness (Its Nature, Hindrances,
Difficulties and Roots), Evangelical Press
Sinclair Ferguson, Grow in Grace, Banner of Truth
Bryan Zacharias, The Embattled Christian (The
Puritans and Spiritual Warfare), Banner of Truth
Don Whitney, How I Can Be Sure I’m a Christian,
NavPress
Don Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines of the Christian
Life, NavPress
Douglas Kelly, If God Already Knows, Why Pray?,
Christian Focus
Sinclair Ferguson, Deserted by God?, Banner of Truth
ETHICS: HOW THE FATHER WANTS HIS CHILDREN TO
LIVE IN HIS KINGDOM:
Philip Ryken, Written in Stone (The Ten
Commandments for Today's Moral Crisis);
Crossway
Brian Edwards, The Ten Commandments for Today,
Day One Publications
Samuel Bolton, The True Bounds of Christian
Freedom, Banner of Truth
Various authors; Love Rules; Banner of Truth
GOD'S CHURCH: ITS MEMBERS, ORDINANCES, AND
MINISTRIES
Will Metzger, Tell The Truth, InterVarsity Press
John MacArthur, Jr., Ashamed of the Gospel,
Crossways
Don Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines Within the Church,
Moody Press
Bill James, Baptism and Church Membership
(Baptist); Evangelical Press
John Sartelle, Infant Baptism (Paedo-baptist); P & R
Walter Chantry, Call the Sabbath A Delight, Banner
of Truth
Joseph Pipa, The Lord’s Day, Christian Focus
Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Revival, Crossways Books
Jerry Bridges, The Crisis of Caring (True Fellowship),
P & R
Dever and Alexander, The Deliberate Church,
Crossway
Mark Dever, Nine Marks of a Healthy Church,
Crossway
Robert Godfrey, Pleasing God In Our Worship,
Crossway
ETERNITY: DEATH, HEAVEN, HELL & THE RETURN OF CHRIST
Eryl Davies, Heaven Is a Far Better Place, Evangelical
Press
John Blanchard, Whatever Happened to Hell?,
Evangelical Press
Adolphe Monod, A Dying Man’s Regrets, Calvary Press
Bruce Milne, The Message of Heaven and Hell,
InterVarsity Press
Ted Donnelly, The Biblical Doctrine of Heaven and
Hell, Banner of Truth
James Grier, THE MOMENTOUS EVENT; Banner of
Truth
R. C. Sproul, The Last Days According to Jesus; Baker
May our Lord allow you to behold His glory in more and more detail as you study His Word and master these books.
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 02:35:35 PM :: permalink :: discuss ::
10/31/2011
I can still remember the thrill of reading John's gospel as a baby Christian. I was a junior in college and had just come into a saving relationship with God the Father through the work of God the Son and the Holy Spirit. It was eternity changing and life transforming! While all of the gospels were a new reading experience to me, John's gospel answered so many of my questions and explained so much of the reality I now saw around me. Jesus, the God-Man, was large and I was small. I lived in a spiritual world of light and dark, tragically fallen humanity and a gracious God who intervened in human history. This Jesus whom I had come to know said and did things that no one else has ever said or done.
Today, this gracious God continues to change lives forever and show sinners His glory in the face of Jesus Christ. The evangelical and Reformed churches are served well through the wealth of great materials now available on John's gospel. Here are some of my favorites.
INTRODUCTORY LEVEL (Personal Devotion; Sunday School Class; Neighborhood Study; Campus Study)
J. C. Ryle, EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS ON JOHN'S
GOSPEL; Banner of Truth (3 volumes)--originally
written for believers in small towns and villages
in England who had no Bible believing churches
to attend, Ryle is the best and majoring in the
majors and bringing the reader to see Christ.
Andy Paterson, OPENING UP JOHN'S GOSPEL; Day
One Publications--simple and straight-forward
help in the basics of John's gospel.
William Philip and Dick Lucas, UNLOCKING THE
GOSPEL OF JOHN FOR THE BIBLE TEACHER;
Christian Focus--two gifted teachers of God's
Word show us how to open up John's gospel.
Bruce Milne, THE MESSAGE OF JOHN; IVP--
theologian and pastor, Dr. Milne shows us the
riches of John's gospel.
A. W. Pink, EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF JOHN;
Baker--a classic exposition that has helped many
see more of the riches of John.
R. Kent Hughes, JOHN (Preach the Word Series);
Crossway--a modern expositor who has helped
many to see more light in God's Word.
R. C. Sproul, JOHN (St. Andrews Expositional
Commentary); Reformation Trust--classic Sproul
James Montgomery Boice, THE GOSPEL OF JOHN;
5 volumes; Baker Books--a modern exposition,
comparable with A. W. Pink.
Gordon Keddie, THE GOSPEL OF JOHN (2 volumes);
Evangelical Press--one of my favorite
commentaries by one of my favorite
commentators.
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL (pastoral preaching/exposition)
John Calvin, JOHN (Crossway Classic Commentary
Series); Crossway--edited for use today by James
Packer and Alistair McGrath.
F. F. Bruce, THE GOSPEL OF JOHN; Eerdmans--the
dean of evangelical New Testament scholars in the
2nd half of the 20th century, this is one of Bruce's
best, originally written for laymen as magazine
articles.
D. A. Carson, THE GOSPEL OF JOHN (Pillar New
Testament Commentary Series); Eerdmans--clear
and insightful. Carson's Ph. D. work at Cambridge
was on John's gospel and the relationship between
divine sovereignty and human responsibility.
William Hendrickson, COMMENTARY ON JOHN; Baker
Books--Martyn Lloyd-Jones thought it
Hendrickson's best commentary!
Andreas Kostenberger, ENCOUNTERING JOHN (The
Gospel in Historical, Literary and Theological
Perspective); Baker Academic--everything you
ever wanted to known on John's gospel--and
more!
Andreas Kostenberger, JOHN (Baker Exegetical
Commentary); Baker Books--by one of the
foremost evangelical New Testament scholars.
Andreas Kostenberger, JOHN (Illustrated Bible
Background Commentary Series); Zondervan
Shows how a thorough knowledge of 1st century
life and backgrounds can help our understanding
of the New Testament.
Andreas Kostenberger, THEOLOGY OF JOHN'S
GOSPEL AND LETTERS; Zondervan--by the leader
in New Testament studies on John and his
writings.
ADVANCED (knowledge of Greek and/or Hebrew helpful)
Herman Ridderbos, THE GOSPEL OF JOHN; Eerdmans
theological exegesis at its best.
Leon Morris, THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN;
Eerdmans--perhaps Morris' best commentary.
Craig Keener, A COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF
JOHN; Henrickson (2 VOLUMES)--A most
thorough commentary.
J. Ramsay Michaels, GOSPEL OF JOHN (New
International Commentary on the New
Testament); Eerdmans--replaced Morris' work
and the fruit of decades of study on all things
"John".
SPECIALIZED STUDIES ON JOHN'S GOSPEL:
Robert Reymond, JOHN, BELOVED DISCIPLE (A
Survey of His Theology); Christian Focus/Mentor
a warm hearted and straight-forward study.
Craig Blomberg, THE HISTORICAL RELIABILITY OF
JOHN'S GOSPEL; IVP--does his homework to show
why John's gospel is reliable.
Martyn Lloyd-Jones, BORN OF GOD (Sermons from
John's Gospel, Chpt. 1); Banner of Truth
Martyn Lloyd-Jones, THE PATH TO TRUE HAPPINESS;
Sermons on John's Gospel, Chpt. 2); Baker
Martyn Lloyd-Jones, LIVING WATER (Sermons on
John's Gospel, Chpt. 4); Crossway
Martyn Lloyd-Jones, LET NOT YOUR HEART BE
TROUBLED (Sermons on John 14); Crossway
Martyn Lloyd-Jones, THE ASSURANCE OF SALVATION
(Sermons on Jesus' Prayer for His Own in John
17); Crossway
Vintage Lloyd-Jones--and he needs no
recommendation from me. Lions don't need the
endorsement of mice!
George Hutcheson, JOHN; Banner of Truth--classic
Puritan commentary.
P. B. Power, THE "I WILL'S" OF CHRIST; Banner of
Truth--warm devotional treatment upon our
Lord's promises in John's gospel.
If for some reason all these gems do not fulfill you, they can lead you to yet other rich resources on this rich and suggestive gospel.
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 09:54:03 AM :: permalink :: discuss ::
10/24/2011
Each year, spiritually and historically minded Protestants can thank God for giving us the Protestant Reformation. It has been called the greatest explosion of spiritual light and life since Pentecost! Is that too dramatic a pronouncement? Is it hyperbole? You can know that it is true by being able to answer the following questions.
--How did this great upheaval change the world for
good?
--How does it still impact our lives today?
--Why should we hold fast to the doctrines and
practices recovered by Martin Luther, John Calvin,
John Knox, Martin Bucer, Ulrich Zwingli, William
Farel, Thomas Cranmer, Nicholas Ridley, and a
host of lesser known men and women?
--What are the key biblical doctrines that were
recovered at the time of the Reformation and why
do they matter?
--What if the Reformation had never happened?
The following books and DVD's can be ordered now and received in time for a Reformation Sunday booktable. I if was reforming an existing church, I would have a Reformation booktable. BecauseIf I want to keep reformation in the hearts of my people today, I have a Reformation booktable.
FOR INTRODUCTORY LEVEL READERRS (those with little or no knowledge of the subject)
--Stephen Nichols, THE REFORMATION (How a Monk
and a Mallet Changed the World); P & R--tells
the sweeping and gripping story in 150 pages.
--Stephen Nichols, MARTIN LUTHER (A Guided Tour
of His Life and Thought); P & R--James Packer
believes it to be the best introduction to Martin
Luther and the Reformation since Roland
Bainton's classic, HERE I STAND, from 50 years
ago. (see Bainton below)
--Terry Johnson, THE CASE FOR TRADITIONAL
PROTESTANTISM (The Solas of the Reformation);
Banner of Truth--a very clear and forthright
explanation of the doctrine that were recovered
and changed people's lives and through them,
changed the world.
--Michael Reeves, THE UNQUENCHABLE FLAME
(Discovering the Heart of the Reformation);
B & H--when a man is on fire with truth, others
will come to see him burn! So it is with Michael
Reeve's account of the Reformation and why it
all still captures hearts and minds today!
--Martyn Lloyd-Jones and Iain Murray, JOHN KNOX
AND THE REFORMATION; Banner of Truth--three
messages give which dovetale to show importance
of John Knox and the Reformation. Inspiring!
FOR INTERMEDIATE LEVEL READERS (requires some
knowledge or maturity)
--Gene Edward Veith, A PLACE TO STAND (The
Word of God in the Life of Martin Luther);
Cumberland House--a gripping retelling of the
impact of the Word of God in Luther's life.
--Roland Bainton, HERE I STAND (A Life of Martin
Luther); Hendrickson--in my mind still the best
introduction to Luther and the reason why there
needed to be a Reformation.
--R. C. Sproul, JUSTIFIED BY FAITH ALONE;
Crossway--short treatment of the article by
which the church stands or falls--salvation by
grace alone because it is through Christ alone
and received by faith alone!
--R. C. Sproul, BY FAITH ALONE; Baker--shows how
the modern churches are losing the historic
doctrine of justification by faith alone in Christ
alone and why it matters!
FOR MORE ADVANCED READERS:
--Andrew Atherstone, THE REFORMATION: FAITH
AND FLAMES; Lion--one of my favorite books on
the Reformation by a professor and historian who
shares the doctrines and heart of the Reformers.
A great book for a class study with handsome
photos.
--W. Robert Godfrey, REFORMATION SKETCHES
(Insights into Luther, Calvin, and the
Confessions); P & R--a fine tour through
Reformation times with one of its most learned
and yet clear scholars as your guide.
Timothy George, READING SCRIPTURE WITH THE
REFORMERS; IVP--noted Reformation scholar
and seminary president, shows us how the
Reformers read their Bibles.
Timothy George, THEOLOGY OF THE REFORMERS;
B & H--a classic study that has been a standard
work for almost a quarter of a century--by a
man who has been changed by the Reformers!
T. M. Lindsay, THE REFORMATION: A HANDBOOK;
Banner of Truth--warmly recommended by
Charles Spurgeon.
DVD'S ABOUT THE REFORMATION
--LUTHER--the 1951 black and white edition that
has more theology and history that the more
recent color version which also has the
advantage of 50 years of motion picture
production values. Based on the best Luther
scholarship at its time.
--MARTIN LUTHER--good at giving the viewer a feel
for the times and Luther's being a man of his
times but being a man transcending his times.
May our Lord give you a precious Reformation Sunday celebration in church. But if your church does not celebrate the Reformation, celebrate it in your heart and home nevertheless.
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 04:04:00 PM :: permalink :: discuss ::