Today many Christians have lost confidence in preaching and have replaced it with other things such as dialogue, films, dancing, and dramatic presentations. ‘Do we need preaching today?’ is a question often asked in many churches. John Cheeseman takes up this question and argues that the church must maintain the priority of preaching for both biblical and theological reasons. He then proceeds to offer helpful instruction and advice on the practical matters of preparing and delivering sermons, before finally turning his attention to the vitally important subject of the character of the preacher. This booklet is an excellent primer for all young men who believe that God may be calling them to become preachers of his Word. Booklet, 32 pages. (RP £1.50).

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The church is not yours or mine. It belongs to Jesus Christ. The church is graciously called into being by him for the glory and honour of God’s name. As such, every local church must reflect God’s character and display God’s holiness. For that reason, life in a healthy, happy church always involves discipline—the thoughtful, deliberate, loving investment of each member in all the others for the glory of God and the good of the whole congregation.

Grievously, life in a fallen world means that sin creeps into and breaks out in the church of Jesus Christ. What ought a church to do when sin is uncovered in her midst? How do we respond in a way that shows our love to God and to one another? How do you love someone within the professing church who is unrepentantly sinning against God?

Such questions are often answered carelessly, fearfully, pragmatically, even unrighteously. When that is the case, it typically leads to disturbing confusion, advancing tension, increasing division, and even destruction. Further sin can erupt if offences are not faced humbly and graciously, if unrepentant sin is not addressed righteously and courageously.

Mercifully, the Head of the church has not left us in the dark. He teaches us how to sail through troubled waters so that we are not left in disarray after the storm has struck. He provides clear, wise, and effective commands and counsels for his people.

This booklet summarises the principles and the practices Christ has given for the holiness of his church. It sketches out the assumptions that lie behind church discipline, grounded in the identity of the church and activity of the church of God. It speaks to the nature of church discipline, in its more positive and negative aspects. It identifies love as the primary motive behind any discipline in the church. It looks at the God-ordained purposes of corrective discipline, and the reasons why a church might have to pursue this course. It offers practical advice as to how such discipline ought to be carried out in the church of Jesus Christ. It touches on both the necessary sting and the desired success of those actions by the church. It calls the whole church and her officers to consider our duty to act when the purity and peace of the church of God is threatened by unrepentant sin.

If the church is the household of God, if it is the body of Jesus Christ, if it is the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, then we are called to be holy. We need to know how to pursue that calling as those committed to fidelity in our doctrine, purity in our life, and unity in our fellowship.

Author bio:

Jeremy Walker is the pastor of Maidenbower Baptist Church in Crawley, England. He also serves as the Book Reviews Editor of the Banner of Truth magazine.

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To ask and answer the question ‘Why were our Reformers burned?’ could not be more pertinent to the times in which we live, according to Roger Carswell in his Introduction to this edition of J. C. Ryle’s tract on the English Reformers.

This is a booklet that needs to be read carefully and prayerfully. Its aim is not to lead anyone to smug self-righteousness or complacency. To understand the error of a theological system ought to stir within us compassion and winsome boldness towards those who are caught up in it.

We ought to feel deeply thankful to God for those who lived and laid down their lives for the truth of the gospel. The world was not worthy of them: they took up their cross and followed their Saviour. We need to understand why the Reformers of the sixteenth century lived and died as they did, and in our times cultivate a similar, costly commitment to the truth of the gospel.

This booklet is an extract from Ryle’s Five English Reformers and Light from Old Times.

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This booklet tells the true stories of nine priests who have made the discovery that the way to God is now open. When Jesus Christ died on the cross, the ceremonial curtain in the nearby temple, which symbolically separated the people from God, was torn in two from top to bottom. Now all people can have access to God by grace alone, through faith alone, and in Christ alone. The priests who share their stories in these pages all came to understand this for themselves — and so too can you!

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There can be no doubt that a seismic shift has taken place within the English-speaking world over the last sixty years regarding what used to be referred to as ‘the Christian Sabbath.’ What was considered to be a day of rest, worship and holy activity is now just like any other day of the week — one for the shopping mall, the sports stadium, or for some self-indulgent ‘me-time.’

What has led to this transformation? Or, more importantly, how ought we to think of the first day of the week? Were our forefathers correct in their understanding of ‘the Lord’s Day’ or ‘the Christian Sabbath’? And what did the Lord Jesus Christ mean when he said that ‘the Sabbath was made for man’ and that he was ‘Lord of the Sabbath’?

Terry Johnson investigates these questions and the issues raised by them. He draws out the teaching of Scripture and illustrates it from the writings of many of the great teachers of the Christian church. He then sets out practical recommendations to help today’s Christians experience the benefits and blessings of the special day God has given us.

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According to Dr Mark Dever, ‘This little booklet is a devotional classic.’ It contains a ‘gospel map’ that reveals the way to the ‘riches of the covenant.’ With great skill and an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of Scripture, Joseph Alleine (c.1634–68) conveys the ‘exceeding great and precious promises’ of God, and sets them forth in such a way as to bring encouragement and delight to the Christian believer. He demonstrates how, by embracing these promises, the believer is enabled to overcome all the assaults of unbelief. ‘Faith,’ he says, ‘makes its claim to all the benefits of the covenant, and stirs up the soul to joy and thankfulness.’ It is little wonder to learn that Alleine’s treatment of God’s precious promises has proved an effective balm to countless weary souls for more than 300 years.

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‘Walking Toward the Dawn provides a sure-footed biblical encouragement to find the heart of our assurance outside of ourselves.’ — IAN HAMILTON

Book Description

The experience of assurance is an area of the Christian life that is troublesome for many. The author of this booklet is one who knows how difficult the struggle can be of finding certainty in one’s relationship to God in Jesus Christ.

Walking Toward the Dawn is aimed at helping others come to a full assurance of the reality of their Christian faith and salvation. The author says: ‘For those who are not struggling with doubt, my hope is that this booklet may prove to be preventative medicine that will fortify them against future infection. For those who are wrestling with doubts, my prayer is that this booklet may guide them out of the gloom and into the dawn.’

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David F. Wells of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Massachusetts, here challenges evangelicalism with a disturbing analysis of its present condition. He believes that we have allowed ourselves to be shaped by the popular culture whose ethos is alien to God-consciousness, to ‘other-worldliness’, and to passion for biblical truth. In putting ‘success’ before theology we have produced a plague of nominal evangelicalism which, unless reversed, leaves us ‘headed towards the oblivion of irrelevance before God’.

This material was first delivered at a Convention of the National Association of Evangelicals who have kindly assisted in the publication. Much fuller treatment of the same themes will be found in the author’s influential books, No Place for Truth and God in the Wasteland. While referring especially to the North American scene, the wider relevance of Dr Wells’ message is indicated by the fact that these two titles have joint publishers on both sides of the Atlantic, W.B. Eerdmans and IVP.

‘What is most lost is what most needs to be recovered. It is the unsettling, disconcerting, moral presence of God in our midst. He can no longer be the junior partner in our religious enterprises and he can never be just an ornamental decoration upon our Church life. It is because God now rests so inconsequentially upon the Church that the Church is free to plot and to devise its success in its own way. That is why so many of our forebears in the faith would scarcely even recognize us as their children today.’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Why Read Church History? is written by a man who is passionate about his subject. With infectious enthusiasm he outlines a number of important reasons why every Christian should develop a keen interest in what God has done in the past. He ably demonstrates the practical value of understanding church history, points out some of the pitfalls to be avoided, and gives useful advice about how to get started. The booklet concludes with recommendations for further reading.

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If there is a means more likely than any other under the Holy Spirit to bring about reformation and revival of true religion, it is the gift of powerful preachers. The object of the author in this booklet is to ascertain what, in its human aspect, are the conditions of power in the pulpit, and in so doing he deals with the matter of the sermon, the manner in which it should be delivered, and the character of the preacher.

Review

• Review by Alan Hill

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Justification. Just another piece of theological jargon, or a vital teaching which may be compared to the very door by which the Christian faith is entered?

Picture the scene: Almighty God, the perfectly just Judge, is seated in his great High Court of Justice. The Christian believer, trusting in Christ, stands before him. The sentence is passed; the gavel bangs down, ‘NOT GUILTY!’

How this verdict is reached touches the very heart of the gospel message, and shows the amazing extent of the grace that God has shown to us by sending his Son to take the punishment for our sin.

Do you want to grow in your knowledge of the character of God? Do you want to see others around you at peace with him? Then work to acquire a solid grasp of this wonderful doctrine. As the author asks: Is anything in this life half so important as this one thing: to be freely justified by God’s grace?

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Reviews

• Review by Wayne Pearce
• Review by Bob Thomas (see page 17).

INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR

• Interview of Maurice Roberts with Iron Sharpens Iron Radio

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Son muchos los que poseen un cierto conocimiento de Jesucristo y que hasta afirman creer en Él y ser cristianos. ¿Pero cuántos de ellos tienen una fe verdadera? En este librito, el autor nos muestra la naturaleza y los requisitos de una fe genuina en Cristo y cómo llegar a alcanzarla. Con un lenguaje sencillo y directo, se nos explica claramente quién es Dios, qué es lo que nos separa de Él, quién es Jesucristo, cuál fue su obra y cómo podemos tener una relación personal con Él. Un librito muy recomendado para todos aquellos que buscan sinceramente a Dios.

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‘Alguien dijo que el buen maestro no es el que hace dificil lo fácil sino el que convierte en sencillo lo complicado. Uno de los meritos de Juan S. Boonstra consiste en presenter las grandes verdades biblicas de tal manera que se hacen asequibles a todos los publicos. Pero nos equivocariamos si pensáramos que el estilo fluido, ameno y fácil de leer de este predicador roza en algun momento la superficialidad. En los mensajes de este hombre de Dios encontramos teologia de la Buena, profundamente biblica y, sobre todo, aunada a una gran preocupacion pastoral y evangelistica. Lo que expone y comenta resulta de igual valor tanto para el creyente como para los inconversos.’– Jose Grau, autor Espanol y Catalan, Barcelona, España.

The post El Cristianismo Verdadero: Sermones Practicos Sobre Temas Vigentes appeared first on Banner of Truth UK.

Tomando como base el texto de Efesios 2:1, el autor analiza el estado espiritual del ser humano, llegando a la conclusión de que todos estamos espiritualmente muertos por estar separados de Dios y ajenos a la vida de nuestro Creador.

Demuestra que, por tanto, todos necesitamos ser vivificados como la única manera de poder tener una relación personal con Dios y gozar de su presencia.

En vista de esto, explica la forma en que el alma puede pasar de muerte a vida.

Finalmente hace una aplicación directa y personal de estas verdades al lector, haciéndole ver su necesidad de recibir vida espiritual.

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!Cuán agradecidos debemos estar porque la Biblia refleje y no oculte el testimonio de los discípulos imperfectos, con los que podemos sentirnos identificados y de cuyas experiencias podemos aprender tanto!

En este caso, el Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones nos trae a la memoria el episodio de la tormenta en el mar de Galilea durante la cual el Señor Jesús se quedó dormido y la fe de sus discípulos flaqueó, del que extrae valiosísimas enseñanzas en cuanto a la fe.

Con las palabras del propio Jesús, nos hace considerar la forma en que reaccionamos ante las adversidades y preguntarnos dónde está nuestra fe.

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El autor dirige este librito a todos aquellos que han abrazado el Evangelio,pero que, a pesar de entender que ‘al igual que le agradó a Dios imputar todas [sus] iniquidades al Salvador, así también Él está dispuesto a considerar como [suya] toda la justicia del Salvador’, se encuentran ensombrecidos y tristes por la imposibilidad de vivir una vida santa y cercana a Dios.

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‘¿Cómo puedo llegar a Dios? ¿Cómo puedo ser salvo?’. Estas son las preguntas más importantes que podemos hacernos. Ryle nos responde a ellas con su exposición de Hechos 4:12 (‘y en ningún otro hay salvación’), en la que desgrana las implicaciones doctrinales de este versículo en cuanto al camino de savación. También analiza cómo encajan dichas implicaciones con la naturaleza del hombre, con la naturaleza de Dios, y con el mensaje de toda la Biblia. Por último, Ryle ofrece respuesta a posibles objeciones al camino bíblico de salvación, tan pertinentes hoy día como en sus propios tiempos, en el siglo XIX.

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El autor examina la pregunta que hizo Job hace muchos siglos: “¿Y cómo se justificará el hombre con Dios?” (Job 9:1-2). Y tras un pormenorizado estudio de la cuestión que plantea , acaba desafiando al lector: “¿Cómo vas a justificarte ante Dios? Permítaseme expresarlo de manera mas apremiante. Si tuvieras que presentarte ante Él esta noche, ¿qué la dirías? ¿Sigues creyendo que aún podrías señalar tu historial y decir: ‘No está tan mal, ¿no basta con eso?’. ¿Sigues pensando que puedes confiar en tu justicia y en tus propios esfuerzos? Solo te pido una cosa: asegúrate de conseguirlo hazlo volviéndote al Hijo de Dios”.

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

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‘I believe that you will find the study on which you are about to embark both intellectually satisfying and spiritually enriching. It will certainly inform you; more than that, it will help you to see what a glorious thing it is to be a Christian.’– SINCLAIR B. FERGUSON

Book Description

Though we can never, in our time-bound state, know the future in detail, God in his mercy has not left us in complete ignorance of what is to come. His revelation in Holy Scripture has cast a flood of light on what would otherwise be an impenetrable mystery.

This helpful new study guide is based on Cornelis P. Venema’s highly acclaimed book, The Promise of the Future, which is also published by Banner of Truth. It will guide you clearly through the Bible’s teaching on the future of the individual, of the church, and of the universe as a whole, and will be of great assistance to both individuals and reading groups who want to get the most out of their study of this fascinating and exhilarating subject.

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In the wide range of contemporary moral debate the abortion question occupies a central place. To the majority of people today the termination of an unwanted pregnancy is regarded as a woman’s unquestionable right. But can this right ever take precedence over the unborn’s right to life? In this booklet Peter Barnes argues for the biblical teaching that the unborn baby is in God’s image and so protected by the sixth commandment. He exhorts us to open our mouth for the dumb (Prov. 31:8).

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Although much has been written to prepare men for the work of the Christian ministry, there is comparatively little in print that will help prepare the minister’s wife for her role within the church.

The pastor’s wife is neither ‘The First Lady of the Church’, nor just another member of the church. She has certain basic responsibilities laid upon her and this booklet aims to encourage and help her to serve the Lord alongside her husband.

Although written primarily for pastors’ wives, this booklet will encourage Christian wives in general and will stimulate prayer for and support of pastors and their wives everywhere.

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Should the Psalter be the only hymnal of the church? Iain Murray has sympathy with the question. Psalms set to music are a rich heritage and one not to be set aside, yet he argues that there are biblical reasons why it is a mistake to suppose that the words of the Old Testament alone are to be used in the singing of praise.

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What was it that transformed the people of England during the latter half of the eighteenth century? J.C. Ryle reveals the answer to that question and, in so doing, holds out the hope for all the nations of the world today.

This booklet is a reproduction of chapter two of Ryle’s book, Christian Leaders of the 18th Century.

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One of the most encouraging signs in our age is an increasing number of young women who aspire to being godly. They are serious about motherhood. They have ordered their priorities biblically and already demonstrate the traits of faith, love, and holiness. The true glory of Christian motherhood, according to Scripture.

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

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What is real Christianity? Jeffrey Wilson believed that ‘a hybrid Christianity which is essentially man-centred, materialistic and worldly, and shamefully dishonouring to the Lord Jesus Christ’ is almost endemic in the Western world, and particularly in the U.S.A.

The Authentic Gospel traces the root cause of this situation to a fatal assumption that it is possible to become a Christian by having Christ as Saviour irrespective of whether he is received and served as Lord. By a careful examination of what the Bible means by such ideas as faith, conversion and commitment, it shows how mistaken such teaching is and how seriously it misleads those who follow it. In a direct, plain-speaking style, Jeffrey Wilson arrests, instructs and redirects us to the authentic gospel which Christ and the apostles preached and taught.

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What does the Bible mean by holiness and how can we attain it? This is an easily read and modern treatment of one of the most important teachings of Scripture. It shows that holiness is primarily a matter of relationships, that its power lies in the Holy Spirit within the believer, and that its fruit is of supreme importance for the progress of all true Christianity.

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Book Description

Writing at the end of 1842, Robert Murray M’Cheyne, tells his flock: ‘It has long been in my mind to prepare a scheme of Scripture reading, in which as many as were made willing by God might agree, so that the whole Bible might be read once by you in the year, and all might be feeding in the same portion of the green pasture at the same time.’ The Calendar give four portions (usually four chapters) for each day of the year: two for family worship, morning and evening, and two for private reading, morning and evening. In this way, the entire Bible is read once and the New Testament and Psalms twice in the course of a year.

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Sorrow and suffering are unavoidable facts of life, but in our modern society they are so deeply feared that few of us ever think or talk seriously about them. Occasionally we may see someone show great faith in the face of severe trials, and yet never ask how that faith comes about.

Behind a Frowning Providence talks openly about these things. It shows why faith is able to triumph in the face of all obstacles: it is focused on God’s character and his promises to his people.

John J. Murray writes out of his years of experience as a Christian minister and counsellor, using the wisdom of God’s Word to give guidance and direction. But Behind a Frowning Providence also bears the marks of a precious stone, quarried from the deep and dark places of the author’s own experience of pain and sorrow. It speaks to the mind, giving wise counsel; it also speaks to the heart, and brings a message of encouragement which points to the way of true peace.

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The Bible’s impact on the world has been unrivalled. No other book has so profoundly influenced the course of history and the destiny of nations. From kings in royal palaces to the most ordinary families in country cottages and city housing estates it has shaped the way people think and live. Even in an age of apathy and unbelief its message continues to confront us, in birth and in death, on great national occasions and also in hotel bedrooms, student meetings, neighbourhood Bible study groups – as well as in Christian churches.

What is the explanation for the Bible’s enduring influence? Why is it the incomparable book? In this informative and easily-read booklet, W. J. McDowell introduces the Bible, and explains why its message is not only incomparable, but absolutely reliable.

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Let the Word break over your heart and mind again and again as the years go by, and imperceptibly there will come great changes in your attitude and outlook and conduct. You will probably be the last to recognise these. Often you will feel very very small, because increasingly the God of the Bible will become to you wonderfully great.’

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How should Christians dispose of the bodies of their loved ones after death? Does the Bible give us authoritative guidance on this question, or are we free to decide on the basis of pragmatic arguments, or even personal taste?

Donald Howard is convinced that the Scriptures do give a clear answer to this question: ‘Burial alone has the endorsement of God’s Word, and that Word, not tradition, sentiment or custom, must direct us in both our living and our dying. It is the writer’s firm belief that burial alone gives specific testimony to the Christian doctrine of the resurrection of the dead.’

The author traces the history of burial through the Old Testament to the culminating example of Christ’s burial and resurrection, discusses the practice of cremation in the modern world, and gives wise counsel on the need to grieve and to plan for our own funeral. His whole approach is based on the glorious privilege of being united to Christ in His death, burial and resurrection.

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In the controversy arising from the promotion of this method, three main reasons have been put forward in its defence; the argument from Scripture, the ‘psychological argument’ which asserts the helpfulness of a public response to the individual, and a general argument as to its evangelistic effectiveness. In this booklet Iain Murray, himself an evangelical minister, examines the validity of these arguments and questions whether they can satisfactorily answer counter-arguments from Scripture and experience.

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Bible reading and prayer are two elements in all evangelical church worship. At certain points in every service someone will read the Scriptures and lead the congregation in prayer. These regular acts of worship are so familiar that many probably take them for granted and do not think too seriously about them.

But what is the best way to read the Bible in public and what are the things we need to keep in mind if we are to lead others in public prayer? In Reading the Bible and Praying in Public, Stuart Olyott supplies us with wise practical advice on these vitally important acts of our corporate church worship.

Stuart Olyott

Listen to our interview with Stuart Olyott, touching on his childhood, conversion, call to ministry, and passions and concerns.

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According to J C Ryle, private prayer is the most neglected of all Christian duties. That is most unfortunate because private prayer is the true measure of a Christian’s walk before God and ‘the pith and marrow of practical Christianity’. To bestir his readers to the practice and privilege of private prayer, Ryle points out both the blessings of prayer and the grave dangers of prayerlessness.

Prayer under the blessing of God leads to the new birth, strengthens faith, moves mountains, and promotes spiritual growth and contentment that rises above circumstances. Prayerlessness, on the other hand, is the broad road leading to Hell for the unbeliever and the major cause of backsliding in the Christian. Ryle observes that ‘men fall in private long before they fall in public’. His warning is surely a word in season to our contemporary evangelical church, whose witness during the last generation to a lost and perishing world has been sorely compromised by scandals involving so-called Christian leaders.

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Dr. Lloyd-Jones spent the greater part of the turbulent twentieth century in preaching the Word of God. The convictions with which he began his ministry remained with him, and in all this time the message was the same. He preached on the words, ‘For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified’ at the commencement of his ministry in 1926, and again, from the same pulpit, in February 1977. So the sermon contained in this booklet is a historic statement. But it is more. It is a persuasive presentation of the unchanging gospel which has brought salvation to people all over the world throughout the two millennia now ended, and which remains just as vitally relevant as the new millennium begins to unfold.

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Of all the Commandments, perhaps it is the fourth (to keep holy the day of rest) which is least regarded. From an unholy world this is not surprising. But why should it be so among many who believe the Bible is the Word of God? Because, it is alleged, the fourth commandment belonged to the Jewish dispensation. For Christians the seventh day has given way to ‘the Lord’s day’ — a day, not of continuing Sabbath law, but of joy in Christ’s resurrection. Iain Murray believes that this argument misses the foundation of the biblical teaching, namely, that a day specially set apart has come down from creation, and that in essence its meaning remains the same. This is a conviction that was once pervasive in the English-speaking churches, and, if it is true, it sheds a much needed light on our contemporary situation.

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Review

• Review by Jeremy Walker

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This world is divided into two groups – those who know God and those who do not. Though there are many other differences between people, this is the greatest. To be ignorant of God has a profound influence on the way we think, work, and live our entire life; more still, on the way we die and what will happen to us after death.

Maurice Roberts calls us to give our most serious attention to this vital issue. Plainly and clearly he explains the Bible’s teaching about the importance of being saved, life after death, heaven and hell, and knowing what to believe.

‘For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea’ (Hab. 2:14).

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Children who have only recently entered the world of words are chiefly concerned about one question- What do these words mean?

Isobel Tallach found that, while many secular books got down to the level of very young children, few Christian books did so. That is the main reason why she began to write what her 3 year old son came to call: ‘The book Mummy’s writing for David- and for Irene when she’s a bit bigger.’

This book outlines the life of Jesus, including some of this miracles and parables. Here, for the very young is the thrill of hearing the gospel told in words they can understand.

The stories are beautifully illustrated, but there are no pictures of Jesus.

Review

• Review by Robin Baskette

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In the opinion of B.B. Warfield, the Westminster divines left to posterity not only ‘the most thoroughly thought-out statement ever penned of the elements of evangelical religion’ but also one which breathes ‘the finest fragrance of spiritual religion’. Their most influential work, The Shorter Catechism, though more than 350 years old, is undoubtedly still one of the best introductions to the key doctrines of the Christian faith.

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Donald Howard was minister of St Peter’s Church, Burwood East, NSW, when his wife Diana, at the age of forty, contracted cancer. She was to live a further six years, but, he writes, although through faith in Christ ‘we were prepared for death, I was ill-prepared for grief.’

This ill-preparedness, he found, arose from a lack of understanding, and two years later he wrote these pages for the help of others. They contain a blend of biblical, pastoral, and personal elements and serve to fill a gap on the subject of bereavement.

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Based on the words of Psalm 119:57-60 A Life of Principled Obedience expounds the essential elements of faithful Christian living. Bringing a life-time of pastoral experience to bear on this important subject, Albert N. Martin explains the foundation on which an obedient Christian life is built, the context in which it develops and the blessing to which it leads. Profoundly challenging, this biblical teaching also points to the true freedom and joy of authentic Christian living.

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What do you recommend on preaching?’ is a frequently asked question that can be answered in a variety of ways. There is always much to learn and there are many books to help us. But whatever else a preacher reads, J.C. Ryle’s little masterpiece Simplicity in Preaching is a ‘must read’. Ryle packs more experience and sanctified common sense into two dozen pages than many others manage in a lengthy treatise. And, like all of his work, this one illustrates the very simplicity he commends to others. Here indeed is a work whose value and usefulness is out of all proportion to its length. , SINCLAIR B. FERGUSON

Reviews

• Review by Kevin DeYoung
• Review by Alan Hill

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Coming to Faith in Christ presents a straightforward summary of the gospel for those who may be considering the Christian faith for the first time. Bible references are given throughout to encourage the reader to search the pages of Scripture and see for himself the message of Jesus Christ.

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Have you ever asked, perhaps in a sense of near-despair, ‘How can I live the Christian life fruitfully and victoriously?’
Written in the vivid, direct and popular style which has made his preaching so widely appreciated and respected, Dr. Martin’s Living the Christian Life contains a vital message for every Christian today.

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‘Murray’s critique is as kind as it is revealing and devastating. The icons of modern evangelism are shown as falling into egregious strategic errors which have weakened the evangelical faith at its very core. The bridges built to reach the mainstream became a two-way street by which those who sought to influence the liberals were themselves influenced.’ — R. C. SPROUL

Book Description

In the discussion and controversy which followed the publication of Evangelicalism Divided: A Record of Crucial Change in the Years 1950-2000, the author was invited by Dr. John F. MacArthur to give an address on the book’s main theme. The following is the substance of that address, given at the Shepherds’ Conference on 11 March 2001.

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Why did Christ die? What is the meaning of the cross? Most theories of the atonement are concerned only with its manward aspect but as Dr Lloyd-Jones demonstrates in this exposition of Romans 3.25-26 the cross was above everything else a vindication of the character of God. ‘This is an essential part of the glorious Gospel. One Calvary God was making a way of salvation so that you and I might be forgiven. But he had to do so in a way that you and I might be forgiven. But he had to do so in a way that will leave his character inviolate, that will leave his eternal consistency still absolute and unbroken. Once you begin to look at it like that, you see that this is the most tremendous, the most glorious, the most staggering thing in the universe and in the whole of history.’ This exposition is taken from the third volume of Dr Lloyd-Jones’ series on the Epistle of the Romans.

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