The authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed, and obeyed, depends not upon the testimony of any man, or Church; but wholly upon God (who is truth itself), the author thereof: and therefore it is to be received, because it is the Word of God. . . .
The Whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for His own glory, man's salvation, faith and life, is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence, may be deduced from Scripture: unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new revelations of Spirit, or traditions of men. -- The Westminster Confession (1646), Chapter 1, Articles IV and VIO ye saints, how you should love the Word, for by this you have been converted. . . . Tie it about your neck, write it upon your hand, lay it in your bosom. When you go let it lead you, when you sleep let it keep you, when you wake let it talk with you. (Proverbs 6:21-22). You that are unconverted, read the Word with diligence; flock to where it is powerfully preached. Pray for the coming of the Spirit in the Word. Come from your knees to the sermon, and come from the sermon to your knees. -- Joseph Alleine (1634-1668)
For all Counselors
Peer Counseling, Peer Evangelism, One-on-one Evangelism
Questions and Answers
Audio CDs and MP3s on Counseling Subjects
Legal Aspects of Counseling
Biblical Counsel by Subject
Combined Interactive Contents for The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/combtoc.html
To worship God, sing the Psalms. See: THE SCOTTISH PROSE PSALTER.To pray to God, pray the Psalms.
For wisdom in getting along with others, read Proverbs.
Read the Gospel of John, chapters 14 through 16, [John 14; John 15; John 16] for comfort in time of crisis or distress.
If someone you are helping, or if you yourself are in a crisis situation, or have been through a traumatic experience, then, if you know Christ, immediately get alone with Him in prayer using Psalms as your guide, because ultimately Christ is our only source of help (Psalm 34:4, Psalm 56:9, Psalm 106:10, Romans 8:38,39, 1 Thessalonians 5:24, James 4:7, Hebrews 13:5). Pursue Him in prayer, call upon Him for help and deliverance, and seek Him "until there is a transaction." Then, trusting the Lord for deliverance, with your mind staid on Him, it may be helpful for the troubled person to be with others. If Christian fellowship is not available, then simply being in a public place may bring comfort.
Any time, day or night, persons in North America can talk to someone on the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) Prayer Line at 1-888-388-2683.
Connect with BGEA online at PeaceWithGod.net. Look for the chat button in the lower right-hand corner.
Peace With God
"Every day, on average (based on October-December 2020) over 19,000 people explore the Gospel on PeaceWithGod.net. More than 4,000 people indicate making spiritual decisions for Christ.
The Top 10 Countries for 2020 (PeaceWithGod.net): 1. United States, 2. Canada, 3. Syria, 4. Sudan, 5. Azerbaijan, 6. Libya, 7. Lebanon, 8. Tanzania, 9. Bolivia, and 10. Kyrgyzstan." -- Internet Evangelism Update letter, February, 2021
http://www.PeaceWithGod.net
Paz Con Dios
http://www.PazConDiosOpen Directory Project, Christian Counseling (some offer phone counseling)
http://dmoz.org/Society/Religion_and_Spirituality/Christianity/Christian_Living/Christian_Counseling/Open Directory Project, Christian Counseling Online
http://dmoz.org/Society/Religion_and_Spirituality/Christianity/Christian_Living/Christian_Counseling/Online/In all times of danger from men our wisest course is to fly to the Lord our helper. He has ways and means for delivering us which we know not of. He can either turn our enemies into friends, or else so check all their efforts that they shall do us no real injury. Blessed are those men whose trust in the Lord never wavers. -- C.H. Spurgeon, commenting on Psalm 124 and Genesis 31:36-44 in Spurgeon's Devotional Bible, p. 45
*Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling, 202 pages, ISBN: 1889032468 9781889032467.
"THE PRACTICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CHRISTIAN COUNSELING is designed to afford Christian counselors quick reference as well as comprehensive access to the chief principles and practices of biblical counseling. It is called an 'encyclopedia' because a counselor interested in surveying the gamut of those principles and practices will find in this volume a wider variety of subjects than may be located in any other book of biblical counseling. The counseling described here is truly 'Christian' with method and content firmly rooted in careful biblical exegesis. At the same time it is 'practical' because articles consist not merely of definitions and descriptions, but also of application of the material useful to Christian counselors. Although not necessarily the only way these biblical principles can be applied, they are the fruit of years of study and experience in biblical counseling. In short, the book is designed as an aid to the working counselor who needs a quick reference guide. We trust that God will use it to His glory and to the blessing of His people." -- Preface
Some subject include: Abortion | Abuse | Admonition | Adultery | Adversity | Affliction | Aggravation | Anger | Answers | Apology | Assurance | Attitude | Authority | Balance | Behavior | Bizarre behaviour | Breakdown | Christ | Church | Commandments | Confession | Confidentiality | Contentment | Correction | Corruption | Counseling | Crises | Data gathering | Deceit | Dependence | Discipling | Divorce | Doctrine | Drugs | Education | Empathy | Evangelism | Example | Foolishness | Forgetfulness | Forgiveness | Godliness | Gospel | Gossip | Habit | Heresy | Hope | Hostility | How-to | Idolatry | Jesus | Joy | Justification | Legal matters | Legalism | Lying | Marriage | Promises of god | Put on/put off dynamic | Quickening | Radical amputation | Rage | Reconciliation | Referral | Rejuvenation | Repentance | Sanctification | Scripture | Sex | Sin | Teaching | Temptation | Testing | Think list | Thought | Training.
*[Bible, Authorized King James Version], The Holy Bible, Authorized King James Version (various publishers and various editions).
Turn to the book of Psalms for immediate guidance on worship and prayer. Turn to the book of Proverbs for immediate wisdom on how to get along with others. Turn to the THE NEW NAVE'S TOPICAL BIBLE, new and enlarged, to find verses on specific counseling subjects. Turn to THE NEW TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE to learn how the Bible comments on those verses. Read the Gospel of John, chapters 14 through 16, [John 14; John 15; John 16] for comfort in time of crisis or distress.
Nave's Topical Bible
http://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/naves-topical-bible/
Crosswalk Bible Study Tools
http://www.biblestudytools.com/
*[Bible, New Nave's Topical Bible] Nave, Orville (1841-1917), and Edward Viening (revised and compiled), The New Nave's Topical Bible, new and enlarged (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1986), 1114 pages, ISBN: 0310337100 9780310337102. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language.
NAVE'S is a way of finding what the Bible teaches on any subject. Unlike a concordance it has the verses printed right within the book.
Formerly THE ZONDERVAN TOPICAL BIBLE. Edward Viening was responsible for the compilation and revision of this 1969 work. This revised edition has 21,000 subject-heads rather than 20,000, but does not have the extensive Scripture references which still appear only in the Hendrickson edition. Nearly 6500 listings with more than 100,000 Scripture references and 1114 pages. Very useful in counseling also.
Dr. D. James Kennedy says he has used it for 30 years and considers it an indispensable aid. Billy Graham has said he uses it more than any other book except the Bible in the preparation of his sermons.
Nave's Topical Bible
http://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/naves-topical-bible/
What the Bible Says About (WBSA)
"What The Bible Says About (WBSA), [a website where the NEW NAVES TOPICAL BIBLE may be searched -- compiler], is based on the NEW NAVE'S TOPICAL BIBLE, a revision of the classic reference work, NAVE'S TOPICAL BIBLE, which was written in the later part of the 19th century by Dr. Orville Nave. The original NAVE'S was revised and expanded by James Swanson. The resulting NEW NAVE'S TOPICAL BIBLE is Copyright 1997 Logos Research Systems, Inc."
https://wbsa.logos.com/Home
Nave's Topical Bible: A Digest of the Holy Scriptures (1903)
http://archive.org/details/navestopicalbibl00nave
*[Bible, Reformation Study Bible/New Geneva Study Bible] The Reformation Study Bible: The Word That Changes Lives -- the Faith That Changed The World, New King James Version, ISBN: 0785258523 9780785258520. Previously published under the title NEW GENEVA STUDY BIBLE: BRINGING THE LIGHT OF THE REFORMATION TO SCRIPTURE, ISBN: 0840710917 9780840710918.
"The NEW GENEVA STUDY BIBLE offers a restatement of Reformation truth for Christians today. The first Geneva Bible was a pivotal force in the Reformation. Using the everyday language of its time, it opened the pages of Scripture to readers and provided helpful notes to assist them in understanding its message. It became the family Bible of the English people, and was the Bible that the Pilgrims brought to the New World. Since that time a multitude of English translations and study Bibles have appeared, but none of these has incorporated a summary of Reformed theology." -- Thomas Nelson Publishers
Also available in digital format from Logos Bible Software.
Geneva Bible Notes: Reviews of the 1599 and the 1672 editions of the Notes, and of the Reformation Study Bible
http://www.lettermen2.com/geneva.html
Readers of THE REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE should also be familiar with the Geneva Bible Notes, The Westminster Family of Documents, the doctrine of the Mediatorial Dominion of Jesus Christ, and the literature of the Covenanted Reformation.
The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646, The Westminster Standards), and Related Works: A Study Guide
http://www.lettermen2.com/suggest.html
The Covenanted Reformation of Scotland Author/Title Listing
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chb.html#crsstl
Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, William L. Roberts D.D.
http://archive.org/details/ReformedPresbyterianCatechism
*[Bible, Thompson Chain Reference Bible, KJV, 5th improved edition] Thompson, Frank Charles (editor), and Kirkbride Bible and Technology (other contributor), Thompson Chain Reference Bible, KJV, (KJV, Adult, Regular Size, Bonded Leather, Black, Indexed, Kirkbride Bible Company Item Number: 978-0-88707-527-8), 5th improved edition, leather bound (Kirkbride Bible Company, December 2005), some editions include a CD-ROM, language: English, French, and Spanish. Many editions and bindings are available. WorldCat Record for 5th Improved Edition, ISBN: 0887071228 9780887071225 9780887076091 0887076092.
"Dr. Frank C. Thompson, D.D., Ph.D., invested more than forty years in compiling and developing the remarkable Chain-Reference system that is the heart of the Bible that now bears his name." -- Publisher
This is a huge body of work: the fully cross-referenced Bible, 1619 pages, plus Bible helps, 788 pages, for a total of 2417 pages. It may be used profitably in combination with THE NEW TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE (1680 pages), THE NEW GENEVA STUDY BIBLE (THE REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE), (2220 pages), THE GENEVA BIBLE (648 pages), THE THOMPSON EXHAUSTIVE TOPICAL BIBLE: KING JAMES VERSION (1631 pages), and THE NEW NAVE'S TOPICAL BIBLE (1114 pages).
"The topics from the TOPICAL BIBLE can easily be found in the General Index of the THOMPSON CHAIN-REFERENCE BIBLE. In the General Index are found the chain-reference numbers that will guide the user into the biblical context for many of the topics. The many additional resources in the THOMPSON CHAIN-REFERENCE BIBLE . . . will greatly supplement any topical study." -- Introduction to the TOPICAL BIBLE
We feel that both THE THOMPSON CHAIN-REFERENCE BIBLE, KING JAMES VERSION, 5TH EDITION, and the THOMPSON EXHAUSTIVE TOPICAL BIBLE: KING JAMES VERSION has a part in every reference library, particularly the libraries of Biblical Counselors.
Remember the Thompson Chain-Reference System was developed for the Authorized King James Version. It is also available in New American Standard, New King James, and the New International versions.
"A THOMPSON STUDY BIBLE will help you in ways other Bibles can't. It's the unique Chain-Reference System that allows you to follow any subject, person, place or idea, from the front of your Bible to the end. THOMPSON users say it's the best way to study your Bible. No other Bible has this superb, patented, Thompson Chain Reference System developed by Dr. Frank C. Thompson in 1890. Since that time, thousands of additional topics and links have been added. The AKJV 4th edition has been out-of-print since 1988. The 5th edition began printing in 1988. The only way to find a 4th edition would be in the secondary market." -- Publisher
"Some Thompson Bible Features [from among 75 additional study features]:
*[Bible, Thompson Exhaustive Topical Bible: King James Version], Thompson, Frank Charles (author), Paul M. Hillman (editor), John Stephen Jauchen (editor), The Thompson Exhaustive Topical Bible: King James Version (Indianapolis, IN: Kirkbride Bible Company, Inc., 1997). Hardcover, 1631 pages.
This is a topical Bible compiled from the Thompson Chain-Reference System.
"NAVE'S TOPICAL BIBLE was edited into a Study Bible format shortly after the appearance of the original THOMPSON CHAIN-REFERENCE BIBLE. It is fitting for Thompson's Study Bible to be reformatted into a reference book. And where there is room in the marketplace and on every serious student's bookshelf for more than one Bible translation, so there is room for more than one Topical Bible -- and great value in the use of both Nave's and Thompson's work. . . ." -- John R. Kohlenberger III, from the Foreword
"Now, the detailed and comprehensive topical and subject data that forms the heart of the unparalleled Thompson Chain-Reference system is offered in this -- the most exhaustive topical Bible currently available! Combining to make THE THOMPSON EXHAUSTIVE TOPICAL BIBLE unique are features which include:
*Bordwine, James E., A Guide to the Westminster Standards: Confession of Faith and Larger Catechism (Unicoi, TN: The Trinity Foundation), ISBN: 0940931303 9780940931305.
One way to be strengthened and encouraged in times of trouble, discouragement, and depressions is to read pure doctrine to remind oneself of what is in fact true.
"In this volume are the complete texts of the WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646), (both the original and American versions), and the LARGER CATECHISM, together with Scripture proofs and a unique topical index to both the Confession and the Catechism. A GUIDE TO THE WESTMINSTER STANDARDS will be a great help in understanding the Bible and its most complete summaries, the Westminster Standards." -- Publisher
Includes a unique, 100 page topical index to both the Confession and the Catechism.
*Lockyer, Herbert, All the Promises of the Bible, ISBN: 0310281318.
"A devotional expositional compilation of all the promises [about 3,300 of the approximate 8,810 promises -- compiler], that are found in Scripture." -- Publisher
"Lockyer's in-depth look at the scope of God's promises arranges them in categories that cover the full array of human concerns, from the spiritual to the material and the corporate to the personal. As you come to understand God's promises and how they apply to every aspect of your life, you'll gain a trust in God that will sustain you through the worst of times and be your source of rejoicing in the best.
"Dr. Herbert Lockyer was born in London in 1886, and held pastorates in Scotland and England for 25 years before coming to the United States in 1935. In 1937 he received the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Northwestern Evangelical Seminary. In 1955 he returned to England where he lived for many years. He then returned to the United States where he continued to devote time to the writing ministry until his death in November of 1984." -- Publisher
Pulaski, Adam, Biblical Counseling Manual: A Self Help Counseling Program Guide, ISBN: 1412038790 9781412038799.
Biblical Counseling Manual: A Self Help Counseling Program
http://ntslibrary.com/PDF%20Books/Biblical%20Counseling%20Manual.pdf
*Smith, Jerome H. (editor), The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, revised and expanded (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1997), 1664 pages, ISBN: 0785212272 and 0785213155. Includes bibliography, subject index, topic number index, Proverbs index, name index, figure of speech index, and other indexes. See the index to Proverbs.
"An incredible one-volume Bible reference library, this comprehensive update of the original TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE [TSK] is a unique resource for Bible study, teaching, or preaching. This edition contains nearly 100,000 new cross references, additional key words, a new system of symbols, and many other improvements. This is the most comprehensive collection of time-saving and insightful cross references ever published! Dozens of special study aids help you develop powerful lessons or sermons -- straight from the Bible itself! Dr. John MacArthur, Jr. says: 'The one book, apart from the Bible itself, that I value most in my studies'." -- Logos Research Systems
Smith, Jerome, The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
http://www.logos.com/product/1214/the-new-treasury-of-scripture-knowledge
"For generations, the TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE [original edition by R.A. Torrey -- compiler], has been an enduring cross reference resource for Bible students worldwide. This highly respected and nearly exhaustive compilation of cross references was developed by R.A. Torrey from references in the REV. THOMAS SCOTT'S COMMENTARY and THE COMPREHENSIVE BIBLE. With nearly 500,000 cross references it is the most thorough source available [prior to Jerome Smith's 1992 revision and update -- compiler]."
TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE is in the public domain and may be freely used and distributed. It is included at BibleStudyTools.com and may be downloaded from various websites.
Torrey, R.A., Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (former edition to NTSK)
http://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/treasury-of-scripture-knowledge/
Smith, Jerome H., Nelson's Cross Reference Guide to the Bible: Illuminating God's Word Verse-by-Verse, 2007, ISBN: 1418504599 9781418504595.
Whereas, The Holy Bible is the greatest book (Matthew 4:4; Psalm 33:6; John 1:1-14; Mark 13:31; 1 Corinthians 2:12,13; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:4; Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 119, and so forth, and so on),
Whereas, it is the best commentary on itself, a truth that came out of the Reformation,
Therefore, THE NEW TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE (NTSK) and its successor, NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE GUIDE TO THE BIBLE (NCRGB), are among the greatest and most valuable books ever printed, after The Holy Bible itself, because they allow the Bible to interpret itself.
"THE NEW TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE and NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE GUIDE TO THE BIBLE are more flexible than a concordance, more thorough than a topical Bible, and more discovery-oriented than a Bible commentary." -- Reader's Comment
Most readers will need to own both the NTSK and NCRGB. NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE GUIDE TO THE BIBLE is recommended for quick reference, because of its new format, its ease of use, and more compact size. But THE NEW TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE is also necessary for serious study, because the eight indices for the NTSK, the extensive bibliography, and most of Smith's added personal notes to about 275 verses were removed from the NCRGB.
It should also be pointed out that neither of these works are Reformed. A random check of both works showed that Smith did not consult cross references used in CALVIN'S COMMENTARIES or in the GENEVA BIBLE and NOTES, although, of course, some cross references used by Calvin and other Reformed writers appear by chance in both of Smith's works. Therefore, Reformed reader must go directly to the indices to the various commentaries of Calvin to see Calvin's cross references, and to other Reformed writers, and the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE, for their cross references.
Jerome H. Smith spent about 37 years editing and expanding THE TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE (see the Preface to NTSK). After the release of the NTSK in 1992, he continued to edit and improve it, and NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE GUIDE TO THE BIBLE was released in 2007, 15 years later. That is a total of 52 years working to improve this one reference work.
"Building on the Bible Study classic, THE TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE (with its well-known introduction by R.A. Torrey), and his own expansive THE NEW TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE, Jerome Smith has fashioned a user-friendly tool [the NCRGB -- compiler] in a much improved, altogether new format to make personal Bible study and Bible lesson preparation easier than ever before. Thanks to Smith's diligent work over many years, this volume contains a more complete collection of cross references than any Bible reference ever published." -- Publisher
"Smith compiled no less than eight indices for the NTSK: Subject Index, Topic Number Index, Prayer Index, Proverbs Index, Name Index, Figure of Speech Index, Strong's Numbers Index: Hebrew, and Strong's Numbers Index: Greek. He also provided an extensive bibliography. Leaving most of the notes he found in TSK unmodified, he added his own personal notes to about 275 verses. But the indices, bibliography, and most of the notes were removed from the NCRGB." -- Reader's Comment
"Discover how words, phrases, and concepts in one passage of the BIBLE are reflected and reinforced in the whole of Scripture. NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE GUIDE is organized in biblical sequence, making it easy for you to study a particular passage deeper than ever before.
"You'll find multiple cross references to related passages in the Old and New Testaments. Gain a richer understanding of God's Word by studying a theme through the whole counsel of Scripture.
"THE NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE BIBLE [based on the AKJV] lets the Bible interpret itself. I study with the ESV Single Column Reference Edition, NASB Reference Updated Edition (1995), and HCSB Large Print Reference. To illustrate the value of the NCRGB, for John 11:11, where Jesus states Lazarus has 'fallen asleep,' the ESV has only 1 reference, the NASB has 5, and the HCSB has 2. The NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE BIBLE has an astounding 25 references including a definition of 'Lazarus,' citation to the Strong's number (2976g). For John 1:1, the ESV has 12 references, NASB has 8 and HCSB has 6. NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE BIBLE has an astounding 61, including very helpful references from Isaiah, Psalms, Job, Jeremiah, Micah. Each set of words in John 1:1 is divided and references are provided for 'the beginning,' 'the Word,' 'with,' 'and he Word,' and 'was God.' One last example, for John 10:9 where Jesus says he's the door, ESV has 3 references, NASB has 1, and HCSB has no references. NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE BIBLE has 18, providing reference supports for key words in the verse such as 'the door,' 'if,' 'be saved,' and 'go in and out'." -- Reader's Comment
"I almost did not live to finish my editorial work on THE NEW TREASURY, for I was shot in the head by an unknown assailant on March 13, 1986, when I had typed the text only as far as 1 Samuel 3. The Lord miraculously spared my life. During my recovery I kept working on the book, often without income." -- Jerome Smith in the foreword to The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
THE NEW TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE may be used to advantage in combination with the following Bible reference works, among others:
*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Spurgeon's Devotional Bible: Selected Passages From the Word of God With Running Comments, ISBN: 0852343434 0852340583. Alternate title: Originally published under the title, THE INTERPRETER: SPURGEON'S MORNING AND EVENING DEVOTIONS FROM THE BIBLE.
"For anyone who wants to restore daily devotions on an individual or family basis, SPURGEON'S DEVOTIONAL BIBLE is the perfect answer. One can read through this book in a year when morning and evening devotions are maintained. . . .
"The gist of the entire Bible is found between the covers of this book. . . . some verses [and chapters], were omitted in whole or in part, but they are always summarized in such a way that the narrative or teaching remains clear. The emphasis is always on Scripture . . ." -- Publisher
Commenting on typology is a way to convince piers of the reality and immediacy of the Gospel. The concise, succinct, erudite comments point again and again to parallels in Scripture to the life and work of Christ. For example, see the comments on the life of Joseph, on the first Passover, and on God's provision of manna for Israel in the wilderness.
This work, by a modern Puritan, is preeminently practical. Spurgeon emphasizes application of Scripture to everyday life. Key verses appear at the top of each page.
Spurgeon's discerning mind has captured essential and profound lessons. He brings together Old and New Testament passages with similar lessons. Here is little known insight that should not be ignored or overlooked.
The Bible is full of wisdom on human behavior, real psychology, and Spurgeon points out these lessons everywhere.
The text is the Authorized King James Version.
A footnote at the bottom of page 643 (Baker Book House edition), states "In this reading the first five notes are from Lange's Commentary. All through the work we have gathered from every available source." Looking at other works by Spurgeon, for example, THE TREASURY OF DAVID, and knowing that he had a huge library, it could be expected he selected freely from the works of other authors. Poetry has been added after the Bible selection and notes. It would appear the notes and poetry have not been documented for practical purposes, to make the book seamless and uncluttered. It is a drawback, however, to not know which notes and poetry was from Spurgeon's pen and which he selected from other authors.
The Interpreter: Spurgeon's Devotional Bible. Alternate title: SPURGEON'S DEVOTIONAL BIBLE: SELECTED PASSAGES FROM THE WORD OF GOD WITH RUNNING COMMENTS.
"THE INTERPRETER: SPURGEON DEVOTIONAL BIBLE contains the text of the entire Bible, along with Spurgeon's reflections on nearly every verse. This Bible, arranged topically instead of canonically, allows readers to experience the text of Scripture along with Charles Spurgeon himself. His commentary illuminates the texts, and provides notes on interpretation and application of the Bible. The Logos Bible Software edition of THE INTERPRETER: SPURGEON'S DEVOTIONAL BIBLE was originally published in London by Passmore and Alabaster from 1869-1887." -- Publisher
https://www.logos.com/product/6798/the-interpreter-spurgeons-devotional-bible
Pilgrim Publications
Sells new copies of SPURGEON'S DEVOTIONAL BIBLE.
http://pilgrimpublications.auctivacommerce.com/
Power BibleCD
Includes SPURGEON'S DEVOTIONAL BIBLE.
http://www.powerbible.com/
C.H. Spurgeon wrote, among other things:
*Thomas Nelson Publishers, Precious Bible Promises (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1983), 367 pages, ISBN: 0840753543 9780840753540.
Some of the 37,000 promises from the Word of God arranged by theme. Convenient for use in counseling. Good when you need help fast. Text is the New King James Version, pocket size.
*Westminster Assembly (1643-1652), The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), [completed and first printed in 1646, approved by the Assembly, August 27, 1647, Session 23 -- compiler] (Glasgow, Scotland: Free Presbyterian Publication [133 Woodlands Road, Glasgow G3 6LE], 1994), ISBN: 0902506080 (case-bound), and ISBN: 0902506358 (paperback). Among the ten greatest works in the English language. Available (THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646) with all its subordinate documents in searchable format) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also available (THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646) with all its subordinate documents in searchable format) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) With Scripture Proofs
http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/
The Confession of Faith, the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, With the Scripture Proofs at Large: Together With The sum of Saving Knowledge (contained in the Holy Scriptures, and held forth in the said Confession and Catechisms), and Practical use Thereof, Covenants National and Solemn League, Acknowledgment of Sins and Engagement to Duties, Directories, Form of Church-government, &c. of Public Authority in the Church of Scotland, With Acts of Assembly and Parliament, Relative to, and Approbative of the Same (1757) [the original version of 1646, prior to the changes of the "American Version" of 1789 -- compiler]
http://archive.org/details/confessionofscot00chur
" 'The product of Puritan conflict,' stated Shedd, reaching 'a perfection of statement never elsewhere achieved.' All that learning the most profound and extensive, intellect the most acute and searching, and piety the most sincere and earnest, could accomplish, was thus concentrated in the Westminster Assembly's Confession of Faith, which may be safely termed the most perfect statement of Systematic Theology ever framed by the Christian Church,' writes Hetherington (1803-1865), (The History of the Westminster Assembly of Divines, p. 345).
"Concerning The Shorter Catechism, which is one of the items also included in this book, Mitchell notes: 'it is a thoroughly Calvinistic and Puritan catechism, the ripest fruit of the Assembly's thought and experience, maturing and finally fixing the definitions of theological terms to which Puritanism for half a century had been leading up and gradually coming closer and closer to in its legion of catechisms.' (Westminster Assembly: Its History and Standards, p. 431).
"THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646) is the greatest of all the creeds of the Christian church. The church of Christ cannot be creedless and live. Especially in an age of doubt and confusion, it is her duty to define and proclaim the one true faith. Nowhere has the Reformed church done this so effectively as in the WESTMINSTER CONFESSION, and family of documents. This book represents Reformed thinking at its purest and best. It was intended, as part of the Covenanted Reformation taking place during its compilation, to be adopted as the binding confessional standard for every individual, family, court, church, and legislature in the British Isles." -- Publisher
This is considered to be the definitive publication of the Westminster family of documents. It includes the following:
See also: Reconciliation of relationships, Biblical counsel by subject, Peer counseling, The promises of Christ, Words of christ appearing in the web edition of biblical counsel: resources for renewal, The teaching of our lord jesus christ, Christ in you, Bible promises, Crisis counseling, The local church and counseling, Topical listings of scripture, Questions and answers, and so forth, and so on.
The Gideons International, Bible Helps
Includes: "Where to Find Help When," "Teachings About Some of Life's Problems," "Christian Virtues and Character," and so forth.
http://www.gideons.org/
GOD spake all these words, saying, I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
I. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
II. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
III. Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his Name in vain.
IV. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; for in the six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.
V. Honor thy father and thy mother: that they days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
VI. Thou shalt not kill.
VII. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
VIII. Thou shalt not steal.
IX. Thou shalt not bear false witness against they neighbor.
X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's. (Exodus 20:2-17) -- Lord God Almighty (Revelation 15:3), The Truth (John 14:6), The Word of Life (1 John 1:1), Governor (Matthew 2:6), The Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8)See the Theological Notes: "The Law of God," at Exodus 20:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.
John Calvin commenting on "The Sum of the Law," Deuteronomy 10:12,13 and Deuteronomy 6:5
https://ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom05/calcom05.iii.i.html
and Leviticus 19:18
https://ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom05/calcom05.iii.ii.htmlSee the Theological Notes: "The Three Purposes of the Law" at Deuteronomy 13:10 in The Reformation Study Bible.
Select quotations from Calvin's COMMENTARIES ON THE FOUR LAST BOOKS OF MOSES ARRANGED IN THE FORM OF A HARMONY (volumes II and III of the Baker Books reprint), Harmony of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, follow with links to the online text.
I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. (Exodus 20:2)Concerning the tree of knowledge of good and evil, we must hold, that it was prohibited to man, not because God would have him to stray like a sheep, without judgment and without choice; but that he might not seek to be wiser than became him, nor by trusting to his own understanding, cast off the yoke of God, and constitute himself an arbiter and judge of good and evil. His sin proceeded from an evil conscience; whence it follows, that a judgment had been given him, by which he might discriminate between virtues and vices. Nor could what Moses relates be otherwise true, namely, that he was created in the image of God; since the image of God comprises in itself the knowledge of him who is the chief good. Thoroughly insane, therefore, and monsters of men are the libertines, who pretend that we are restored to a state of innocence, when each is carried away by his own lust without judgment. We now understand what is meant by abstaining from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; namely, that Adam might not, in attempting one thing or another, rely upon his own prudence; but that, cleaving to God alone, he might become wise only by his obedience. Knowledge is here, therefore, taken disparagingly, in a bad sense, for that wretched experience which man, when he departed from the only fountain of perfect wisdom, began to acquire for himself. And this is the origin of freewill, that Adam wished to be independent, and dared to try what he was able to do. -- John Calvin commenting on Genesis 2:9 and context
"Moreover, He not merely declares Himself to be Jehovah, the only God to whom men are bound by the right of creation, who has given them their existence, and who preserves their life, nay, who is Himself the life of all; but He adds, that He is the peculiar God of the Israelites; for it was expedient, not only that the people should be alarmed by the majesty of God, but also that they should be gently attracted, so that the law might be more precious than gold and silver, and at the same time sweeter than honey, (Psalm 119:72, 103). . . . But, in order to bind them the better to Himself, He reminds them also of their former condition; for Egypt was like a house of bondage, from whence the Israelites were delivered. Wherefore, they were no more their own masters, since God had purchased them unto Himself. This does not indeed literally apply to us; but He has bound us to Himself with a holier tie, by the hand of His only-be-gotten Son; whom Paul teaches to have died, and risen again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and the living. (Romans 14:9.) So that He is not now the God of one people only, but of all nations, whom He has called into His Church by general adoption. -- John Calvin commenting on Exodus 20:1,2 and contextIn these words he commends the Law; because it must be accounted a peculiar blessing, and a very high honor to be taken into covenant by God. Wherefore, that they may anxiously prepare themselves to embrace the Law, he says that what was above all things to be desired had been freely offered to them, viz., that they should be united in covenant with God. In the next verse he still further magnifies this advantage by comparison; because God had given more to them than to their fathers. -- John Calvin commenting on Deuteronomy 5:2
Mark, also, the mutual relation, when God requires Himself to be hallowed, even as he hallows the people; for nothing can be more unseemly than for the Israelites to mix up with idols Him by whose blessing they excel all other nations. -- John Calvin commenting on Leviticus 22:32
The main point is, that they should neither add to nor diminish from the pure doctrine of the Law; and this cannot be the case, unless men first renounce their own private feelings, and then shut their ears against all the imaginations of others. For none are to be accounted (true) disciples of the Law, but those who obtain their wisdom from it alone. It is, then, as if God commanded them to be content with His precepts; because in no other way would they keep His law, except by giving themselves wholly to its teaching. Hence it follows, that they only obey God who depend on His authority alone; and that they only pay the Law its rightful honor, who receive nothing which is opposed to its natural meaning. The passage is a remarkable one, openly condemning whatsoever man's ingenuity may invent for the service of God. -- John Calvin commenting on Deuteronomy 4:1
In its preposterous wilfulness, the whole world almost is carried away into false religions; which, nevertheless, God has briefly condemned in a single word. -- John Calvin commenting on Deuteronomy 5:2
If any object that God's election is eternal, the objection is readily solved, for the seed of Abraham was separated from all nations, because God had gratuitously adopted their father. We now understand the meaning of Moses, that the deliverance of the people was only to be ascribed to God's goodness. He thus amplifies this blessing by another circumstance, viz., that God had preferred to great and mighty nations this ignoble people, whose own proper worthiness could not have acquired His favor. -- John Calvin commenting on Deuteronomy 4:37
But now he still further commends the goodness of God, because He had handed down His covenant from the fathers to the children, to shew that He is faithful and true to His promises. At the end of the verse, he teaches that the deliverance of the people was both an effect and a testimony of that grace. -- John Calvin commenting on Deuteronomy 7:8
He shews them from the consequence that nothing can be better or more desirable for them than to embrace God's Law; for nothing can be more honorable to ourselves than to give to God His due honor, and to exalt His glory to its due preeminence. Moses declares that, if the Israelites submit themselves to the Law, this will be, as it were, to place Him in His rightful dignity; and he promises that the fruit of it will return to them, for that God, on his part, will exalt them, so that they shall far excel all other nations; as it is said in Isaiah, (Isaiah 8:13, 14,) Sanctify the Lord of hosts . . . and he shall be for a sanctuary. For no otherwise does He desire to be glorified by us, than to make us in turn partakers of His glory; and thus Moses gently entices them to receive the Law, because their solid happiness consists in this pious duty, if they altogether devote themselves to obedience. But this excellency of the Church, although it shines forth in the world, is still hidden from the blind, and, since it is spiritual, only obtains its praise before God and the angels. -- John Calvin commenting on Deuteronomy 26:17
The sole point which Moses urges in these verses is, that the people should testify their gratitude by obeying the Law, and that the same religion, which he commands the fathers to teach, should descend to their posterity. The sum is, that there was good reason why all the precepts of the Law should be observed, since by them it was that God desired His people, after their deliverance, to shew forth their sense of His loving-kindness. -- John Calvin commenting on Deuteronomy 6:20
Paul shows us that there is no contradiction in this diversity [between the law and the Gospel -- compiler], because the people were taught by the Law not to seek for salvation anywhere but in the grace of Christ, and being convinced of the horrible condemnation under which they lay, were driven by fear to implore God's mercy; for, as men are apt to allow themselves in sin, sin (as Paul says, Romans 5:13) is not imputed, where there is no law; but those, who delight themselves in darkness, are by the teaching of the Law brought before God's tribunal, that they may fully perceive their filthiness and be ashamed. Thus is Paul's saying fulfilled, that the life of the Law is man's death. (Romans 7:9.) Now we understand why the promulgation of the Law was ratified by so many miracles; viz., because, in general, the authority of the divine teaching was to be established among the dull and careless, or the proud and rebellious; and, secondly, because the Law was propounded to men, who sought the means of flattering themselves, as the mirror of the curse, so that, in themselves lost, they might fly to the refuge of pardon. -- John Calvin commenting on Exodus 19:1 and context
The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure. They stand fast forever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. (Psalm 111:7,8)
See the Theological Notes: "The Wisdom and Will of God," at Daniel 2:20 in The Reformation Study Bible.
But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings. (Jeremiah 23:22)
Deuteronomy 5:33; Isaiah 40:13; Romans 11:34; 1 Corinthians 2:16
See: https://ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom19/calcom19.vi.xxiv.htmlIt is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law. (Psalm 119:126)
See the Theological Notes: "Antinomianism," at 1 John 3:7 in The Reformation Study Bible.
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 22:38-40)
Great and marvellous are thy works,
Lord God Almighty;
just and true are thy ways,
thou King of saints.
Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name?
for though only art holy:
for all the nations shall come and worship before thee;
for thy judgments are made manifest. (Revelation 15:3b,4)For the Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King; He will save us. (Isaiah 33:22)
Isaiah's Prophesy after the Angel of the Lord smote Sennacherib's army for good King Hezekiah.At Sinai the Lord gave his people a religious and national constitution that would provide permanent guidelines for the moral, physical, and spiritual well-being of his people. The directives given pointed to the uniqueness and transparency of their divine Author. -- John Reid, commenting on Psalm 111
The First Amendment clearly was intended to, and has lead to, pluralism in this country, not just acceptance of multiple Christian denominations, but also of false religions.
Furthermore, the explicit rejection of a religious test oath to hold office [Article VI, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution] is telling as to the Framers' intent. -- A social media postThe testimony [which contains the Gospel] takes precedence of the law, First, because the law furnishes no motives which will effectually influence fallen man to obey its precepts or dread its penalty. The law is here viewed as contained in the ten (words) commandments, written on tables of stone. Such is its restricted and specific import in the sacred text under present consideration. That the law, thus viewed, contains motives or reasons enforcing obedience to itself, is not questioned: but these are adapted to a sinless, or at least a regenerated, subject of the law. In the conscience of every child of fallen Adam, the law worketh wrath: and this is as true of the moral as of the ceremonial law. But what the law could not do is accomplished by the testimony -- not of itself, but as the appointed means employed by the Holy Spirit.
For, Second, The testimony consists formally of matters of fact. The great facts contemplated in the text are embodied in the solemn declaration -- I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage (Exodus 20:1). These words have been long designated "The Preface to the Ten Commandments." [cf. Larger Catechism, Q.101; Shorter catechism, Q.44] They go before the law in the order of announcement, and not less in the order of operation and experience. Moses was mighty in words and in deeds (Acts 7:22). By the miracles which he wrought, the Egyptians were constrained to acknowledge the presence and power of the God of the Hebrews. The magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God. Thus the testimony convinced the enemies of God of his supremacy over themselves, and over all idols. At the Red Sea the testimony wrought another distinct conviction among the Egyptians, -- that God was a friend to the Israelites and an enemy to them: -- Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians (Exodus 14:25). Such divine interpositions on behalf of those who are in covenant with God constitute the matter or substance of the testimony. Several and successive results flow from these miraculous or special providences. In the case of the children of Israel we may observe: -- 1, I am the Lord, a self-existent and eternal Being, as contrasted with gods that came newly up; [Deuteronomy 32:17]. 2, I am your God, your almighty friend in special covenant relation; and 3, both these important and consolatory facts proved to demonstration by delivering them from bondage. -- David Steele (1803-1887)The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence. (2 Samuel 22:3)
The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. (2 Samuel 23:3)
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. (Romans 3:20-28)Moreover, because, besides unspeakable lusts, some men lash out cursings and oaths of God, thereby provoking him to anger; we therefore exhort them to abstain from cursings and oaths by his hair and head, and such other words like unto these. For if reproaches done unto men are not left unrevenged, much more is he worthy to be punished, that stirreth God to anger with his villany. And for such offences as these do so many deaths, earthquakes, and plagues come unto men. We therefore admonish them to abstain from those crimes: for whosoever, after this admonition of ours, shall be found faulty therein, they shall first shew themselves unworthy to be beloved of men, and, after that too, suffer such punishment as the Law shall appoint. For we have given in charge to the right honourable the lieutenant of our royal city to apprehend the guilty, and to punish them extremely: lest peradventure at length for such sinners' contempt, and such heinous offences, not only this city, but also the whole commonweal, be justly destroyed by God's just vengeance. -- Emperor Justinian I, quoted by Heinrich Bullinger in Decades, "The Third Precept of the Ten Commandments"
Jesus will describe these people as you who practice lawlessness. [Matthew 7:23] . . . . He has already told us why. All of these extraordinary and wonderful works done in the name of Jesus are lawlessness, because they are done for the purpose of obtaining salvation. These works are lawlessness because they involve an illegal use of the law. The law, Paul tells us, is given for the knowledge of sin. It is not given that we sinners might use it to gain entrance into Heaven. Conviction of sin, not salvation, is the purpose of the law. Legalism, because it is an illegal use of the law, is lawlessness. But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, Paul told Timothy. But using the law in an effort to obtain Heaven is not lawful; it is an illegal use of the law; it is lawlessness. -- John W. Robbins in a sermon on Matthew 7:21-23, "Justification and Judgment"
The Ten Commandments not only safeguard the right of private property, but are also additional evidence that the right is divinely ordained. -- C. Gregg Singer, "Calvinism and Economic Thought and Practice" in John Calvin: His Roots and Fruits, p. 46
Modern civil law foresees only civil enforcement. Biblical law requires civil enforcement and declares the certainty of ultimate divine judgment in history for failure to enforce His Laws [Isaiah 17:14; Jeremiah 17:11]. Biblical criminal law is thus essentially religious law, and it has in mind two courts, the God-ordained courts of the social order, and the Supreme Court of Almighty God.
Ehrlich's comment is to the point:It is difficult to compare Biblical sins with statutory crimes since in the former all are based on moral and spiritual values whereas in the latter only that is a crime which fits into the structure of the statute sought to be enforced. (J.W. Ehrlich, The Holy Bible and The Law, p. 92)Precisely. Biblical law is the word of God; it therefore represents an ultimate order which is written into the texture of all creation and into the heart of man. Hence, a jury system is valid in terms of Biblical law, since the decision is in terms of a fundamental law which all men know, whether they acknowledge it or not. Civil statutes represent only the will of the state, not an objective and absolute moral order. Statutory law creates lawlessness, because society is then no longer governed by an absolute standard of justice but rather by the fiat will of the state. Like fiat money, fiat law lacks substance, and it quickly destroys itself, and all who rely on it. It is a form of fraud, and a major form. -- R.J. Rushdoony (1916-2001), The Institutes of Biblical Law, pp. 498-499But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. (1 Timothy 1:8-11)
One of the besetting sins of mankind is to use the law to oppress and steal from his fellowman. Frederic Bastiat unfolds this sin in, The Law.Thus, what is clearly condemned by the Tenth Commandment is every attempt to gain by fraud, coercion, or deceit that which belongs to our neighbor. On this principle, alienation of affection suits [akin to marrying for money], were once a part of the law of the land. Their abuse by a lawless age led to their abolition, but the principle is sound. A person who works systematically to alienate the affections of a husband or wife in order to gain him or her for himself, sometimes together with his monetary assets, is guilty of violating this law.
This law thus forbids the expropriation by fraud or deceit of that which belongs to our neighbor. The Tenth Commandment therefore does sum up commandments six through nine and gives them an additional perspective. [emphasis added. Notice that one through four prohibit taking from God the glory, honor, and praise that is his due, yet very few attain to this type of obedience]. The other commandments deal with obviously illegal acts, i.e., clear-cut violations of law. The Tenth Commandment can be broken within these laws. To cite a Biblical example. David committed adultery with Bathsheba, a clearly illegal act. His subsequent acts were technically within the law: Uriah was put in the forefront of the battle and orders were so issued as to insure Uriah's death in battle. It was not technically murder, but it was clearly a conspiracy to kill, with David and Joab both guilty of murder.
Thus, a variety of laws in Western civilization are based on this principle of the fraudulent use of the law to defraud or to harm. Many of these laws legislate against the conspiracy aspect of fraud. They legislate against the covetous seizure of our neighbor's possessions by evil through sometimes legal means. The law against dishonest gain is thus a very important one, and the Tenth Commandment, instead of being a vague appendage to the law, is basic to it.
This law against dishonest gain is directed by God, not merely to the individual, but to the state and all institutions [including corporations, foundations, organizations, secret societies, churches, parachurch organizations, and etc.]. The state can be and often is as guilty as are any individuals, and the state is often used as the legal means whereby others are defrauded of their possessions. The law against evil covetousness is thus an especially needed one in the 20th century. -- R.J. Rushdoony (1916-2001), The Institutes of Biblical Law, pp. 634-635You can not break the Law of God, you can only be broken by it. -- Anonymous
The difference between God's laws and man's laws? God perfectly enforces his laws. Man is unable to perfectly enforce his laws.
*Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling, 202 pages, ISBN: 1889032468 9781889032467.
"THE PRACTICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CHRISTIAN COUNSELING is designed to afford Christian counselors quick reference as well as comprehensive access to the chief principles and practices of biblical counseling. It is called an 'encyclopedia' because a counselor interested in surveying the gamut of those principles and practices will find in this volume a wider variety of subjects than may be located in any other book of biblical counseling. The counseling described here is truly 'Christian' with method and content firmly rooted in careful biblical exegesis. At the same time it is 'practical' because articles consist not merely of definitions and descriptions, but also of application of the material useful to Christian counselors. Although not necessarily the only way these biblical principles can be applied, they are the fruit of years of study and experience in biblical counseling. In short, the book is designed as an aid to the working counselor who needs a quick reference guide. We trust that God will use it to His glory and to the blessing of His people." -- Preface
Subject examples: "Commandments," "Morality," and so forth, and so on.
*Andrews [Andrewes], Lancelot (1555-1626), The Pattern of Catechistical Doctrine at Large: or, A Learned and Pious Exposition of the Ten Commandments. Alternate title: THE MORAL LAW EXPOUNDED (TEN COMMANDMENTS) and A PATTERN OF CATECHISTICAL DOCTRINE, AND OTHER MINOR WORKS OF LANCELOT ANDREWES, SOMETIME LORD BISHOP OF WINCHESTER. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"The most famous commentary on the Ten Commandments was by Lancelot Andrews (1555-1626), a huge folio." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
A Pattern of Catechistical Doctrine, and Other Minor Works of Lancelot Andrewes, Sometime Lord Bishop of Winchester
https://archive.org/details/apatternofcatech00andruoft
*Bastiat, Frederic (1801-1850), The Law (Foundation for Economic Education, October 1998). Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language.
"Full of truths that are not merely relevant, but are absolutely vital to our future." -- Dick Armey
"If ever there was a concise and powerful argument for defending Liberty and the Law against every social engineer, this has to be it (only 75 pages!). Bastiat is a master of words and the analogy. Every lover of freedom who wishes to get a nutshell understanding of why Liberty and Law matters ought to read this book. . . ." -- Reader's Comment
The Law, by Frederic Bastiat (Part 1 of 10)
"The law perverted! And the police powers of the state perverted along with it! The law, I say, not only turned from its proper purpose but made to follow an entirely contrary purpose! The law become the weapon of every kind of greed! Instead of checking crime, the law itself guilty of the evils it is supposed to punish! " -- Frederic Bastiat, from the Introduction
The Law, Frederic Bastiat
http://archive.org/details/law00fredguat
Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Saint and the Law (Pensacola, FL: Mt. Zion Bible Church), a booklet. From GOD'S WAY OF HOLINESS by Horatius Bonar.
Mount Zion Bible Church
http://www.mountzion.org/
*Calvin, John (1509-1564), The Institutes of the Christian Religion, 2 volumes, ISBN: 0664220207 9780664220204. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. A Christian classic.
"Edited by John McNeill and translated by Ford Lewis Battles, this is the definitive English language edition of one of the monumental works of the Christian church -- Calvin's INSTITUTES.
"Still considered by many to be the finest explanation and defense of the Protestant Reformation available.
"The work is divided into four books: I. The Knowledge of God the Creator, II. The Knowledge of God the Redeemer in Christ, III. The Mode of Obtaining the Grace of Christ, IV. The External Means or Helps by Which God Allures us Into Fellowship With Christ and Keeps us in it. . . . THE INSTITUTES is praised by the secular philosopher, Will Durant, as one of the ten books that shook the world." -- GCB
Calvin spent a lifetime writing and perfecting INSTITUTES OF CHRISTIAN RELIGION. His Prefatory Address makes it clear that he intended the work to be a defense of Christianity to the King of France.
Therefore, plainly stated, one of the most influential works ever published in the English language is a defense of Christianity to leaders of State.
Prefatory Address to His Most Christian Majesty, The Most Mighty and Illustrious Monarch, Francis, King of the French, His Sovereign, John Calvin. Available in THE INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION.
"Indeed, this consideration makes a true king: to recognize himself a minister of God in governing his kingdom. Now, that king, who in ruling over his realm does not serve God's glory, exercises not kingly rule but brigandage. [Footnote: 'Nec iam regnum ille sed latrocinium exercet.' An echo of Augustine's famous phrase: 'When justice is taken away, what are kingdoms [[regna]] but a vast banditry [[magna latocinia]]?' City of God, IV. iv (MPL [[Migne, J.P., Patrologiae cursus completus, series Latina]], 41. 115; tr. NPNF [[A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, second series]], II. 66)]. Furthermore, he is deceived who looks for enduring prosperity in his kingdom when it is not ruled by God's scepter, that is, his Holy Word; for the heavenly oracle that proclaims that where prophecy fails the people are scattered [Prov. 29:18 (Proverbs 29:18)], cannot lie." (Battles translation)
"The characteristic of a true sovereign is, to acknowledge that, in the administration of his kingdom, he is a minister of God. He who does not make his reign subservient to the divine glory, acts the part not of a king, but a robber. He, moreover, deceives himself who anticipates long prosperity to any kingdom which is not ruled by the sceptre of God, that is, by his divine word. For the heavenly oracle is infallible which has declared, that where there is no vision the people perish (Proverbs 29:18), (Beveridge translation)."
See the entire Prefatory Address, Beveridge translation. Considered to be one of the greatest prefaces ever written.
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/institutes.ii.viii.html
"The doctrines of covenant liberty were rediscovered in the Reformation. John Calvin went further than anyone else in defining liberty and what Christians need to do to maintain it. Includes bibliographies."
It is recommended that INSTITUTES OF CHRISTIAN RELIGION be used for daily devotions and may be used in combination with Ford Lewis Battles and John Walchenbach, AN ANALYSIS OF THE INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION OF JOHN CALVIN and with CALVIN'S COMMENTARIES.
Calvin's Commentaries at BibleStudyGuide.org
http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_index.htm
Calvin's Commentaries, complete
From the Calvin Translation Society edition.
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/commentaries.i.html
One Hundred Aphorisms, Containing, Within a Narrow Compass, the Substance and Order of the Four Books of The Institutes of the Christian Religion
http://www.lettermen2.com/pringle.html
Contents and Chapter Sections for Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion, 1559 (McNeill/Battles)
http://www.lettermen2.com/icrcont.html
Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion; A New Translation by Henry Beveridge (1845), Volume: 1
http://archive.org/details/instituteschrist01calvuoft
Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion; A New Translation by Henry Beveridge (1845), Volume: 2
http://archive.org/details/institutesofreli02calvuoft
Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Beveridge translation
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/institutes.iii.vii.html
Monergism: Commentaries
From Mongergism.com search "commentaries."
http://www.monergism.com
*Calvin, John, Benjamin W. Farley (editor, translator), and Ford Lewis Battles (foreword), John Calvin's Sermons on the Ten Commandments, ISBN: 0801024439 9780801024436.
"This is an excellent translation, very well researched and footnoted, with an extensive bibliography. The editing work is flawless. Every detail is well done, including good paragraph breaks for easy flow, good fonting, and quality binding. It makes the full depth of these important sermons available in a very readable format." -- Reader's Comment
*Calvin, John (1509-1564), Sermons on Deuteronomy. A Christian classic.
Sermons on Deuteronomy by John Calvin
http://www.reformed.com/publications/johncalvinsabbath1of2.php
Covenant Enforced: Sermons on Deuteronomy 27 and 28, John Calvin
http://entrewave.com/freebooks/docs/2212_47e.htm
Clowney, Edmund P., and Rebecca Jones, How Jesus Transforms the Ten Commandments, ISBN: 1596380365 9781596380363.
Davidman, Joy, Smoke on the Mountain: An Interpretation of the Ten Commandments, ISBN: 066424680X.
"The wife of C.S. Lewis interprets the Ten Commandments and passes on observations she has made concerning those who have attempted to order their lives according to the Decalogue." -- Cyril J. Barber
Dent, Harry, and Betty Dent, Right vs. Wrong: Solutions to the American Nightmare, ISBN: 0840734387 9780840734389.
Dod, John (1549-1645), and Thomas Cleaver (born 1562), Plaine and Familiar Exposition of the Ten Commandments, 1603.
This work went through nineteen editions in thirty-two years.
Durham, James (1622-1658), William Jenkyn (1613-1685), and John Owen (1616-1683), The law Unsealed; or, a Practical Exposition of the Ten Commandments. With a Resolution of Several Momentous Questions and Cases of Conscience, 422 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Durham, a Scottish Covenanter, was known as a 'very candid and searching preacher,' who in an instant was 'in the inmost corners of your bosom,' though with the utmost 'caution and meekness, without giving any of his hearers the smallest ground to fret and repine at his freedom in dealing with them.' (Carstairs cited in the Dictionary of Scottish Church History and Theology, p. 266).
"John Owen, in his letter introducing the reader to this volume, writes, 'In the whole a full testimony is given, not only against the profligate lives of many, called Christians, but that barren careless profession also, which too many satisfy themselves withal, who pretend more unto the truth and power of religion. And as those who are sincere in their obedience may, in the examination of themselves, by the rules here laid down, discern the decays which possibly they have fallen under in this hour of temptation, which is come on the face of the earth, to try them that dwell therein, so also may they be directed in their Christian course unto the glory of God, and the comfort of their own souls.' Durham's lectures deal with each commandment in order and the volume contains 'An Alphabetical Table of the Principal Matters Handled in the Whole Book;' making it eminently practical, and a very useful aid to the study of God's holy, just, good and spiritual law." (Rom. 7:12 [Romans 7:12]) -- Publisher
Fisher, Edward, Marrow of Modern Divinity, a limited edition. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"A controversial and detailed book on covenant theology. Distinguishes the Covenant of Works from the Covenant of Grace, and embraces ideas of theonomic thought, and expounds the Ten Commandments as well." -- GCB
Green, Steven K., The Fount of Everything Just and Right? The Ten Commandments as a Source of American Law, Journal of Law and Religion, Vol. 14, No. 2 (1999-2000), pp. 525-558 (34 pages)
https://doi.org/10.2307/3556579
Harmar, John (1555?-1613), Sermons of M. Iohn Caluin, Vpon the X. Commandements of the Lawe, Giuen of God by Moses, otherwise called the Decalogue. Alternate title: SERMONS OF MR. JOHN CALVIN UPON THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Hopkins, Ezekiel, An Exposition of the Ten Commandments, revised edition. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"A brilliantly written treatise by a leading Puritan writer. Long out of print, it should be purchased if found."
Huffman, John A., Jr., Liberating Limits: A Fresh Look at the Ten Commandments, ISBN: 0849928923 9780849928925.
"Not since Joy Davidman's SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN has a work as interesting and relevant as this one been published. Huffman treats the Decalogue as the sage counsel of God the Father to His children to protect them from their own destructive tendencies." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Institute in Basic Life Principles, The Love of God Expressed in the Commands of Christ Pocket Guide (Oak Brook, IL: IBLP [Box One, 60522-3001]).
If ye love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:14)
Notice there are 15 other resources related to this pocket guide.
"Jesus gave many commands; however, this group of commands [49 -- compiler] was chosen to represent the basic 'curriculum' that Christ gave His disciples -- commands that we are to keep and teach others in order to be His disciples."
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. (John 14:21)
*Kevan, Ernest F., The Grace of Law: A Study of Puritan Theology.
"First published in 1963 this excellent study of the beliefs of the Puritans is again available. This detailed study of the Ten Commandments and how the Puritans understood them for their day does provide many answers to the moral weakness and indifference of our day." -- GCB
*Kevan, Ernest F., Moral Law, ISBN: 0875522998 9780875522999.
Klaus, Sandra, Ten to Grow on: Teaching the Ten Commandments to Today's Children, "For ages 8-12. Introduction to each commandment, modern-day story which illustrates the commandment, discussion questions, memory verse activities, song suggestions, classroom activities, and reproducible puzzles." -- GCB
Lee, Francis Nigel, God's Ten Commandments: Yesterday, Today, Forever, ISBN: 9780979673627 0979673623.
*Lee, Francis Nigel, Ten Commandments Today: A Study.
*McMillan (M'Millan), II, John (1729-1808), and John Thorburn (Minister of the Gospel 1730?-1788), Vindiciae Magistratus: or, The Divine Institution and Right of the Civil Magistrate Vindicated: Wherein are Properly Stated and Ascertained The True Nature and Extent of the Moral Power of Civil Society and Magistracy, Legislative and Executive; The Just Instituted Authority of Magistrates; The Inviolableness of Just Human Laws and Constitutions in General, and Particularly Those of Scotland; The Natural and Unalienable Rights of Individuals in, or With Respect of Civil Society; And, the True Causes From Which a Moral Relation Flows, and Upon Which a Moral Obligation is Founded, &c. Against the truly factious and immoral doctrine of John Thomson (Burgher associate), minister of the Gospel at Donagbhclony in Ireland, now at Kirkintilloch near Glasgow, maintained in his pretended confutation of the principles of the reformed presbytery, in a pamphlet intituled (sic) The Presbyterian covenanter displayed in his political principles, and the impostor detected. By John Thorburn, minister of the Gospel at Pentland. To which is subjoined, by way of appendix, A vindication of the constitution of the reformed presbytery, and of the character, ministerial mission and authority of the Rev. Mr. John M'Millan Senior [McMillan, John I, 1669?-1753], deceased, from the groundless cavils of Mr. W.W. and Seceders, by his son. The whole being humbly offered as an apologetical representation and defence of the principles of said presbytery, and of their people, commonly known by the names of Old Dissenters, Cameronians, &c. Against the injurious charges and false imputations cast upon them, first by the established Church of Scotland, and then by the Secession. Alternate titles: DIVINE INSTITUTION AND RIGHT OF THE CIVIL MAGISTRATE VINDICATED PRESBYTERIAN-COVENANTER DISPLAYED IN HIS POLITICAL PRINCIPLES, AND THE IMPOSTER DETECTED VINDICATION OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REFORMED PRESBYTERY, and DEFENDING THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN POSITION ON THE CIVIL MAGISTRATE, 1781. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
MacMillan II, John, A Vindication of the Ministerial Authority of John MacMillan I, and of the Reformed Presbytery
http://www.truecovenanter.com/mcmillan/mcmillan_vindication_mcmillan_1773.html
McNair, Mac, and Amy McNair, Ten Principles for a Successful Marriage: Practical Lessons From the Ten Commandments, ISBN: 1581820224 9781581820225.
"Nearly everyone has heard of the Ten Commandments, and most people can even name a few of them. Through fifty-five years of marriage Mac and Amy McNair have drawn from them the following guidelines for living together:
McNair, Nimrod, Ten Global Principles for Business and Professional Success from the booklet MEGA VALUES: 10 GLOBAL PRINCIPLES FOR BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS - WRITTEN IN STONE.
"This booklet is designed to help the conscientious person make wise decisions based on standards which are absolute. These principles are ancient and are the only known words written directly by god and recorded in Scripture. These are commonly known as the Ten Commandments and each of the ten applications is synopsized for your personal use in making ethical decisions in your personal and business life." -- Publisher
Ten Commandments Defense Fund
http://www.tencommandmentsdefense.org/
(Modeled after the Ten Commandments.)
Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Christ and the 10 Commandments; Harmony in Home Through the 5th Commandment (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).The first principle is, "Show proper respect for authority." This is the invisible superstructure of productive enterprise. God clearly commands us to respect those in authority over us. God uses this command to bring order out of chaos. Authority is a necessary prerequisite to order.
The second rule is, "Have a singleness of purpose." Divided purposes dilute effectiveness when interests conflict. We cannot serve two masters effectively. We must evaluate our time, talent, and resources and make sure we are using these God-given elements in a way that ultimately brings Him the glory.
Precept number three is, "Use effective communication in word and deed." Complete communications and predictable follow-through are the basic expressions of personal integrity. It means doing what you say you'll do, even if it is uncomfortable or inconvenient. This commandment is honored when promises are kept and accurate recounting of transactions is given.
A fourth truth is, "Provide proper rest, recreation, and reflection." This ensures a quality of life that will be reflected in creativity, productivity, and motivation. Rest is a necessity for effectiveness. Recreation guards the mind against mental and emotional fatigue. Reflection promotes self-monitoring, allows for mid-course corrections, and ensures single-mindedness.
The fifth tenet is, "Show respect for the older and more experienced." Our parents, teachers, coaches, employers, pastors, and other elders in our lives have an investment in us. It is to our benefit to honor that investment and to draw fully from the wisdom and expertise of those more experienced than ourselves.
The sixth axiom is, "Show respect for human life, dignity, and rights." This encompasses product quality and service, the work environment, health and safety, personnel policies and responsibilities, and competitive practices. It is simply the Golden Rule -- treating others as you would want to be treated.
The seventh principle is, "Maintain a stability of sexes and the family." Wisdom and good business practice dictate equal regard for men and women as persons irrespective of gender or marital status. Respect for the family structure as the crucial foundation of our cultural system must be reflected in our decisions regarding the conflicts between business demands and the value of the family and personal life.
Precept number eight is, "Demonstrate the proper allocation of resources." Two fundamental responsibilities and privileges of business are optimal use of material resources and wise leadership of people. We must treat all our business assets, whether they be people, funds, or materials, as a gift from the Lord.
The ninth truth is, "Demonstrate honesty and integrity." Integrity is the cornerstone of any good relationship. Without demonstrating the willingness to give and the worthiness to receive trust, no business can survive or prosper. A reputation for honesty is a comprehensive statement of both a person's character and how he or she treats others. It is a fundamental mindset against stealing, lying, or deceiving.
The tenth and final business commandment is, "Maintain the right of ownership of property." Those who are disciplined, creative, prudent, and industrious are entitled to the fruits of their labor. We must not covet that which belongs to another. -- Colonel Nimrod McNair, Executive Leadership Foundation
North, Gary, The Sinai Strategy: Economics and the Ten Commandments, ISBN: 0930464079 9780930464073.
"A detailed exploration of the Ten Commandments and their social, political and especially, economic implications for all of mankind. Nations in which the Bible is freely preached tend to adopt a free market economy. The capitalism vs. socialism controversy is really God vs. Satan." -- GCB
Institute for Christian Economics Freebooks.com
http://www.garynorth.com/freebooks/
Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), The Ten Commandments, ISBN: 0842370048 9780842370042.
*Perkins, William (1558-1602), The Whole Duty of man, Containing a Practical Table of the Ten Commandments Wherein the Sins Forbidden, and the Duties Commanded, or Implied are Clearly Discovered / by famous Mr. Will. Perkins, 1674.
*Pink, Arthur W. (1886-1952), The Law and the Saint, ISBN: 058503513X 9780585035130.
"This 37-page booklet takes the position that the Ten Commandments are an expression of the unchanging character and will of God and are binding upon every Christian." -- CBD
The Law and the Saint by Arthur Pink
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/pink/law
Plumer, William S. (1802-1880), The Law of God as Contained in the Ten Commandments, Explained and Enforced, ISBN: 0873771877.
Preston, John (1587-1628), Hovv to Mortifie Covetousnesse.
Preston, John (1587-1628), Sinnes Overthrow: or, A Godly and Learned Treatise of Mortification: Wherein is excellently handled; First, the generall doctrine of mortification: and Then particularly, how to mortifie fornication. Uncleannesse. Evill concupiscence. Inordinate affection. And covetousnesse. All being the substance of severall sermons upon Colos. 3.5. Mortifie therefore your members, &c. Delivered by that late faithfull preacher, and worthie instrument of Gods glorie, John Preston, Dr. in Divinitie, chaplin in ordinarie to his Majestie, master of Emanuell Colledge in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher of Lincolns-Inne, 1635, ISSN: 00279358. [Colossians 3:5]
Preston, Sinnes Overthrow: or, A Godly and Learned Treatise of Mortification . . . All Being the Substance of Severall Sermons Upon Colos. 3. 5 [Colossians 3:5]
https://archive.org/details/siwo00pres/page/n1
*Pribble, Stephen, and The Westminster Assembly of Divines (1643-1652), Scripture Index to the Westminster Standards. Alternate title: THE COMPLETE SCRIPTURE INDEX TO THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION (1646), LARGER AND SHORTER CATECHISMS. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press.
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/index01.htm
Bordwine, James, A Guide to the Westminster Standards: Confession of Faith and Larger Catechism (Unicoi, TN: (The Trinity Foundation), ISBN: 0940931303 9780940931305.
Includes a unique, 100-page topical index to both the Confession and the Catechism.
Price, Greg L., The Bible and Alcoholic Beverages, 14 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
Price, Greg L., The Extent of God's Law, Antichrist, Beastly Civil Governments, the Family, Christian Education, Contentment and the Eight Commandment, MP3. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"An amazing unfolding of the eighth commandment, as well as the rest of the decalogue, which includes numerous specific applications to various areas of thought and life (most relevant to the contemporary Christian). Price explains how to avoid the extremes of legalism and antinomianism, while expounding the classic Reformed view of the law as it applies to the individual, family, church and state." -- Publisher
*Roney, Moses, Charles Underhill Cushman, and The Reformed Presbyterian Church. Synod., Minutes of the General Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church: Session Seventeenth, Held in the City of Pittsburgh, October, 1834: With an Appendix, Containing two Overtures: I. On the 'Jury Act,' II. On the Magistrate's Power, Circa Sacra.
"The following document, originally titled very simply, ARGUMENT ON THE MAGISTRATE'S POWER CIRCA-SACRA, was prepared for the General Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, by one of her ministers in 1834. It represents the historic Reformed position on the subject of the Magistrate's duty, as God's servant in the State. The principles set forth here are the official and proper doctrines of all Reformed Presbyterians to the present day, insofar as they truly identify with the principles of their Church, and its reasons for existing as a distinct communion of Christians. But this is not to say that others should not read these things or agree with them. Modern nations have embraced such wrong views on these topics, and so many churches have conformed to the political philosophies of these nations, that it is high time that all Christians should be looking for a medicine to heal the destructive cancer working its way through the world's national institutions and all the systems which depend upon them. There is no hope but to look to the Lord himself, and to the solid doctrines of his word. It is true, these will be disagreeable to all who are enemies to our Saviour. They must be so. A right view of these things may be expected to provoke hostility even from those who 'tolerate' Christianity, or some who claim to be friendly to it. But God is God: his political philosophy must be both true and useful; and no true believer can say otherwise. The Lord is Lord: his political agenda must be both wise and important; and no true patriot can plan better. For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us. (Isaiah 33:22)" --
Argument on the Magistrate's Power Circa Sacra, William Sloane (original drafter)
http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/rpcna_testimony_for_magistrates_authority_in_religious_matters_ed_jtk.html
Argument on the Magistrate's Power Circa Sacra
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/5/18/argument-on-the-magistrates-power-circa-sacra-published-as-an-overture
*Rushdoony, Rousas J. (1916-2001), Institutes of Biblical Law, 3 volumes, ISBN: 1879998130. Available through Exodus Books.
Volume 1: Institutes of Biblical Law, ISBN: 0875524109.*Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), A Free Disputation Against Pretended Liberty of Conscience: Tending to Resolve Doubts Moved by Mr. John Goodwin, John Baptist, Dr. Jer. Taylor, the Belgick Arminians, Socinians, and Other Authors, 1649. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #9, #25, and #26.
"A monumental volume . . . Deeply explores the meaning and application of the Ten Commandments for today in civil government, social ethics, and personal conduct." -- GCB
"Many consider this to be the author's most important work. With indices." -- Publisher
Volume 2: Law and Society, ISBN: 1879998238.
"The relationship of Biblical Law to communion and community, the sociology of the Sabbath, the family and inheritance, and much more are covered in the second volume. Contains an appendix by Herbert Titus. With indices." -- Publisher
Volume 3: The Intent of the Law, ISBN: 1879998130.
" 'God's law is much more than a legal code; it is a covenantal law. It establishes a personal relationship between God and man.' The first section summarizes the case laws. The author tenderly illustrates how the law is for our good, and makes clear the difference between the sacrificial laws and those that apply today. The second section vividly shows the practical implications of the law. The examples catch the reader's attention; the author clearly has had much experience discussing God's law. The third section shows that would-be challengers to God's law produce only poison and death. Only God's law can claim to express God's 'covenant grace in helping us'. With indices." -- Publisher
See also: Theft: Commentary and Cases of Conscience. A Listing Excerpted From The Institutes of Biblical Law by Rousas John Rushdoony, 1973 edition
http://www.lettermen2.com/theft.html
Tod, Walter, The Obligation of Civil Rulers to Establish the Means of Religious Knowledge and Instruction; Deduced From the Universal Moral Government of God, 120 pages.
"Tod preaches on Romans 13:1, The powers that be are ordained of God. He argues that the Church and the State are not independent societies and that Jesus Christ Governor and Ruler of both. Tod examines many common arguments proffered against his proposition. He calls puritan John Owen to his side with this quote,
If it comes to this, that you shall say you have nothing to do with religion, as rulers of the nation, God will quickly manifest that he has nothing to do with you as rulers of the nation. Certainly it is incumbent upon you to take care that the faith which was once delivered to the saints, in all necessary concernments of it, may be protected, preserved, and propagated to and among the people over whom God has set you."Tod also briefly exhorts Civil Rulers upon how they ought to preserve the Sabbath. He ends the whole on a positive (post-mill), note,
"There may yet be retrogressions in the progress of knowledge, religion, virtue, and liberty, among different nations of the earth, and England may be among the fated number; but every ebbing of the tide of religious and moral improvement, like the smaller retrocessions of the waves of the ocean, which accumulate larger billows that roll over the former limits, every retrocession of the waves of religious and moral advancement among mankind will be succeeded by a higher and a higher tide of religious and moral advancement from the fountain of eternal truth, till the knowledge of the Lord shall cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. -- Steve Worth
Traill, Robert (1642-1716), Six Sermons on [Galatians 2:21]. Alternate title: SIX SERMONS. BY THE LATE REVEREND MR. ROBERT TRAIL, 1779.
Six Sermons on Important Subjects, From Galatians ii. 21 [Galatians 2:21]
http://www.truecovenanter.com/traill/traill_gal_2_21.html
*Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), Body of Divinity: Contained in Sermons Upon the Westminster Assembly's Catechism, ISBN: 0851511449. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"The first book published by the Trust, this has been one of the bestsellers and consistently the most useful and influential of our publications . . . It deals with the foremost doctrinal and experimental truths of the Christian faith . . . It is based on the Westminster Assembly's Shorter Catechism, in which the main principles of Christianity that lie scattered in the Scriptures are brought together and set forth in the form of question and answer. This catechism is unsurpassed for its 'terse exactitude of definition' and 'logical elaboration' of the fundamentals. . . . Watson conveys his thorough doctrinal and experimental knowledge of the truth in such an original, concise, pithy, pungent, racy, rich, and illustrative style that he is rightly regarded as the most readable of the Puritans." -- Publisher
"As an introduction to Puritan theology, as a short and sweet course in Christian doctrine, as devotional reading, and as a preacher's gold-mine, Watson's work can hardly be praised too highly." -- J.I. Packer (1926-2020)
"Contains Watson's exposition of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, excluding the Lord's Prayer and the Ten Commandments." -- GCB
Westminster Shorter Catechism Project: Body of Divinity Contained in Sermons Upon the Assembly's Catechism by the Rev. Thomas Watson (1620-1686)
http://www.shortercatechism.com/resources/vincent/wsc_vi_001.html?page_id=205
Westminster Shorter Catechism With Proof Texts
http://www.reformed.org/documents/WSC_frames.html
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms. Alternate title: SCRIPTURE INDEX TO THE WESTMINSTER STANDARDS. Available on Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/index01.htm
Westminster Shorter Catechism Project
"Click on any of the individual questions below to get the answer and Biblical references, as well as links to works by John Flavel, Thomas Watson, Thomas Boston, James Fisher, and John Whitecross, and others."
http://www.shortercatechism.com/
Watson, A Body of Practical Divinity Sermons on the Shorter Catechism of the Westminster Assembly, also Select Sermons on Various Subjects, Together with The Art of Divine Contentment, and Christ's Various Fulness (1859)
http://archive.org/details/bodyofpracticald00watsuoft
Bordwine, James, A Guide to the Westminster Standards: Confession of Faith and Larger Catechism (Unicoi, TN: (The Trinity Foundation,) ISBN: 0940931303 9780940931305.
Includes a unique, 100-page topical index to both the Confession and the Catechism.
*Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), The Ten Commandments, ISBN: 0851516815. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"In this book Watson continues his exposition of the Shorter Catechism drawn up by the Westminster Assembly. Watson was one of the most popular preachers in London during the Puritan era . . . The series of three volumes, of which this is the second (the BODY OF DIVINITY is first and THE LORD'S PRAYER third), makes an ideal introduction to Puritan literature. There are few matters about which the Puritans differ more from present-day Christians than in their assessment of the importance of the Ten Commandments. The Commandments, they held, are the first thing in Christianity which the natural man needs to be taught and they should be the daily concern of the Christian to the last. In this book Watson examines the moral law as a whole as well as bringing out the meaning and force of each particular commandment. In view of the important function of the law in Christian life and evangelism, this is a most valuable volume." -- Publisher
"Excellent study. Highly recommended for personal and group study. The need for understanding the Law of God is always of great importance for the Christian. Watson is an excellent expositor of it." -- GCB
"The most famous commentary on the Ten Commandments was by Lancelot Andrews (1555-1626), a huge folio." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
The Ten Commandments, Thomas Watson (1620-1686)
http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/ipb-e/epl-watson-10cm.html
Westminster Shorter Catechism Project
"Click on any of the individual questions below to get the answer and Biblical references, as well as links to works by John Flavel, Thomas Watson, Thomas Boston, James Fisher, and John Whitecross, and others."
http://www.shortercatechism.com/
*Westminster Assembly of Divines (1643-1652), Scripture Index to the Westminster Standards. Alternate title: THE COMPLETE SCRIPTURE INDEX TO THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION (1646), LARGER AND SHORTER CATECHISMS. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press.
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/index01.htm
Bordwine, James, A Guide to the Westminster Standards: Confession of Faith and Larger Catechism (Unicoi, TN: (The Trinity Foundation), ISBN: 0940931303 9780940931305.
Includes a unique, 100-page topical index to both the Confession and the Catechism.
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, Absolute truth and relativism, Epistemology of theology, the theory of knowledge, Reconciliation of relationships, Justice, judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, The sermon on the mount, The covenant faithfulness of god, Trusting god, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, Individual responsibility for corporate faithfulness and sanctification, An introduction to the covenanted reformation, Freedom: a gift of the grace of god, Christian liberty, Freedom with responsibility to god, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Treason and impeachment, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Reform of the church, Politics, Idolatry, syncretism, Bribery, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), The ten commandments (women), Secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, The courts, the law base, and the judicial system, Bible magistracy turns back the wrath of god, The doctrine of the lesser magistrates, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, The westminster confession of faith (1647, westminster standards) and related works, the westminster assembly, The larger catechism, The shorter catechism, Creeds, confessions and catechisms, Politics and economics, Biblical economics, Meltdown: the depression of 2008, Reform, state sovereignty, and corporate immunity: reform of corporations, Healthcare reform, The decline of american society, irrationality, the decline of western thought, Male role and responsibility, gender equality, suffrage, reproductive rights, and the decline of american society, A partial timeline of us history showing how liberalization in the church and liberalization in the state, has been paralleled by advances in the feminist movement, and the overall decline of american society, God's deliverance of nations, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 949
The Commandments of Jesus, J.S. McConnell (1925)
http://www.wowzone.com/commandm.htm
How Socialism Violates all Ten Commandments, Robert Knight, July 2, 2019
https://onenewsnow.com/perspectives/robert-knight/2019/07/02/how-socialism-violates-all-ten-commandments
Idolatry is the Most Condemned sin in the Bible, [audio file], Peter Hammond, 8/21/2016
"When we start to worship anyone other than God, if we put anything as central in our lives, other than God, we are opening ourselves up to demonic influence, demonic deception and demonic possession, which explains why so many people today are so irrational, so immune to logic, so resistant to facts and logical explanations."
https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=97161019341
The Laws of Virginia (1610-1611),
http://longman.awl.com/history/primarysource_2_2.htm
Nave's Topical Bible -- Commandments
http://bible.crosswalk.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T1189
A Table Illustrating God's Eternal Moral Law
http://www.dr-fnlee.org/docs/toc/toc.html
The Ten Commandments, Thomas Watson (1620-1686)
http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/ipb-e/epl-watson-10cm.html
Theft: Commentary and Cases of Conscience. A Listing Excerpted From The Institutes of Biblical Law by Rousas John Rushdoony, 1973 edition
http://www.lettermen2.com/theft.html
The Truth About the Ten Commandments in American Law; An Historical Perspective
http://www.alliancedefensefund.org/issues/booklets/10commandmentsbooklet.php
Westminster Larger Catechism With Proof Texts
http://www.reformed.org/documents/wlc_w_proofs/index.html
*Westminster Shorter Catechism Project
"Click on any of the individual questions below to get the answer and Biblical references, as well as links to works by John Flavel, Thomas Watson, Thomas Boston, James Fisher, and John Whitecross, and others."
http://www.shortercatechism.com/
*Westminster Shorter Catechism Project: Body of Divinity Contained in Sermons Upon the Assembly's Catechism by the Rev. Thomas Watson (1620-1686)
http://www.shortercatechism.com/resources/vincent/wsc_vi_001.html?page_id=205
*Westminster Shorter Catechism With Proof Texts
http://www.reformed.org/documents/WSC_frames.html
Words of Christ Appearing in The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappa.html
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (2 Peter 1:4)Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.
And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. (1 John 2:24-29)And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. (Exodus 6:7)
If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee. (Exodus 15:26b)
God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? (Numbers 23:19)
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. (Psalm 16:11)
Said to be a favorite of Billy Graham.He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.
And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. (Isaiah 25:8,9)The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17) 1599 Geneva Bible Notes
And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. (1 John 2:25)
He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5:12,13)
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:4)
He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. (Romans 4:20-25)For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. (2 Corinthians 1:20)
Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. (Ezekiel 36:25-27)
Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. (Psalm 2:8)
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. (Proverbs 28:13)
God will not wink at sin or gloss over evil doing. Whether He be dealing in judgment with an individual or with a nation, that which has displeased Him must be rectified before there can be a return of His favour. It is useless to pray for His blessing while we refuse to put away that which has called down His curse. It is vain to talk about exercising faith in God's promises until we have exercised repentance for our sins. Our idols must be destroyed ere God will gain accept of our worship. -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), The Life of Elijah
For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. (Habakkuk 2:14. See also: Numbers 14:21; Psalm 72:19; Isaiah 6:3; Isaiah 11:9)
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11)
The Treasury of David, Psalm 23, C.H. Spurgeon
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. . . . He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. . . . I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. . . . Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps023.phpBut my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
There are very many and very clear promises that testify that God's singular providence watches over the welfare of believers: Cast your care upon the Lord, and he will nourish you, and will never permit the righteous man to flounder [Psalm 55:22 p.; cf. Psalm 54:23, Vg.]. For he takes care of us. [1 Peter 5:7 p.] He who dwells in the help of the Most High will abide in the protection of the God of heaven. [Psalm 91:1; Psalm 90:1, Vg.] He who touches you touches the pupil of mine eye. [Zechariah 2:8 p.] I will be your shield [Gen. 15:1 p.], a brazen wall [Jeremiah 1:18; 15:20]; I will contend with those who contend with you [Isaiah 49:25]. Even though a mother may forget her children, yet will I not forget you. [Isaiah 49:15 p.] Indeed, the principal purpose of Biblical history is to teach that the Lord watches over the ways of the saints with such great diligence that they do not even stumble over a stone [cf. Psalm 91:12]. -- John Calvin in Institutes of the Christian Religion (Battles translation), 1.17.6
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. (James 1:12)
If you know not what you stand in need of, search the promises and see: whatever God has said he will do for you, that you have absolute need should be done. -- John Owen
I will be all to you that you can wish. I will be a FRIEND to you (Isaiah 41:8; James 2:2-3). My secrets shall be with you (Psalm 25:14; John 15:15), and you shall have free access to Me, and liberty to pour out all your hearts into My bosom (Ephesians 3:12; Hebrews 4:16).
I will be a PHYSICIAN to you. I will heal your backslidings and cure all your diseases (Hosea 14:4; Psalm 103:3). Fear not, for never did a soul miscarry that left itself in My hands, and would follow My prescriptions. -- Joseph Alleine (1634-1668)Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things [are] possible to him that believeth.
And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Mark 9:23,24)And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. (Daniel 12:3)
Hence, we gather the nature of true prudence to consist in submitting ourselves to God in simple teachableness, and in manifesting the additional quality of carefully promoting the salvation of our brethren. The effect of this our labor ought to increase our courage and alacrity. For how great is the honor conferred upon us by our Heavenly Father, when he wishes us to be the ministers of his righteousness? As James says, We preserve those about to perish if we bring them back into the right way. (James 5:19) James calls us preservers, just as the angel calls us justifiers; neither the angel nor the apostle wish to detract from the glory of God, but by these forms of speech the Spirit represents us as ministers of justification and salvation, when we unite in the same bonds with ourselves all those who have need of our assistance and exertions. -- Calvin commenting on Daniel 12:3Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 3:12)
For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:26)
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. (Romans 8:28,29)
Is this not one of the magnificent promises?
As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.
For the rod of the wickedo shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity. (Psalm 125:3,4)
"Their heavenly Father, it is true, loves them most tenderly, but he will have them awakened by the cross . . . . The reason is added why God will not suffer the wicked always to triumph over the righteous -- namely, lest the just, overcome by temptation, abandon themselves wholly to sinning, a reason which ought to be carefully marked. Hence we gather that God, from his willingness to bear with our weakness, moderates our adversities. Although, then, we may not possess in ourselves a sufficient amount of fortitude and constancy to enable us to persevere in our duty for a single moment, yet let this sentiment be present to our minds, That God will take care that, broken as we may be by afflictions, we shall not forsake his service. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 125:3 and contextFear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (Isaiah 41:10)
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. (Jude 24,25)
See the Theological Notes: "God's Covenant of Grace" at Genesis 12:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "The Spiritual Nature of God," at Isaiah 66:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.
Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. (Psalm 55:22)
One blessed way of casting our burden upon the Lord (Psalm 55:22) is to tell the Lord all about it. It is a high privilege to get away, alone, and talk to God as a man talks with his friend. But I know what you often do, my Brothers and Sisters, when you get into a predicament and cannot tell what to do -- then you begin to pray. Why do you not, every morning, tell the Lord about all your difficulties before they come? What? Will you only run to Him when you get into trouble? No, go to Him before you get into trouble. Half our burdens come from what we have not prayed over! If a man would take the ordinary concerns of life distinctly to God, one by one, it is marvelous how easily the chariot of life would roll along! Things over which we have not prayed are like undigested food that breeds mischief in the body -- they breed mischief in the soul. Digest your daily bread by first praying, "God give it to me and then God bless me in the use of it. And then God bless me afterwards in the spending of the strength derived from it to Your praise and Glory." Salt all your life with prayer, lest corruption should come to that part of your life which you have not thus salted. Tell the Lord, then, your griefs, just as, when a child, you told your troubles to your mother!
"I cannot find words," says one. Oh, they will come! They come fast enough when you complain to man and they will sweetly come if you get into the blessed habit of talking to God about everything. A friend said to me, not long ago, "I was on the Exchange and I saw that I had made a mistake in a certain transaction. I had lost money by it and if I had gone on dealing in the same fashion, I would have been ruined. I just stepped aside for a minute or two into a quiet corner of my office. I stood still and breathed a prayer to God for guidance. Then I went back, and felt, 'Now I am ready for anyone of you.' "So I was," he said, "I was not confused and worried, as I would otherwise have been, and so liable to make mistakes, but I had waited upon God and I was therefore calm and collected." There is much wisdom in thus praying about everything, although, possibly, some of you may think it trivial. I believe that the very soul of Christianity lies in the sanctifying of what is called secular -- the bringing of all things under the cognizance of our God by intense, constant, importunate, believing prayer.
When you have told the Lord everything, the next thing for you to do, in order to cast your burden upon Him, is to believe that all will work together for your good. Swallow the bitter as readily as you do the sweet and believe that, somehow, the strange mixture will do you great good. Do not look out your window, judging this, and that, and the other, in detail, but, if God sent it to you, open the door and take it all in, for all that has come from Him will be to His Glory and to your profit. Believe that if you shall lose certain things, you will really be a gainer by your losses. Even if your dearest one is taken from you, all shall be well if you have but faith to trust God in it all. If you are stricken with mortal sickness, it will still be well with you and if you do steadfastly trust in the Lord, you shall know that it is so. We know, says the Apostle Paul -- he does not say, "We think, we suppose, we judge," but -- We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) If you know this, my Brother, or my Sister, it shall help you to cast your burden upon the Lord. (Psalm 55:22)
When you have done this, then leave your burden with the Lord. In the process of trusting God with your burden, get to the point that you have done with it. If I cast my burden upon the Lord, what business have I to carry it myself? How can I truthfully say that I have cast it upon Him if I am still burdened with it? Throughout my life, which has not been free from many grave cares, there have been many things which I have been able to see my own way through and, using my best judgment, they have passed off well. But in so large a church as this, there sometimes occur things that altogether stagger me. I do not know what to do in such a case as that, and I have been in the habit, after doing all I can, of putting such things up on the shelf and saying, "There, I will never take them down again, come what may. I have done with them, for I have left them wholly with God." And I wish to bear my testimony that somehow or other the thing which I could not unravel, has unraveled itself! When Peter and the angel came unto the iron gate, it opened to them of its own accord. (Acts 12:10) And the same thing has happened to me many a time. Who shall roll away the stone for us from the door of the sepulcher? (Mark 16:3) asked the holy women when they came to the tomb of their Lord? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away. (Mark 16:4) Learn to say, "My God has made this difficulty and there is some good result to come of it. I have done the little I can do, so now I will leave it all with Him." -- C.H. Spurgeon, from the sermon Fear not, no. 2830, at The Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, on Thursday Evening, August 19, 1886.And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the LORD.
And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible. (Jeremiah 15:20,21)And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart. (Jeremiah 24:7)
II. By this faith, a Christian believes to be true whatsoever is revealed in the Word, for the authority of God Himself speaking therein; and acts differently upon that which each particular passage thereof contains; yielding obedience to the commands, trembling at the threatenings, and embracing the promises of God for this life, and that which is to come. But the principal acts of saving faith are accepting, receiving, and resting upon Christ alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace. -- The Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter IV, "Of Saving Faith"
That God in the covenant of grace has promised to furnish and enable His children for a holy life (Ezekiel 36:27), I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes. This is a way that God has by Himself. The mother can take her child by the hand to lead it, but cannot put strength into his feeble joints to make him go. The ruler can give his captains a commission to fight, but not courage to fight. There is a power goes with the promises; thus it is they are called exceeding great and precious promises, because given for this very end, that by them we might be made partakers of the divine nature, (2 Peter 1:4); and therefore we are not only pressed to holiness from the command, but especially from the promise (2 Corinthians 7:1), Having therefore these promises (he means to help and encourage us), let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Oh it is good working for Him that promises to work all our work for us (Philippians 2:12,10). -- William Gurnall (1617-1679)
All the promises of the Gospel, all that is said of God and Christ, is ours. The great question therefore is, whether the God we profess to believe in is our God: not only, whether he is so in general -- that the devils may say; but whether he is our God in particular. The devils say, "O God," but the devils cannot say, "My God," that is a privilege peculiar to God's chosen people, who really believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. . . . -- George Whitefield
And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give [it] you.
Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 16:22, 24)The four "Servant Songs" of Isaiah are Isaiah 42:1-9; Isaiah 49:1-7; Isaiah 50:4-11; and Isaiah 52:13 -- Isaiah 53:12. See the annotations in The Reformation Study Bible.
Our Triune God has ordained that the preeminent leader of the Church is the Lord Jesus Christ, the God Man, Our Righteousness. (John 1:1-18; Matthew 19:30; Matthew 28:18-20; Isaiah 49:7; Colossians 1:16-19; Colossians 2:9,10; Hebrews 12:1,2; Revelation 5:1-14; Revelation 19:11-15; Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 22:12, and so forth, and so on). Human leadership is also divinely ordained and tends to devolve to those who are most perfectly at one with Christ, and to those who also know the most Truth (the Apostle Paul, Saint Augustine, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Puritan leaders, The Scots Worthies, and so forth, and so on).
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:28). See: (Matthew 19:28, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Then his master said unto him, It is well done good servant and faithful, Thou hast been faithful in little, I will make thee ruler over much: enter into thy master's joy. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:21) (Matthew 25:21 1599 Geneva Bible)
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:34). See: (Matthew 25:34, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And he said unto him, Well, good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little thing, take thou authority over ten cities. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 19:17) (Luke 19:17, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Therefore I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 22:29) (Luke 22:29, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:17). See: (Romans 8:17, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? (1 Corinthians 6:3). See: (1 Corinthians 6:3, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6). See: (Ephesians 2:6, 1599 Geneva Bible)
To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and corrections among the people:
To bind their kings in chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron,
That they may execute upon them the judgment that is written: this honor shall be to all his Saints. Praise ye the Lord. (Psalm 149:7-9) (Psalm 149:7-9, 1599 Geneva Bible)
But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. (1 Timothy 2:12), (1 Timothy 2:12, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 2:26). See: (Revelation 2:26, 1599 Geneva Bible)
To serve God is to reign. -- Seneca (4 BC -- 65 AD)The promises are a large field in which the wise Merchant may find more pearls hidden, than are yet espied: A rich mine in which the diligent laborer may dig forth more fine gold, than any yet have taken from them. -- William Spurstowe
Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
*Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
See the subject "Promises of God," and so forth, and so on.
*[Bible, New Testament, Precious Promises Edition], The New Testament: King James Version, The Precious Promises Edition (Lake Wylie, SC: Christian Heritage Publishing Co. Inc., 1991).
A pocket New Testament with the words of Christ in red and the promises screened in red. Convenient for purse, or travel bag.
*Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language.
"First published in 1874, THE EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS, may be the best book on the doctrine of justification by faith alone ever written.
"Since the seventeenth century, the church's adherence to the central doctrine of the Christian faith has been weakening; in the twentieth century it has all but disappeared. But to those who remain faithful -- to those who are called of God -- justification by faith alone is the best news there could ever be: that Christ died for our sins, and we shall live forever because of Christ's righteousness.
"Justification by faith alone -- the 'principal hinge of religion,' according to John Calvin, the 'doctrine by which the church stands or falls,' according to Martin Luther -- is salvation. Without it, all hope is lost; with it, Heaven gained. Bonar's discussion is without equal in the English language." -- John W. Robbins
The Everlasting Righteousness; or, How Shall man be Just With God?
http://books.google.com/books?id=nQMDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
*Brown, John (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858), Discourses and Sayings of our Lord Jesus Christ, 3 volumes, ISBN: 0851515819 (one ISBN for the set of 3 volumes). A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Spurgeon says of this great commentary: 'Of the noblest order of exposition. Procure it.' Elsewhere in COMMENTING AND COMMENTARIES, he wrote, 'Dr. Brown's work must be placed among the first of the first-class. He is a great expositor.' Again, 'Brown is a modern Puritan. All his expositions are of the utmost value.'
"These volumes cover much of the Gospel of John, plus many portions of the other three Gospels. In them he reveals his encyclopedic mind, and a profound regard for the Bible and the very Word of God. In addition, it is seen why it was said that he had the best clerical library in the whole nation of Scotland.
"There is little doubt in the mind of this reviewer that any reader of these volumes will become possessor of myriads of new insights into the Scriptures, and what they reveal of our God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. It is indispensable to the student of the Gospels." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
"Based upon the revised and enlarged edition of 1852. Rich in thought. Pastors will appreciate the writer's application of spiritual truths to the needs of men and women." -- Cyril J. Barber
Recommended for daily devotions, as are all the books in the listing of "Books Considered to be Among the ten Greatest in the English Language."
Discourses and Sayings of our Lord Jesus Christ: Illustrated in a Series of Expositions, 1854, vol. 1 of 2.
http://archive.org/details/discoursessaying01brow
Discourses and Sayings of our Lord Jesus Christ, vol. 2 of 2.
http://archive.org/details/discoursessaying02brow
Discourses and Sayings of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Illustrated in a Series of Expositions. . . . by John Brown, published 1856 [complete in 2 volumes. New York: Robert Carter and Brothers], original from the University of Michigan, digitized Feb. 17, 2006.
http://books.google.com/books?id=SZl9u8v0Yi8C&dq=Discourses+and+Sayings+of+Our+Lord+Jesus+Christ&ie=ISO-8859-1&source=gbs_summary_s&cad=0
This University of Michigan digitized edition, that appears in Google Books, is available in paper from two publishers: (Gardners Books, 2006), and (Hard Press, November 26, 2007).
Both volume are "produced from digital images created through the University of Michigan University Library's preservation reformatting program." -- Publisher
*Brown, John (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858), Parting Counsels: An Exposition of the First Chapter of the Second Epistle of the Apostle Peter [2 Peter 1], With Four Additional Discourses, ISBN: 0851513018 9780851513010. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"We always think of Brown as a Puritan born out of due time. Everything he has left us is massive gold. He is both rich and clear, profound and perspicuous." -- C.H. Spurgeon
"The title is due to the fact that these were farewell addresses from the expositor. You will quickly see why the first chapter of 2 Peter is ideal for the purpose. And since Brown expounded these glorious directions from God for 344 pages, you may be sure that he left no jewel of truth unrevealed. He shone each gem until they reflect the brightness of the Gospel of the glory of Christ. Would that he had been enabled to finish the epistle!" -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Clark, Samuel (1684-1750), A Collection of the Promises of Scripture; or, The Christian Inheritance. Alternate titles: CLARKE'S SCRIPTURE PROMISES; COLLECTION OF THE PROMISES OF SCRIPTURE; CHRISTIAN INHERITANCE; SCRIPTURE PROMISES; OR, THE CHRISTIAN'S INHERITANCE.
Clarke, Samuel (1684-1750), A Collection of the Promises of Scripture Under Their Proper Heads. In two Parts. . . . With an Appendix, . . . And an Introduction, . . . by Samuel Clark, e-text.
"Notes: With the text in the Authorised version. Reproduction of original from the British Library."
Clarke, Samuel (1684-1750, compiler), Precious Bible Promises, revised edition, ISBN: 0915684071 9780915684076.
*De Graaf, Simon Gerrit, Promise and Deliverance, 4 volumes (Scarsdale, NY [Westminster Discount Book Service, P.O. Box 125H, Scarsdale 10583]: Westminster Discount Book Service, 1977). Translated from the Dutch by H. Evan Runner and Elisabeth Wichers Runner. A Christian classic.
"A landmark in interpreting the simple stories of the Bible . . . an invaluable resource for teachers, ministers, and parents." -- Christianity Today
"In Scripture, religion means covenant. By His Word, God called into being an order of creation culminating in man. By that Word He also gave man His favor and brought him into a life of conscious covenantal fellowship with Himself. As De Graaf himself puts it: 'Without covenant, there is no religion, no conscious fellowship between man and God, no exchange of love and faithfulness. Without the covenant, man would be just an instrument in God's hand. When God created man, He had more than an instrument in mind: He made a creature that could respond to Him. . . .'
"This renewed insight into Biblical revelation is the perspective undergirding De Graaf's treatment of all Bible stories. It makes his book a unique presentation of God's revelation of Himself in the covenant and keeps his interpretations of the stories from degenerating into mere moralizing. Religion is not morality." -- H. Evan Runner
"I highly recommend this book. One of the best books available." -- R.C. Sproul
Erskine, Ebenezer (1680-1754), A Serious Address to the Christian World: or, The Precious Promises of the Most High God, to Repenting Sinners. Found in the manuscripts of . . . Mr. Ebenezer Erskine . . . Glasgow, 1789. Available (THE WORKS OF EBENEZER ERSKINE), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Hocking, David L., The Promises of Jesus.
*Lockyer, Herbert, All the Promises of the Bible, ISBN: 0310281318.
"A devotional expositional compilation of all the promises [about 3,300 of the approximate 8,810 promises -- compiler], that are found in Scripture." -- Publisher
"Lockyer's in-depth look at the scope of God's promises arranges them in categories that cover the full array of human concerns, from the spiritual to the material and the corporate to the personal. As you come to understand God's promises and how they apply to every aspect of your life, you'll gain a trust in God that will sustain you through the worst of times and be your source of rejoicing in the best.
"Dr. Herbert Lockyer was born in London in 1886, and held pastorates in Scotland and England for 25 years before coming to the United States in 1935. In 1937 he received the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Northwestern Evangelical Seminary. In 1955 he returned to England where he lived for many years. He then returned to the United States where he continued to devote time to the writing ministry until his death in November of 1984." -- Publisher
May, William J., The Promises of Jesus: Twenty Addresses for Sisterhoods and Women's Fellowships.
*Nelson, Thomas, Publishers, Precious Bible Promises, 367 pages, ISBN: 0840753543 9780840753540.
Some of the 37,000 promises from the Word of God arranged by theme. Convenient for use in counseling. Good when you need help fast. Text is the New King James Version, pocket size.
Nelson, Thomas, Publishers, Promises of Jesus, ISBN: 0840753993.
Selections from the Bible with full-color photographs.
Owen, John (1616-1683), The Stedfastness of Promises, and the Sinfulness of Staggering: Opened in a Sermon Preached at Margarets in Westminster Before the Parliament Febr. 28. 1649. Being a day set apart for solemn humiliation throughout the nation. By John Owen minister of the Gospel, 1650. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Pike, Samuel (1717-1773), and Samuel Hayward (1718-1757), Living With the Promises and Threats of God's Word.
In RELIGIOUS CASES OF CONSCIENCE ANSWERED IN AN EVANGELICAL MANNER . . . TO WHICH IS ADDED THE SPIRITUAL COMPANION; OR, THE PROFESSING CHRISTIAN TRIED AT THE BAR OF GOD'S WORD; AND CHARACTER OF THE HAPPY MAN, 1866.
Living With the Promises and Threats of God's Word
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/living-with-the-promises-and-threats-of-gods-word.php
*Power, Philip Bennett (1822-1899), The "I Wills" of Christ, ISBN: 0851514294. Alternate title: THE, I WILLS, OF CHRIST: THOUGHTS UPON SOME OF THE PASSAGES IN WHICH THE WORDS, I WILL, ARE USED BY THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.
"Power (1822-1899), first did this work in 1862. It has 382 pages. Not many other books have ever taken this approach. These statements of Christ deal with healing, invitation, reception, confession, service, comfort, disposal, subjection, and glorification. . . . These wonderful 'I wills' of the Savior contain the very promises of God to secure salvation for us." -- GCB
*Pribble, Stephen, and The Westminster Assembly of Divines (1643-1652), Scripture Index to the Westminster Standards. Alternate title: THE COMPLETE SCRIPTURE INDEX TO THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION (1646), LARGER AND SHORTER CATECHISMS. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press.
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/index01.htm
Bordwine, James, A Guide to the Westminster Standards: Confession of Faith and Larger Catechism (Unicoi, TN: (The Trinity Foundation), ISBN: 0940931303 9780940931305.
Includes a unique, 100-page topical index to both the Confession and the Catechism.
Renwick, James (1662-1688), Christ our Righteousness. A Choice Sermon, Preached by the Reverend Mr. James Renwick From Revel. iii. 4 [Revelation 3:4], Falkirk, 1775. Available in (A CHOICE COLLECTION OF VERY VALUABLE PREFACES, LECTURES, AND SERMONS, PREACHED UPON THE MOUNTAINS AND MUIRS OF SCOTLAND, IN THE HOTTEST TIME OF THE LATE PERSECUTION. BY MR. JAMES RENWICK), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in (A CHOICE COLLECTION OF VERY VALUABLE PREFACES, LECTURES, AND SERMONS, PREACHED UPON THE MOUNTAINS AND MUIRS OF SCOTLAND, IN THE HOTTEST TIME OF THE LATE PERSECUTION. BY MR. JAMES RENWICK), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
Ryan, James, Bible Promises for Growing Christians, ISBN: 0805450149 9780805450149.
Ryan, James, Bible Promises for Soul-winners, ISBN: 0805450718 9780805450712.
Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), Thomas Goodwin (1600-1680), and Philip Nye (1596?-1672), Yea and Amen: or, Pretious Promises, and Privileges. Spiritually Unfolded in Their Nature and vse. Driving at the assurance and establishing of weak beleevers. By R. Sibbs D.D. master of Katherine Hall in Cambridge, and preacher of Grayes Inne London. Reviewed by himselfe in his life time, and since perused by T.G. and P.N., 1638. Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Faith's Checkbook, ISBN: 0938453025. Alternate title: THE CHEQUE BOOK OF THE BANK OF FAITH: BEING PRECIOUS PROMISES ARRANGED FOR DAILY USE (1893).
"A promise from God may very instructively be compared to a check payable to order. It is given to the believer with the view of bestowing upon him some good thing. It is not meant that he should read it over comfortably and then have done with it. No, he is to treat the promises as a reality, as a man treats a check. He is to take the promise and endorse it with his own name by personally receiving it as true." -- C.H. Spurgeon
"In the Preface of his devotional volume containing 365 brief, experimental comments on the promises which Spurgeon has chosen, the renowned preacher tells us that so many of these promises are true because they were fulfilled in his own experience during a time of 'wading in the surf of controversy,' and also when 'sharp bodily pain succeeded mental depression, accompanied both by bereavement, and affliction in the person of one dear as life. Never were the promises of Jehovah so precious to me as at this hour.' Thus it was to help other sufferers that Spurgeon prepared this comforting book." -- Publisher
Faith's Checkbook, a daily devotional by C.H. Spurgeon
http://archive.org/details/thechequebookoft00purguoft
*Spurstowe, William (1605?-1666), The Wells of Salvation Opened: or, A Treatise Discovering the Nature, Preciousness, Usefulness of Gospel Promises, and Rules for the Right Application of Them. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"THE WELLS OF SALVATION . . . may well we the best book ever written on God's promises. The book contains the main content of several sermons which are introduced by Spurstowe in a preface. He writes, 'The promises are a large field in which the wise Merchant may find more pearls hidden, than are yet espied: A rich mine in which the diligent laborer may dig forth more fine gold, than any yet have taken from them'." -- Joel Beeke, from the Foreword
The Wells of Salvation Opened
http://www.apuritansmind.com/puritan-favorites/william-spurstowe-1605-1666/
*Westminster Assembly of Divines (1643-1652), Scripture Index to the Westminster Standards (The complete Scripture index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms). Available on Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/index01.htm
Bordwine, James, A Guide to the Westminster Standards: Confession of Faith and Larger Catechism (Unicoi, TN: (The Trinity Foundation), ISBN: 0940931303 9780940931305.
Includes a unique, 100-page topical index to both the Confession and the Catechism.
Wilde, Gary (editor), Amazing Grace: God's Promises of Freedom from Guilt and Shame, ISBN: 0840742266 9780840742261.
Wilde, Gary (editor), Bible Promises to Treasure for Business Professionals: Inspiring Words for Every Occasion, ISBN: 0805493336 9780805493337.
Wilde, Gary (editor), Bible Promises to Treasure for Couples: Inspiring Words for Every Occasion, ISBN: 1558197133 9781558197138.
Wilde, Gary (editor), Bible Promises to Treasure for Dads: Inspiring Words for Every Occasion, ISBN: 1558197109 9781558197107.
Wilde, Gary (editor), Bible Promises to Treasure for Graduates: Inspiring Words for Every Occasion, ISBN: 1558197141 9781558197145.
Wilde, Gary (editor), Bible Promises to Treasure for Grandparents: Inspiring Words for Every Occasion, ISBN: 080549331X 9780805493313.
Wilde, Gary (editor), Bible Promises to Treasure for Men: Inspiring Words for Every Occasion, ISBN: 080549328X 9780805493283.
Wilde, Gary (editor), Bible Promises to Treasure for Moms: Inspiring Words for Every Occasion, ISBN: 1558197117 9781558197114.
Wilde, Gary (editor), Bible Promises to Treasure for New Believers: Inspiring Words for Every Occasion, ISBN: 0805493611 9780805493610.
Wilde, Gary (editor), Bible Promises to Treasure for the New Millennium: Inspiring Words for Every Occasion: Blue Leather, ISBN: 0805493891 9780805493894.
Wilde, Gary (editor), Bible Promises to Treasure for Newborns: Inspiring Words for Every Occasion, ISBN: 0805493328 9780805493320.
Wilde, Gary (editor), Bible Promises to Treasure for Newlyweds: Inspiring Words for Every Occasion (Bible Promises to Treasure), ISBN: 0805493913 9780805493917.
Wilde, Gary (editor), Bible Promises to Treasure for Parents, ISBN: 1558197125 9781558197121.
Wilde, Gary (editor), Bible Promises to Treasure for People in Recovery: Inspiring Words for Every Occasion: Green Leather, ISBN: 0805493905 9780805493900.
Wilde, Gary (editor), Bible Promises to Treasure for Teachers: Inspiring Words for Every Occasion, ISBN: 0805493883 9780805493887.
Wilde, Gary (editor), Bible Promises to Treasure for Teenagers: Inspiring Words for Every Occasion, ISBN: 0805493301 9780805493306.
Wilde, Gary (editor), Bible Promises to Treasure for Tough Times: Inspiring Words for Every Occasion, ISBN: 155819715X 9781558197152.
Wilde, Gary (editor), Bible Promises to Treasure for Victorious Living: Inspiring Words for Every Occasion, ISBN: 0805493921 9780805493924.
Wilde, Gary (editor), Bible Promises to Treasure for Women: Inspiring Words for Every Occasion, ISBN: 0805493298 9780805493290.
Wilde, Gary (editor), Free From the Past: Bible Promises for Adult Children of Alcoholics, ISBN: 0840732449 9780840732446.
Wilde, Gary (editor), Healing for Today Hope for Tomorrow/God's Promises for Overcoming Codependency, ISBN: 0840732457 9780840732453.
Wilde, Gary (editor), Hope for the Hungry Heart: God's Promises for Overeaters, ISBN: 0840732430 9780840732439.
Wilde, Gary (editor), Renewed Each Day: Bible Promises for Overcoming Chemical Dependencies, ISBN: 0840732465 9780840732460.
Wilde, Gary (editor), A Very Present Help: God's Promises for Those who are Grieving a Loss, ISBN: 0840742274 9780840742278.
*Wilkerson, David R., Commandments and Promises of Jesus Christ, ISBN: 0830702733.
Willard, Samuel (1639-1707), and Increase Mather, Covenant-keeping the way to Blessedness, or, A Brief Discourse Wherein is Shewn the Connexion Which There is Between the Promise, on God's Part; and Duty, on our Part, in the covenant of grace as it was delivered in several sermons, preached in order to solemn renewing of covenant. By Samuel Willard teacher of a church in Boston in New-England.
Samuel Willard was pastor of a Church of Christ in Boston and Vice-President of Harvard College. See his other works.
Word Publishing, God's Promises for the Golden Years, ISBN: 0849951704 9780849951701.
"It is a collection of verses from God's inspired Word, organized into topics that address the issues faced by those in mid-life and beyond. This superbly organized, thoughtful collection responds to many areas of interest and concern. . . ." -- CRM
See also: The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The promises of Christ, Bible promises, Promises of christ appearing in the web edition of biblical counsel: resources for renewal, Prayer, Topical listings of scripture useful in counseling, Proverbs, Psalms, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 2878-2888 (see "Promises" in the General Index TCRB5)
Nave's Topical Bible -- Promises
http://bible.crosswalk.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T3997
*Westminster Shorter Catechism Project
"Click on any of the individual questions below to get the answer and Biblical references, as well as links to works by John Flavel, Thomas Watson, Thomas Boston, James Fisher, and John Whitecross, and others."
http://www.shortercatechism.com/
Words of Christ Appearing in The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappa.html
Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. (Isaiah 6:3b)Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:7,8)
For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (Isaiah 55:10,11). See the annotation in The Reformation Study Bible.For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:26)
Mr. Graham and all of us who work with him are convinced that the Holy Spirit works most effectively and powerfully through the written Word of God . . . We believe that the last thing you should leave with anyone you counsel is God's Word. The Truth is indeed a powerful tool and no words of man will change the heart as the Word of God will. -- Charles Riggs
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Christian Counselor's Wordbook: A Primer of Nouthetic Counseling. Alternate title: THE LANGUAGE OF COUNSELING and THE CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR'S WORDBOOK: A PRIMER OF NOUTHETIC COUNSELING, ISBN: 0310510619 9780310510611.
" 'One of the major unifying themes in my rather zigzag career has been the central place language holds in all the activities in which I have been involved.' Language and labels matter, because in the battle for men's minds language and ideas are the principal weapons: 'Ideological attack, rather than physical attack, has been Satan's most successful ploy.' The words counselors and counselees use matter, and this book pushes you to take stock of the words you say and hear. Counselors must 'deliberately adopt new words and constructions that more aptly express the biblical facts in each counseling situation'. . . .
"150 pithy (from a paragraph to a page), comments on counseling subjects from 'Action' to 'Worry.' Keyed to more extensive discussions of each topic in seventeen of Adams's pre-1981 books. As an example, the three paragraphs on 'conscience' contain more good sense than a shelf-full of books on 'self-esteem.' Answers misunderstandings of nouthetic counseling (e.g., 'confrontation' and 'flesh')." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Helps for Counselors: A Mini-Manual for Christian Counseling, 63 pages. Reprint of the helps from the back of THE CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR'S NEW TESTAMENT.
Contains: Counselor's quick check list, Fifty failure factors, Remarks and responses, Counseling outlines (for various problems), The counselor's topical worklist, and so forth.
*Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling, 202 pages, ISBN: 1889032468 9781889032467.
"THE PRACTICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CHRISTIAN COUNSELING is designed to afford Christian counselors quick reference as well as comprehensive access to the chief principles and practices of biblical counseling. It is called an 'encyclopedia' because a counselor interested in surveying the gamut of those principles and practices will find in this volume a wider variety of subjects than may be located in any other book of biblical counseling. The counseling described here is truly 'Christian' with method and content firmly rooted in careful biblical exegesis. At the same time it is 'practical' because articles consist not merely of definitions and descriptions, but also of application of the material useful to Christian counselors. Although not necessarily the only way these biblical principles can be applied, they are the fruit of years of study and experience in biblical counseling. In short, the book is designed as an aid to the working counselor who needs a quick reference guide. We trust that God will use it to His glory and to the blessing of His people." -- Preface
Some subject include: Abortion | Abuse | Admonition | Adultery | Adversity | Affliction | Aggravation | Anger | Answers | Apology | Assurance | Attitude | Authority | Balance | Behavior | Bizarre behaviour | Breakdown | Christ | Church | Commandments | Confession | Confidentiality | Contentment | Correction | Corruption | Counseling | Crises | Data gathering | Deceit | Dependence | Discipling | Divorce | Doctrine | Drugs | Education | Empathy | Evangelism | Example | Foolishness | Forgetfulness | Forgiveness | Godliness | Gospel | Gossip | Habit | Heresy | Hope | Hostility | How-to | Idolatry | Jesus | Joy | Justification | Legal matters | Legalism | Lying | Marriage | Promises of god | Put on/put off dynamic | Quickening | Radical amputation | Rage | Reconciliation | Referral | Rejuvenation | Repentance | Sanctification | Scripture | Sex | Sin | Teaching | Temptation | Testing | Think list | Thought | Training.
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The use of the Scriptures in Counseling, ISBN: 0801000998 9780801000997.
"A positive perspective on and method for using the Bible in counseling. The Bible, properly understood and used, is a textbook for counseling. It must be used telically, that is, paying attention to the Holy Spirit's purpose in each passage. 'The Scriptures are the peculiar product of the Counselor Himself. . . . Problems in living can be understood properly only when the basic dimension of sin is seen in them.' Has four cases from the Christian Counselor's Casebook, annotated with ideas on how to apply Scripture. Closes with a list of key passages from Scripture on 50 topics, from 'Adultery' and 'Anger' to 'Work' and 'Worry'. (This list of passages is also reprinted in Christian Counselor's New Testament, Helps for Counselors and Ready to Restore)." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
"The place, significance, and application of the Bible to today's counseling problems."
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What to do on Thursday: A Layman's Guide to the Practical use of the Scriptures, 135 pages, ISBN: 087552074X 9780875520742.
"Making the Bible practical is the author's gift. Sunday is not the Christians only day. This book is designed to bridge the gap in personal application of scriptural principles learned. This method of using the Scriptures will excite you all over again.
"This book contains a 'method that, if faithfully followed, will make your Bible a practical Book that you can use, not only on Sunday but on Thursday, and every other day in the week, to solve the problems that you encounter in daily living.' The Bible was written to be used in daily life, but few Christians have ever been taught how to use it. How do you locate (Bible information, pp. 19-49), understand (Bible interpretation, pp. 53-98), and apply (Bible implementation, pp. 101-134), relevant Scripture? Bible information includes a basic orientation to Scripture. Bible interpretation teaches principles of accurate interpretation, how to use Bible study tools, and how to pursue the intent (telos) of a passage. Bible implementation teaches you how to adapt truth to varying life situations. 'Christians must become actors, not reactors. They must learn to choose and develop goals, structure their lives and become actors who consciously do whatever they do in order to attain biblical goals'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
Anderson, Ken, Where to Find it in the Bible, ISBN: 0785211578 9780785211570.
"This A to Z listing of topics puts key Scriptures at your fingertips without a lot of fancy theological language. There are 3700 different subjects, circumstances, and situations! Bible versions: NKJV, KJV, NRSV, NIV, CEV, and others." -- Publisher
"This book is alive! It covers topics right out of my daily life (like leadership, politics, and management), that I've never been able to find so easily in a traditional concordance. Then, as the title says, it shows me where to find them in the Bible. I'm using it as one of my key organizational development tools." -- Dr. John Rivera, consultant, researcher, and educator
This work could be used in combination with THE NEW TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE for deeper and broader studies.
Asquith, Glenn H., Jr., Family Passages, ISBN: 0805454489 9780805454482.
All Bibles in this listing, "Topical Listings of Scripture Useful in Counseling" follow here instead of alphabetically.
*[Bible, 1599 Geneva Bible], Calvin, John (1509-1564), et al. [John Knox, Theodore Beza, Miles Coverdale, William Whittingham, Anthony Gilby, Martin Luther, and others], Peter A. Lillback (foreword), Tolle Lege Press (preface), Gary DeMar (Notes to the Modern Reader), Marshall Foster (The History and Impact of the Geneva Bible), 1599 Geneva Bible, (Tolle Lege Press), 1400 pages, ISBN: 0975484699 9780975484692 0975484613 9780975484616 0975484621 9780975484623. Available (Tolle Lege Press restoration) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"When the Pilgrims arrived in America in 1620, they brought along supplies, a consuming passion to advance the Kingdom of Christ, a bright hope for the future, and the Word of God. Clearly, their most precious cargo was the Bible. The GENEVA BIBLE, printed over 200 times between 1560 and 1644, was the most widely read and influential English Bible of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. This superb translation was the product of the best Protestant scholars of the day and became the Bible of choice for many of the greatest writers, thinkers, and historical figures of that time [but the translation was surpassed by the AUTHORIZED KING JAMES VERSION in 1611, see 'Textual Criticism' -- compiler]. The GENEVA BIBLE is unique among all other Bibles. It was the first Bible to use chapters and numbered verses and became the most popular version of its time because of the extensive marginal notes. These notes, written by Reformation leaders such as John Calvin, John Knox, Miles Coverdale, William Whittingham, Anthony Gilby, and others, were included to explain and interpret the scriptures for the common people. For nearly half a century these notes helped the people of England, Scotland, and Ireland understand the Bible and true liberty. King James despised the GENEVA BIBLE because he considered the notes on key political texts to be seditious [to question the Divine Right of Kings -- compiler] and a threat to his authority. Unlike the KING JAMES VERSION, the GENEVA BIBLE was not authorized by the government. It was truly a Bible by the people and for the people. You can see why this remarkable version with its profound marginal notes played a key role in the formation of the American Republic. Until now, the only complete version available was a large, cumbersome, and difficult-to-read facsimile edition. But this new edition contains all the original words and notes [see the errata listing below -- compiler], but the type set has been enlarged and the font style change for today's reader." -- Publisher
"This is the Bible that eventually put an end to Feudalism in Europe, strengthened Puritans, Quakers, and came to America on the Mayflower. This was the first Bible published in the language of the common people, the first Bible to contain commentary and verse numbers, and the first Bible written in English from Greek and Hebrew texts available from Constantinople, not from the Latin Vulgate. The dynamite in this Bible is the commentary accounting for about one third of its length.
"The Church of England and King James were so upset they determined to create a new translation. They called it the KING JAMES VERSION. They choose to use language so formal and grand, even by the standards of those days, that the common people would find it difficult to understand. The GENEVA BIBLE was found seditious by its insertions of commentary that spoke directly about the priesthood of lay believers, the church as naturally anti-oligarchy, and setting forth some other ideas considered anarchy by the King, but meaning freedom to the masses who read it. . . .
"Important facts to remember about this Bible. The Reformation was strong in England and the Lollards were a lay group of huge influence that had to go underground. English Christian theologians, not Catholics and not Anglicans, fled in huge numbers to Geneva for freedom. Geneva was not part of Switzerland at that time, because Geneva was its own city-state. . . . The GENEVA BIBLE was printed 1560-1644. THE KING JAMES VERSION was published in 1611. The GENEVA BIBLE was against the law to own. . . ." -- Reader's Comment
Available "in printed formats with various binding options from Tolle Lege Press. Tolle Lege Press has given Puritan Downloads permission to provide a PDF copy of their retypeset and fully searchable edition of the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE (Copyright 2006-2008, Tolle Lege Press), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"The GENEVA BIBLE is the Puritan Bible with Reformation promoting marginal notes authored by prominent leaders of the Reformation (during the time of John Calvin and John Knox). The New Testament was translated out of the Greek, by Theodore Beza. The GENEVA BIBLE was the predominant English translation during the period in which the English and Scottish Reformations gained great impetus.
"Iain Murray, in his classic work on revival and the interpretation of prophecy, THE PURITAN HOPE, notes,
The two groups in England and Scotland developed along parallel lines, like two streams originating at one fountain. The fountain was not so much Geneva, as the Bible which the exiles newly translated and issued with many marginal notes . . . it was read in every Presbyterian and Puritan home in both realms. (p. 7)"This time also saw the rise of the forces for covenanted Reformation against the corruption and abuses of prelacy and the royal factions. Darkness was dispelled as people read this Bible and saw for themselves that there is no authority above the Holy Scriptures. Discerning this truth, it became apparent that the civil tyranny and the heretical superstitions imposed by Pope, King and Bishops were to be resisted unto death, if necessary (i.e. because these innovations in church and state were opposed to the Kingship of Christ and the law of His kingdom, as set forth in Holy Scripture).
The notes of TOMSON'S NEW TESTAMENT of 1576, which took the place of the New Testament of the Bible of 1560 in many editions from 1587 onward, are entirely different from those in the GENEVA BIBLE. They are taken from Beza's Latin Testament, and are controversial and strongly Calvinistic."Furthermore, Eason cites Pocock (a rabid anti-Calvinist), in the same book,
The changes adopted in the GENEVA BIBLE and New Testament synchronize with the gradual spread of the Calvinistic heresy and the contemporaneous development of hatred of the whole Papal system of doctrine. The notes attacked the Sacramental teaching of the Church, substituting for it the Calvinistic doctrines of election and reprobation. They taught that Sacraments are nothing more than signs and seals of grace previously given to the elect. All passages about the Sacraments are explained away.("We cite this quote, though it is full of a good deal of devilish nonsense, to demonstrate that even the enemies of biblical truth recognized the powerful impact that the GENEVA BIBLE was having in furthering the Protestant Reformation, as well as to show that the notes in the later versions of the GENEVA BIBLE were moving in the direction of a more distinct testimony against error and for the truth." -- RB) -- Publisher
(1) The editions that follow the first edition of 1560."In our opinion, the notes in the 1599 edition were the most faithful to Scripture." -- The Genevan Bible, Notes on its Production and Distribution [Of course, the judgment and candor of Calvin are renown. This Bible played a key role in the Reformation, and anyone not using it 'will be the poorer for their neglect.' However, very few works are without caveats. Calvin used the LATIN VULGATE. His comments had to be translated from French. Experts (see 'Textual Criticism'), consider the authorized KING JAMES VERSION to be the most accurate translation. It used a literal approach to translation of the Traditional Text, which is referred to today as the Majority Text or Textus Receptus. Beza's translation of the New Testament is in a different category. One is urged to not neglect the knowledge developed over 400 years of Reformed scholarship since 1599. For example, compare the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE (1400 pages, 1366 in the Tolle Lege restoration edition), annotation with the annotation, theological notes, text notes, scripture notes, and other study aids of the NEW GENEVA STUDY BIBLE (2228 pages), with its own noted caveats. -- compiler]
(2) The editions in which TOMSON'S NEW TESTAMENT of 1576 is substituted for the 1560 New Testament.
(3) The Bibles from 1598 that contain the Notes on Revelation of Francis Junius."
Excerpts from two articles on the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE may be read at the Puritan Downloads site: "The Forgotten Translation," Gary DeMar, President of American Vision and Honorary Member of the 1599 Geneva Bible Advisory Board, and "Introduction to the 1599 Geneva Bible," Marshall Foster, President of the Mayflower Institute, Member of the 1599 Geneva Bible Advisory Board.Word-for-word accuracy with the 1599 Geneva Bible [see the errata listing below -- compiler]
Original cross references
Modern spelling
Original study notes by Reformers
Old English Glossary
2-page Family Tree Chart
Presentation page with several family registry pages
Easy-to-read print [see the errata listing below -- compiler]
Size: 8.75" X 11.5"
Approximately 1,400 pages." -- Publisher
1599 Geneva Bible, Tolle Lege Press Restoration, Fourth Printing, 2008, Probable Errata ListingGenesis 1:11 "So that we see it is the only power of God's word that maketh the earth fruitful, which else naturally is barren.
Genesis 1:12 "This sentence is so oft repeated, to signify that God made all his creatures to serve to his glory, and to the profit of man: but for sin they were accursed, yet to the elect, by Christ they are restored, and serve to their wealth.
Genesis 2:16 "So that man might know there was a sovereign Lord, to whom he owed obedience.
Genesis 2:17 "By this death he meaneth the separation of man from God, who is our life and chief felicity: and also that our disobedience is the cause thereof.
Genesis 3:4 "This is Satan's chiefest subtlety, to cause us not to fear God's threatenings.
Genesis 4:5 "Because he was an hypocrite, and offered only for an outward show without sincerity of heart.
Genesis 9:6 "Not only by the magistrate, but oft times God raiseth up one murderer to kill another.
Therefore to kill man is to deface God's image, and so injury is not only done to man, but also to God.
Psalm 37:1,7,11 "1 This Psalm containeth exhortation and consolation for the weak, that are grieved at the prosperity of the wicked, and the affliction of the godly. 7 For how prosperously soever the wicked do live for the time, he doth affirm their felicity to be vain and transitory, because they are not in the favor of God, but in the end they are destroyed as his enemies. 11 And how miserably that the righteous seemeth to live in the world, yet his end is peace, and he is in the favor of God, he is delivered from the wicked, and preserved.
Psalm 37:5 "Be not led by thine own wisdom, but obey God, and he will finish his work in thee.
Psalm 37:6 "As the hope of the daylight causeth us not to be offended with the darkness of the night: so ought we patiently to trust that God will clear our cause and restore us to our right.
Psalm 37:8 "Meaning, except he moderate his affections, he shall be led to do as they do.
Psalm 37:12 "The godly are assured that the power and craft of the wicked shall not prevail against them, but fall on their own necks, and therefore ought patiently to abide God's time, and in the meanwhile bewail their sins, and offer up their tears, is a sacrifice of their obedience.
Psalm 37:16 "For they are daily fed as with Manna from heaven, and have sufficient, when the wicked have never enough, but ever hunger.
Psalm 37:25 "Though the just man die, yet God's blessings are extended to his posterity, and though God suffer some just man to lack temporal benefits, yet he recompenseth him with spiritual treasures.
Psalm 37:29 "They shall continually be preserved under God's wings, and have at least inward rest.
Psalm 37:30 "These three points are required of the faithful, that their talk be godly, that God's law be in their heart, and that their life be upright.
Psalm 37:37 "He exhorteth the faithful to mark diligently the examples both of God's mercies, and also of his judgments.
Psalm 37:39 "He showeth that the patient hope of the godly is never in vain, but in the end hath good success, though for a time God prove them by sundry tentations.
John 1:1 "The Son of God is of one, and the selfsame eternity or everlastingness, and of one and the selfsame essence or nature, with the Father.
"From his beginning, as the Evangelist saith, 1 John 1:1, as though he said, that the world began not then to have his being, when God began to make all that was made: for the word was even then when all things that were made, began to be made, and therefore he was before the beginning of all things.
"Had his being.
"This word, That, pointeth out unto us a peculiar and choice thing above all other, and putteth a difference between this Word, which is the Son of God, and the Laws of God, which otherwise also are called the word of God.
"This word (With) putteth out the distinction of persons to us.
"This word (Word) is the first in order in the sentence, and is that which the learned call (Subjectum) and this word (God) is the latter in order, and the same which the learned call (Predicatum).
John 1:3 "The son of God declareth that same his everlasting Godhead, both by the creating of all things, and also by the preserving of them, and especially by the excellent gifts of reason and understanding, wherewith he that beautified man above all other creatures.
"Paul expoundeth this place, Col. 1:15 and 16 [Colossians 1:15,16].
"That is, as the Father did work, so did the Son work with him: for he was fellow worker with him.
"Of all those things which were made, nothing was made without him.
Jude 1:24 "He commendeth them to the grace of God, declaring sufficiently that it is God only that can give us that constancy which he requireth of us.
Hebrews 13:8b "all precepts of manners, and that is this: That we ought to quiet and content ourselves in Christ only: for there was yet never any man saved without the knowledge of him, neither is at this day saved, neither shall be saved hereafter.
Revelation 4:9 "God is said to have glory, honor, kingdom, and such like given unto him, when we godly and reverently set forth that which is properly and only his." -- excerpts from 1599 Geneva Bible, Tolle Lege Press, 2006, 2007)
*[Bible, 1599 Geneva Bible Notes], Geneva Bible Notes, 1599
The GENEVA BIBLE contained "marginal notes which were heavily influenced by John Calvin, John Knox, and many other leaders of the Reformation. The GENEVA BIBLE was the predominant English translation during the period in which the English and Scottish Reformations gained great impetus. Iain Murray, in his classic work on revival and the interpretation of prophecy, THE PURITAN HOPE, notes that, 'the two groups in England and Scotland developed along parallel lines, like two streams originating at one fountain. The fountain was not so much Geneva, as the Bible which the exiles newly translated and issued with many marginal notes . . . it was read in every Presbyterian and Puritan home in both realms.' (p. 7). This time also saw the rise of the forces for covenanted Reformation against the corruption and abuses of prelacy and the royal factions. Darkness was dispelled as people read this Bible and saw for themselves that there is no authority above the Holy Scriptures.
"Although most people today have never heard of the GENEVA BIBLE, it was so popular from 1560 to 1644 that it went through 140 plus printings. The reason for its popularity among the faithful is obvious: the marginal notes promoted a full-orbed, nation-changing Protestantism. . . !
" 'By 1599, the GENEVA BIBLE . . . added many Calvinist annotations for household use' (Bremer, The Puritan Experiment, p. 12). A number of the notes argued for family worship and instruction by the head of the household. Puritanism in the British Isles is known as an effort to continue the Reformation of the church in the area of worship and church government. However, the Puritans also sought to reform the family life according to Biblical principles . . . as a result of their efforts they 'were creators of the English Christian marriage, the English Christian family, and the English Christian home'." (J.I. Packer, A Quest for Godliness, p. 260) -- Publisher
1599 Geneva Bible Notes
http://www.reformedreader.org/gbn/en.htm
For other GENEVA NOTES text see the following:
*[Bible, 1672, King James Bible With the Geneva Bible Notes], King James Bible With the Geneva Bible Notes, 1672.*KING JAMES BIBLE WITH THE GENEVA BIBLE NOTES, 1672,
1599 GENEVA BIBLE, Tolle Lege Press restoration,
THE 1599 GENEVA BIBLE, TOLLE LEGE ONLINE EDITION,
"1599 GENEVA BIBLE, Tolle Lege Press Restoration, Fourth Printing, 2008, Probable Errata Listing," and
"A Resolution That Tolle Lege Press and White Hall Press of Chicago Complete the Limited Modernization of the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE Begun in 2004."
[Bible, index], Bible Index Pocketbook, ISBN: 0877880778 9780877880776.
[Bible, Nave's Complete Word Study Topical Bible], Nave, Orville J., and Warren Baker, Nave's Complete Word Study Topical Bible (King James Version), 1963 pages, ISBN: 0899576796 9780899576794.
There are significantly differences in vocabulary and coverage in this work compared to other topical listings of scripture. It is felt that for in-depth studies it would complement THE NEW NAVE'S TOPICAL BIBLE, THOMPSON'S EXHAUSTIVE TOPICAL BIBLE, and other topical listings.
WordSearch Bible Software no longer sells the CD-ROM accompanying the book.
"Arrangement of Scripture quotes and references under more than 22,000 topics and subtopics [based on NAVE'S TOPICAL STUDY BIBLE, it lists over 6,000 main topics, with over 16,000 subtopics -- compiler], with an index of Strong's numbers for every word in the text of the KJV Bible.
"Dr. Warren Baker is the Senior Editor of AMG Publishers in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He is co-author of The Complete Word Study Dictionary: Old Testament, and the general editor of The Complete Word Study Old Testament. He also served as managing editor of The Complete Word Study New Testament, The Compete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament, and The Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible.
"Dr. Baker holds several degrees: B.A., Clearwater Christian College; M.Div., S.T.M., and D.R.E., Faith Theological Seminary. He served as Assistant Professor of Old Testament at Faith Seminary until he began his career in Christian publishing fourteen years ago." -- Publisher
[Bible, New Naves Topical], *Nave, Orville (1841-1917), and Edward Viening (revised and compiled), The New Nave's Topical Bible, new and enlarged (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1986), 1114 pages, ISBN: 0310337100 9780310337102. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language.
NAVE'S is a way of finding what the Bible teaches on any subject. Unlike a concordance it has the verses printed right within the book.
Formerly THE ZONDERVAN TOPICAL BIBLE. Edward Viening was responsible for the compilation and revision of this 1969 work. This revised edition has 21,000 subject-heads rather than 20,000, but does not have the extensive Scripture references which still appear only in the Hendrickson edition. Nearly 6500 listings with more than 100,000 Scripture references and 1114 pages. Very useful in counseling also.
Dr. D. James Kennedy says he has used it for 30 years and considers it an indispensable aid. Billy Graham has said he uses it more than any other book except the Bible in the preparation of his sermons.
Nave's Topical Bible
http://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/naves-topical-bible/
What the Bible Says About (WBSA)
"What The Bible Says About (WBSA), [a website where the NEW NAVES TOPICAL BIBLE may be searched -- compiler], is based on the NEW NAVE'S TOPICAL BIBLE, a revision of the classic reference work, NAVE'S TOPICAL BIBLE, which was written in the later part of the 19th century by Dr. Orville Nave. The original NAVE'S was revised and expanded by James Swanson. The resulting NEW NAVE'S TOPICAL BIBLE is Copyright 1997 Logos Research Systems, Inc."
https://wbsa.logos.com/Home
Nave's Topical Bible: A Digest of the Holy Scriptures (1903)
http://archive.org/details/navestopicalbibl00nave
[Bible, Open Bible], Open Bible, Classic Edition (KJV), 1856 pages, ISBN: 9780718014803 0718014804.
Both the THOMPSON CHAIN REFERENCE BIBLE and THE OPEN BIBLE were originally prepared using the KJV, so there would be advantage to not mixing KJV and NKJVs when using both Bibles for topical studies.
"Are you ready for an intense and contemplative study of the Word? The KJV OPEN BIBLE, CLASSIC EDITION is designed for the hungry reader. This Bible is filled with amazing study aids including comprehensive book introductions and outlines, 64-page concordance, Read-Along references and translation notes, and the Classic Biblical Cyclopedic Index covering over 8,000 textual entries. The KJV OPEN BIBLE, CLASSIC EDITION also features a Seven-step Method on How To Study the Bible, a Visual Survey of the Bible, The Christian's Guide to New Life, and The Greatest Archaeological Discoveries of the Bible. This outstanding Bible is available in hardcover, bonded leather and genuine leather with color choices of black, burgundy and tan." -- Publisher
"While this bible clearly reflects a general Evangelical Protestant perspective on Christianity, it is not so narrowly focused that non-evangelicals could not benefit from it. Moreover, while the OPEN BIBLE had been available in other translations in the past (i.e., NASB, NKJV, NLT), it was originally designed around the KJV, so one could argue that this is the grand-daddy of all KJV Study Bibles. Also, this Bible has all the essential helps and aids of many other decent Study Bibles, but without the overly-intrusive notes and annotations which render some so-called 'study bibles' as little more than running commentaries.
"No, it does not have the annotations of the NKJV Open Bible, as one disappointed reviewer noted below. If you want a great study bible in that translation with great notes, check out the NELSON STUDY BIBLE (NKJV) -- perhaps the best annotated evangelical Study Bible in any translation on the market [see also the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE, and THE REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE: THE WORD THAT CHANGES LIVES -- THE FAITH THAT CHANGED THE WORLD, NEW KING JAMES VERSION -- compiler]. However, if you want a KJV study edition of the Scriptures with all the helps but few intrusive study notes, than this is it.
"Not only does this bible have cross references, extensive book introductions and outlines, numerous articles on Bible topics, the now famous Cyclopedic Index, the Visual Survey of the Bible, Concordance, the words of Christ in red, and full color maps with an index, it also has the Christian's Guide to the New Life Study Outlines.
"The fact that the notes to this study are 'chained' throughout the Bible provides no small convenience for the reader. Keyed to the Christian's Guide to the New Life Study Outlines, these notes are bound by a common theme (the New Life Study itself), without being too intrusive or verbose. . . ." -- Reader's Comment
*[Bible, Reformation Study Bible], The Reformation Study Bible: The Word That Changes Lives -- the Faith That Changed The World, New King James Version, ISBN: 0785258523 9780785258520. Previously published under the title NEW GENEVA STUDY BIBLE: BRINGING THE LIGHT OF THE REFORMATION TO SCRIPTURE, ISBN: 0840710917 9780840710918.
"The NEW GENEVA STUDY BIBLE offers a restatement of Reformation truth for Christians today. The first Geneva Bible was a pivotal force in the Reformation. Using the everyday language of its time, it opened the pages of Scripture to readers and provided helpful notes to assist them in understanding its message. It became the family Bible of the English people, and was the Bible that the Pilgrims brought to the New World. Since that time a multitude of English translations and study Bibles have appeared, but none of these has incorporated a summary of Reformed theology." -- Thomas Nelson Publishers
Also available in digital format from Logos Bible Software.
Geneva Bible Notes: Reviews of the 1599 and the 1672 editions of the Notes, and of the Reformation Study Bible
http://www.lettermen2.com/geneva.html
Readers of THE REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE should also be familiar with the Geneva Bible Notes, The Westminster Family of Documents, the doctrine of the Mediatorial Dominion of Jesus Christ, and the literature of the Covenanted Reformation.
The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646, The Westminster Standards), and Related Works: A Study Guide
http://www.lettermen2.com/suggest.html
The Covenanted Reformation of Scotland Author/Title Listing
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chb.html#crsstl
Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, William L. Roberts D.D.
http://archive.org/details/ReformedPresbyterianCatechism
*[Bible, Thompson Chain Reference Bible, KJV, 5th Improved Edition], Thompson, Frank Charles (editor), and Kirkbride Bible and Technology (other contributor), Thompson Chain Reference Bible, KJV, (KJV, Adult, Regular Size, Bonded Leather, Black, Indexed, Kirkbride Bible Company Item Number: 978-0-88707-527-8), 5th improved edition, leather bound (Kirkbride Bible Company, December 2005), some editions include a CD-ROM, language: English, French, and Spanish. Many editions and bindings are available. WorldCat Record for 5th Improved Edition, ISBN: 0887071228 9780887071225 9780887076091 0887076092.
"Dr. Frank C. Thompson, D.D., Ph.D., invested more than forty years in compiling and developing the remarkable Chain-Reference system that is the heart of the Bible that now bears his name." -- Publisher
This is a huge body of work: the fully cross-referenced Bible, 1619 pages, plus Bible helps, 788 pages, for a total of 2417 pages. It may be used profitably in combination with THE NEW TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE (1680 pages), THE NEW GENEVA STUDY BIBLE (THE REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE), (2220 pages), THE GENEVA BIBLE (648 pages), THE THOMPSON EXHAUSTIVE TOPICAL BIBLE: KING JAMES VERSION (1631 pages), and THE NEW NAVE'S TOPICAL BIBLE (1114 pages).
"The topics from the TOPICAL BIBLE can easily be found in the General Index of the THOMPSON CHAIN-REFERENCE BIBLE. In the General Index are found the chain-reference numbers that will guide the user into the biblical context for many of the topics. The many additional resources in the THOMSPON CHAIN-REFERENCE BIBLE . . . will greatly supplement any topical study." -- Introduction to the TOPICAL BIBLE
We feel that both THE THOMPSON CHAIN-REFERENCE BIBLE, KING JAMES VERSION, 5TH EDITION, and the THOMPSON EXHAUSTIVE TOPICAL BIBLE: KING JAMES VERSION has a part in every reference library, particularly the libraries of Biblical Counselors.
Remember the Thompson Chain-Reference System was developed for the Authorized King James Version. It is also available in New American Standard, New King James, and the New International versions.
"A THOMPSON STUDY BIBLE will help you in ways other Bibles can't. It's the unique Chain-Reference System that allows you to follow any subject, person, place or idea, from the front of your Bible to the end. THOMPSON users say it's the best way to study your Bible. No other Bible has this superb, patented, Thompson Chain Reference System developed by Dr. Frank C. Thompson in 1890. Since that time, thousands of additional topics and links have been added. The AKJV 4th edition has been out-of-print since 1988. The 5th edition began printing in 1988. The only way to find a 4th edition would be in the secondary market." -- Publisher
"Some Thompson Bible Features [from among 75 additional study features]:
*[Bible, Thompson Exhaustive Topical Bible: King James Version], Thompson, Frank Charles (author), Paul M. Hillman (editor), John Stephen Jauchen (editor), The Thompson Exhaustive Topical Bible: King James Version (Indianapolis, IN: Kirkbride Bible Company, Inc., 1997). Hardcover, 1631 pages.
This is a topical Bible compiled from the Thompson Chain-Reference System.
"NAVE'S TOPICAL BIBLE was edited into a Study Bible format shortly after the appearance of the original THOMPSON CHAIN-REFERENCE BIBLE. It is fitting for Thompson's Study Bible to be reformatted into a reference book. And where there is room in the marketplace and on every serious student's bookshelf for more than one Bible translation, so there is room for more than one Topical Bible -- and great value in the use of both Nave's and Thompson's work. . . ." -- John R. Kohlenberger III, from the Foreword
"Now, the detailed and comprehensive topical and subject data that forms the heart of the unparalleled Thompson Chain-Reference system is offered in this -- the most exhaustive topical Bible currently available! Combining to make THE THOMPSON EXHAUSTIVE TOPICAL BIBLE unique are features which include:
End of Bible section. Alphabetization resumes.
Bobgan, Martin, and Deidre Bobgan, CONFRONTING the Biblical Counseling Foundation's Self-Confrontation Manual. A PsychoHeresy Awareness Position Paper (PsychoHeresy Awareness Ministries, 4137 Primavera Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93110).
"While we no longer recommend any manuals or training programs for biblical counseling, we would issue the following recommendations for changing the manual and for restraints if the BCF manual is to be used at all."
http://www.psychoheresy-aware.org/images/bcfpaper.pdf
*Bordwine, James E., A Guide to the Westminster Standards: Confession of Faith and Larger Catechism (Unicoi, TN: The Trinity Foundation), ISBN: 0940931303 9780940931305.
One way to be strengthened and encouraged in times of trouble, discouragement, and depressions is to read pure doctrine to remind oneself of what is in fact true.
"In this volume are the complete texts of the WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646), (both the original and American versions), and the LARGER CATECHISM, together with Scripture proofs and a unique topical index to both the Confession and the Catechism. A GUIDE TO THE WESTMINSTER STANDARDS will be a great help in understanding the Bible and its most complete summaries, the Westminster Standards." -- Publisher
Boykin, Caroline, The Well-versed Family: Raising Kids of Faith Through Do-able Scripture Memory, ISBN: 1598867687 9781598867688.
*Broger, John C. (developer/editor, 1915-2002), Self-Confrontation: A Manual for In-depth Discipleship: Based on the Old and New Testaments as the Only Authoritative Rule of Faith and Conduct, Alternate title: COURSE I: THE SELF-CONFRONTATION SYLLABUS FOR BIBLICAL COUNSELING TRAINING, ISBN: 0785282467 978-0785282464 and Course I: Self-Confrontation Tapes (10 cassette tapes [audio file]), (Rancho Mirage, CA: Biblical Counseling Foundation).
"Contains 24 weekly lessons intended to move a person through the change process personally as the foundation for working on becoming a counselor (Matthew 7:1-5). Intended for Sunday school and other classes or personal study. The first eight lessons lay the biblical foundation for change. The grace of the God in the gospel of Jesus Christ is spring of all true change, and it prompts a self-confrontation: 'Man's way is oriented to self: to please self, to comfort self, to rely on self, to fulfill self, to forgive self, to exalt self, and to love self. . . . [God's way], emphasizes that you are to live for Him.' The next thirteen lessons treat particular problem areas: selfishness, anger, interpersonal conflict, marriage and family, depression, fear, life-dominating sins. The final three lessons summarize and set the foundation for Course II, Biblical Counseling Training." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
"Helps Christians solve their personal problems Biblically and equips laymen and women to counsel others Biblically within the church." Particularly valuable for its system of identifying root problems in counseling cases. Some of the material presented is from various writings by Jay E. Adams. The audio cassette tape [audio file], series by John Broger is designed to accompany the course and includes practical examples."
Biblical Counseling Foundation
http://bcfministries.org
Burkett, Larry, What the Bible Says About Money: A Topical Concordance Containing Every Verse in the Bible Related to Money and Personal Financial Matters, ISBN: 0943497752 9780943497754.
"This is actually a 'topical concordance' to every verse in the Bible relating to money and personal financial matters. A valuable reference and study tool for pastors, students, teachers and all serious Christians." -- GCB
Butler, Paul, What the Bible Says About Civil Government, ISBN: 0899002668 9780899002668.
*Calvin, John (1509-1564), The Institutes of the Christian Religion, 2 volumes, ISBN: 0664220207 9780664220204. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. A Christian classic.
"Edited by John McNeill and translated by Ford Lewis Battles, this is the definitive English language edition of one of the monumental works of the Christian church -- Calvin's INSTITUTES.
"Still considered by many to be the finest explanation and defense of the Protestant Reformation available.
"The work is divided into four books: I. The Knowledge of God the Creator, II. The Knowledge of God the Redeemer in Christ, III. The Mode of Obtaining the Grace of Christ, IV. The External Means or Helps by Which God Allures us Into Fellowship With Christ and Keeps us in it. . . . THE INSTITUTES is praised by the secular philosopher, Will Durant, as one of the ten books that shook the world." -- GCB
Calvin spent a lifetime writing and perfecting INSTITUTES OF CHRISTIAN RELIGION. His Prefatory Address makes it clear that he intended the work to be a defense of Christianity to the King of France.
Therefore, plainly stated, one of the most influential works ever published in the English language is a defense of Christianity to leaders of State.
Prefatory Address to His Most Christian Majesty, The Most Mighty and Illustrious Monarch, Francis, King of the French, His Sovereign, John Calvin. Available in THE INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION.
"Indeed, this consideration makes a true king: to recognize himself a minister of God in governing his kingdom. Now, that king, who in ruling over his realm does not serve God's glory, exercises not kingly rule but brigandage. [Footnote: 'Nec iam regnum ille sed latrocinium exercet.' An echo of Augustine's famous phrase: 'When justice is taken away, what are kingdoms [[regna]] but a vast banditry [[magna latocinia]]?' City of God, IV. iv (MPL [[Migne, J.P., Patrologiae cursus completus, series Latina]], 41. 115; tr. NPNF [[A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, second series]], II. 66)]. Furthermore, he is deceived who looks for enduring prosperity in his kingdom when it is not ruled by God's scepter, that is, his Holy Word; for the heavenly oracle that proclaims that where prophecy fails the people are scattered [Prov. 29:18 (Proverbs 29:18)], cannot lie." (Battles translation)
"The characteristic of a true sovereign is, to acknowledge that, in the administration of his kingdom, he is a minister of God. He who does not make his reign subservient to the divine glory, acts the part not of a king, but a robber. He, moreover, deceives himself who anticipates long prosperity to any kingdom which is not ruled by the sceptre of God, that is, by his divine word. For the heavenly oracle is infallible which has declared, that where there is no vision the people perish (Proverbs 29:18), (Beveridge translation)."
See the entire Prefatory Address, Beveridge translation. Considered to be one of the greatest prefaces ever written.
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/institutes.ii.viii.html
"The doctrines of covenant liberty were rediscovered in the Reformation. John Calvin went further than anyone else in defining liberty and what Christians need to do to maintain it. Includes bibliographies."
It is recommended that INSTITUTES OF CHRISTIAN RELIGION be used for daily devotions and may be used in combination with Ford Lewis Battles and John Walchenbach, AN ANALYSIS OF THE INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION OF JOHN CALVIN and with CALVIN'S COMMENTARIES.
Calvin's Commentaries at BibleStudyGuide.org
http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_index.htm
Calvin's Commentaries, complete
From the Calvin Translation Society edition.
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/commentaries.i.html
One Hundred Aphorisms, Containing, Within a Narrow Compass, the Substance and Order of the Four Books of The Institutes of the Christian Religion
http://www.lettermen2.com/pringle.html
Contents and Chapter Sections for Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion, 1559 (McNeill/Battles)
http://www.lettermen2.com/icrcont.html
Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion; A New Translation by Henry Beveridge (1845), Volume: 1
http://archive.org/details/instituteschrist01calvuoft
Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion; A New Translation by Henry Beveridge (1845), Volume: 2
http://archive.org/details/institutesofreli02calvuoft
Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Beveridge translation
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/institutes.iii.vii.html
Monergism: Commentaries
From Mongergism.com search "commentaries."
http://www.monergism.com
*Gill, John (1697-1771), The Cause of God and Truth: In Four Parts: With a Vindication of Part IV From the Cavils, Calumnies, and Defamations of Mr. Henry Heywood, ISBN: 0801037611 9780801037610. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.
"In 10 massive volumes [The publisher appears to be referring to all of Gill's works: JOHN GILL'S EXPOSITION OF THE ENTIRE BIBLE, A BODY OF DOCTRINAL DIVINITY, A BODY OF PRACTICAL DIVINITY, THE CAUSE OF GOD AND TRUTH, THE PROPHECIES OF THE OLD TESTAMENT LITERALLY FULFILLED IN JESUS, and SERMONS AND TRACTS. -- compiler], John Gill presents one of the best Biblical reference books of all time. One of the most acclaimed Hebraists of his time, Gill's amazing cross-referencing of Biblical subjects and Scripture are as yet unequaled. This outstanding set of books, with superlatively thorough indexing of all scriptural references supports the doctrine of grace as well as classifies controversial and hard to understand biblical texts. Gill defends God and Truth with critical Biblical exegesis, systematically dismantling flawed beliefs. A great tool!" -- Publisher
"John Gill's, THE CAUSE OF GOD AND TRUTH, examines all the Arminian verses in the Bible and explains their meaning." -- John W. Robbins
Gill, John, The Cause of God and Truth (1736)
http://archive.org/details/causegodandtrut00gillgoog
Henry, Matthew (1662-1714), William T. Summers (editor), The Quotable Matthew Henry, ISBN: 0800753348. Alternate title: A TOPICAL INDEX TO MATTHEW HENRY'S COMMENTARY ON THE WHOLE BIBLE.
"More than 3000 phrases of scriptural truths taken from his COMMENTARY ON THE WHOLE BIBLE that are arranged topically and indexed Biblically. Formerly A TOPICAL INDEX TO MATTHEW HENRY'S COMMENTARY ON THE WHOLE BIBLE." -- GCB
Kruis, John G., Quick Scripture Reference for Counseling, ISBN: 0801091020 9780801091025.
"Revised edition is 30 pages longer than first edition, with expanded and additional entries. 'The Scriptures are ideally suited for any and every counseling occasion. . . . As you do the Lord's work, the Holy Spirit is always the primary counselor, and He works powerfully, sovereignly through His own Word.' Bible passages -- some brief, some lengthy -- that treat over 50 topics are assembled and arranged systematically. 'They are arranged so that you can see at a brief glance the gist or thrust and the significance of each text or passage as it relates to the topic under which it is listed.' The purpose is to give counselors a ready reference and a source of homework assignments." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
"Scripture references for 87 subjects which makes this an ideal tool for Christian counselors plus more than 15 blank addenda pages. Quotations are from the NIV. Spiral bound." -- GCB
Adultery -- Affliction -- Alcohol -- Anger -- Anxiety -- Assurance -- Bitterness -- Blameshifting -- Brooding -- Calls to repentance and obedience -- Changing -- Chastisement -- Children -- Church -- Church discipline -- Comfort -- Commandments -- Communication -- Communion of saints -- Conscience -- Contentment -- Coveting -- Death -- Decision making -- Depression -- Discipline -- Divorce -- Drug abuse -- Eternal life -- Evil desires -- Example -- Faith in God -- False prophets, teachers -- Fear -- Forgiveness of sins -- Forgiving others -- Friendships -- Giving -- Gossip -- Hate -- Homosexuality -- Hope -- Hot temper -- Husband/wife relationships -- Imitating Jesus -- Laziness -- Leading a person to Christ -- Loving and serving others -- Loving God -- Lust -- Lying -- Marriage -- Mixed marriages -- Obedience -- Overcoming evil -- Overcoming sin -- Peace -- Peacemakers, peacekeepers -- Persecution -- Prayer -- Priorities -- Progressive sanctification -- Providence of God -- Repentance -- Resentment -- Rest -- Salvation -- Self-centeredness -- Self-control, self-discipline -- Self-pity -- Sex life -- Sexual immorality -- Temptation -- Training children -- Trials -- Trust -- Waiting on the Lord -- Warnings -- Work -- Worry -- Youth.
*Martin, Robert P., A Guide to the Puritans: A Topical and Textual Index to the Writings of the Puritans and Some of Their Successors Recently in Print, 546 pages, ISBN: 0851517137 9780851517131.
"I owe an enormous debt to the Puritans, the most prolific and accurate expounders of the biblical principles upon which the Reformation was built. Their concern for vital godliness in every area of the Christian's experience has rightly earned for them the title 'theologians of the Christian life.' Their writings are a rich banquet table loaded with solid nourishment for God's people. . . .
"There are many more qualified to index the Puritans than I. Had someone more acquainted with the Puritans' works and more schooled in their history and theology undertaken this project, the end product would have been vastly superior. My primary qualification is that I have been willing to undertake the task. I will not be surprised if those who use this volume find many things which could be done better, especially in the topical index. My hope, however, is that those who find flaws will favor me with their suggestions for improvement, so that if future editions come from the press, the people of God will be served better than at present.
"In determining which writers and works to index, I have been guided and restrained by several principles. First, I have deliberately chosen a broad definition of the term Puritan. Instead of the narrow ecclesiastical sense, i.e., of referring only to those in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries who desired reformation in the national church of England, I am using the term Puritan in the broader religious sense of those advocating the experimental, Calvinistic religion which the Puritans exemplified. Moreover, I have cast my net even farther to take in those who have looked to the Puritans as their nearest theological kin; thus including such men as Archibald Alexander, Charles Hodge, B.B. Warfield, W.G.T. Shedd, John Murray, and many other modern Puritans.
"Second, with reference to older writers, I have limited my efforts to recently republished works. Many valuable works, of course, have not reappeared in our day, but are available only in libraries and private collections. I have not tried to include any such items. A comprehensive index of the entire body of Puritan writings would be a wonderful resource, but it is quite beyond my ability to undertake such a project.
"Third, though I have tried to include all the older works currently available, I have indexed only a sampling of works from living writers. Some may question my choices or judge that I have overlooked important new works and authors in the Puritan mold. I sincerely regret overlooking any volume worthy of notice. My only defense is that my knowledge of living authors is much less than my awareness of the proven guides of the past. For the most part I have limited new works to those published by the Banner of Truth Trust, confident that these works have passed through a fine grid of review, and would not bear the Banner label if they were not clearly in the Puritan tradition.
"Fourth, doubtless some users of this index will be disappointed that several important precursors to the Puritans are missing. For example, except for the notice of a few well-known works, Calvin and Luther are not indexed. The same is true of Augustine. The contribution of these men to reformed and Puritan thinking cannot be overestimated. Including their works, however, was not possible, given my present constraints. I regret this greatly.
"Among nineteenth-century figures, the most prominent absence is that of C.H. Spurgeon. Spurgeon certainly is worthy of a place in this work; however, since a textual and topical index of his sermons already exists, I chose not to duplicate that work here.
"In our own century, the ministry of D.M. Lloyd-Jones has produced a large body of useful material in the Puritan tradition; however, unlike his contemporary, John Murray, no collection of Dr. Lloyd-Jones's writings is yet available. Much that Dr. Lloyd-Jones preached is now published in commentary form (e.g., his expositions of the Sermon on the Mount, Romans, Ephesians, etc.), and is not included in this index because of my decision not to index commentaries. I have indexed the Doctor's topical works that were available to me. Those wanting more information on Dr. Lloyd-Jones's writings should consult the bibliography found at the end of volume two of Iain Murray's biography. [LLOYD-JONES, D. MARTYN: THE FIGHT OF FAITH, 1939-1981 -- compiler]
"The Scripture Index was easy to produce. Where a specific text (or texts), of scripture served as the basis for a sermon or treatise, it is included in the Scripture Index at the appropriate place. This does not mean, however, that every work listed in the Scripture Index contains a detailed exegesis of the text to which it is attached. Often the Puritans used texts as the starting points for topical sermons or series. What follows is not so much an exposition of the text but an exposition of a theme which the text epitomizes. Such sermons do not always answer to the needs of the technical exegete, but they often serve as catalysts for doctrinal and practical observations on the text.
"A few whole commentaries are found in the Scripture Index. These are present only because they are included in an author's collected writings. Many more commentaries could have been included; however, those appearing before 1870 are catalogued already in Spurgeon's COMMENTING AND COMMENTARIES. Many fine commentaries in the Puritan tradition also have appeared since 1870; but I have made no effort to produce what would in fact have been an update of Spurgeon's work.
"The Topical Index was extremely difficult to construct. Two problems constantly intruded themselves into the process. First, when I began, no list of topics was ready at hand. My method therefore was to compile the list of topics as I went along. The end product doubtless is less accurate than if the topics had been set from the beginning. Second, Puritan sermons are not always capable of being reduced to one or two key ideas. Frequently the Puritans ranged across a wide field of related themes in a single sermon. Where this occurred, properly placing the sermon in the Topical Index was difficult. In most cases I was guided by either the author's title or his doctrine summary, i.e., a statement expressing the theme of the sermon. I have tried to exercise as much care as possible in indexing topically; however, those more familiar with individual sermons or treatises perhaps will question my decisions. Again, I hope that observations which may improve this work will be communicated to me. . . . I have included comments with some entries. It was not possible to do this for every entry. For the most part, I did this where I felt that a word was needed to clarify the emphasis of a given work. . . ." -- Robert P. Martin in the Preface, August 1996, Seattle, Washington
Miller, Patricia A., and Keith R. Miller, Quick Scripture Reference for Counseling Youth, ISBN: 0801066085 9780801066085.
*Nelson (Thomas Nelson editors), Nelson's Topical Bible Index, ISBN: 0785211241 9780785211242.
"Offers pastors, Bible scholars, and laypeople ready-to-use information and quick answers to Bible questions. It organizes key Scripture references with context summaries under 8,000 topics and sub-topics, including names, places, things, concepts, events and doctrines. Includes brief definitions that are useful for personal study or lesson preparation." -- Publisher
Norris, Bill, What the Bible Says About Growing Old, ISBN: 0899002587 9780899002583.
*Owen, John (1616-1683), Biblical Theology or: The Nature, Origin, Development, and Study of Theological Truth, in 6 books, ISBN: 1877611832 9781877611834. A Christian classic.
"Owen wrote 24 volumes, and only 23 have been available in reprint. BIBLICAL THEOLOGY, has been in Latin, and this is the first-ever English edition of this important work. It was translated into English by Dr. Stephen Westcott. It contains six sections, tracing theology from Adam to the present. Appendixed is Owen's DEFENSE OF SCRIPTURE AGAINST FANATICISM, which has much to say in the current discussions with Charismatics. J.I. Packer says, 'All the qualities we expect of Owen -- the focus on God, the passion for Christ, the honoring of the Holy Spirit, the shattering depth of insight into human sinfulness and perversity, the concern for holiness, the radical view of regeneration, the vision of the church as a spiritual fellowship that worships, the distrust of philosophical schemes and styles for dealing with divine things, the celebration of God's wisdom in giving the Scriptures in the form in which we have them-all are seen here'." -- Publisher
"The present treatise is vintage Owen, searching and spiritual, devotional and doxological, the product of a masterful mind and a humble heart." -- J.I. Packer from the Foreword
"Biblical Theology is that which starts with Genesis and builds teachings based only on what the particular writers have to say about a topic, building the theme together as one progresses through Scripture. "Systematic Theology" is that which takes a topic (i.e., the atonement), and finds all applicable texts from all over Scripture to form a concise teaching of that doctrine." -- Reader's Comment
*Owen, John (1616-1683), Christologia: or A Declaration of the Glorious Mystery of the Person of Christ, God and man . . . by John Owen. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN.
Christologia: or A Declaration of the Glorious Mystery of the Person of Christ, God and man
http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/ipb-e/epl-owchristol.html
*Owen, John (1616-1683), The Complete Works of John Owen, 16 volumes, ISBN: 0851513921 9780851513928. Alternate title: THE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN. A Christian classic. See Volume 1 for annotation on all 16 volumes. Many separate works by Owen may be found in the Puritan Hard Drive and the Reformation Bookshelf 30 CD Set.
John Owen "is by common consent not the most versatile, but the greatest among Puritan theologians. For solidity, profundity, massiveness and majesty in exhibiting from Scripture God's ways with sinful mankind there is no one to touch him. . . ." -- J.I. Packer in A Quest for Godliness, p. 81
"To master his works is to be a profound theologian." -- C.H. Spurgeon
"The Banner of Truth Trust completed in May, 1968, the re-issue of the complete English works of Owen, his seven volumes on the Epistle of Hebrews excepted. All of these volumes 'are of the greatest value' (Dr. Lloyd-Jones), but for newcomers to Owen we especially recommend the four volumes in the Practical Division (vols. 6-9). . . ." -- William J. Grier
"His works on communion, Christian life, and the person and glory of Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit, etc. are of the utmost value to any serious-minded Christian." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), Introductory Essay to John Owen's The Death of Death in the Death of Christ.
J.I. Packer's Introduction to The Death of Death in the Death of Christ by John Owen
http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/packer_intro.html
The Death of Death in the Death of Christ: Redemption and Reconciliation That is in the Blood of Christ (Limited Atonement), 1 of 33, [audio file]
An audio file reading by Still Waters Revival Books from THE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN. Currently (October 2018), there are 77 readings of John Owen by SWRB and Reformed Baptist of Holland (Michigan), (Thomas Sullivan), at SermonAudio.com available for listening online, downloading as MP3 files, [audio file], and listening on iPhone, mobile phones, and MPE players.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=47081639571
*Owen, John (1616-1683), The Glory of Christ, ISBN: 0851511236, 9780851511238. A Christian classic. The Glory of Christ, Puritan Paperback Series edition, ISBN: 0851516610 9780851516615. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN. Available (THE GLORY OF CHRIST), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Included are three treatises on the deity of Jesus Christ: A DECLARATION OF THE GLORIOUS MYSTERY OF THE PERSON OF CHRIST (1679), MEDITATIONS AND DISCOURSES ON THE GLORY OF CHRIST (1684), and MEDITATIONS AND DISCOURSES CONCERNING THE GLORY OF CHRIST APPLIED (1691).
"With regard to the glory of Christ's divine person, Owen's treatises remain unsurpassed. Thomas McCrie writes of Owen's works on Christ in Volume 1, 'Of all the theological works published by individuals since the Reformation, next to Calvin's INSTITUTES, we should have deemed it our highest honour to have produced [these]'." -- Joel R. Beeke
"In THE GLORY OF CHRIST . . . we have the great Puritan pastor and theologian, John Owen, at his richest and most mature. Here he writes about Jesus Christ, the heart of the Gospel, with biblical insight and understanding that is at times almost overwhelming for a contemporary reader.
"These chapters were written during the final period of Owen's life, and began simply in his personal meditation and study, before being shared with others in public ministry. Deep love for, and fervent devotion to Christ, is evident on every page. Owen had already seen the glory of Christ from afar and pondered long on its significance. Here he speaks from his proximity to eternity, and teaches us how to see Christ more clearly and to serve him more faithfully.
"The publishers are convinced that THE GLORY OF CHRIST is a spiritual treasure-cave to which many readers will return again and again throughout the whole of their lives. Its sole purpose is to renew and deepen devotion to Jesus Christ." -- Publisher
"In THE GLORY OF CHRIST . . . we have the great Puritan pastor and theologian, John Owen, at his richest and most mature. Here he writes about Jesus Christ, the heart of the Gospel, with biblical insight and understanding that is at times almost overwhelming for a contemporary reader.
"These chapters were written during the final period of Owen's life, and began simply in his personal meditation and study, before being shared with others in public ministry. Deep love for, and fervent devotion to Christ, is evident on every page. Owen had already seen the glory of Christ from afar and pondered long on its significance. Here he speaks from his proximity to eternity, and teaches us how to see Christ more clearly and to serve him more faithfully.
"The publishers are convinced that THE GLORY OF CHRIST is a spiritual treasure-cave to which many readers will return again and again throughout the whole of their lives. Its sole purpose is to renew and deepen devotion to Jesus Christ." -- Publisher
Contains: Life of Owen, the Person of Christ, Glory of Christ, and two short catechisms.
*Pilgrim Publications, Complete Index to the New Park Street Pulpit and the Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, 24 pages.
"Notes: Reprinted from Spurgeon's COMMENTING AND COMMENTARIES."
*Pink, Arthur W. (1886-1952), Profiting From The Word, ISBN: 0851510329 9780851510323.
"Pink is recognized as one of the finest Christian writers of the twentieth century. Includes: The Scriptures and Sin, God, Christ, Prayer, Good Works, Obedience, the World, the Promises, Joy, and Love. Comprised of excerpts from the author's magazine, Studies in the Scriptures." -- GCB
*Pink, Michael, Tough Questions, Straight Answers.
"A great topical arrangement of Scriptures on modern subjects that our children bump up against everyday. Just Bible passages. Highly recommended." -- GCB
*Pribble, Stephen, and The Westminster Assembly of Divines (1643-1652), Scripture Index to the Westminster Standards. Alternate title: THE COMPLETE SCRIPTURE INDEX TO THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION (1646), LARGER AND SHORTER CATECHISMS. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press.
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/index01.htm
Bordwine, James, A Guide to the Westminster Standards: Confession of Faith and Larger Catechism (Unicoi, TN: (The Trinity Foundation), ISBN: 0940931303 9780940931305.
Includes a unique, 100-page topical index to both the Confession and the Catechism.
Powlison, David (1949-2019), William P. Smith, and The Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation, Counsel the Word: A Selection of Readings,
*Ray, Bruce A., Jay Adams (foreword), Withhold not Correction, ISBN: 0875524001 9780875524009.
"If children were animals then behavioral manipulation would be appropriate. If children were innocent then diverting them into other activities when they are angry or selfish would be appropriate. But children bear the image of God, distorted by sin and correctable by the Gospel. 'The tablet is not blank: it's filled with sin.' Therefore child-rearing is a process of correction and reorientation, and it must be guided by Scripture. Contrary to how it is often viewed, 'discipline is not hate; discipline is love.' Lays out eight principles for biblical correction of children. Closes with a 'Parents' Topical Reference' to Bible passages on two dozen issues relevant to children." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
"This is an exceptional book for the parent who seriously searches the Word of God for His will in rearing children. His constant aim is to display the Scripture bearing on his subject in order to 'bring our children into a subordinate relationship to the living God.' He uses often the term, Biblical discipline, and he applies this not only to the use of the rod to correct, but also the use of prayer with the child, the constant attention to shaping the child's character, etc. He quotes from many good authors, such as Charles Bridges and Charles Hodge. Very good!" -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
*Regent University Staff, The Word on Management: A Topical Index of Scriptures for Managers, Supervisors and Employees, ISBN: 1555741258 9781555741259.
"A topical index of Scriptures for managers and employees by the Regent University staff." -- GCB
Richards, Lawrence O., Personal Ministry Handbook, ISBN: 0801077362 9780801077364.
Rockstad, Ernest B., The Healing of the Mind (Andover, KS: Faith and Life Publications). Available in The Mind: Satan's Base of Operations (2 Cor. 11:3), [2 Corinthians 11:3], 4 audio cassettes [audio file].
A booklet explaining how to be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Romans 12:2). Filled with references to Scripture.
Shewan, Edward (editor), Great Bible Passages: Treasures From the Word, ISBN: 1555130186 9781555130183.
*Smith, Jerome H. (editor), The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, revised and expanded (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1997), 1664 pages, ISBN: 0785212272 and 0785213155. Includes bibliography, subject index, topic number index, Proverbs index, name index, figure of speech index, and other indexes. See the index to Proverbs.
"An incredible one-volume Bible reference library, this comprehensive update of the original TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE [TSK] is a unique resource for Bible study, teaching, or preaching. This edition contains nearly 100,000 new cross references, additional key words, a new system of symbols, and many other improvements. This is the most comprehensive collection of time-saving and insightful cross references ever published! Dozens of special study aids help you develop powerful lessons or sermons -- straight from the Bible itself! Dr. John MacArthur, Jr. says: 'The one book, apart from the Bible itself, that I value most in my studies'." -- Logos Research Systems
Smith, Jerome, The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
http://www.logos.com/product/1214/the-new-treasury-of-scripture-knowledge
"For generations, the TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE [original edition by R.A. Torrey -- compiler], has been an enduring cross reference resource for Bible students worldwide. This highly respected and nearly exhaustive compilation of cross references was developed by R.A. Torrey from references in the REV. THOMAS SCOTT'S COMMENTARY and THE COMPREHENSIVE BIBLE. With nearly 500,000 cross references it is the most thorough source available [prior to Jerome Smith's 1992 revision and update -- compiler]."
TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE is in the public domain and may be freely used and distributed. It is included at BibleStudyTools.com and may be downloaded from various websites.
Torrey, R.A., Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (former edition to NTSK)
http://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/treasury-of-scripture-knowledge/
Smith, Jerome H., Nelson's Cross Reference Guide to the Bible: Illuminating God's Word Verse-by-Verse, 2007, ISBN: 1418504599 9781418504595.
Whereas, The Holy Bible is the greatest book (Matthew 4:4; Psalm 33:6; John 1:1-14; Mark 13:31; 1 Corinthians 2:12,13; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:4; Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 119, and so forth, and so on),
Whereas, it is the best commentary on itself, a truth that came out of the Reformation,
Therefore, THE NEW TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE (NTSK) and its successor, NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE GUIDE TO THE BIBLE (NCRGB), are among the greatest and most valuable books ever printed, after The Holy Bible itself, because they allow the Bible to interpret itself.
"THE NEW TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE and NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE GUIDE TO THE BIBLE are more flexible than a concordance, more thorough than a topical Bible, and more discovery-oriented than a Bible commentary." -- Reader's Comment
Most readers will need to own both the NTSK and NCRGB. NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE GUIDE TO THE BIBLE is recommended for quick reference, because of its new format, its ease of use, and more compact size. But THE NEW TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE is also necessary for serious study, because the eight indices for the NTSK, the extensive bibliography, and most of Smith's added personal notes to about 275 verses were removed from the NCRGB.
It should also be pointed out that neither of these works are Reformed. A random check of both works showed that Smith did not consult cross references used in CALVIN'S COMMENTARIES or in the GENEVA BIBLE and NOTES, although, of course, some cross references used by Calvin and other Reformed writers appear by chance in both of Smith's works. Therefore, Reformed reader must go directly to the indices to the various commentaries of Calvin to see Calvin's cross references, and to other Reformed writers, and the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE, for their cross references.
Jerome H. Smith spent about 37 years editing and expanding THE TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE (see the Preface to NTSK). After the release of the NTSK in 1992, he continued to edit and improve it, and NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE GUIDE TO THE BIBLE was released in 2007, 15 years later. That is a total of 52 years working to improve this one reference work.
"Building on the Bible Study classic, THE TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE (with its well-known introduction by R.A. Torrey), and his own expansive THE NEW TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE, Jerome Smith has fashioned a user-friendly tool [the NCRGB -- compiler] in a much improved, altogether new format to make personal Bible study and Bible lesson preparation easier than ever before. Thanks to Smith's diligent work over many years, this volume contains a more complete collection of cross references than any Bible reference ever published." -- Publisher
"Smith compiled no less than eight indices for the NTSK: Subject Index, Topic Number Index, Prayer Index, Proverbs Index, Name Index, Figure of Speech Index, Strong's Numbers Index: Hebrew, and Strong's Numbers Index: Greek. He also provided an extensive bibliography. Leaving most of the notes he found in TSK unmodified, he added his own personal notes to about 275 verses. But the indices, bibliography, and most of the notes were removed from the NCRGB." -- Reader's Comment
"Discover how words, phrases, and concepts in one passage of the BIBLE are reflected and reinforced in the whole of Scripture. NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE GUIDE is organized in biblical sequence, making it easy for you to study a particular passage deeper than ever before.
"You'll find multiple cross references to related passages in the Old and New Testaments. Gain a richer understanding of God's Word by studying a theme through the whole counsel of Scripture.
"THE NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE BIBLE [based on the AKJV] lets the Bible interpret itself. I study with the ESV Single Column Reference Edition, NASB Reference Updated Edition (1995), and HCSB Large Print Reference. To illustrate the value of the NCRGB, for John 11:11, where Jesus states Lazarus has 'fallen asleep,' the ESV has only 1 reference, the NASB has 5, and the HCSB has 2. The NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE BIBLE has an astounding 25 references including a definition of 'Lazarus,' citation to the Strong's number (2976g). For John 1:1, the ESV has 12 references, NASB has 8 and HCSB has 6. NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE BIBLE has an astounding 61, including very helpful references from Isaiah, Psalms, Job, Jeremiah, Micah. Each set of words in John 1:1 is divided and references are provided for 'the beginning,' 'the Word,' 'with,' 'and he Word,' and 'was God.' One last example, for John 10:9 where Jesus says he's the door, ESV has 3 references, NASB has 1, and HCSB has no references. NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE BIBLE has 18, providing reference supports for key words in the verse such as 'the door,' 'if,' 'be saved,' and 'go in and out'." -- Reader's Comment
"I almost did not live to finish my editorial work on THE NEW TREASURY, for I was shot in the head by an unknown assailant on March 13, 1986, when I had typed the text only as far as 1 Samuel 3. The Lord miraculously spared my life. During my recovery I kept working on the book, often without income." -- Jerome Smith in the foreword to The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
THE NEW TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE may be used to advantage in combination with the following Bible reference works, among others:
*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), A Complete Textual Index to C.H. Spurgeon's Sermons: Published in the New Park Street Pulpit and the Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit 1855 to 1917.
*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Spurgeon's Expository Encyclopedia: Sermons, 15 volumes, ISBN: 0801081041 9780801081040.
"Classified and arranged for ready reference."
*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Spurgeon's Sermons, 10 volumes, ISBN: 0801011132 9780801011139.
"Charles Haddon Spurgeon's style was rich, racy, powerful saxon, ever clear and strong, and often eloquent. The glory of God in saving men was his ruling motif." -- E. Dargan
"This collection of SPURGEON'S SERMONS contains 250 sermons. . . The final volume includes indexes of texts and subjects, so you can easily find what Spurgeon had to say on a particular verse or topic. . . ." -- CBD
*Strong, James, The New Strong's Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, April 13, 2010, 2000 pages, ISBN: 1418541680 9781418541682 9781418542375 1418542377.
"Finally, a STRONG'S CONCORDANCE with the insight of Vine's dictionary.
"STRONG'S has long been recognized as THE concordance for the KJV. One of the most critical and highly criticized area of STRONG'S is the Greek and Hebrew dictionaries. Some have felt that these dictionaries can sometimes lead the reader to a false conclusion that these definitions are the only meaning to the words defined.
"Now with Vine's insights added to many of the Words, this complaint is lessened. Even before this edition of STRONG'S, many got by with the definitions that were found in the dictionaries.
"Now with the insights of VINE'S DICTIONARY, these definitions are more accurate and should give one added information and better clarification for many words found in the Bible. Highly recommended." -- Reader's Comment
"OK. I thought I had the 'Strongest' concordance, but when I picked this one up and looked at it, I realized that I had fallen prey to a marketeer's clever play on words. NELSON'S NEW STRONG'S EXPANDED EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE blow's Zondervan's out of the water. The substantially expanded Greek and Hebrew dictionary definitions alone make this volume indispensable to any student of God's Word who owns a KJV. Like the 'Strongest,' it has all of the nice extras like a complete topical index of the Scriptures, and convenient alphabetical page markings. It is about twice as thick as Zondervan's concordance, partly because of the 600+ pages of Greek and Hebrew dictionaries (compared to about 200 in the competitor's volume), and partly because the print is larger (and WAY clearer and easier to read), than Zondervan's. The only thing 'stronger' about the competitor's book is a better quality binding. This one isn't bad by any stretch, but Zondervan's lay-flat Smythe sewn binding is definitely better. That being said, I'm planning on giving my other concordance to my brother. This one's a keeper!" -- Reader's Comment
Torrey, R.A., Torrey's New Topical Textbook, ISBN: 0873986075 9780873986076.
Torrey's New Topical Textbook
http://www.ccel.org/t/torrey/ttt/
*Voorwinde, Steven, Wisdom for Today's Issues: A Topical Arrangement of the Proverbs, ISBN: 0875524729 9780875524726.
"The Proverbs are arranged under 55 different subjects so that they may speak to us today on many modern problems." -- GCB
*Westminster Assembly of Divines (1643-1652), Scripture Index to the Westminster Standards (The complete Scripture index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms). Available on Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/index01.htm
Bordwine, James, A Guide to the Westminster Standards: Confession of Faith and Larger Catechism (Unicoi, TN: (The Trinity Foundation), ISBN: 0940931303 9780940931305.
Includes a unique, 100-page topical index to both the Confession and the Catechism.
Willison, John A.M. (1680-1750), The Christian's Scripture Directory: Together With Resolutions by the Rev. Jonathan Edwards.
*Young, Robert (1822-1888), Young's Analytical Concordance of the Bible, revised with STRONG'S, ISBN: 0840749724 9780840749727 0840749716 9780840749710.
"Over 311,000 references. Different than STRONG'S. For example, under 'Love' there are 49 separate listings showing what Hebrew and Greek words are translated 'love.' In the back there are Hebrew and Greek lexicons which reference STRONG'S dictionaries. Nelson also corrected errors and omissions of other editions of Young's." -- GCB
Analytical Concordance of the Bible, Robert Young (1822-1888); William Barron Stevenson (1869-?), and Thomas Nicol (1846-?)
https://archive.org/details/analyticalconcor00inyoun
See also: Topical listings of scripture useful in counseling, Proverbs, topical listings, Topical bible indexes, The holy bible, The promises of christ, Bible promises, Proverbs, Proverbs, topical listings of, Wisdom books, Special listings, Questions and answers, Biblical counsel by subject, Training in Biblical counseling, Scripture memory systems, Ready references: immediate counsel on many subjects, Bible reference works, Manuals and handbooks, Cruden's, young's, and strong's concordances, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: *4312 (Practical Helps for Young People and Christian Workers Generally), 4313
The Commandments of Jesus, J.S. McConnell (1925)
http://www.wowzone.com/commandm.htm
Contents and Chapter Sections for Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion, 1559 (McNeill/Battles)
http://www.lettermen2.com/icrcont.html
The Gideons International, Bible Helps
Includes: "Where to Find Help When," "Teachings About Some of Life's Problems," "Christian Virtues and Character," and so forth.
http://www.gideons.org/
Indexes to The Complete Works of John Owen, Banner of Truth, 16 volume edition
http://spurgeon.wordpress.com/2006/11/08/download-free-index-to-the-works-of-john-owen-16-volumes/
LibraryThing member "lettermen," tag "topical"
http://www.librarything.com/catalog/lettermen&tag=topical&collection=-1
Nave's Topical Bible
http://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/naves-topical-bible/
Nave's Topical Bible -- Commandments
http://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T1189
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
http://www.biblestudytools.com/Concordances/TreasuryofScriptureKnowledge/
Words of Christ Appearing in The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappa.html
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. (Proverbs 1:7a)Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. (Proverbs 4:7)
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
As they were increased, so they sinned against me: therefore will I change their glory into shame. They eat up the sin of my people, and they set their heart on their iniquity. And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings. For they shall eat, and not have enough: they shall commit whoredom, and shall not increase: because they have left off to take heed to the LORD. Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart. (Hosea 4:6-11)
*Bridges, Charles (1794-1869), The Proverbs, ISBN: 0851510884 9780851510880.
"The best work on the Proverbs. The scriptural method of exposition so well carried out by Bridges renders all his writings very suggestive to ministers. While explaining the passage in hand, he sets other portions of the word in new lights." -- C.H. Spurgeon
"Most of the Proverbs find their basis in the Law. You will find again and again that Bridges brings this out." -- GCB
*Decker, Barbara, Proverbs for Parenting: A Topical Guide for Child Raising From the Book of Proverbs, King James Version, ISBN: 0961860839.
"An indispensable tool for parenting, this book arranges the proverbs into over 70 realistic, helpful topics. A sampling of topics covered include: trust in God, obedience, honesty, anger, self-control, temper, arguing, boasting, complaining, love, friendship, happiness, discretion, faithfulness, stewardship, work and many more." -- Publisher
An accompanying book, A COLORING BOOK OF BIBLE PROVERBS is 'a 30-page coloring book illustrating various passages from the Book of Proverbs. Can be used with or without the above hardback book'." -- GCB
Goldberg, Louis, Savoring the Wisdom of Proverbs, ISBN: 0825427339 9780825427336.
"As a Jewish believer, Goldberg leads you chapter by chapter through the Proverbs, providing topical overviews and fascinating details contained in these gems of wisdom. With clarity and simplicity, the author offers a practical guide that will have lasting significance in your life." -- GCB
Hubbard, David A., Proverbs, ISBN: 0849904218 9780849904219.
"Hubbard has done more than research Proverbs; he has researched life. Following a helpful introduction, he outlines the fundamentals of the book, builds a working knowledge base, and then matches those ancient truths to modern challenges. The material from 10:1-22:16 is handled in a topical fashion and not verse-by-verse." -- GCB
Jones, Cody L., The Complete Guide to the Book of Proverbs, ISBN: 0963894471 9780963894472.
"This is no mere collection of proverbs, but is a serious 568-page work that is for both reading and reference. The first 23 pages include a list of charts, a guide to pronunciation, and an outline of the structure of Proverbs. Pages 25-256 are a commentary on Proverbs. The comments are interesting and very readable, and they put things into a historical setting. The book includes many historical drawings and photos to give the reader a sense of the culture of the time. The next section (pages 257-315), provides a topical guide to Proverbs, with 96 topics arranged alphabetically. Each topic is amplified by one or more verses. The third principal section (pages 317-545), offers the full texts of six different versions in parallel: NEW KING JAMES, NEW REVISED STANDARD, NEW CENTURY, NEW INTERNATIONAL, KING JAMES and NEW LIVING. While some versions are more orthodox and strictly translated, others are more readable; and the ability to see all six versions of a verse on the same page spread certainly is an aid to understanding. If this book piques your interest in the book of Proverbs -- and it might -- it is well worth the cover price. There is much wisdom to be gained in Proverbs and this tool can help you uncover it." -- Reader's Comment
*Lawson, George (1749-1820), Exposition of Proverbs, ISBN: 0825431239 9780825431234. Alternate title: COMMENTARY ON PROVERBS, and PROVERBS.
"Dr. Lawson had a fertile mind and a heart alive both to the human and divine side of truth. He writes with pleasing simplicity of style. One of the highest compliments to this book is found in the fact that a distinguished American scholar issued much of it at his own expense." -- C.H. Spurgeon
"Those who are fortunate enough to possess this book will readily testify to the rich, rewarding insights to be found in this able Scot's warm devotional exposition. He knew the human heart and had the ability to teach the Word so that his hearers and readers were continually blessed." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Smith, Jerome H. (editor), The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, revised and expanded (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1997), 1664 pages, ISBN: 0785212272 and 0785213155. Includes bibliography, subject index, topic number index, Proverbs index, name index, figure of speech index, and other indexes. See the index to Proverbs.
"An incredible one-volume Bible reference library, this comprehensive update of the original TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE [TSK] is a unique resource for Bible study, teaching, or preaching. This edition contains nearly 100,000 new cross references, additional key words, a new system of symbols, and many other improvements. This is the most comprehensive collection of time-saving and insightful cross references ever published! Dozens of special study aids help you develop powerful lessons or sermons -- straight from the Bible itself! Dr. John MacArthur, Jr. says: 'The one book, apart from the Bible itself, that I value most in my studies'." -- Logos Research Systems
Smith, Jerome, The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
http://www.logos.com/product/1214/the-new-treasury-of-scripture-knowledge
"For generations, the TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE [original edition by R.A. Torrey -- compiler], has been an enduring cross reference resource for Bible students worldwide. This highly respected and nearly exhaustive compilation of cross references was developed by R.A. Torrey from references in the REV. THOMAS SCOTT'S COMMENTARY and THE COMPREHENSIVE BIBLE. With nearly 500,000 cross references it is the most thorough source available [prior to Jerome Smith's 1992 revision and update -- compiler]."
TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE is in the public domain and may be freely used and distributed. It is included at BibleStudyTools.com and may be downloaded from various websites.
Torrey, R.A., Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (former edition to NTSK)
http://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/treasury-of-scripture-knowledge/
Smith, Jerome H., Nelson's Cross Reference Guide to the Bible: Illuminating God's Word Verse-by-Verse, 2007, ISBN: 1418504599 9781418504595.
Whereas, The Holy Bible is the greatest book (Matthew 4:4; Psalm 33:6; John 1:1-14; Mark 13:31; 1 Corinthians 2:12,13; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:4; Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 119, and so forth, and so on),
Whereas, it is the best commentary on itself, a truth that came out of the Reformation,
Therefore, THE NEW TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE (NTSK) and its successor, NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE GUIDE TO THE BIBLE (NCRGB), are among the greatest and most valuable books ever printed, after The Holy Bible itself, because they allow the Bible to interpret itself.
"THE NEW TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE and NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE GUIDE TO THE BIBLE are more flexible than a concordance, more thorough than a topical Bible, and more discovery-oriented than a Bible commentary." -- Reader's Comment
Most readers will need to own both the NTSK and NCRGB. NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE GUIDE TO THE BIBLE is recommended for quick reference, because of its new format, its ease of use, and more compact size. But THE NEW TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE is also necessary for serious study, because the eight indices for the NTSK, the extensive bibliography, and most of Smith's added personal notes to about 275 verses were removed from the NCRGB.
It should also be pointed out that neither of these works are Reformed. A random check of both works showed that Smith did not consult cross references used in CALVIN'S COMMENTARIES or in the GENEVA BIBLE and NOTES, although, of course, some cross references used by Calvin and other Reformed writers appear by chance in both of Smith's works. Therefore, Reformed reader must go directly to the indices to the various commentaries of Calvin to see Calvin's cross references, and to other Reformed writers, and the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE, for their cross references.
Jerome H. Smith spent about 37 years editing and expanding THE TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE (see the Preface to NTSK). After the release of the NTSK in 1992, he continued to edit and improve it, and NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE GUIDE TO THE BIBLE was released in 2007, 15 years later. That is a total of 52 years working to improve this one reference work.
"Building on the Bible Study classic, THE TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE (with its well-known introduction by R.A. Torrey), and his own expansive THE NEW TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE, Jerome Smith has fashioned a user-friendly tool [the NCRGB -- compiler] in a much improved, altogether new format to make personal Bible study and Bible lesson preparation easier than ever before. Thanks to Smith's diligent work over many years, this volume contains a more complete collection of cross references than any Bible reference ever published." -- Publisher
"Smith compiled no less than eight indices for the NTSK: Subject Index, Topic Number Index, Prayer Index, Proverbs Index, Name Index, Figure of Speech Index, Strong's Numbers Index: Hebrew, and Strong's Numbers Index: Greek. He also provided an extensive bibliography. Leaving most of the notes he found in TSK unmodified, he added his own personal notes to about 275 verses. But the indices, bibliography, and most of the notes were removed from the NCRGB." -- Reader's Comment
"Discover how words, phrases, and concepts in one passage of the BIBLE are reflected and reinforced in the whole of Scripture. NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE GUIDE is organized in biblical sequence, making it easy for you to study a particular passage deeper than ever before.
"You'll find multiple cross references to related passages in the Old and New Testaments. Gain a richer understanding of God's Word by studying a theme through the whole counsel of Scripture.
"THE NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE BIBLE [based on the AKJV] lets the Bible interpret itself. I study with the ESV Single Column Reference Edition, NASB Reference Updated Edition (1995), and HCSB Large Print Reference. To illustrate the value of the NCRGB, for John 11:11, where Jesus states Lazarus has 'fallen asleep,' the ESV has only 1 reference, the NASB has 5, and the HCSB has 2. The NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE BIBLE has an astounding 25 references including a definition of 'Lazarus,' citation to the Strong's number (2976g). For John 1:1, the ESV has 12 references, NASB has 8 and HCSB has 6. NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE BIBLE has an astounding 61, including very helpful references from Isaiah, Psalms, Job, Jeremiah, Micah. Each set of words in John 1:1 is divided and references are provided for 'the beginning,' 'the Word,' 'with,' 'and he Word,' and 'was God.' One last example, for John 10:9 where Jesus says he's the door, ESV has 3 references, NASB has 1, and HCSB has no references. NELSON'S CROSS REFERENCE BIBLE has 18, providing reference supports for key words in the verse such as 'the door,' 'if,' 'be saved,' and 'go in and out'." -- Reader's Comment
"I almost did not live to finish my editorial work on THE NEW TREASURY, for I was shot in the head by an unknown assailant on March 13, 1986, when I had typed the text only as far as 1 Samuel 3. The Lord miraculously spared my life. During my recovery I kept working on the book, often without income." -- Jerome Smith in the foreword to The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
THE NEW TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE may be used to advantage in combination with the following Bible reference works, among others:
Souza, Francisco F. de, The Use of Proverbs in Biblical Counseling (Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Theological Seminary, D.Min. thesis, 1990).
Includes bibliography.
*Voorwinde, Steven, Wisdom for Today's Issues: A Topical Arrangement of the Proverbs, ISBN: 0875524729 9780875524726.
"The Proverbs are arranged under 55 different subjects so that they may speak to us today on many modern problems." -- GCB
See also: Topical listings of scripture useful in counseling, Proverbs, topical listings, Topical bible indexes, The holy bible, The promises of christ, Bible promises, Proverbs, Proverbs, topical listings of, Reconciliation of relationships, Wisdom books, Questions and answers, Biblical counsel by subject, Training in Biblical counseling, Scripture memory systems, Ready references: immediate counsel on many subjects, Bible reference works, Manuals and handbooks, Cruden's, young's, and strong's concordances, and so forth, and so on.
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalm 119:11)This book of the Law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then shalt thou have good success. (Joshua 1:28)
My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments; for length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart. (Proverbs 3:1-3)
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105)
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:21,23)It is not the letter of the Word that ordinarily doth convert, but the spiritual meaning of it, as revealed and expounded. . . . There is the letter, the husk; and there is the spirit, the kernel, and when we by expounding the Word do open the husk, out drops the kernel. It is the meaning of the word which is the word indeed, it is the sense of it which is the soul. . . . Now, preaching in a more special manner reveals God's word. When an ointment box is once opened, then it casts its saviour about; and when the juice of a medicinal herb is once strained out and applied, then it heals. And so it is the spiritual meaning of the Word let into the heart which converts it and turns it to God. -- Thomas Goodwin
A Biblical Counselor tells the story of his high school son who attended church regularly with the family, but with little or no enthusiasm.
His father entered into a deal with his son to memorize verses of Scripture. The conditions: the father would select the verse, the son would memorize the verse, the father could request that he recite any verse at any time, each time he recited a verse correctly his father would pay him $5.00 (about 1976), if he failed to recite a verse correctly (word for word with the book, chapter, and verse), then he paid his father $5.00.
At first he memorized just for the money. Later he began requesting more verses. His father selected verses bearing on events in his son's life at the moment. As the number of verses grew, the father was able to request verses to be recited that spoke to the specific needs of the moment. By the time of his graduation from high school he had over 100 verses of Scripture committed to memory. The son then went to Columbia Seminary and is now a pastor. (For those who do not immediately see, this is a practical way to purchase the soul of a child, spouse, or neighbor for Christ before they barter it for a "mess of pottage.")
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Bible Verse Memory Packet (King James Version). Available from The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
Memory cards that can be conveniently carried with you.
"We have found these Scripture verses to be of great help in our daily Christian living." -- Billy and Ruth Graham
Graham, Ruth, Ruth's Scripture Treasures, memory cards, ISBN: 9781593281793.
"180 verses covering 30 topics vital to the Christian life." -- Publisher
"As you memorize and tuck away Scripture, your memory becomes like a treasure chest filled with verses and passages that will come to mind to guide, comfort, and bring refreshment." -- Ruth Bell Graham
Logos Research Systems, Memlok Bible Memory System Starter Kit
"Now it is easier than ever to memorize scripture. You know you should do it, you know you want to do it, you know it will have a tremendous benefit in your life. Now you can have a system that is proven to be effective, and is easy to use. . . !
"This is perfect for you if you use your computer every day. You can have Memlok run itself at start-up each day. Just five minutes every day for five days a week and you are memorizing scripture!" -- Publisher
Masters, Lavonne, Memorize and Meditate, ISBN: 0840732287 9780840732286.
"Masters combines practical, easy-to-use memorization methods with Biblical principles of mediation to produce a memory plan that works." -- GCB
*Navigators, Topical Memory System: The Navigators Scripture Memory Course (KJV/NIV), ISBN: 1576839974 9781576839973.
"At the end of this 30-week personal course, they'll have 60 key verses memorized."
Topical Memory System: Card Set, ISBN: 0891092803 9780891092803.
See also: Appendix a: words of christ appearing in the web edition of biblical counsel: resources for renewal, topical listings of scripture, Biblical counsel by subject, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 4314
A wealth of information about Biblical Counseling is found on audio CDs and MP3s [audio file]. Sources for audio files [audio file] on counseling subjects are as follows:So the God of creation becomes the God of recreation. And that process is what the dynamic of biblical change -- David Powlison's basic, essential, glorious, wonderful, foundational course -- that's what it's all about. David's course 'The Dynamics of Biblical Change' changed a lot of lives at WTS.
- Westminster Theological Seminary Resources
http://www.wts.edu/resources/wtsresources.html- Westminster Theological Seminary Bookstore
Find CCEF resources, Westminster Media resources, and CDs of audio files [audio file], of former faculty members and guest speakers.
http://www.wtsbooks.com/- Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC, formerly NANC)
https://biblicalcounseling.com/
- Global Network for Biblical Counseling
http://www.nanc.org/Resources/Global-Network-for-Biblical-Counseling- Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation -- Resources
http://www.wts.edu/resources/login.html- Institute for Nouthetic Counseling
"Study Biblical Counseling with Dr. Jay Adams."
http://www.nouthetic.org- Sound Word Associates
http://www.soundword.com/- And so forth, and so on.
*Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Big Umbrella and Other Essays and Addresses on Christian Counseling, 265 pages, ISBN: 0801000580 9780801000584. Alternate title: ESSAYS ON COUNSELING.
"A dozen lectures meant to orient people to the basic ideas of Christian counseling. The 'Big Umbrella' is the notion that mental illness explains any and every difficulty in life. Organic mental malfunction is a much smaller -- and legitimate -- umbrella, but it must not be confused with the vast turf of problems in living. Psychiatrists and others who illegitimately counsel are squatters on the pastor's turf. 'What I wrote [in COMPETENT TO COUNSEL -- compiler], is only a frail beginning. It is going to take dozens and dozens of us, years and years, to develop counseling that is fully Christian, clearly defined and articulated.' Treats evangelism in counseling, grief counseling, demon possession, marital and familial communication, abuses of small groups, drugs, masturbation, and homosexuality. 'The kind of counseling that we have been discussing may be structured, but it also is an informal pervasive force among the people of God'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Change Them? . . . Into What? Counseling in America Today, 18 pages.
"Reprint of an address at the University Psychiatric Clinic in Vienna, Austria. 'You are planning to help people; fine. But that means changing them. The question is not only how, but (most basically), -- into what? The Christian replies, "Into the likeness of Jesus Christ".' Discusses the 'general failure of the psychotherapeutic community to succeed in doing anything significant for people and their problems.' Pastors in the 1950s either referred to psychotherapists or sought to incorporate psychotherapy into their practice. Since the mid-60s, however, distinctively biblical counseling has developed. 'This counseling draws upon the wisdom of God in the Scriptures and the power of God in the Holy Spirit.' This is what such counseling looks like: speak the truth in love to responsible people who need to change in order to grow up into the image of Christ." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
*Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Christian Counselor's Casebook, ISBN: 0310511615 9780310511618.
"This is 'a workbook designed for individual or class use in conjunction with COMPETENT TO COUNSEL and THE CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR'S MANUAL.' Contains snapshots of 60 opening sessions and 45 cases in process. There are three major purposes: [1] to learn how to identify various sorts of problems according to biblical norms; [2] to lay out biblical plans of action for dealing with problems; [3] to provide familiarity with a wide variety of representative types of problems that counselors encounter." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Christian Counselor's New Testament: A New Translation in Everyday English, With Notations, Marginal References, and Supplemental Helps, revised and amplified.
"Adams has added numerous counseling-oriented footnotes to his translation of the New Testament, and has made many minor revisions to the text itself in order to enhance readability. The last 70 pages contain the original 'supplemental helps,' a primer on counseling. . . . Marginal notations and footnotes address dozens of topics of practical use to counselors. The Supplemental Helps provide a 60 page summary of nouthetic counseling -- both methodological and conceptual -- and a ready reference. 'Supplemental Helps' reprinted as HELPS FOR COUNSELORS." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Christian Counselor's Wordbook: A Primer of Nouthetic Counseling. Alternate title: THE LANGUAGE OF COUNSELING and THE CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR'S WORDBOOK: A PRIMER OF NOUTHETIC COUNSELING, ISBN: 0310510619 9780310510611.
" 'One of the major unifying themes in my rather zigzag career has been the central place language holds in all the activities in which I have been involved.' Language and labels matter, because in the battle for men's minds language and ideas are the principal weapons: 'Ideological attack, rather than physical attack, has been Satan's most successful ploy.' The words counselors and counselees use matter, and this book pushes you to take stock of the words you say and hear. Counselors must 'deliberately adopt new words and constructions that more aptly express the biblical facts in each counseling situation'. . . .
"150 pithy (from a paragraph to a page), comments on counseling subjects from 'Action' to 'Worry.' Keyed to more extensive discussions of each topic in seventeen of Adams's pre-1981 books. As an example, the three paragraphs on 'conscience' contain more good sense than a shelf-full of books on 'self-esteem.' Answers misunderstandings of nouthetic counseling (e.g., 'confrontation' and 'flesh')." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
*Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Competent to Counsel: Introduction to Nouthetic Counseling, ISBN: 0310511402 9780310511403.
"This is a classic in the field of Christian counseling. It has helped thousands of pastors, students, layman, and Christian counselors develop both a general approach to Christian counseling and a specific response to particular problems . . . First published in 1970, this book has gone through over thirty printings which has resulted in worldwide impact." -- Publisher
Includes bibliographical references.
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Counseling Workshop: Approaches to Discipleship; Women in Biblical Counseling (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette JA502 [audio file].
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Counseling Workshop: Demon Possession; Divorce; Church Discipline (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette JA503 [audio file].
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Counseling Workshop: Introduction; Counseling Principles; Counseling Non-Christians (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette JA501 [audio file].
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Counseling Workshop: Multiple Persons; Unbeliever Doesn't Leave; Discipling Children; Obesity and Fatness, six audio cassettes [audio file], (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette JA505 [audio file].
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Helps for Counselors: A Mini-Manual for Christian Counseling, 63 pages. Reprint of the helps from the back of THE CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR'S NEW TESTAMENT.
Contains: Counselor's quick check list, Fifty failure factors, Remarks and responses, Counseling outlines (for various problems), The counselor's topical worklist, and so forth.
*Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), How to Help People Change: The Four-Step Biblical Process, 203 pages.
"Unfolds the counseling process through an exposition of II Timothy 3:14-17 [2 Timothy 3:14-17]. Bases all on the centrality of God and the vertical dimension for counseling: The Holy Spirit and the Word work in concert. Change unfolds through teaching, conviction, correction and training. 'Learn both how to launder your mind of pagan psychological and psychiatric theories and how to use the Bible cogently and effectively in its full strength.' Contains reprint of Adams's 1982 journal article on 'Integration'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Insight and Creativity in Christian Counseling: An Antidote to Rigid and Mechanical Approaches, ISBN: 0310511313 9780310511311.
"Counselors must do justice both to the fundamental commonalities and to the diverse particulars of counseling situations and life situations. 'Insight into the inner workings of sinful human beings, into their outer circumstances and problems, and into the correct meaning and applicability of appropriate Bible passages is absolutely essential to counseling. Likewise, the importance of creativity cannot be minimized. It is creativity that particularizes the common, fitting together the usual and the unusual in each situation. Without it, people are crammed into molds they don't fit; rather, the truth must be adapted and applied (but not accommodated), to each person as he is'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
"Dr. Adams says there are inborn qualities or special gifts. They can be learned and developed under proper guidance and direction. These both play an important role in the counseling process. This book is intended to help you to gain insight and creativity." Includes bibliographical references.
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Jay Adams Library at Sound Word Associates
http://www.soundword.com/jay-adams-library-.html
*Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Jay Adams Set of Commentaries, a series of 10 volumes (Timeless Texts). Alternate title: THE CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR'S COMMENTARY SERIES and TEN VOLUME CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR'S COMMENTARY SERIES.
"This 10-volume series of commentaries is written in everyday English -- a must for laymen as well as the Pastor/Counselor. Jay Adams explains and applies biblical truths in the clear, understandable way that typifies his writing. He does not try to duplicate the standard technical commentaries, but supplements them with the implications of the text for God-honoring counseling and Christian living." -- Publisher
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Matters of Concern to Christian Counselors: A Potpourri of Principles and Practices, 104 pages.
"The first of a series (see UPDATE ON CHRISTIAN COUNSELING, VOLUMES 1 and 2), of books containing short essays on miscellaneous topics. This one has 41 short takes on everything from whether you should forgive yourself, to sleep, to halo data, to the use of the word 'need,' to teaching counselors, to dealing with foul language from counselees, to self-love." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
*Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), More Than Redemption: A Theology of Christian Counseling, ISBN: 0310511011 9780310511014. Alternate title: A THEOLOGY OF CHRISTIAN COUNSELING: MORE THAN REDEMPTION.
"Four major sections seek to articulate a biblical theology of counseling. The first seven chapters deal with the relevance of God and His Word to counseling: e.g., 'God is man's environment'; 'because counseling is part of the ministry of the Word (just as preaching is), it is unthinkable to use any other text (just as it would be unthinkable to do so in preaching).' The next four chapters deal with the nature of man in creation and in sin. The next seven deal with the change process (salvation and sanctification), including a lengthy section on forgiveness. The book closes with a miscellany of other topics. Along with COMPETENT TO COUNSEL, THE CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR'S MANUAL, and LECTURES ON COUNSELING, this is a fundamental book for understanding nouthetic counseling.
"Reprints in entirety two books, COPING WITH COUNSELING CRISES and THE USE OF THE SCRIPTURES IN COUNSELING and two pamphlets "Your Place in the Counseling Revolution" and "Counseling and the Sovereignty of God." Opens with a challenge to seminary students to consider their calling as 'pastor-counselors'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
See the subject "Training," and so forth, and so on.
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Prayers for Troubled Times, 64 pages, ISBN: 0875520677 9780875520674.
" 'In simple, everyday English, yet with reverence, I have tried to express many of the heartfelt and inner cries of God's people.' Contains 33 prayers on concerns from 'Age' and 'Anger' to 'Work' and 'Worry' (with a dozen blank pages at the end to pen your own). 'Every prayer grew out of actual experience'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
*Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Ready to Restore: The Layman's Guide to Christian Counseling, 111 pages.
"An introductory textbook in nouthetic counseling: accessible, compact, covering both conceptual and methodological matters. 'God calls every Christian to counsel some people, somewhere, at some time about something.' Galatians 6:1 provides the banner verse: the character of the counselor, the problems in view, the methods. Meant for individual study or for a class or Bible study group." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Seminar on Counselor Training Sponsored by Pentagon Christian Fellowship Delivered at Fort Belvoir Chapel, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
Role playing cases and critiques. Cases based on those in the CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR'S CASEBOOK.
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Solving Marriage Problems: Biblical Solutions for Christian Counselors, ISBN: 0875520812 9780875520810.
"Marriage and family problems are the number one counseling problem. Too many times Christian counselors combine worldly ideas, from purely secular sources, with the Bible. Adams tries a purely Biblical approach which assumes that God speaks authoritatively on marriage." -- GCB
Includes bibliographical references.
"Practical training for counselors in how to understand and solve marriage problems. What are the basics of the biblical view of marriage? What sorts of problems destroy marriages?: [1] unbiblical concepts ('problems of error'); [2] sinful living patterns ('problems of practice']; [3] relationships with others (e.g., companions, in-laws, children, former spouse); [4] general influences in society. Gives methods for discovering and solving problems." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), A Thirst for Wholeness: How to Gain Wisdom From the Book of James, 143 pages, ISBN: 0964355698 9780964355699.
"A study of the inner dynamics of human life from the book of James. Meant to be used personally or in a study group or class. Works thematically, covering anger, desires, doubt, prayer, peacemaking, sickness, among other things. The section on the 'inner/outer aspects of sin' (Chapter 3), rebuts a host of misconceptions of nouthetic counseling as externalistic: 'The struggle for mastery over one's desires must be achieved. . . . Christian, resist sin at the start, as Jesus did. Abort inner sin before it is born. Augustine encourages us with these words: 'Pray that God may make you conqueror of yourself. . . not the enemy without, but of your own soul within. . . . Let no enemy from without be feared: conquer yourself, and the whole world is conquered'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
See: Schneider, Julie, and Jay E. Adams, LEADER'S GUIDE FOR GROUP STUDY OF A-THIRST-FOR-WHOLENESS.
*Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Update on Christian Counseling, volumes 1 and 2, includes MATTERS OF CONCERN TO CHRISTIAN COUNSELORS, ISBN: 0801001536 9780801001536.
"Volume I surveys Biblical teaching on current counseling concerns, e.g. Failure in Counseling, Drugs and Counseling, Getting Organized, etc. . . . Volume II . . . is an evaluation of the latest developments, problems, ideas, and concerns in the field of Christian counseling. This book contains a reviewing of an old article 'Does the Behaviorist Have a Mind?' This series is a must for those who want to be ready. MATTERS OF CONCERN TO CHRISTIAN COUNSELORS is a 'potpourri of principles and practices of Biblical counseling'." Includes bibliographical references.
Essays, on: how counseling affects the counselor; counseling failure; a biblical approach to stress; prescription medications; the Sermon on the Mount as an example of how-to given along with what-to; the problem with apologies; 25 key presuppositions of biblical counseling; structuring counseling; using a Personal Data Inventory; the flexibility of nouthetic counseling; the adaptability of a nouthetic counselor; reminding counselees; definitions of about 115 terms of basic Christian vocabulary, from "Adoption" and "Advent" to "Worship" and "Wrath," do people really get their idea of God from their own fathers?; Christian liberty and questionable practices; counseling disabled people; evaluating transactional analysis; winning an unsaved wife to Christ; using I Corinthians 13 [1 Corinthians 13], in counseling; guidance through "checks" and "promptings"; "Does the Behaviorist Have a Mind?" (reprint of a 1927 article by William Hallock Johnson); eclecticism in counseling; "complicating problems" of various sorts (difficulties growing out of a counselee's primary problem that must be addressed in order to solve the primary problem).
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What About Nouthetic Counseling? A Question and Answer Book With History, Help and Hope for the Christian Counselor, 91 pages, ISBN: 0801001145 9780801001147.
" 'A question and answer book with history, help and hope for the Christian counselor.' Discusses the first ten years of the movement, both the gains that have occurred and the opposition and misunderstandings that have arisen. 25 questions and answers engage common misunderstandings and criticisms. For example, Q: 'Do you think that feelings are unimportant?' A: 'Of course not! They play a vital role in the human makeup.' For example, Q: 'Don't you think that we can learn something from psychologists?' A: 'Yes, we can learn a lot; I certainly have. That answer surprised you, didn't it? If it did, you have been led to believe, no doubt that nouthetic counselors are obscurantists who see no good in psychology.' For example, Q: 'Why can't you use the methods of other counseling systems?' A: 'Well-thought-through systems are self-contained packages. . . . Distinguish between methods and means.' Also contains COUNSELING AND THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Your Place in the Counseling Revolution, 44 pages, ISBN: 0801001005 9780801001000.
"The confusion in the counseling world exists because 'they have rejected the one and only perfect and lasting textbook on counseling': the Bible. Christians have all too often accommodated the faith wrongly to secular psychology. God refuses to be brought in as an additive to a pagan system or to be 'discovered' in a pagan theory. Christians have unresolved personal problems; Bible-believers largely neglected matters of practical Christian living during the battles with liberalism. What is your place in the counseling revolution?: [1] the ministry of everyday Christians is described where 'many of the 'one another' verses refer to exhortation, encouragement, restoration, admonition, rebuke and the giving of other sorts of counsel'; [2] if God has called you to full-time counseling, go to seminary to get training in the Bible and go into the pastorate. Reprinted in Lectures on Counseling." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
Bobgan, Martin, and Deidre Bobgan, CONFRONTING the Biblical Counseling Foundation's Self-Confrontation Manual. A PsychoHeresy Awareness Position Paper (PsychoHeresy Awareness Ministries, 4137 Primavera Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93110).
"While we no longer recommend any manuals or training programs for biblical counseling, we would issue the following recommendations for changing the manual and for restraints if the BCF manual is to be used at all."
http://www.psychoheresy-aware.org/images/bcfpaper.pdf
Bobgan, Martin, and Deidre Bobgan, How to Counsel From Scripture, 224 pages, ISBN: 0802403735 9780802403735.
"God's love is the predominant factor in change: 'God's love enables one to overcome sin and its consequences, to live in relationship to Him, and to be transformed into the image of Christ. His love engenders trust, which leads to obedience to His Word.' 'Biblical counseling is not a new idea. We are merely promoting a restoration of one of the oldest ministries. . . . The cure-of-souls ministry emphasized the person's relationship with God from which comes renewal and change in the mental-emotional-behavioral areas of life.' Part 1 lays out a biblical model of man and a biblical methodology for change. Part 2 talks about the counselee, the counselor, and their relationship of conversation. Part 3 discusses the centrality of the love of God. Part 4 speaks of setting up counseling ministry in the church." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
Brandt, Henry, and Kerry Skinner, The Heart of the Problem: 12 Lessons for Making Lasting Change, ISBN: 0805460608 9780805460605.
"Brandt and Skinner have adapted Brandt's 1991 book WHEN YOU'RE TIRED OF TREATING THE SYMPTOMS, AND YOU'RE READY FOR A CURE, GIVE ME A CALL into a workbook on how to face and solve personal problems. The book is designed for individuals or groups, and teaches basics of Christian living: how to understand your problems, to face your sins, to overcome excuse-making, to understand the hardships of life, to find the grace of Jesus Christ." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
Two sets of material are listed alphabetically below, the original Self-confrontation Course Series, and the new course material updated by John Broger (1915-2002) in retirement after The Biblical Counseling Foundation moved to Palm Desert, California (c. 1991). During this time the courses were being taught at Vanguard University of Southern California, a non-profit Christian university of liberal arts and professional studies in Costa Mesa, California. It seems that the original material was updated in following years and given new titles.Men ought not to content themselves with a general repentance, but it is every man's duty to endeavor to repent of his particular sins, particularly. (Psalm 19:13; Psalm 139:23,24; Matthew 26:75; Luke 19:8; 1 Timothy 1:13,15) -- The Westminster Confession of Faith XV.V
Broger, John C. (1915-2002), Biblical Principles for Discipleship/counseling, 1998, 47 pages.
John Broger compiled and edited this for Vanguard University of Southern California alumnus.
Biblical Counseling Foundation
http://bcfministries.orgBroger, John C. (1915-2002), Course I: Instructor's Guide for the 24-week Self-confrontation Course, 2000, 233 pages.
This his appears to be an update of the COURSE I: INSTRUCTOR'S GUIDE.Broger, John C. (1915-2002), Course I: Self-confrontation Course. Handbook for the Ministry of Discipleship/Counseling, 2001, 264 pages.
This seems to be an update of the SELF-CONFRONTATION SYLLABUS (COURSE I)*Broger, John C. (developer/editor, 1915-2002), Self-Confrontation: A Manual for In-depth Discipleship: Based on the Old and New Testaments as the Only Authoritative Rule of Faith and Conduct, Alternate title: COURSE I: THE SELF-CONFRONTATION SYLLABUS FOR BIBLICAL COUNSELING TRAINING, ISBN: 0785282467 978-0785282464 and Course I: Self-Confrontation Tapes (10 cassette tapes [audio file]), (Rancho Mirage, CA: Biblical Counseling Foundation).
"Contains 24 weekly lessons intended to move a person through the change process personally as the foundation for working on becoming a counselor (Matthew 7:1-5). Intended for Sunday school and other classes or personal study. The first eight lessons lay the biblical foundation for change. The grace of the God in the gospel of Jesus Christ is spring of all true change, and it prompts a self-confrontation: 'Man's way is oriented to self: to please self, to comfort self, to rely on self, to fulfill self, to forgive self, to exalt self, and to love self. . . . [God's way], emphasizes that you are to live for Him.' The next thirteen lessons treat particular problem areas: selfishness, anger, interpersonal conflict, marriage and family, depression, fear, life-dominating sins. The final three lessons summarize and set the foundation for Course II, Biblical Counseling Training." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
"Helps Christians solve their personal problems Biblically and equips laymen and women to counsel others Biblically within the church." Particularly valuable for its system of identifying root problems in counseling cases. Some of the material presented is from various writings by Jay E. Adams. The audio cassette tape [audio file], series by John Broger is designed to accompany the course and includes practical examples."Broger, John C. (1915-2002), Course II, Instructor's Guide for Training in Biblical Discipleship/Counseling, 2001, 184 pages.
Biblical Counseling Foundation
http://bcfministries.org*Broger, John C. (developer/editor, 1915-2002), Course II: Nouthetic Counseling Study Guide, 2001, 120 pages.
Also available: Course II: Self-confrontation Tapes (8 audio files), [audio file], (Rancho Mirage, CA: Biblical Counseling Foundation).Broger, John C. (1915-2002), Course III: Instructor's Guide for Training in Biblical Discipleship/Counseling, 2001, 138 pages.
This seems to be new course material in Biblical Counseling.Broger, John C. (1915-2002), Course III: Syllabus for Training in Biblical Discipleship/Counseling, 2001, 166 pages.
Broger, John C. (1915-2002), Instructor's Guide for the Self-confrontation Course [Course I -- compiler]: Based on the Old and New Testaments as the Only Authoritative Rule of Faith and Conduct, 1992, 119 pages, ISBN: 1878114026 9781878114020.
Broger, John C. (1915-2002), Man's way vs. God's way, 1991, 22 pages.
Broger, John C. (1915-2002), Your Resources in Christ, 1991, 26 pages.
Broger, John C. (compiler and developer, 1915-2002), and Jay Edward Adams, Competent to Counsel: Study Guide for Christian Counseling Training Course, 2001, 1 volume (various pagings) in loose-leaf binder: illustrations; 28 cm. Alternate title: STUDY GUIDE FOR CHRISTIAN COUNSELING TRAINING COURSE.
Not to be confused with COMPETENT TO COUNSEL, 1998, 320 pages, by Jay Adams.
Resume listing for "Training in Biblical Counseling"
*Calvin, John (1509-1564), et al. [John Knox, Theodore Beza, Miles Coverdale, William Whittingham, Anthony Gilby, Martin Luther, and others], Peter A. Lillback (foreword), Tolle Lege Press (preface), Gary DeMar (Notes to the Modern Reader), Marshall Foster (The History and Impact of the Geneva Bible), 1599 Geneva Bible, (Tolle Lege Press), 1400 pages, ISBN: 0975484699 9780975484692 0975484613 9780975484616 0975484621 9780975484623. Available (Tolle Lege Press restoration) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"When the Pilgrims arrived in America in 1620, they brought along supplies, a consuming passion to advance the Kingdom of Christ, a bright hope for the future, and the Word of God. Clearly, their most precious cargo was the Bible. The GENEVA BIBLE, printed over 200 times between 1560 and 1644, was the most widely read and influential English Bible of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. This superb translation was the product of the best Protestant scholars of the day and became the Bible of choice for many of the greatest writers, thinkers, and historical figures of that time [but the translation was surpassed by the AUTHORIZED KING JAMES VERSION in 1611, see 'Textual Criticism' -- compiler]. The GENEVA BIBLE is unique among all other Bibles. It was the first Bible to use chapters and numbered verses and became the most popular version of its time because of the extensive marginal notes. These notes, written by Reformation leaders such as John Calvin, John Knox, Miles Coverdale, William Whittingham, Anthony Gilby, and others, were included to explain and interpret the scriptures for the common people. For nearly half a century these notes helped the people of England, Scotland, and Ireland understand the Bible and true liberty. King James despised the GENEVA BIBLE because he considered the notes on key political texts to be seditious [to question the Divine Right of Kings -- compiler] and a threat to his authority. Unlike the KING JAMES VERSION, the GENEVA BIBLE was not authorized by the government. It was truly a Bible by the people and for the people. You can see why this remarkable version with its profound marginal notes played a key role in the formation of the American Republic. Until now, the only complete version available was a large, cumbersome, and difficult-to-read facsimile edition. But this new edition contains all the original words and notes [see the errata listing below -- compiler], but the type set has been enlarged and the font style change for today's reader." -- Publisher
"This is the Bible that eventually put an end to Feudalism in Europe, strengthened Puritans, Quakers, and came to America on the Mayflower. This was the first Bible published in the language of the common people, the first Bible to contain commentary and verse numbers, and the first Bible written in English from Greek and Hebrew texts available from Constantinople, not from the Latin Vulgate. The dynamite in this Bible is the commentary accounting for about one third of its length.
"The Church of England and King James were so upset they determined to create a new translation. They called it the KING JAMES VERSION. They choose to use language so formal and grand, even by the standards of those days, that the common people would find it difficult to understand. The GENEVA BIBLE was found seditious by its insertions of commentary that spoke directly about the priesthood of lay believers, the church as naturally anti-oligarchy, and setting forth some other ideas considered anarchy by the King, but meaning freedom to the masses who read it. . . .
"Important facts to remember about this Bible. The Reformation was strong in England and the Lollards were a lay group of huge influence that had to go underground. English Christian theologians, not Catholics and not Anglicans, fled in huge numbers to Geneva for freedom. Geneva was not part of Switzerland at that time, because Geneva was its own city-state. . . . The GENEVA BIBLE was printed 1560-1644. THE KING JAMES VERSION was published in 1611. The GENEVA BIBLE was against the law to own. . . ." -- Reader's Comment
Available "in printed formats with various binding options from Tolle Lege Press. Tolle Lege Press has given Puritan Downloads permission to provide a PDF copy of their retypeset and fully searchable edition of the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE (Copyright 2006-2008, Tolle Lege Press), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"The GENEVA BIBLE is the Puritan Bible with Reformation promoting marginal notes authored by prominent leaders of the Reformation (during the time of John Calvin and John Knox). The New Testament was translated out of the Greek, by Theodore Beza. The GENEVA BIBLE was the predominant English translation during the period in which the English and Scottish Reformations gained great impetus.
"Iain Murray, in his classic work on revival and the interpretation of prophecy, THE PURITAN HOPE, notes,
The two groups in England and Scotland developed along parallel lines, like two streams originating at one fountain. The fountain was not so much Geneva, as the Bible which the exiles newly translated and issued with many marginal notes . . . it was read in every Presbyterian and Puritan home in both realms. (p. 7)"This time also saw the rise of the forces for covenanted Reformation against the corruption and abuses of prelacy and the royal factions. Darkness was dispelled as people read this Bible and saw for themselves that there is no authority above the Holy Scriptures. Discerning this truth, it became apparent that the civil tyranny and the heretical superstitions imposed by Pope, King and Bishops were to be resisted unto death, if necessary (i.e. because these innovations in church and state were opposed to the Kingship of Christ and the law of His kingdom, as set forth in Holy Scripture).
The notes of TOMSON'S NEW TESTAMENT of 1576, which took the place of the New Testament of the Bible of 1560 in many editions from 1587 onward, are entirely different from those in the GENEVA BIBLE. They are taken from Beza's Latin Testament, and are controversial and strongly Calvinistic."Furthermore, Eason cites Pocock (a rabid anti-Calvinist), in the same book,
The changes adopted in the GENEVA BIBLE and New Testament synchronize with the gradual spread of the Calvinistic heresy and the contemporaneous development of hatred of the whole Papal system of doctrine. The notes attacked the Sacramental teaching of the Church, substituting for it the Calvinistic doctrines of election and reprobation. They taught that Sacraments are nothing more than signs and seals of grace previously given to the elect. All passages about the Sacraments are explained away.("We cite this quote, though it is full of a good deal of devilish nonsense, to demonstrate that even the enemies of biblical truth recognized the powerful impact that the GENEVA BIBLE was having in furthering the Protestant Reformation, as well as to show that the notes in the later versions of the GENEVA BIBLE were moving in the direction of a more distinct testimony against error and for the truth." -- RB) -- Publisher
(1) The editions that follow the first edition of 1560."In our opinion, the notes in the 1599 edition were the most faithful to Scripture." -- The Genevan Bible, Notes on its Production and Distribution [Of course, the judgment and candor of Calvin are renown. This Bible played a key role in the Reformation, and anyone not using it 'will be the poorer for their neglect.' However, very few works are without caveats. Calvin used the LATIN VULGATE. His comments had to be translated from French. Experts (see 'Textual Criticism'), consider the authorized KING JAMES VERSION to be the most accurate translation. It used a literal approach to translation of the Traditional Text, which is referred to today as the Majority Text or Textus Receptus. Beza's translation of the New Testament is in a different category. One is urged to not neglect the knowledge developed over 400 years of Reformed scholarship since 1599. For example, compare the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE (1400 pages, 1366 in the Tolle Lege restoration edition), annotation with the annotation, theological notes, text notes, scripture notes, and other study aids of the NEW GENEVA STUDY BIBLE (2228 pages), with its own noted caveats. -- compiler]
(2) The editions in which TOMSON'S NEW TESTAMENT of 1576 is substituted for the 1560 New Testament.
(3) The Bibles from 1598 that contain the Notes on Revelation of Francis Junius."
Excerpts from two articles on the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE may be read at the Puritan Downloads site: "The Forgotten Translation," Gary DeMar, President of American Vision and Honorary Member of the 1599 Geneva Bible Advisory Board, and "Introduction to the 1599 Geneva Bible," Marshall Foster, President of the Mayflower Institute, Member of the 1599 Geneva Bible Advisory Board.Word-for-word accuracy with the 1599 Geneva Bible [see the errata listing below -- compiler]
Original cross references
Modern spelling
Original study notes by Reformers
Old English Glossary
2-page Family Tree Chart
Presentation page with several family registry pages
Easy-to-read print [see the errata listing below -- compiler]
Size: 8.75" X 11.5"
Approximately 1,400 pages." -- Publisher
1599 Geneva Bible, Tolle Lege Press Restoration, Fourth Printing, 2008, Probable Errata ListingGenesis 1:11 "So that we see it is the only power of God's word that maketh the earth fruitful, which else naturally is barren.
Genesis 1:12 "This sentence is so oft repeated, to signify that God made all his creatures to serve to his glory, and to the profit of man: but for sin they were accursed, yet to the elect, by Christ they are restored, and serve to their wealth.
Genesis 2:16 "So that man might know there was a sovereign Lord, to whom he owed obedience.
Genesis 2:17 "By this death he meaneth the separation of man from God, who is our life and chief felicity: and also that our disobedience is the cause thereof.
Genesis 3:4 "This is Satan's chiefest subtlety, to cause us not to fear God's threatenings.
Genesis 4:5 "Because he was an hypocrite, and offered only for an outward show without sincerity of heart.
Genesis 9:6 "Not only by the magistrate, but oft times God raiseth up one murderer to kill another.
Therefore to kill man is to deface God's image, and so injury is not only done to man, but also to God.
Psalm 37:1,7,11 "1 This Psalm containeth exhortation and consolation for the weak, that are grieved at the prosperity of the wicked, and the affliction of the godly. 7 For how prosperously soever the wicked do live for the time, he doth affirm their felicity to be vain and transitory, because they are not in the favor of God, but in the end they are destroyed as his enemies. 11 And how miserably that the righteous seemeth to live in the world, yet his end is peace, and he is in the favor of God, he is delivered from the wicked, and preserved.
Psalm 37:5 "Be not led by thine own wisdom, but obey God, and he will finish his work in thee.
Psalm 37:6 "As the hope of the daylight causeth us not to be offended with the darkness of the night: so ought we patiently to trust that God will clear our cause and restore us to our right.
Psalm 37:8 "Meaning, except he moderate his affections, he shall be led to do as they do.
Psalm 37:12 "The godly are assured that the power and craft of the wicked shall not prevail against them, but fall on their own necks, and therefore ought patiently to abide God's time, and in the meanwhile bewail their sins, and offer up their tears, is a sacrifice of their obedience.
Psalm 37:16 "For they are daily fed as with Manna from heaven, and have sufficient, when the wicked have never enough, but ever hunger.
Psalm 37:25 "Though the just man die, yet God's blessings are extended to his posterity, and though God suffer some just man to lack temporal benefits, yet he recompenseth him with spiritual treasures.
Psalm 37:29 "They shall continually be preserved under God's wings, and have at least inward rest.
Psalm 37:30 "These three points are required of the faithful, that their talk be godly, that God's law be in their heart, and that their life be upright.
Psalm 37:37 "He exhorteth the faithful to mark diligently the examples both of God's mercies, and also of his judgments.
Psalm 37:39 "He showeth that the patient hope of the godly is never in vain, but in the end hath good success, though for a time God prove them by sundry tentations.
John 1:1 "The Son of God is of one, and the selfsame eternity or everlastingness, and of one and the selfsame essence or nature, with the Father.
"From his beginning, as the Evangelist saith, 1 John 1:1, as though he said, that the world began not then to have his being, when God began to make all that was made: for the word was even then when all things that were made, began to be made, and therefore he was before the beginning of all things.
"Had his being.
"This word, That, pointeth out unto us a peculiar and choice thing above all other, and putteth a difference between this Word, which is the Son of God, and the Laws of God, which otherwise also are called the word of God.
"This word (With) putteth out the distinction of persons to us.
"This word (Word) is the first in order in the sentence, and is that which the learned call (Subjectum) and this word (God) is the latter in order, and the same which the learned call (Predicatum).
John 1:3 "The son of God declareth that same his everlasting Godhead, both by the creating of all things, and also by the preserving of them, and especially by the excellent gifts of reason and understanding, wherewith he that beautified man above all other creatures.
"Paul expoundeth this place, Col. 1:15 and 16 [Colossians 1:15,16].
"That is, as the Father did work, so did the Son work with him: for he was fellow worker with him.
"Of all those things which were made, nothing was made without him.
Jude 1:24 "He commendeth them to the grace of God, declaring sufficiently that it is God only that can give us that constancy which he requireth of us.
Hebrews 13:8b "all precepts of manners, and that is this: That we ought to quiet and content ourselves in Christ only: for there was yet never any man saved without the knowledge of him, neither is at this day saved, neither shall be saved hereafter.
Revelation 4:9 "God is said to have glory, honor, kingdom, and such like given unto him, when we godly and reverently set forth that which is properly and only his." -- excerpts from 1599 Geneva Bible, Tolle Lege Press, 2006, 2007)
Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation, San Diego, Advanced Course on Biblical Counseling, DVD, (Westminster Media).
Curro, Ellen, Caring Enough to Help: Counseling at a Crisis Pregnancy Center, ISBN: 0801025516 9780801025518.
"Much valuable information for training volunteers to serve at a crisis pregnancy center is included here. The entire Christian community will see how it can make a difference by touching hurting lives." -- GCB
Davis, Billie, Teaching to Meet Crisis Needs, ISBN: 0882436090 9780882436098.
Includes bibliographies.
*Dowdy, Augustus W., Jr., Phone Power, ISBN: 0817006524 9780817006525.
"Brief but very helpful, with practical ideas on communication by phone and many practical ways to use the phone within the local ministry of the church. Has a helpful appendix on where to go for information on hotlines and telephone ministries." -- Robert B. Somerville
*Foster, Timothy, Called to Counsel.
"Designed for the training of laypersons in our churches, this book is practical and specific and focuses on 'what to do,' and 'what to say' in different situations. Foster gives easily accessible answers on how to handle uncomfortable situations and when to refer those beings counseled to professional therapists. Most importantly, he discusses what is appropriate to do (and not to do), in hundreds of cases readers can easily relate to in their own counseling. Recommended." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Foster, Timothy, The Handbook of Christian Counseling, ISBN: 0785279393 9780785279396.
A revised edition of CALLED TO COUNSEL, 1986. Includes index.
*Geneva Bible Notes, 1599
The GENEVA BIBLE contained "marginal notes which were heavily influenced by John Calvin, John Knox, and many other leaders of the Reformation. The GENEVA BIBLE was the predominant English translation during the period in which the English and Scottish Reformations gained great impetus. Iain Murray, in his classic work on revival and the interpretation of prophecy, THE PURITAN HOPE, notes that, 'the two groups in England and Scotland developed along parallel lines, like two streams originating at one fountain. The fountain was not so much Geneva, as the Bible which the exiles newly translated and issued with many marginal notes . . . it was read in every Presbyterian and Puritan home in both realms.' (p. 7). This time also saw the rise of the forces for covenanted Reformation against the corruption and abuses of prelacy and the royal factions. Darkness was dispelled as people read this Bible and saw for themselves that there is no authority above the Holy Scriptures.
"Although most people today have never heard of the GENEVA BIBLE, it was so popular from 1560 to 1644 that it went through 140 plus printings. The reason for its popularity among the faithful is obvious: the marginal notes promoted a full-orbed, nation-changing Protestantism. . . !
" 'By 1599, the GENEVA BIBLE . . . added many Calvinist annotations for household use' (Bremer, The Puritan Experiment, p. 12). A number of the notes argued for family worship and instruction by the head of the household. Puritanism in the British Isles is known as an effort to continue the Reformation of the church in the area of worship and church government. However, the Puritans also sought to reform the family life according to Biblical principles . . . as a result of their efforts they 'were creators of the English Christian marriage, the English Christian family, and the English Christian home'." (J.I. Packer, A Quest for Godliness, p. 260) -- Publisher
1599 Geneva Bible Notes
http://www.reformedreader.org/gbn/en.htm
For other GENEVA NOTES text see the following:
*King James Bible With the Geneva Bible Notes, 1672.*KING JAMES BIBLE WITH THE GENEVA BIBLE NOTES, 1672,
1599 GENEVA BIBLE, Tolle Lege Press restoration,
THE 1599 GENEVA BIBLE, TOLLE LEGE ONLINE EDITION,
"1599 GENEVA BIBLE, Tolle Lege Press Restoration, Fourth Printing, 2008, Probable Errata Listing," and
"A Resolution That Tolle Lege Press and White Hall Press of Chicago Complete the Limited Modernization of the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE Begun in 2004."
Gray, Edward P., Counseling to the Heart: A Training Program to Equip Women to Counsel Women (Covenant Theological Seminary, D.Min. thesis, 1990).
"This thesis describes a women-counseling-women program in the context of a local congregation. The program uses a counseling methodology based on a Biblical understanding of the heart. . . . Practical and theological implications of the program are presented. The thesis develops a Biblical foundation for counseling in the areas of marriage and divorce and presents case studies to show how the concept of heart counseling can be applied. . . ." -- Publisher
Johnson, Vernon E., I'll Quit Tomorrow: A Practical Guide to Alcoholism Treatment, ISBN: 0062504339 9780062504333.
"Johnson has provided a manual for the understanding, intervention, and treatment of alcoholism and other mood-changing chemical dependencies in a clear, logical, and readable format; yet he has somehow managed to convey considerable psychological sophistication and scope. Accordingly, this is probably the best book of its kind for layman, paraprofessional, and professional alike." -- Addictions
Johnson is founder and president emeritus of the Johnson Institute in Minneapolis that offers one of the country's most successful training programs for treatment of alcoholism.
*Kuhne, Gary W., The Dynamics of Personal Follow-up, ISBN: 0310269512 9780310269519.
A scholarly work that is one of the foundational books for the nouthetic method of counseling.
Includes bibliography.
Logos Bible Software, Biblical Counseling Library (29 Volumes), on CD-ROM, Libronix Digital Library System
"This 29 volume collection of Biblical Counseling titles is an amazing compilation of Christian counseling resources. THE BIBLICAL COUNSELING LIBRARY features some of Jay E. Adams' outstanding counseling titles, including THE CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR'S MANUAL, COMPETENT TO COUNSEL, and A THEOLOGY OF CHRISTIAN COUNSELING. It includes works from 20 different authors, including Steve Farrar, Elizabeth George, Jerry Bridges, and Lou Priolo.
"This collection includes informative studies on general Christian counseling, as well as very focused works on Women's and Men's counseling needs, counseling victims of sexual abuse, eating and diet issues, dating, working through struggles with sexual sin and anger, and developing a deeper walk with God. A fantastic resource for the library of a pastor or Christian counselor, the BIBLICAL COUNSELING LIBRARY adds a new dimension to your Logos Bible Software. These expert resources are combined with the tools of the Logos Bible Software system, including topical searching for studying specific areas of Biblical counseling, and linked references to other titles in your Libronix library." -- Publisher
http://www.logos.com/products/prepub/details/2482
Logos Bible Software, Logos Bible Software Bundles That Include Works on Biblical Counseling
There are 15 bundles in all.
http://www.logos.com/products/search?q=counseling+bundles
MacArthur, John, and Wayne Mack, and others, Introduction to Biblical Counseling: A Basic Guide to the Principles and Practice of Counseling, ISBN: 0849910935 9780849910937.
"Sounds a charge for frankly biblical counseling. Three chapters treat the history of biblical counseling. Seven chapters cover crucial theological issues that underpin a biblical counseling philosophy. Nine chapters unfold a counseling methodology emergent from Scripture. Two final chapters contain a list of resources and answer commonly asked questions." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
*Miller, C. John "Jack" (1928-1996), and Rose Marie Miller, Sonship Course: World Harvest Mission Leadership Training Program, Nurture Training for Ministry, Equipping Others for Ministry. Alternate title: LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM: NURTURE, TRAINING FOR MINISTRY, EQUIPPING OTHERS FOR MINISTRY (Jenkintown, PA [World Harvest, Box 2175, Jenkintown 19046]: World Harvest, 1988).
This course was developed to prepare World Harvest missionaries to work in the field. The course includes small group participation and Biblical counseling.
"The first half of the SONSHIP track focuses on the doctrines of Justification, Sanctification, and Adoption. The last half lays the foundation for love. We look at how the Gospel affects the way we look at ourselves. Our goal was that increasingly your self-image should be rooted in God's view of you clothed in the perfect righteousness of Christ . . . What we aim at here is to encourage the trainee to learn from Christ how to build a holy life, a life of love to your neighbor. This is done self-consciously relying always on his or her free justification by faith. Sanctification by faith issues from knowing always that my standing as a son is assured by justification by Christ alone through faith alone. Thus the heart of our counseling on character development centers in affirmation of Christ's work for us, and Christ's work in us through the Spirit. But within that framework we attempt seriously to involve each trainee in ongoing repentance, putting off old habits and sins and putting on Christ-like love and faith. . . . Much focus is laid on teamwork. . . . The skill of evangelism . . . is the believer's primary emphasis in the course of training because the staff believes that evangelism is necessary for a healthy Christian life . . . Evangelism rightly understood affects both the faith and the Christian life of the one who shares Christ's message." -- C. John Miller and Rose Marie Miller
Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Rose Marie Miller, Paul Miller, Rick Downs, David M. Desforge, et al., Sonship, a set of 16 sound cassettes (audiobook on tape [audio file]).
World Harvest Mission
http://www.whm.org/home.htm
Mooremann, Phillip, The Christian Home Study Handbook, 1986: A Guide to Christian Correspondence Schools, Cassette [audio file], and Video-taped [DVD] Instruction, Computer Programs, and Christian Home Schools, ISBN: 0961432306 9780961432300.
"Ideal for those who want reliable guidance on correspondence courses. Also of value to pastors who are asked about continuing education. Includes information on video and cassette tapes [audio file], lending libraries, and available software. Well produced, reliable." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Powlison, David (1949-2019), Competent to Counsel? The History of Biblical Counseling, new edition. Alternate title: COMPETENT TO COUNSEL? THE HISTORY OF A CONSERVATIVE PROTESTANT ANTI-PSYCHIATRY MOVEMENT, ISBN: 0978556763 9780978556761 (College Park, PA: University of Pennsylvania, Ph.D. thesis, 1996).
David Powlison is editor of Journal of Biblical Counseling, a staff member of the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation, Glenside, Pennsylvania, and a graduate of Harvard University in 1972.
Through the years I have often asked our students and alumni about the pivotal moments of their studies at Westminster Theological Seminary. High on the list of frequent answers was Dr. Powlison's class on "The Dynamics of Biblical Change." Students have told me repeatedly, "That course changed my life." We thank God for the gift of Dr. Powlison (1949-2019) who has left such a permanent impact on so many, including Westminster Theological Seminary. -- Peter Lillback
*Powlison, David (1949-2019), Speaking Truth in Love: Counsel in Community, ISBN: 0977080714 9780977080717.
"SPEAKING TRUTH IN LOVE is the latest book by David Powlison, a faculty member at Westminster Theological Seminary and The Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation. In his own words, it is, 'a book on how we are to live together.' Although primarily directed at pastors and counselors, there is much here to be savored by every child of God. Indeed, an emphasis of the book is that speaking truth in love, wisdom, and grace into another person's life is both the privilege and responsibility for every Christian, not just the 'professionals' or the 'trained.'
"There are seventeen chapters, which are really separate essays all looking at differing facets of counseling, or 'loving another person well' as Powlison puts it.
"Chapter 1 is an extended reflection of Psalm 119, beautifully portraying it as the cry of a faithful heart toward God. It is worth the price of the book for anyone struggling through a trial or helping another.
"Chapter 2 talks about the need to face the truth of our rebellious flesh, while chapter 3 talks of hearing the music of the gospel. Chapter 4-8 deal with various practical steps of preparation, listening, and questioning, while chapter 9 specifically deals with gently handling people who have already been immersed in the false psychologies of the world.
"Chapter 10 starts looking at a more global emphasis, challenging pastors (and all) to consider that most of the 'ministry of the Word' that Christ actually did was what we would now term private and small-group counseling, and not preaching sermons. Chapter 11 looks at how counseling should fit into the ministry of the church, and chapter 12 looks specifically at how the nature of prayer fits into counseling in the church.
"The last chapters look at pastoral counseling, women in counseling, when to refer, where to train, and lastly a guiding doctrinal statement for Biblical counseling.
"This is a rewarding book written by a wise servant of God, giving insight and direction on both the nature and the challenges the church faces in fulfilling our mandate on speaking truth in love to each other." -- Reader's Comment
*Powlison, David (1949-2019, compiler and annotator), Contemporary Biblical Counseling: With 1995 Additions, an annotated bibliography.
David Powlison is editor of the Journal of Biblical Counseling, current director of the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation, Glenside, Pennsylvania, and a graduate of Harvard University in 1972.
http://www.lettermen2.com/powlison.html
Pulaski, Adam, Biblical Counseling Manual: A Self Help Counseling Program Guide, ISBN: 1412038790 9781412038799.
Biblical Counseling Manual: A Self Help Counseling Program
http://ntslibrary.com/PDF%20Books/Biblical%20Counseling%20Manual.pdf
*Sproul, R.C. (general editor), The Reformation Study Bible: The Word That Changes Lives -- the Faith That Changed The World, New King James Version, ISBN: 0785258523 9780785258520. Previously published under the title NEW GENEVA STUDY BIBLE: BRINGING THE LIGHT OF THE REFORMATION TO SCRIPTURE, ISBN: 0840710917 9780840710918.
"The NEW GENEVA STUDY BIBLE offers a restatement of Reformation truth for Christians today. The first Geneva Bible was a pivotal force in the Reformation. Using the everyday language of its time, it opened the pages of Scripture to readers and provided helpful notes to assist them in understanding its message. It became the family Bible of the English people, and was the Bible that the Pilgrims brought to the New World. Since that time a multitude of English translations and study Bibles have appeared, but none of these has incorporated a summary of Reformed theology." -- Thomas Nelson Publishers
Also available in digital format from Logos Bible Software.
Geneva Bible Notes: Reviews of the 1599 and the 1672 editions of the Notes, and of the Reformation Study Bible
http://www.lettermen2.com/geneva.html
Readers of THE REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE should also be familiar with the Geneva Bible Notes, The Westminster Family of Documents, the doctrine of the Mediatorial Dominion of Jesus Christ, and the literature of the Covenanted Reformation.
The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646, The Westminster Standards), and Related Works: A Study Guide
http://www.lettermen2.com/suggest.html
The Covenanted Reformation of Scotland Author/Title Listing
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chb.html#crsstl
Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, William L. Roberts D.D.
http://archive.org/details/ReformedPresbyterianCatechism
*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Spurgeon's Devotional Bible: Selected Passages From the Word of God With Running Comments, ISBN: 0852343434 0852340583. Alternate title: Originally published under the title, THE INTERPRETER: SPURGEON'S MORNING AND EVENING DEVOTIONS FROM THE BIBLE.
"For anyone who wants to restore daily devotions on an individual or family basis, SPURGEON'S DEVOTIONAL BIBLE is the perfect answer. One can read through this book in a year when morning and evening devotions are maintained. . . .
"The gist of the entire Bible is found between the covers of this book. . . . some verses [and chapters], were omitted in whole or in part, but they are always summarized in such a way that the narrative or teaching remains clear. The emphasis is always on Scripture . . ." -- Publisher
Commenting on typology is a way to convince piers of the reality and immediacy of the Gospel. The concise, succinct, erudite comments point again and again to parallels in Scripture to the life and work of Christ. For example, see the comments on the life of Joseph, on the first Passover, and on God's provision of manna for Israel in the wilderness.
This work, by a modern Puritan, is preeminently practical. Spurgeon emphasizes application of Scripture to everyday life. Key verses appear at the top of each page.
Spurgeon's discerning mind has captured essential and profound lessons. He brings together Old and New Testament passages with similar lessons. Here is little known insight that should not be ignored or overlooked.
The Bible is full of wisdom on human behavior, real psychology, and Spurgeon points out these lessons everywhere.
The text is the Authorized King James Version.
A footnote at the bottom of page 643 (Baker Book House edition), states "In this reading the first five notes are from Lange's Commentary. All through the work we have gathered from every available source." Looking at other works by Spurgeon, for example, THE TREASURY OF DAVID, and knowing that he had a huge library, it could be expected he selected freely from the works of other authors. Poetry has been added after the Bible selection and notes. It would appear the notes and poetry have not been documented for practical purposes, to make the book seamless and uncluttered. It is a drawback, however, to not know which notes and poetry was from Spurgeon's pen and which he selected from other authors.
The Interpreter: Spurgeon's Devotional Bible. Alternate title: SPURGEON'S DEVOTIONAL BIBLE: SELECTED PASSAGES FROM THE WORD OF GOD WITH RUNNING COMMENTS.
"THE INTERPRETER: SPURGEON DEVOTIONAL BIBLE contains the text of the entire Bible, along with Spurgeon's reflections on nearly every verse. This Bible, arranged topically instead of canonically, allows readers to experience the text of Scripture along with Charles Spurgeon himself. His commentary illuminates the texts, and provides notes on interpretation and application of the Bible. The Logos Bible Software edition of THE INTERPRETER: SPURGEON'S DEVOTIONAL BIBLE was originally published in London by Passmore and Alabaster from 1869-1887." -- Publisher
https://www.logos.com/product/6798/the-interpreter-spurgeons-devotional-bible
Pilgrim Publications
Sells new copies of SPURGEON'S DEVOTIONAL BIBLE.
http://pilgrimpublications.auctivacommerce.com/
Power BibleCD
Includes SPURGEON'S DEVOTIONAL BIBLE.
http://www.powerbible.com/
C.H. Spurgeon wrote, among other things:
Sturkie, Joan, and Siang-Yang Tan, Peer Counseling in Youth Groups: Equipping Your Kids to Help Each Other, ISBN: 031054081X 9780310540816.
Swartley, Dick, and Anne Swartley, Right Start Premarital Program, ISBN: 0929670000 9780929670003.
Prepared with the research committees of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors and the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. "A commemorative issue, Dialogue 88." Includes bibliography and index.
Vander Zwaag, Foppe, Biblical Counseling and the Love of God, a M.Div. dissertation.
"The love of God our heavenly Father, as it is revealed to sinful man in the Holy Scriptures in Jesus Christ, is sufficient for all our spiritual and mental needs. The great problem of most people, even of many Christians, is that they are problem-focused instead of God-focused. Biblical counseling, not matter what the 'problem' is, must always begin with God and our relationship with him. The Holy Spirit, using sinful men and women as instruments, delights to show the things of Christ, who is the express image of God. Effective and practical scriptural counseling is provided -- guidance in the life of sinners as they are directed to look to, follow, and imitate Jesus Christ's loving obedience to His Father." -- Abstract
Various, Biblical Counseling Workshops, 10 sound cassettes [audio file].
Speakers: William Henderson; David Powlison; Robert D Smith; John McConaughy; Robert Somerville; Randall Patten; and Lloyd Jonas.
"Notes: Title from container. N8912, N8923-N8928, N8930-N8932."
Various, Biblical Counseling Workshops, 33 sound cassettes [audio file].
Speakers: Stuart W Scott; Randall Patten; Steve Viars; David Powlison; John Edward Babler; Kevin Backus; Dan Wickert; Marc Graham; Robert D Jones; John McConaughy; Cindy Patten; Ed Bulkey; Carolyn Carlson; Howard A Eyrich; Sid Galloway; Robert Somerville; Mary Somerville; David Edgington; Timothy A Pasma; Craig Richard Rowe; Robert D Smith; John D Street; Jay Edward Adams; and James Thomas.
"Notes: Title from container. N9803-N9808, N9814-N9815, N9818, N9820-N9824, N9827-N9828, N9830-N9831, N9843-N9847, N9849, N9851, N9853, N9855. Description: 33 sound cassettes." [audio file]
Various, Biblical Counseling Workshops, 43 sound cassettes [audio files].
Various, Seminar on Counselor Training Sponsored by the Pentagon Christian Fellowship Delivered at Fort Belvoir Chapel, Fort Belvoir, Virginia (Westminster Media).Dealing with mysticism / J. Adams Handling evangelistic opportunities in counseling / S. Viars On to maturity / John Bettler Executive director's address / Wm. Goode Guidance in counseling / J. Adams Evaluating Christian [sic] in hospital programs / S. Galloway From Freud to Jesus / Richard Ganz Q and A Biblical counseling / Adams, Viars ADHD and Christian parent / Rita Jamison What to know about AIDS / Ed Payne Counseling and nature of righteousness #1 / David Powlison Counseling and nature of righteousness #2 / David Powlison Counseling those who lust for approval / L. Priolo "All truth," a critique / G. Scipione Chronic fatigue syndrome / R. Smith Helping men overcome life dominating lust / John Street Basic track #1 / L. Quinn Basic track #2 / L. Jonas Basic track #3 / John Street Basic track #4 / W. Mack Sexual intimacy in marriage / S. Galloway Ministering to divorced parents / A. Knicely Church discipline for positive benefit / Bill Hill Today's women's problems / M. Peace Counseling in a local church / L. Quinn Biblical answers, psychological explanations / R. Smith Counseling "victims" / R. Somerville Questions of medical ethics / Hilton Terrell Male/female differences / J. McConaughy Premarital counseling for the church /Wm (sic) Mack Dealing with deception / L. Priolo How to become a NANC member / Goode, Scipione Issues in marriage counseling / Bill Slattery Counseling those who are depressed / Dan Wickert Being who God called you to be / Richard Ganz Counseling teens from Proverbs / R. Alchin Marks of male maturity / John Bettler Parents, get to their minds / Tim Turner Ministering to children of divorced / A. Knicely Session one, getting started / R. Patten Psychotropic drugs in laymen's terms / W. Wendling Contemporary medical issues / Dan Wickert Biblical response to suffering / Wilkerson."
Vath, Raymond E., Counseling Those With Eating Disorders, ISBN: 0849905834 9780849905834.
"This is not a 'how-to-treat' book but rather one that explains the attitudes and principles that have been effective in treating over 200 eating disorder cases of anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Part I deals with the nature, causes and consequences while Part II deals with the treatment." -- GCB
Includes bibliography and index.
"Dr. Vath, who is a Psychiatrist, approaches the counseling of eating disorders from the perspective of a strong, working faith in the principles of Christian teaching. He speaks from a position of having counseled over a hundred patients in their recovery from anorexia.
"His book also deals in a lesser extent with bulemia, especially as it sometimes may be an adjunct of the recovering anorexic.
"Dr. Vath's book is very readable and insightful. I would recommend it for any person who has any family member or close acquaintance with the disorder. -- Reader's Comment
Welch, Ed, Philosophy of Counseling (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette SC864 [audio file].
*Westminster Assembly (1643-1652), The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), [completed and first printed in 1646, approved by the Assembly, August 27, 1647, Session 23 -- compiler] (Glasgow, Scotland: Free Presbyterian Publication [133 Woodlands Road, Glasgow G3 6LE], 1994), ISBN: 0902506080 (case-bound), and ISBN: 0902506358 (paperback). Among the ten greatest works in the English language. Available (THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646) with all its subordinate documents in searchable format) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also available (THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646) with all its subordinate documents in searchable format) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) With Scripture Proofs
http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/
The Confession of Faith, the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, With the Scripture Proofs at Large: Together With The sum of Saving Knowledge (contained in the Holy Scriptures, and held forth in the said Confession and Catechisms), and Practical use Thereof, Covenants National and Solemn League, Acknowledgment of Sins and Engagement to Duties, Directories, Form of Church-government, &c. of Public Authority in the Church of Scotland, With Acts of Assembly and Parliament, Relative to, and Approbative of the Same (1757) [the original version of 1646, prior to the changes of the "American Version" of 1789 -- compiler]
http://archive.org/details/confessionofscot00chur
" 'The product of Puritan conflict,' stated Shedd, reaching 'a perfection of statement never elsewhere achieved.' All that learning the most profound and extensive, intellect the most acute and searching, and piety the most sincere and earnest, could accomplish, was thus concentrated in the Westminster Assembly's Confession of Faith, which may be safely termed the most perfect statement of Systematic Theology ever framed by the Christian Church,' writes Hetherington (1803-1865), (The History of the Westminster Assembly of Divines, p. 345).
"Concerning The Shorter Catechism, which is one of the items also included in this book, Mitchell notes: 'it is a thoroughly Calvinistic and Puritan catechism, the ripest fruit of the Assembly's thought and experience, maturing and finally fixing the definitions of theological terms to which Puritanism for half a century had been leading up and gradually coming closer and closer to in its legion of catechisms.' (Westminster Assembly: Its History and Standards, p. 431).
"THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646) is the greatest of all the creeds of the Christian church. The church of Christ cannot be creedless and live. Especially in an age of doubt and confusion, it is her duty to define and proclaim the one true faith. Nowhere has the Reformed church done this so effectively as in the WESTMINSTER CONFESSION, and family of documents. This book represents Reformed thinking at its purest and best. It was intended, as part of the Covenanted Reformation taking place during its compilation, to be adopted as the binding confessional standard for every individual, family, court, church, and legislature in the British Isles." -- Publisher
This is considered to be the definitive publication of the Westminster family of documents. It includes the following:
*Westminster Theological Seminary, Westminster Media Cassette Catalog
http://www.wts.edu/resources/login.html
Westminster Theological Seminary Bookstore
http://www.wts.edu/bookstore/
See also: The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Systematic theology, Reconciliation of relationships, Marital counseling, Biblical counsel by subject, Counseling the family, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The words of christ, Christ and counseling, Words of christ appearing in the web edition of biblical counsel: resources for renewal, The teaching of our lord jesus christ, Repentance the key to salvation and change, The foundation of biblical counsel, Love and counseling problems, The wisdom books, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Expository bible commentaries, Topical listings of scripture useful in counseling, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Manuals and handbooks, Biblical counseling reference works, Topical bible indexes, Correspondence containing biblical counsel, General works on biblical counseling, Bible reference works, Manuals and handbooks, Biblical counseling tracts, Questions and answers, For all counselors, Case studies, Works of jay adams, Pastoral counseling, Preaching and pastoral counseling, The christian counseling and educational foundation, General audio files (cds and mp3s) from ccef speakers, Annual alumni conferences of ccef, Westminster media, Audio cds and mp3s on counseling subjects, Homework for counselees, Biblical counsel by subject, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, Sexual wholeness, Psychology and psychiatry, Bibliography of bibliography, and so forth, and so on.
Biblical Counseling Foundation
http://bcfministries.org
Biblical Counseling On-line Workshop (Self-Confrontation/Nouthetic Counseling)
http://www.immanuels.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=51&Itemid=84
Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (CCEF)
1803 East Willow Grove Avenue
Glenside, PA 19038
Telephone: 215.884.7676
http://www.ccef.org/
Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation Resources Audio Archives
http://www.wts.edu/resources/login.html/
Combined Interactive Contents for The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/combtoc.html
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset, Brown)
http://www.biblestudytools.com/Commentaries/JamiesonFaussetBrown/
Creeds and Confessions
http://www.biblestudytools.com/History/AD/CreedsandConfessions/
Crosswalk Bible Study Tools
http://www.biblestudytools.com/
Institute of Biblical Counseling and Discipleship (formerly Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation West [CCEF West]), 3495 College Ave., San Diego, CA, 92115; 619-582-5554.
"Counseling. Videotaped courses taught at CCEF West by George Scipione and others. Video series available include Introduction to Biblical Counseling (by George Scipione), Marriage and Family (by George Scipione and Andy Peterson), Advanced Seminar in Biblical Counseling (by George Scipione and others), and Methods of Psychological Counseling (by Andy Peterson). Catalogue available." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
Institute of Biblical Counseling and Discipleship (formerly CCEF West)
http://www.ibcd.org/
The Institute for Nouthetic Studies
Training in Biblical Counseling by extension with Dr. Jay E. Adams.
"We are the Institute for Nouthetic Studies (INS), a ministry that seeks to train the next generation of biblical counselors by making the teaching ministry of Dr. Jay E. Adams available to students by extension. . . .
"Several years ago Dr. Adams and I began teaching at the Redeemer Biblical Counseling Training Institute (RBCTI) under the direction of our pastor, Bill Slattery (Dr. Adams' son-in-law). In recent years Dr. Adams has had to limit his travels so RBCTI became the only place one could study under Dr. Adams personally. When word traveled that Dr. Adams was teaching we began to receive a number of requests for tapes and the church began to explore ways to allow others to benefit from the training that was being offered here locally. After much discussion, and with the blessing of the church, Dr. Adams and I formed INS and created a structured curriculum that Dr. Adams believed would include everything the competent biblical counselor would need to understand to be thoroughly trained.
"We began taping Dr. Adams' lectures and offered the training on video tape. As the technology became available, we switched to DVDs and slowly (and sometimes painfully), learned how to produce better and better quality from our recordings. We posted a website to advertise and were quickly overwhelmed by the response. We are now approaching the 300 student mark with students on every continent around the world! We are nearing the completion of our curriculum and hope to have it completed by early fall.
"Here is a list of the courses we have ready:
Introduction to Biblical Counseling/Counseling Principles and Practiceshttp://www.nouthetic.org/
The Counselor Himself
Critical Stages in Biblical Counseling
Counseling Problems
Premarital Counseling
Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage
Theology and Counseling
Church Discipline
Forgiveness
Medical Issues in Counseling I and II
Marriage and Family Counseling
We are currently working on the following:
Counseling Theories and Issues Abroad in the Church Today
Legal Issues in Counseling
Counseling Women
The Christian Counselor's Casebook Studies"
John Gill's Exposition of the Bible
http://www.biblestudytools.com/Commentaries/GillsExpositionoftheBible/
Journal of Biblical Ethics in Medicine
http://capo.org/jbem/intro_pa.htm
Journal of Biblical Counseling (formerly The Journal of Pastoral Practice)
http://www.ccef.org/jbc
Logos Bible Software Bundles That Include Works on Biblical Counseling
There are 15 bundles in all.
http://www.logos.com/products/search?q=counseling+bundles
Matthew Henry Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible
http://www.biblestudytools.com/Commentaries/MatthewHenryComplete/
Nouthetic Counseling
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nouthetic_Counseling
Psychology and Psychiatry
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappc.html
Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary
For the work of C. John Miller (1928-1996).
http://71.182.134.18:82/
Resources in Christian Counseling Series
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr3ch.html#riccs
Rick Thomas Podcasts
"And other resources -- transcripts, videos, books."
https://rickthomas.net/enjoy-awesome-podcasts/
Topic Index, Rick Thomas Articles
https://rickthomas.net/topic-index/
Stephen Ministries
http://www.stephenministries.org/
Sound Word Associates Library of Biblical Counselors
http://www.soundword.com/ccon.html
Timeless Texts (Biblical Counseling books)
http://www.timelesstexts.com/
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
http://www.biblestudytools.com/Concordances/TreasuryofScriptureKnowledge/
The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646, The Westminster Standards), and Related Works: A Study Guide
http://www.lettermen2.com/suggest.html
Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) With Scripture Proofs
http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/
Westminster Media, Box 27009, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19118
"Westminster Media now distributes all CCEF audio tapes [audio file], (including Jay Adams, John Bettler, Paul Tripp, Ed Welch, David Powlison, and numerous others). Includes "Helps for the Family" radio programs, Sandy Cove Marriage Conferences, CCEF's June Institute, CCEF's Alumni Day, and Westminster Seminary courses. Also includes tapes by other Westminster Seminary faculty. They have compiled an extensive resource catalogue which is available on request." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
Westminster Theological Seminary Bookstore
http://www.wts.edu/bookstore/
Westminster Theological Seminary Bookstore
http://www.wts.edu/bookstore/
Words of Christ Appearing in The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappa.html
Works of Jay Adams
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr3ch.html#woja
See the Theological Notes: "The Fall" at Genesis 3:6 in The Reformation Study Bible.Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you. (Acts 3:19,20)
Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. (Hebrews 1:3)
All the problems we face in life as individuals or in society prove the same thing -- they prove the Lordship of Jesus Christ. He is indeed all-sufficient. -- Edward Hindson
To the one [we are] the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who [is] sufficient for these things?
For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. (2 Corinthians Chapter 2:16-17)
*Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Christ and Your Problems, ISBN: 0875520111 9780875520117. A booklet.
Exposits I Corinthians 10:13 [1 Corinthians 10:13], for the benefit of counselees. 'At bottom all men in all times face the same basic problems.' You are responsible. God is faithful, therefore you have hope. However difficult the pressures seem, you can make godly choices through Jesus Christ." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
"A Biblical exegesis of I Corinthians 10:13 [1 Corinthians 10:13], showing that a Christian's problems are not unique, and that God will not allow a Christian to be tested beyond his strength, and will always make a way of escape. Should be given to all counselees who need hope." -- Robert B. Somerville
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
See the subject "Christ," and so forth, and so on.
*Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language.
"First published in 1874, THE EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS, may be the best book on the doctrine of justification by faith alone ever written.
"Since the seventeenth century, the church's adherence to the central doctrine of the Christian faith has been weakening; in the twentieth century it has all but disappeared. But to those who remain faithful -- to those who are called of God -- justification by faith alone is the best news there could ever be: that Christ died for our sins, and we shall live forever because of Christ's righteousness.
"Justification by faith alone -- the 'principal hinge of religion,' according to John Calvin, the 'doctrine by which the church stands or falls,' according to Martin Luther -- is salvation. Without it, all hope is lost; with it, Heaven gained. Bonar's discussion is without equal in the English language." -- John W. Robbins
The Everlasting Righteousness; or, How Shall man be Just With God?
http://books.google.com/books?id=nQMDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), Christ the Counsellor. Available in THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON (10:231-50).
*Brown, John (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858), Discourses and Sayings of our Lord Jesus Christ, 3 volumes, ISBN: 0851515819 (one ISBN for the set of 3 volumes). A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Spurgeon says of this great commentary: 'Of the noblest order of exposition. Procure it.' Elsewhere in COMMENTING AND COMMENTARIES, he wrote, 'Dr. Brown's work must be placed among the first of the first-class. He is a great expositor.' Again, 'Brown is a modern Puritan. All his expositions are of the utmost value.'
"These volumes cover much of the Gospel of John, plus many portions of the other three Gospels. In them he reveals his encyclopedic mind, and a profound regard for the Bible and the very Word of God. In addition, it is seen why it was said that he had the best clerical library in the whole nation of Scotland.
"There is little doubt in the mind of this reviewer that any reader of these volumes will become possessor of myriads of new insights into the Scriptures, and what they reveal of our God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. It is indispensable to the student of the Gospels." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
"Based upon the revised and enlarged edition of 1852. Rich in thought. Pastors will appreciate the writer's application of spiritual truths to the needs of men and women." -- Cyril J. Barber
Recommended for daily devotions, as are all the books in the listing of "Books Considered to be Among the ten Greatest in the English Language."
Discourses and Sayings of our Lord Jesus Christ: Illustrated in a Series of Expositions, 1854, vol. 1 of 2.
http://archive.org/details/discoursessaying01brow
Discourses and Sayings of our Lord Jesus Christ, vol. 2 of 2.
http://archive.org/details/discoursessaying02brow
Discourses and Sayings of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Illustrated in a Series of Expositions. . . . by John Brown, published 1856. [complete in 2 volumes. New York: Robert Carter and Brothers], original from the University of Michigan, digitized Feb. 17, 2006.
http://books.google.com/books?id=SZl9u8v0Yi8C&dq=Discourses+and+Sayings+of+Our+Lord+Jesus+Christ&ie=ISO-8859-1&source=gbs_summary_s&cad=0
This University of Michigan digitized edition, that appears in Google Books, is available in paper from two publishers: (Gardners Books, 2006), and (Hard Press, November 26, 2007).
Both volume are "produced from digital images created through the University of Michigan University Library's preservation reformatting program." -- Publisher
*Brown, John (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858), An Exposition of our Lord's Intercessory Prayer. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. A Christian classic.
"The concluding prayer of our Lord's in the garden here receives sensitive treatment. Brown was a pastor as well as an exegete. His handling of the text is excellent. His exposition serves as a model. . . ." -- Cyril J. Barber
Includes an Appendix 1, "Connection Between the Visible Union of Christians, and the Conversion of the World," by Hugh Heugh, D.D.
An Exposition of our Lord's Intercessory Prayer: With a Discourse on the Relation of our Lord's Intercession to the Conversion of the World (1866)
http://archive.org/details/expositionofourl00brow
Nave's Topical Bible -- Christ, Prayers of
http://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T2807
Buchanan, Duncan, The Counseling of Jesus, ISBN: 0877849315 9780877849315.
Includes bibliographical references.
Bunyan, John (1628-1688), Saints Knowledge of Christ's Love, ISBN: 0851517390 9780851517391. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Pilgrim's Page: A John Bunyan Archive
This is the complete set of THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN, George Offor edition, reprinted by The Banner of Truth. It is free online, and is downloadable in the following formats: HTML, RTF, TEXT, and PDF.
http://www.chapellibrary.org/literature/bunyan/
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN is also available at Project Gutenberg.
Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation, Paul David Tripp, John F. Bettler, et al., The 1989 Alumni Conference of the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
A special set of audio cassettes [audio file], featuring Drs. Tripp and Bettler on the topics "Christ our Model for Counseling," "Getting to the Heart of Sexual Problems," as well as a Q&A time with the CCEF counselors.
Crane, William E., Where God Comes In: The Divine "Plus" in Counseling.
Includes bibliography.
*Hodgkin, A.M., Christ in All the Scriptures, ISBN: 1557480664 9781557480668.
"First published in 1907, this classic work is a clear testimony of Christ to the Scriptures and their affirmation of Him as the Son of God. The love and reverence with which the author approaches these glorious truths ensure it a place among the finest devotional writings." -- GCB
*Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), An Exposition of John 17. Available (THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #4 and #5.
"A deep, rich, and full exposition by a Puritan divine." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Poythress, Vern, The Shadow of Christ in the Law of Moses, ISBN: 0875523757 9780875523750.
"Dr. Poythress demonstrates how the sacrifices and traditions of the Hebrew people foreshadow the relationship of Christ to His people. With crisp insight, Poythress explains that the punishments and penalties of the Law prefigure the destruction of sin and guilt through Christ. With remarkable clarity, Poythress opens the door to understanding the Old Testament and its relationship to the New Testament." -- GCB
*Rainsford, Marcus, Our Lord Prays for His own: Thoughts on John 17, ISBN: 0825436176.
"Griffith Thomas describes this book as 'the greatest classic ever written on Christ's high priestly prayer.' We believe it is the best one in print, since Thomas Manton's excellent book on John 17, and also John Brown's are out of print at this time. . . ." [see citations -- both are now available in e-text -- compiler] -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Vander Zwaag, Foppe, Biblical Counseling and the Love of God, a M.Div. dissertation.
"The love of God our heavenly Father, as it is revealed to sinful man in the Holy Scriptures in Jesus Christ, is sufficient for all our spiritual and mental needs. The great problem of most people, even of many Christians, is that they are problem-focused instead of God-focused. Biblical counseling, not matter what the 'problem' is, must always begin with God and our relationship with him. The Holy Spirit, using sinful men and women as instruments, delights to show the things of Christ, who is the express image of God. Effective and practical scriptural counseling is provided -- guidance in the life of sinners as they are directed to look to, follow, and imitate Jesus Christ's loving obedience to His Father." -- Abstract
*Whyte, Alexander (1836-1921), The Walk, Conversation and Character of Jesus Christ Our Lord, ISBN: 0801095689. A Christian classic.
"A classic. First published in 1905." -- Cyril J. Barber
See also: The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Absolute truth and relativism, Epistemology of theology, the theory of knowledge, The words of christ, Words of christ appearing in the web edition of biblical counsel: resources for renewal, The teaching of our lord jesus christ, Christ our example, Affliction, adversity, trials, suffering, chastisement, Reconciliation of relationships, Appendix a, the words of christ, The promises of Christ, The sermon on the mount, Christ in you, The believer's position in christ and sonship, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, Sexual wholeness, The cross of christ, Manhood, Marriage, The priesthood of believers, The all-sufficiency of christ, Christ's kingdom, and so forth, and so on.
His Name -- The Counsellor, a sermon by C.H. Spurgeon
This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye him. -- God The Father (Matthew 17:5)
http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/0215.php
Nave's Topical Bible -- Christ, Prayers of
http://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T2807
Nave's Topical Bible -- Commandments
http://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T1189
Nave's Topical Bible -- Precepts of Jesus, Explicitly Stated, or Implied in Didactic Discourse
https://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/naves-topical-bible/commandments.html
The Teachings of The Lord Jesus Christ
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#teachljc
Words of Christ Appearing in The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappa.html
See the Theological Notes: "The Law of God," at Exodus 20:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.See the Theological Notes: "One and Three: The Trinity," at Isaiah 44:6 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "The Lord's Supper," at 1 Corinthians 11:3 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "The Church," at Ephesians 2:19 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Christians in the World," at Colossians 2:20 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "The Return of Jesus Christ," at 1 Thessalonians 4:16 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Christ the Mediator," at 1 Timothy 2:5 in The Reformation Study Bible. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all. (1 Timothy 2:5,6a)
This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye him. -- God The Father (Matthew 17:5)
For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 12:49,50)This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 6:29b)
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:23)
I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:4)Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 3:12)
The four "Servant Songs" of Isaiah are Isaiah 42:1-9; Isaiah 49:1-7; Isaiah 50:4-11; and Isaiah 52:13 -- Isaiah 53:12. See the annotations in The Reformation Study Bible.
Our Triune God has ordained that the preeminent leader of the Church is the Lord Jesus Christ, the God Man, Our Righteousness. (John 1:1-18; Matthew 19:30; Matthew 28:18-20; Isaiah 49:7; Colossians 1:16-19; Colossians 2:9,10; Hebrews 12:1,2; Revelation 5:1-14; Revelation 19:11-15; Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 22:12, and so forth, and so on). Human leadership is also divinely ordained and tends to devolve to those who are most perfectly at one with Christ, and to those who also know the most Truth (the Apostle Paul, Saint Augustine, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Puritan leaders, The Scots Worthies, and so forth, and so on).
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:28). See: (Matthew 19:28, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Then his master said unto him, It is well done good servant and faithful, Thou hast been faithful in little, I will make thee ruler over much: enter into thy master's joy. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:21) (Matthew 25:21 1599 Geneva Bible)
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:34). See: (Matthew 25:34, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And he said unto him, Well, good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little thing, take thou authority over ten cities. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 19:17) (Luke 19:17, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Therefore I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 22:29) (Luke 22:29, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:17). See: (Romans 8:17, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? (1 Corinthians 6:3). See: (1 Corinthians 6:3, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6). See: (Ephesians 2:6, 1599 Geneva Bible)
To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and corrections among the people:
To bind their kings in chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron,
That they may execute upon them the judgment that is written: this honor shall be to all his Saints. Praise ye the Lord. (Psalm 149:7-9) (Psalm 149:7-9, 1599 Geneva Bible)
But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. (1 Timothy 2:12), (1 Timothy 2:12, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 2:26). See: (Revelation 2:26, 1599 Geneva Bible)
To serve God is to reign. -- Seneca (4 BC -- 65 AD)Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:17)
It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 6:63)
The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:22,23)Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:31b,32)
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 16:33)
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 10:19)
For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:29)
Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 6:27)
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
These things I command you, that ye love one another. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:16,17)And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:3)
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:3)
This is Christ's definition of salvation.So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
He saith to him again the second time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 21:15-17)And he said unto me, My Grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. [1]Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may [2]rest upon me.
Therefore I take [1]pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. -- Paul quoting The Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 12:9,10)
12:9 [1] He concludeth, that he will only see his miseries against the vain brags of the false apostles, and therewith also excuseth himself, for that by their importunity, he was constrained to speak so much of these things as he did: to wit, because that if his Apostleship were subverted his doctrine must needs fall.
12:9 [2] That I might feel the virtue of Christ more and more: For the weaker that our tabernacles are, the more doth Christ's virtue appear in them.
12:10 [1] I do not only take them patiently and with a good heart, but also I take great pleasure in them.-- 1599 Geneva Bible NotesIn whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:3)
That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power. (Colossians 2:2-10)
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:8,18)And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:30)
See the Theological Notes: "The Teaching of Jesus," at Matthew 7:28 in The Reformation Study Bible.
The Fourfold Treasure, a sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Thursday Evening, April 27th, 1871, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon No. 991.
Sermon topic: 1 Corinthians 1:30,31, Christ is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.
This is to be wise, to have Christ's teaching, Christ's example, and above all, Christ's presence; so may the poorest find the Lord Jesus made of God unto them wisdom.
Pause just a minute. Let none of us ever be so foolish as to suppose that when we have received Jesus and his gospel, we have occasion to blush when we are in the company of the very wisest of the present day. Carry a bold face when you confront the brazen faced philosophy which insults your Lord. The man who does not believe the Bible does not know so much as thou dost. Blush not, though with mimic wisdom the unbeliever tries to laugh or argue thee down. He who knows not Christ, though he propounds wonderful theories as to the creation of mankind and the formation of the world, and though he has a glib tongue, is only an educated fool, a learned idiot, who thinks his own rushlight brighter than God's own sun. "Ah! but he has been to college, and he has a degree, and he is esteemed by men; for he has written books that nobody can comprehend." The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God; and I do not care even if he be a Solon, if he has said that there is no God, he is a fool. Do not blush, then, if you find yourself in his company, do not make yourself the blushing one because the fool is there. Self-conceit were to be avoided and loathed; but this is not self-conceit, but a holy courage in a case which demands of you to be courageous. To know Christ is the best of all philosophy, the highest of all sciences. [emphasis added -- compiler]. Angels desire to look into this; but I do not know that they care a fig for half the sciences so valued among men. If you know Christ you never need be afraid of being ashamed and confounded whatever company you may be in. If you stood in a senate of emperors, or amidst a parliament of philosophers, and only told them of the God that came in human flesh, and loved, and lived, and died to redeem mankind, you would have told them a greater mystery and a profounder secret than reason could discover. Be not ashamed, then, amid the intellectual pride of this boastful age. -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Fourfold TreasureAs from ill we are stopped by the consideration of Christ's death, so when we are moved to grace, consider the virtue of Christ's resurrection. Why is Christ now in heaven in our nature? Is it not to fill his church with his Spirit? Why doth he make intercession in heaven? Is it not that we should not be discouraged notwithstanding our daily infirmities? Shall we not make use of it? He is glorious for us, not for himself, but for his mystical body. As he hath made his natural body glorious, so he will make his mystical body glorious by little and little. He being, therefore, in heaven making intercession, go to him in the want of grace. And so for infirmities. The Spirit of God raised him at the lowest, and shall not the Spirit of God raise me from this and that. Yes, the Spirit of God will raise me from the baseness and misery of sin to be better and better. The same Spirit will enable me that raised his body. And so fetch virtue and strength from Christ, make use of Christ for every turn. Oh that we could learn these things! Then we should be able to go through all conditions: and we should be able to live, able to do. I beseach you, therefore, consider what hath been spoken. Let us study Christ every day more and more, not for redemption and reconciliation only, though that in the first place, but study Christ to be all in all to us, to be our sanctification to fit us for heaven. Study the promises of Christ, lose no privilege. God would not have left them in his word but for good. . . . -- Richard Sibbes
Serve Christ; back Him; let His cause be your cause, give not an hairbreadth of truth away, for it is not yours but God's. -- Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)
If I have observed anything by experience, it is this: a man may take the measure of his growth and decay in grace according to his thoughts and meditations upon the person of Christ, and the glory of Christ's Kingdom, and His love. -- John Owen
All the problems we face in life as individuals or in society prove the same thing -- they prove the Lordship of Jesus Christ. He is indeed all-sufficient. -- Edward Hindson
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:35)
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
See the subject "Teaching," "Education," and so forth, and so on.
*Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language.
"First published in 1874, THE EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS, may be the best book on the doctrine of justification by faith alone ever written.
"Since the seventeenth century, the church's adherence to the central doctrine of the Christian faith has been weakening; in the twentieth century it has all but disappeared. But to those who remain faithful -- to those who are called of God -- justification by faith alone is the best news there could ever be: that Christ died for our sins, and we shall live forever because of Christ's righteousness.
"Justification by faith alone -- the 'principal hinge of religion,' according to John Calvin, the 'doctrine by which the church stands or falls,' according to Martin Luther -- is salvation. Without it, all hope is lost; with it, Heaven gained. Bonar's discussion is without equal in the English language." -- John W. Robbins
The Everlasting Righteousness; or, How Shall man be Just With God?
http://books.google.com/books?id=nQMDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
*Brown, John (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858), Discourses and Sayings of our Lord Jesus Christ, 3 volumes, ISBN: 0851515819 (one ISBN for the set of 3 volumes). A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Spurgeon says of this great commentary: 'Of the noblest order of exposition. Procure it.' Elsewhere in COMMENTING AND COMMENTARIES, he wrote, 'Dr. Brown's work must be placed among the first of the first-class. He is a great expositor.' Again, 'Brown is a modern Puritan. All his expositions are of the utmost value.'
"These volumes cover much of the Gospel of John, plus many portions of the other three Gospels. In them he reveals his encyclopedic mind, and a profound regard for the Bible and the very Word of God. In addition, it is seen why it was said that he had the best clerical library in the whole nation of Scotland.
"There is little doubt in the mind of this reviewer that any reader of these volumes will become possessor of myriads of new insights into the Scriptures, and what they reveal of our God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. It is indispensable to the student of the Gospels." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
"Based upon the revised and enlarged edition of 1852. Rich in thought. Pastors will appreciate the writer's application of spiritual truths to the needs of men and women." -- Cyril J. Barber
Recommended for daily devotions, as are all the books in the listing of "Books Considered to be Among the ten Greatest in the English Language."
Discourses and Sayings of our Lord Jesus Christ: Illustrated in a Series of Expositions, 1854, vol. 1 of 2.
http://archive.org/details/discoursessaying01brow
Discourses and Sayings of our Lord Jesus Christ, vol. 2 of 2.
http://archive.org/details/discoursessaying02brow
Discourses and Sayings of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Illustrated in a Series of Expositions. . . . by John Brown, published 1856. [complete in 2 volumes. New York: Robert Carter and Brothers], original from the University of Michigan, digitized Feb. 17, 2006.
http://books.google.com/books?id=SZl9u8v0Yi8C&dq=Discourses+and+Sayings+of+Our+Lord+Jesus+Christ&ie=ISO-8859-1&source=gbs_summary_s&cad=0
This University of Michigan digitized edition, that appears in Google Books, is available in paper from two publishers: (Gardners Books, 2006), and (Hard Press, November 26, 2007).
Both volume are "produced from digital images created through the University of Michigan University Library's preservation reformatting program." -- Publisher
*Brown, John (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858), An Exposition of our Lord's Intercessory Prayer and (Limited Classic Reprint Library. Minneapolis, MN: Klock and Klock Christian Publishers, 1979). A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"The concluding prayer of our Lord's in the garden here receives sensitive treatment. Brown was a pastor as well as an exegete. His handling of the text is excellent. His exposition serves as a model. . . ." -- Cyril J. Barber
Includes an Appendix 1, "Connection Between the Visible Union of Christians, and the Conversion of the World," by Hugh Heugh, D.D.
An Exposition of our Lord's Intercessory Prayer: With a Discourse on the Relation of our Lord's Intercession to the Conversion of the World (1866)
http://archive.org/details/expositionofourl00brow
Nave's Topical Bible -- Christ, Prayers of
http://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T2807
*Burroughs, Jeremiah (1599-1646), Four Books on the Eleventh of Matthew [Matthew 11]: Viz., Christ Inviting Sinners to Come to Him for Rest [Matthew 11:28]; Christ the Great Teacher of Souls That Come to Him, to Which is Added a Treatise of Meekness and of Anger.
"Every now and again, a work will be published by a Reformer or Puritan that Christians find to be of such great spiritual worth, that it is hard to put into words the incalculable and infinite good that such a work is to the Christian soul. This book, friends, is one of those works. . . .
This is a life-transforming work which will enable Christians to inwardly examine themselves as they consider how the Law of God correlates to their abiding in the Lord Jesus, and what steps they must take to come to Christ in a saving and sanctifying manner." -- C. Matthew McMahon
Open access:
https://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=eebo2;idno=A77982.0001.001
Chilton, Bruce, Jesus and the Ethics of the Kingdom, ISBN: 0802803539 9780802803535.
Clower, Joseph B., The Church in the Thought of Jesus.
Clowney, Edmund P., and Rebecca Jones, Heralds of the King: Christ-centered Sermons in the Tradition of Edmund P. Clowney, ISBN: 9781433504020 1433504022.
Clowney, Edmund P., and Rebecca Jones, How Jesus Transforms the Ten Commandments, ISBN: 1596380365 9781596380363.
Edwards, Thomas (1599-1647), The Argument in Favor of Christianity Drawn From the Character and Discourses of Christ. A sermon preached at St. Peter's in Thanet, on Sunday, September 25, 1796. By Thomas Edwards, L.L.D.
Good, Kenneth, H., Lost and Found: Christ's Teaching on the Theology of Evangelism, ISBN: 0852342764 9780852342763.
"In Luke 15 our Lord sets forth the viewpoint of each Person of the Trinity in the winning of souls. Here the warmth of personal involvement is combined with the absolute certainty of the Divine Sovereignty. A commitment to the Doctrine of Grace is not incompatible with dedication to the work of evangelism." -- GCB
*Harris, John, The Teaching Methods of Christ, ISBN: 0865241619 9780865241619.
"Formerly appearing under the title THE GREAT TEACHER, this work can only be described as indispensable. The pedagogical truths that Harris draws from the pages of the New Testament are deserving of careful study and close emulation. All pastors and teachers should be thoroughly familiar with this book." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Horne, Herman Harrell, Jesus, the Teacher: Examining his Expertise in Education, a revised edition of JESUS, THE MASTER TEACHER, 1920, ISBN: 0825428599 9780825428593.
"Pastors today need to learn from the teaching techniques of Jesus Christ. This book is designed to stimulate such a study and deserves a place on every pastor's desk. First published in 1920." -- Cyril J. Barber
Horton, Robert F., The Commandments of Jesus.
Kissinger, Warren S., The Parables of Jesus: A History of Interpretation and Bibliography, ISBN: 0810811863 9780810811867.
*Ladd, George E., The Gospel of the Kingdom: Scriptural Studies in the Kingdom of God, ISBN: 0802812805 9780802812803. Alternate title: JESUS AND THE KINGDOM.
"A comprehensive, scholarly study of the preaching of Jesus concerning the kingdom of God." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Lightner, Robert P., The Savior and the Scripture, ISBN: 0825431107.
"Presents Christ's view of the Scripture and stress His absolute reliance upon the irrevocable authority of the Word." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Macartney, Clarence E.N., Great Interviews of Jesus, ISBN: 0825432839 9780825432835.
"While Jesus preached to the multitudes, He dealt with individuals ranging in social status from the thief on the cross to Pontius Pilate. These interviews are studied in depth." -- Cyril J. Barber
Martin, Hugh (1822-1885), Christ's 'Own House,' 1859.
Mills, Watson E. (1979-2001), Bibliographies on the Life and Teachings of Jesus, ISBN: 077342458X 9780773424586 0773424466 9780773424463 0773424504 9780773424500 0773424520 9780773424524 0773424547 9780773424548 0773424563 9780773424562.
Renwick, James (1662-1688), Christ our Righteousness. A Choice Sermon, Preached by the Reverend Mr. James Renwick From Revel. iii. 4 [Revelation 3:4], Falkirk, 1775. Available in (A CHOICE COLLECTION OF VERY VALUABLE PREFACES, LECTURES, AND SERMONS, PREACHED UPON THE MOUNTAINS AND MUIRS OF SCOTLAND, IN THE HOTTEST TIME OF THE LATE PERSECUTION. BY MR. JAMES RENWICK), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in (A CHOICE COLLECTION OF VERY VALUABLE PREFACES, LECTURES, AND SERMONS, PREACHED UPON THE MOUNTAINS AND MUIRS OF SCOTLAND, IN THE HOTTEST TIME OF THE LATE PERSECUTION. BY MR. JAMES RENWICK), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
*Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), Goodwin, Thomas (1600-1680), Nye, Philip (1596-1672), The Excellencie of the Gospell Above the law. Wherein the Liberty of the Sonnes of God is Shewed. With the image of their graces here, and glory hereafter. Which affords much comfort and great incouragement, to all such as begin timely, and continue constantly in the wayes of God. By R. Sibbs, D.D. Mr. of Katherin Hall Cambridge, and preacher of Grayes-Inne, London. Begun in his life time, and published by T.G. and P.N., 1639.
*Smeaton, George, The Doctrine of the Atonement as Taught by Christ Himself, ISBN: 0851516009.
"First published in 1871. This exegetical work by a British Reformed scholar contains a substantive treatment of Christ's own teaching on His death, the application of the benefits of His atonement to the church, and the effects of the atonement on the saved and unsaved." -- Cyril J. Barber
The Doctrine of the Atonement as Taught by Christ Himself: Or, The Sayings of Jesus Exegetically Expounded and Classified
http://books.google.com/books?id=qVwNAAAAYAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Jesus Christ Himself. (Ephesians 2:20) A sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day morning, December 9, 1877, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 1388.
"Beyond all argument or miracle, Jesus Christ Himself is the proof of His own Gospel. And as He is the proof of it, so, Beloved, He is the marrow and essence of it. When the Apostle Paul meant that the Gospel was preached, He said, Christ is preached, for the Gospel is Christ Himself! If you want to know what Jesus taught, know Him! He is the incarnation of that Truth of God which by Him and in Him is revealed to the sons of men. Did He not, Himself say, I am the way, the truth, and the life?
"You have not to take down innumerable books, nor to pore over mysterious sentences of double meaning in order to know what our great Teacher has revealed. You have but to turn and gaze upon His countenance, behold His actions and note His spirit and you know His teaching. He lived what He taught. If we wish to know Him, we may hear His gentle voice saying, Come and see. Study His wounds and you understand His innermost philosophy. To know Him and the power of His Resurrection is the highest degree of spiritual learning. He is the end of the Law and the soul of the Gospel -- and when we have preached His Word to the fullest, we may close by saying, Now, of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum -- we have an High Priest who is set on the right hand of the Throne of the Majesty in the heavens." -- C.H. Spurgeon
http://www.spurgeongems.org/vols22-24/chs1388.pdf
*Stalker, James, Christ our Example. Alternate title: THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS CHRIST (IMAGO CHRISTI), ISBN: 0879832312 9780879832315.
"First published in 1908 under the title IMAGO CHRISTI, this work provides a thought-provoking treatise on the teaching of Christ." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Symington, Andrew (1785-1853, the older brother of William), Headship of Christ Over the Nations, 1841. Alternate title: INTRODUCTORY LECTURE ON THE PRINCIPLES OF THE SECOND REFORMATION. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #13, #25.
"Provides Scriptural evidences for Christ's headship over the nations and the church, demonstrating the importance of this doctrine to the kingdom of Christ. A lecture excerpted from the book LECTURES ON THE PRINCIPLES OF THE SECOND REFORMATION, edited by Andrew Symington." -- Publisher
Lectures on the Principles of the Second Reformation
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/the-reformed-presbyterian-churchs-of-scotland-lectures-on-the-principles-of-the-second-reformation
Thomson, James G.S.S., The Praying Christ: A Study of Jesus Doctrine and Practice of Prayer.
Includes bibliography.
Nave's Topical Bible -- Christ, Prayers of
http://bible.crosswalk.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T2807
Thompson, Michael B., Clothed With Christ: The Example and Teaching of Jesus in Romans 12:1-15:13 (Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press).
Tripp, Paul, Christ our Model (part 1) (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette AC891 [audio file].
Tripp, Paul, Christ our Model (part 2) (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette AC892 [audio file].
Venning, Ralph, Learning in Christ's School: Babes, Children, Youth, and Fathers, ISBN: 0851517641 9780851517643.
See also:
Book-length Presentations of the Free Offer of The Gospel Message of Salvation and the Life to Come: The Means of Grace
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1cha.html#blpoftf
Books Considered to be Among the ten Greatest in the English Language
http://www.lettermen2.com/tengreat.html
Hear ye Him, Sherman Isbell
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/worship/hear-ye-him.php
Hell (FGB #211)
The Greatest Loss, Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900) | What is Hell? Donnelly, Edward | Eternal Torment for the Wicked: Unavoidable and Intolerable, Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758) | The Resurrection of Damnation, Davies, Samuel (1723-1761) | The Torments of Loss, Boston, Thomas (1676-1732) | The Torments of Soul, Payson, Edward (1783-1827) | The Torments of Sense, Boston, Thomas (1676-1732) | Exhortation to Escape Hell, Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758) | Christ has the Keys of hell and of Death, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892)
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/hellfg/hell
Nave's Topical Bible -- Christ, Prayers of
http://bible.crosswalk.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T2807
Nave's Topical Bible -- Precepts of Jesus, Explicitly Stated, or Implied in Didactic Discourse
https://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/naves-topical-bible/commandments.html
Prayers of Jesus
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayers_of_Jesus
Words of Christ Appearing in The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/appa.html
For he places this manifestation of God, which we have in Christ, to all others that have ever been made. For God has often manifested himself to men, but it has been only in part. In Christ, on the other hand, he communicates himself to us wholly. He has also manifested himself to us otherwise, but it is in figures, or by power and grace. In Christ, on the other hand, he has appeared to us essentially. Thus the statement of John holds good:He that hath the Son, hath the Father also. (1 John 2:23.)For those who possess Christ have God truly present, and enjoy Him wholly.
And ye are complete in him. He adds, that this perfect essence of Deity, which is in Christ, is profitable to us in this respect, that we are also perfect in him. "As to God's dwelling wholly in Christ, it is in order that we, having obtained him, may posses in him an entire perfection." Those, therefore, who do not rest satisfied with Christ alone, do injury to God in two ways, for besides detracting from the glory of God, by desiring something above his perfection, they are also ungrateful, inasmuch as they seek elsewhere what they already have in Christ. Paul, however, does not mean that the perfection of Christ is transfused into us, but that there are in him resources from which we may be filled, that nothing may be wanting to us. -- John Calvin commenting on Colossians 2:9,10 and contextTransformed by the Beholding of Christ
The very beholding of Christ is a transforming sight. The Spirit that makes us new creatures, and stirs us up to behold this Saviour, causes it to be a transforming beholding. If we look upon him with the eye of faith, it will make us like Christ; for the gospel is a mirror, and such a mirror, that when we a look into it, and see ourselves interested in it, we are changed from glory to glory. (2 Corinthians 3:18) A man cannot look upon the love of God and of Christ in the gospel, but it will change him to be like God and Christ. For how can we see Christ, and God in Christ, but we shall see how God hates sin, and this will transform us to hate it as God doth, who hated it so that it could not be expiated but with the blood of Christ, God man. So, seeing the holiness of God in it, it will transform us to be holy. When we see the love of God in the gospel, and the love of Christ giving himself for us, this will transform us to love God. When we see the humility and obedience of Christ, when we look on Christ as God's chosen servant in all this, and as our surety and head, it transforms us to the like humility and obedience. Those that find not their dispositions in some comfortable measure wrought to this blessed transformation, they have not yet those eyes that the Holy Ghost requireth here. Behold my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom my soul delighteth. (Isaiah 42:1; Matthew 12:18) -- Richard Sibbes (1577-1635)See the Theological Notes: "The Teaching of Jesus," at Matthew 7:28 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "The Humble Obedience of Christ," at John 5:19 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Sanctification: The Spirit and the Flesh," at 1 Corinthians 6:11 in The Reformation Study Bible.
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 3:12)
I now see that godliness is more than the outside and the ornaments and the deckings of this world. Who knoweth the truth of grace without a trial? Not one! O, how little Christ getteth of us but that which He winneth with much toil and pains! And how soon faith would freeze without a cross! -- 31 Days With Samuel Rutherford
The four "Servant Songs" of Isaiah are Isaiah 42:1-9; Isaiah 49:1-7; Isaiah 50:4-11; and Isaiah 52:13 -- Isaiah 53:12. See the annotations in The Reformation Study Bible.
Our Triune God has ordained that the preeminent leader of the Church is the Lord Jesus Christ, the God Man, Our Righteousness. (John 1:1-18; Matthew 19:30; Matthew 28:18-20; Isaiah 49:7; Colossians 1:16-19; Colossians 2:9,10; Hebrews 12:1,2; Revelation 5:1-14; Revelation 19:11-15; Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 22:12, and so forth, and so on). Human leadership is also divinely ordained and tends to devolve to those who are most perfectly at one with Christ, and to those who also know the most Truth (the Apostle Paul, Saint Augustine, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Puritan leaders, The Scots Worthies, and so forth, and so on).
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:28). See: (Matthew 19:28, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Then his master said unto him, It is well done good servant and faithful, Thou hast been faithful in little, I will make thee ruler over much: enter into thy master's joy. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:21) (Matthew 25:21 1599 Geneva Bible)
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:34). See: (Matthew 25:34, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And he said unto him, Well, good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little thing, take thou authority over ten cities. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 19:17) (Luke 19:17, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Therefore I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 22:29) (Luke 22:29, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:17). See: (Romans 8:17, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? (1 Corinthians 6:3). See: (1 Corinthians 6:3, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6). See: (Ephesians 2:6, 1599 Geneva Bible)
To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and corrections among the people:
To bind their kings in chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron,
That they may execute upon them the judgment that is written: this honor shall be to all his Saints. Praise ye the Lord. (Psalm 149:7-9) (Psalm 149:7-9, 1599 Geneva Bible)
But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. (1 Timothy 2:12), (1 Timothy 2:12, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 2:26). See: (Revelation 2:26, 1599 Geneva Bible)
To serve God is to reign. -- Seneca (4 BC -- 65 AD)I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:4)
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 13:34,35)Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:13)
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps. (1 Peter 2:21)
See the Theological Notes: "The Humble Obedience of Christ," at John 5:19 in The Reformation Study Bible.
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1,2)For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell. (Colossians 1:19)
Mark here to whom God giveth wisdom: all the godly are taught of God; but mark here how it is that he teacheth them. Not while they scorn at studies and universities, and look that their knowledge should cost them nothing, or that the Spirit should be instead of serious studies, or that their understandings should discern what is true or false at the first appearance; but while they think no pains or patience too great to learn the truth in the school of Christ. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)
But instead of all virtues he commendeth the example of Christ for every virtue, and opposeth it to every vice; as if he should say, He which thinketh only to follow Christ, needeth not to be led by the hand from virtue to virtue, but His example will teach him what he shall follow, and what he shall fly, better than all the precepts in the world. -- Henry Smith (1550-1591)
If I have observed anything by experience, it is this: a man may take the measure of his growth and decay in grace according to his thoughts and meditations upon the person of Christ, and the glory of Christ's Kingdom, and His love. -- John Owen
Real men love The Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus alone gives true freedom.
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
See the subject "Christ," "Jesus," "Godliness," "Example," "Discipling," and so forth, and so on.
*Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language.
"First published in 1874, THE EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS, may be the best book on the doctrine of justification by faith alone ever written.
"Since the seventeenth century, the church's adherence to the central doctrine of the Christian faith has been weakening; in the twentieth century it has all but disappeared. But to those who remain faithful -- to those who are called of God -- justification by faith alone is the best news there could ever be: that Christ died for our sins, and we shall live forever because of Christ's righteousness.
"Justification by faith alone -- the 'principal hinge of religion,' according to John Calvin, the 'doctrine by which the church stands or falls,' according to Martin Luther -- is salvation. Without it, all hope is lost; with it, Heaven gained. Bonar's discussion is without equal in the English language." -- John W. Robbins
The Everlasting Righteousness; or, How Shall man be Just With God?
http://books.google.com/books?id=nQMDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
*Bunyan, John (1628-1688), All Loves Excelling, ISBN: 0851517390 9780851517391. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Pilgrim's Page: A John Bunyan Archive
This is the complete set of THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN, George Offor edition, reprinted by The Banner of Truth. It is free online, and is downloadable in the following formats: HTML, RTF, TEXT, and PDF.
http://www.chapellibrary.org/literature/bunyan/
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN is also available at Project Gutenberg.
All Loves Excelling: The Saints' Knowledge of Christ's Love
http://books.google.com/books?id=hiIIAAAACAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
*Edersheim, Alfred (1825-1889), The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, ISBN: 0899006442 9780899006444.
Griffiths, Michael, The Example of Jesus, ISBN: 0877849293 9780877849292.
"Griffiths, the principle of London Bible College, guides us in exploring following Christ. He covers the basis for imitating Jesus. He delves into the ways of Jesus. Finally he covers just how it is that we can be more like Jesus." -- GCB
*Institute in Basic Life Principles, The Love of God Expressed in the Commands of Christ Pocket Guide (Oak Brook, IL: IBLP [Box One, 60522-3001]).
If ye love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:14)
Notice there are 15 other resources related to this pocket guide.
"Jesus gave many commands; however, this group of commands [49 -- compiler] was chosen to represent the basic 'curriculum' that Christ gave His disciples -- commands that we are to keep and teach others in order to be His disciples."
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. (John 14:21)
*Marshall, Walter (1628-1680), The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification: Growing in Holiness by Living in Union With Christ, ISBN: 189277724X. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Reformation Heritage Books edition is a reprint of the 1954 edition set by Oliphants and includes an introduction by Joel R. Beeke. Also includes the author's famous sermon on "The Doctrine of Justification Opened and Applied."
See the WorldCat record for various foreign language editions.
Other editions:
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, ISBN: 1597520543 9781597520546.
"This is by far the best book on the doctrine of Sanctification in print. It was originally written in the 17th century, but has been put into modern English with this edition. This book will help you better understand the Gospel and its power not only for our Justification, but our Sanctification as well." -- Reader's Comment
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, ISBN: 1589600630 9781589600638.
"Here you will read the most closely reasoned defense of scriptural sanctification to be found anywhere. . . . Fourteen directions are given to the reader, all perfected with the aim of explaining to sincere souls what sanctification is, what it is not, and how to attain a holy walk before God. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-mystery of Sanctification, Opened, in Sundry Practical Directions: Suited Especially to the Case of Those who Labor Under the Guilt and Power of Indwelling Sin. To Which is Added a Sermon on Justification (1859)
http://archive.org/details/gospelmysteryofs02mars
*Owen, John (1616-1683), Sin and Temptation: The Challenge to Personal Godliness. ISBN: 1556618301 9781556618307. A Christian classic.
"The concept of sin and personal responsibility has all but disappeared from our world. John Owen deals with the nature of sinful humanity as no writer since has done as keenly or thoroughly, arguing that sin is always a self-deceiving, blinding folly. Owen was a leading English statesman in the late 17th century and is considered 'the John Calvin of England'." -- Publisher
*Owen, John (1616-1683), Kelly M. Kapic (editor), Justin Taylor (editor), Overcoming Sin and Temptation, ISBN: 1581346492 9781581346497.
"The writings of John Owen are a challenge to any reader, to say the least. His intricacy and complexity are intimidating and his language is downright befuddling at times. However, the depth of thought and the immense value of Owen's works cannot be quantified. His three classic works on sin and temptation are profoundly helpful to any believer who seeks to become more like Jesus Christ.
"In this volume, the editors have made updates to the language, translated the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew and footnoted difficult or unknown phrases, all without sacrificing any of the wonderful content of Owen's work. It is a uniquely accessible edition of John Owen's previously daunting work." -- Publisher
"The editors of this volume have worked hard to make Owen's unrivalled insight into the Christian's inner war with sin accessible to all, and the result is truly a godsend." -- J.I. Packer (1926-2020), Professor of Theology, Regent College
"John Owen understood how the gospel makes us well. Three cheers for Kapic and Taylor for introducing a new generation to Owen's peerless works." -- Sinclair B. Ferguson, Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, S.C.
The Works of John Owen at Archive.org
https://archive.org/search.php?query=the+works+of+john+owen&page=2
Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), Gary S. Greig, Kevin Springer, et al., The Kingdom and the Power: Are Healing and the Spiritual Gifts Used by Jesus and the Early Church Meant for the Church Today?: A Biblical Look at how to Bring the Gospel to the World With Power, ISBN: 0830716343 9780830716340.
*Preston, John (1587-1628), Preston's Works.
Contents: The golden scepter, with the churches marriage, and the churches carriage; in three treatises. 1639. -- Remaines of . . . John Preston . . . Containing three excellent treatises: Iudas's repentance, The saints spirituall strength, Pauls conversion. 2d ed. 1637. -- A heavenly treatise of the divine love of Christ . . . in five sermons. 1640. -- The fulness of Christ for us. 1640. -- The lavv ovt lavved. 1633. -- The deformed forme of a formall profession 1634.
Renwick, James (1662-1688), Christ our Righteousness. A Choice Sermon, Preached by the Reverend Mr. James Renwick From Revel. iii. 4 [Revelation 3:4], Falkirk, 1775. Available in (A CHOICE COLLECTION OF VERY VALUABLE PREFACES, LECTURES, AND SERMONS, PREACHED UPON THE MOUNTAINS AND MUIRS OF SCOTLAND, IN THE HOTTEST TIME OF THE LATE PERSECUTION. BY MR. JAMES RENWICK), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in (A CHOICE COLLECTION OF VERY VALUABLE PREFACES, LECTURES, AND SERMONS, PREACHED UPON THE MOUNTAINS AND MUIRS OF SCOTLAND, IN THE HOTTEST TIME OF THE LATE PERSECUTION. BY MR. JAMES RENWICK), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
*Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), The Christians end. Or, The sweet sovereignty of Christ, over his members in life and death. VVherein is contained the whole scope of the godly mans life, with divers rules, motives and incouragements, to live and die to Jesus Christ. Being the substance of five sermons preached to the honorable society of Grayes Inne, by that learned and faithfull minister of Gods Word, Richard Sibbes, D.D. and sometimes preacher to that honorable societie, 1639. Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Jesus Christ Himself. (Ephesians 2:20) A sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day morning, December 9, 1877, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 1388.
"Beyond all argument or miracle, Jesus Christ Himself is the proof of His own Gospel. And as He is the proof of it, so, Beloved, He is the marrow and essence of it. When the Apostle Paul meant that the Gospel was preached, He said, Christ is preached, for the Gospel is Christ Himself! If you want to know what Jesus taught, know Him! He is the incarnation of that Truth of God which by Him and in Him is revealed to the sons of men. Did He not, Himself say, I am the way, the truth, and the life?
"You have not to take down innumerable books, nor to pore over mysterious sentences of double meaning in order to know what our great Teacher has revealed. You have but to turn and gaze upon His countenance, behold His actions and note His spirit and you know His teaching. He lived what He taught. If we wish to know Him, we may hear His gentle voice saying, Come and see. Study His wounds and you understand His innermost philosophy. To know Him and the power of His Resurrection is the highest degree of spiritual learning. He is the end of the Law and the soul of the Gospel -- and when we have preached His Word to the fullest, we may close by saying, Now, of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum -- we have an High Priest who is set on the right hand of the Throne of the Majesty in the heavens." -- C.H. Spurgeon
http://www.spurgeongems.org/vols22-24/chs1388.pdf
*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Jesus Only, a sermon. Delivered on Lord's Day morning, April 3, 1870, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 924.
Sermon text: And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. (Matthew 17:8)
"We, on the other hand say, blessing the name of the Lord that we can say it, that there abides with us our Lord Jesus. At this day He is with us, and will be with us even to the end of the world! Christ's existence is not a fact confined to antiquity or to remote distance. By His Spirit He is actually in His Church. We have seen Him, though not with eyes. We have heard Him, though not with ears. We have grasped Him, though not with hands. And we feed upon His flesh, which is meat, indeed, and His blood, which is drink, indeed. We have with us at this very day Jesus our Friend, to Whom we make known our secrets, and who bears all our sorrows.
"We have Jesus our interpreting Instructor, who still reveals His secrets to us, and leads us into the mind and name of God. We have Jesus still with us to supply us with strength, and in His power we are still mighty. We confess His reigning Sovereignty in the Church, and we receive His all-sufficient succor. The Church is not decapitated, her Head abides in vital union with her -- Jesus is no myth to us -- whatever He may be to others. He is no departed shade, He is no heroic personification -- in very deed there is a Christ, and though others see Him not, and even we with these eyes see Him not, yet in Him believing we rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.
"Oh, I trust it will never be so with us, that as we go about our life work our religion shall melt into fiction and become nothing but mere sentiment, nothing but thought, and dream, and vision. But may our religion be a matter of FACT, a walking with the living and abiding Savior. Though Moses may be gone, and Elijah may be gone, yet Jesus Christ abides with us and in us, and we in Him, and so shall it be forever more." -- C.H. Spurgeon, p. 641
http://www.spurgeongems.org/vols16-18/chs924.pdf
*Stalker, James, Christ our Example. Alternate title: THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS CHRIST (IMAGO CHRISTI), ISBN: 0879832312 9780879832315.
"First published in 1908 under the title IMAGO CHRISTI, this work provides a thought-provoking treatise on the teaching of Christ." -- Cyril J. Barber
Tinsley, Ernest John, The Imitation of God in Christ: An Essay in the Biblical Basis of Christian Spirituality.
Tripp, Paul, Christ our Model (part 1) (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette AC891 [audio file].
Tripp, Paul, Christ our Model (part 2) (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette AC892 [audio file].
*Whyte, Alexander (1836-1921), The Walk, Conversation and Character of Jesus Christ Our Lord, ISBN: 0801095689. A Christian classic.
"A classic. First published in 1905." -- Cyril J. Barber
See also: The person and work of jesus christ the Lord (christology), Immanuel, christ's presence, christ in you, The love and justice of god, oneness, Reconciliation of relationships, Loving and obeying god, Discipleship, Christ our example, Affliction, adversity, trials, suffering, chastisement, The priesthood of all believers, The believer's position in christ and sonship, Adoption into god's family, god's family, Happiness, holiness, Eternal life, immortality, Heaven, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Believer's position in christ and sonship, The priesthood of all believers, Predestination, election, efficatious grace, The promises of god, Discipleship, Fruit of the holy spirit, Gifts of the holy spirit, The cross of christ, Trusting god, Manhood, Loving and obeying god, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, Sexual wholeness, Marriage, Christian biography, Christianity and the workplace, Servant leadership, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 382, 742, 1175, 1270, 2617, 2723-2725, 4130
TETB: Christ . . .
Eyes Right, a sermon by C.H. Spurgeon
Preaching on the text Proverbs 4:25, Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, 1888, Sermon 2058. On principles of discipleship.
http://www.spurgeongems.org/vols34-36/chs2058.pdf
The Interceding Christ
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:23-27, 26 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12170372952
The Lord Jesus Christ
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1cha.html#tljc
Nave's Topical Bible -- Christ our Example
http://bible.crosswalk.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi
The Teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#teachljc
What Would Jesus do?
http://www.wwjd.com/
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 6:44)Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 15:10)
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20)
Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Mark 16:15)
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8) -- The Lord Jesus Christ
Martin Luther's life verse.All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 6:37)
Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:20,21)
Jesus prays for those we evangelize.How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (Romans 10:14,15)Stir up thy strength, and come and save us. Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved. (Psalm 80:2b,3)
God be merciful unto us, and bless us: and cause his face to shine upon us: That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations. (Psalm 67:1,2)
Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. (Psalm 2:8)
Give me Scotland or I die! -- John Knox
See the Theological Notes: "The Holy Spirit," at John 14:26 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Mankind's Guilty Knowledge of God," at Romans 1:29 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Repentance," at Acts 26:20 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Illumination and Conviction," at 1 Corinthians 2:10 in The Reformation Study Bible.
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. (1 Corinthians 2:10,11)See the Theological Notes: "Regeneration: The New Birth," at John 3:3 in The Reformation Study Bible.
The new birth is very much more than simply shedding a few tears due to a temporary remorse over sin. It is far more than changing our course of life, the leaving off of bad habits and the substituting of good ones. It is something different from the mere cherishing and practicing of noble ideals. It goes infinitely deeper than coming forward to take some popular evangelist by the hand, signing a pledge-card, or "joining a church." The new birth is no mere turning over a new leaf, but is the inception and reception of a new life. It is no mere reformation but a complete transformation. In short, the new birth is a miracle, the result of the supernatural operation of God. It is radical, revolutionary, lasting." -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), The Sovereignty of God
See the Theological Notes: "Salvation," at Acts 4:12 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "The Kingdom of God," at Luke 17:20 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "The Purpose of God: Predestination and Foreknowledge," at Malachi 1:2 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Definite Redemption," at John 10:15 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Effectual Calling and Conversion," at 2 Thessalonians 2:14 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Adoption," at Galatians 4:5 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "The Teaching of Jesus," at Matthew 7:28 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "The Authentication of Scripture," at 2 Corinthians 4:6 in The Reformation Study Bible.
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6)See the Theological Notes: "Gifts and Ministries," at Ephesians 4:7 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Christians in the World," at Colossians 2:20 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "The Mission of the Church in the World," at John 20:21 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Angels," at Zechariah 1:9 in The Reformation Study Bible.
Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
It is a faithful saying:For if we be dead with him,(2 Timothy 2:8-13, 19)
we shall also live with him:
If we suffer,
we shall also reign with him:
if we deny him,
he also will deny us:
If we believe not,
yet he abideth faithful:
he cannot deny himself.
Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the LORD, and my work with my God.
And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength. And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.
Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.
Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Shew yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places. (Isaiah 49:4-9). See the annotation in
The Reformation Study Bible.
Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off. (Isaiah 55:6-13). See the annotation in
The Reformation Study Bible.
Thou movest us to delight in praising Thee, for Thou has formed us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless until they find rest in Thee. -- Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD)
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you. (Acts 3:19,20)
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. (Philippians 2:16)
Now then my friends, I preach the gospel to sinners, not because I believe the sinner has any power at all in himself to respond to it: I do not believe that any sinner has any capacity in himself whatever. But Christ said, the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life, and by God's grace I go forth preaching this Word because it is a word of power, a word of spirit, a word of life. The power is not in the sinner, it is the Word when God the Holy Spirit is pleased to use it. -- Arthur Pink, Gospel Preaching Commanded
And, of course, my father [Franklin Graham] is continuing to share the Gospel around the United States through targeted television spots, telling people near and far of a Savior who loves them and died for their sins. The impact of this simple message on the airwaves is astounding! Already in 2021 [as of February 23, 2021], our prayer line has received more than 72,000 calls, and hundreds have prayed with a trained volunteer to begin a relationship with Jesus. In the midst of a worldwide disaster, the hopeless are finding hope and the distressed are finding peace!
If you (or someone you know) need prayer, please call us at 888-388-2683. We would love to uplift and encourage you." -- Will Graham, BGEA letter, February 23, 2021
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:4,5)
To the one [we are] the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who [is] sufficient for these things?
For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. (2 Corinthians Chapter 2:16-17)
He who is the father of a host of spiritual children is unquestionably happy. He can answer all opponents by pointing to souls who have been saved by his means. Converts are emphatically the heritage of the Lord, and the reward of the preacher's soul travail. By these, under the power of the Holy Ghost, the city of the church is both built up and watched, and the Lord has the glory of it. -- C.H. Spurgeon commenting on verse 5 of Psalm 127 [Psalm 127:5], in The Treasury of David
And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in [yourselves], neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 23:12,13)
For this is the very glory of grace -- that man hates to be saved, that he is at enmity to him, yet God will have him redeemed -- that God's covenant is, "you shall," and man's intention is, "I will not," and God's "shall" conquers man's "I will not." Almighty grace rides victoriously over the neck of free will, and leads it captive in glorious captivity to the all -- conquering power of irresistible grace and love. -- Charles Spurgeon
The fool hath said in his heart,
There is no God.
They are corrupt,
they have done abominable works,
there is none that doeth good. (Psalm 14:1)
See the Theological Notes: "Mankind's Guilty Knowledge of God" at Romans 1:29 and the note at Psalm 14:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.
For this people's heart is waxed gross, and [their] ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and should understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 13:15)
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 5:3)
Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 6:65b)
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand.
My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand. I and [my] Father are one. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 10:27-30)
I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:12b)
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:19-21)
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:26)
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Of sin, because they believe not on me;
Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you.
All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 16:8-15)
I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:9)
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:17,18)
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
But many [that are] first shall be last; and the last [shall be] first. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:28-30)
By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 13:35)
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:14)
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:5,6)
The Gospel doesn't need help -- just proclaim it. God does the rest. -- Franklin Graham
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3-5)
See the Theological Notes: "The Image of God," at Genesis 1:27 in The Reformation Study Bible.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (Genesis 1:27)
Some Scripture Relating to Evangelism
John 8:12; Galatians 4:1; 1 John 4:4; 1 Corinthians 16:9; Galatians 6:9; Philippians 1:4-6; 2 Peter 3:9; John 9:4; Matthew 24:14; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; John 4:35; Ephesians 3:20; Ephesians 1:19; Ephesians 3:20; Romans 10:12-15; Psalm 46:1; Luke 13:1-5; Romans 3:23; Hebrews 4:15,16; Revelation 21:4; John 14:6; Acts 26:18; John 1:14; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:29; Luke 2:10; Matthew 1:21; 2 Timothy 1:10; John 1:14; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; 1 John 4:9; John 1:18; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Timothy 1:15; Luke 12:15; Psalm 61:2; Matthew 1:25; Habakkuk 1:5; Joel 3:16; James 1:17; Revelation 21:4; Ezekiel 13:22; Luke 15:32; Acts 20:21; Luke 1:77; Romans 15:19; Colossians 1:13,14; and Ezekiel 34:4,6.
The souls of man bears the image of God; so nothing can satisfy it but He whose image it bears. Our soul, says Augustine, was created as by God, so for God, and is therefore never quiet till it rest in God. -- Thomas Gataker
They lose nothing who gain Christ. -- Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)
A soul under assurance is unwilling to go to heaven without company. -- Thomas Brooks (1608-1680)
Faith grows as you give it away. Share the Gospel and your faith will grow.
Of the Limits Which Must be put to the Necessity of Replying to an Adversary
If the feeble mind of man did not presume to resist the clear evidence of truth, but yielded its infirmity to wholesome doctrines, as to a health-giving medicine, until it obtained from God, by its faith and piety, the grace needed to heal it, they who have just ideas, and express them in suitable language, would need to use no long discourse to refute the errors of empty conjecture. But this mental infirmity is now more prevalent and hurtful than ever, to such an extent that even after the truth has been as fully demonstrated as man can prove it to man, they hold for the very truth their own unreasonable fancies, either on account of their great blindness, which prevents them from seeing what is plainly set before them, or on account of their opinionative obstinacy, which prevents them from acknowledging the force of what they do see. There therefore frequently arises a necessity of speaking more fully on those points which are already clear, that we may, as it were, present them not to the eye, but even to the touch, so that they may be felt even by those who close their eyes against them. And yet to what end shall we ever bring our discussions, or what bounds can be set to our discourse, if we proceed on the principle that we must always reply to those who reply to us? For those who are either unable to understand our arguments, or are so hardened by the habit of contradiction, that though they understand they cannot yield to them, reply to us, and, as it is written, 'speak hard things,' and are incorrigibly vain. Now, if we were to propose to confute their objections as often as they with brazen face chose to disregard our arguments, and so often as they could by any means contradict our statements, you see how endless, and fruitless, and painful a task we should be undertaking. . . ." -- Augustine,
City of God, Book II, Chapter 1
What should be the doctrinally correct biblical attitude of the Reformed community toward My Hope America with Billy Graham, which climaxed the first week of November 2013? It was the largest evangelistic outreach in the history of our country. It was reported that over 25,000 local churches participated. "The Cross" was viewed by approximately 2.5 million over the Fox News network alone. As of December 18 BGEA reports having received over 100,000 written records of professions of faith as a result of My Hope America, 2013. The actual number of individuals affected is unknown, and undoubtably was much larger.
Yet many individuals and local churches "sat on their hands" throughout the year long event. This, of course, hinders evangelism and the cause of Christ.
So I have raises this same question before, because there seems to be something to be learned from my "enigmatic" experience with BGEA for the last 35 years. Much of the criticism of BGEA seems to be contradicted by my experience, by the facts, and by the model of evangelism given by the Apostle Paul.
Billy Graham has drawn criticism from all directions during his entire ministry. I myself have been seriously conflicted by this criticism. Some Reformed critics of BGEA can be most dogmatic and stubborn. And I am still conflicted by the criticism.
It appears that part of this criticism and conflict has to do with the difference between the infinite nature of God and the limited mind of man. The conflict exposes our tendency to ambition, envy, and arrogance. And a blindness to this arrogance and dogmatism of the limited finite mind can sometimes be just as likely to appear among the gifted and capable.
Please be reminded that Billy Graham has preached the Gospel face-to-face with an estimated 215 million individuals around the world in the last 70 years. A study of his life makes it apparent that he has, in many ways, modeled his ministry after the example of Paul. His name is synonymous with the Gospel around the world. And remember that the Protestant faith is in the minority worldwide, and that many Protestant denominations are liberal, and do not preach the Gospel.
Consequently, some of what Billy Graham has said and done, as one thrust into the position of a "political leader" for Christianity, he has said and done for the sake of the Gospel. It seems very probable to me, and others have stated, that some of the things he has said and done, which have drawn criticism, have been a result of his striving to follow Paul's example,
"I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you." (1 Corinthians 9:22b,23)
The Reformed attitude toward BGEA is a huge issue, and much has been left unsaid, and can not be settled here. But I can testify to the fact that EVERY TIME I have participated as a volunteer with a BGEA event there has been substantial spiritual warfare. This poses the question, if the presentation of the Gospel by Billy Graham and BGEA is ineffective, then why would the Principalities and Powers rear their ugly heads in opposition EVERY TIME I have participated in an event?
"Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand?" -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 11:17b,18a)
I take the position of Paul, "Is Christ divided?" (1 Corinthians 1:13)
Some reader may still be conflicted, and may feel that they can not cooperate with BGEA. Well, at least they can pray for upcoming events. And they can pray for the untold number of individuals who have been influenced by BGEA over the last 70 years. This seems to be the charitable thing to do.
Notice that My Hope America climaxed the first week of November, 2013. The strongest storm ever recorded, Typhoon Haiyan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Typhoon_Haiyan), struck the Philippines on November 8, 2013, the day after Billy Graham's 95th birthday.
"Natural disasters are a megaphone from God and they teach us various lessons. First of all, natural disasters show us the uncertainty of life. Thousands of people wake up in the morning not knowing what is going to happen that day, such as the terrible devastation in Haiti [or Typhoon Haiyan, November 8, 2013 -- compiler], and elsewhere. There was a couple that left California because they were afraid of earthquakes. Then when they came to Missouri, they were killed in a tornado. We can't get away from the reality that life is very, very short and it's possible for us to delude ourselves. . . .
"When we look at the news and see these disasters, its like a preview of the natural disasters that will someday come upon the earth. When you look at the second coming of Christ, you find many different natural disasters connected with it." -- Irwin Lutzer in an interview October 31, 2012
Erwin W. Lutzer's book is WHERE WAS GOD? ANSWERS TO TOUGH QUESTIONS ABOUT GOD AND NATURAL DISASTERS.
The Comforting Compassion of Christ for His Children, J.C. Ryle
Christ is all. (Colossians 3:11)
A saved soul has many sorrows. He has a body like other men, -- weak and frail. He has a heart like other men, -- and often a more sensitive one too. He has trials and losses to bear like others, -- and often more. He has his share of bereavements, deaths, disappointments, crosses. He has the world to oppose, -- a place in life to fill blamelessly, -- unconverted relatives to bear with patiently, -- persecutions to endure, -- and a death to die.
And who is sufficient for these things? What shall enable a believer to bear all this? Nothing but the consolation in Christ. (Philippians 2:1)
Jesus is indeed the brother born for adversity. He is the friend that sticketh closer than a brother, and He alone can comfort His people. He can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, for He suffered Himself. (Hebrews 4:15) He knows what sorrow is, for He was a man of sorrows. He knows what an aching body is, for His body was racked with pain. He cried, All my bones are out of joint. (Psalm 22:14) He knows what poverty and weariness are, for He was often wearied and had not where to lay His head. He knows what family unkindness is, for even His brethren did not believe Him. He had no honour in His own house.
And Jesus knows exactly how to comfort His afflicted people. He knows how to pour in oil and wine into the wounds of the spirit, -- how to fill up gaps in empty hearts, -- how to speak a word in season to the weary, -- how to heal the broken heart, -- how to make all our bed in sickness, -- how to draw nigh when we are faint, and say, Fear not: I am thy salvation. (Lamentations 3:57)
We talk of sympathy being pleasant. There is no sympathy like that of Christ. In all our afflictions He is afflicted. He knows our sorrows. In all our pain He is pained, and like the good Physician, He will not measure out to us one drop of sorrow too much. David once said, In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul. (Psalm 94:19) Many a believer, I am sure, could say as much. If the Lord himself had not stood by me, the deep waters would have gone over my soul. (Psalm 124:5)
How a believer gets through all his troubles appears wonderful. How he is carried through the fire and water he passes through seems past comprehension. But the true account of it is just this, -- that Christ is not only justification and sanctification, but consolation also.
Oh, you who want unfailing comfort, I commend you to Christ! In Him alone there is no failure. Rich men are disappointed in their treasures. Learned men are disappointed in their books. Husbands are disappointed in their wives. Wives are disappointed in their husbands. Parents are disappointed in their children. Statesmen are disappointed when, after many a struggle, they attain place and power. They find out, to their cost, that it is more pain than pleasure, -- that it is disappointment, annoyance, incessant trouble, worry, vanity, and vexation of spirit. But no man was ever disappointed in Christ. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) in a tract, Christ is All
The Christian may, and ought to, look forward with certain assurance to meeting again with those beloved relatives and friends who departed hence in Christ. Their spirits are not dead, not even sleeping as some erroneously assert, but have returned to God who gave them (Eccl. 12:7 [Ecclesiastes 12:7]), and are now in a state that is far better (Phil. 1:23 [Philippians 1:23]), which could not be were they deprived of all conscious communion with their Beloved. Being absent from the body they are present with the Lord (2 Cor. 5:8 [2 Corinthians 5:8]), and in His presence is fulness of joy (Ps. 16:11 [Psalm 16:11]). As to their bodies they await that great Day when they shall be fashioned like unto Christ's glorious body. -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), The Life of Elijah
World's Top 10 Languages
Rank | Language | Number of Worldwide Speakers
10. French, 129 million
9. Malay-Indonesian, 159 million
8. Portuguese, 191 million
7. Bengali, 211 million
6. Arabic, 246 million
5. Russian, 277 million
4. Spanish, 392 million
3. Hindustani, 497 million
2. English, 508 million
1. Mandarin Chinese, 1 billion plus
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
See the subject "Evangelism," and so forth, and so on.
Barker, F., Jr., Evangelism Through Small Groups (part 1 and 2) (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette LEFB1 and LEFB2 [audio file].
Barrett, David, and Todd Johnson, Our Globe and How to Reach it: Seeing the World Evangelized by AD 2000 and Beyond, ISBN: 0936625929 9780936625928.
Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), The Causes and Danger of Slighting Christ and His Gospel: or Eternal Salvation Made Light of by Multitudes, . . . Written by . . . Richard Baxter. Abridged by Benjamin Fawcett, M.A. The third edition Shrewsbury, 1776.
Berry, Jo, Beloved Unbeliever: Loving Your Husband Into the Faith, ISBN: 0310426219 9780310426219.
"This book offers new hope for the thousands of Christian wives married to unbelieving husbands. It gives guidance on communicating with your husband, determining spiritual priorities, and showing Christian behavior at home without alienating your husband. Suited for individual and group study." -- Publisher
"This ten-session book on 'loving a husband into the faith' can be used one-on-one or in a small group study." -- Publisher
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Living in Christ: Studies on Knowing Christ, Growing in Christ, Obeying Christ, Sharing Christ.
A special study guide to the Gospel of John. It is given to new believers who want to know more about the Christian life, and how to walk daily with Christ.
*Blanchard, John, Invitation to Live, ISBN: 0852342853.
"Based on Baxter's A CALL TO THE UNCONVERTED, it has the same serious, earnest, and urgent message calling for spiritual examination." -- GCB
*Blanchard, John, Right With God: A Straightforward Book to Help Those Searching for a Personal Faith in God, ISBN: 0851510450.
"This popular book is in its 9th printing and has recently been revised by the author. This book is for people who want to give sensible and honest thought to the whole question of their relationship to God. It is a plain, straightforward book showing how a person honestly seeking for God can find him." -- GCB
*Blanchard, John, Ultimate Questions, ISBN: 0852342373.
A 30-page booklet. Deals with the ultimate questions about God. "One of the finest evangelistic tools available anywhere!" -- GCB
*Bolton, Robert (1572-1631), Thomas Vincent, and Thomas Watson, The Puritans on Conversion, ISBN: 1877611115 9781877611117.
"This book is a compilation of three Puritan sermons on differing aspects of conversion. First is Bolton's SIN: THE GREATEST EVIL; second, Vincent's THE CONVERSION OF A SINNER; third, Watson's THE ONE THING NECESSARY. Foreword by A.N. Martin." -- Publisher
"If there is to be any hope that a true doctrine of conversion will once again be sounded forth in the power and passion of the Holy Spirit it is most likely that the authors of these sermons and these pages will be our most helpful guides." -- Albert N. Martin
"The title succinctly describes the sermons comprising this powerful little volume. Here is the heart of the Puritan understanding of the doctrine of conversion. The messages are Biblical, logical, and practical in true Puritan fashion. . . . It will enlighten, inspire and encourage you. This is a Biblical feast on an essential subject . . ." -- Robert H. Duvall
*Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language.
"First published in 1874, THE EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS, may be the best book on the doctrine of justification by faith alone ever written.
"Since the seventeenth century, the church's adherence to the central doctrine of the Christian faith has been weakening; in the twentieth century it has all but disappeared. But to those who remain faithful -- to those who are called of God -- justification by faith alone is the best news there could ever be: that Christ died for our sins, and we shall live forever because of Christ's righteousness.
"Justification by faith alone -- the 'principal hinge of religion,' according to John Calvin, the 'doctrine by which the church stands or falls,' according to Martin Luther -- is salvation. Without it, all hope is lost; with it, Heaven gained. Bonar's discussion is without equal in the English language." -- John W. Robbins
The Everlasting Righteousness; or, How Shall man be Just With God?
http://books.google.com/books?id=nQMDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
*Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), Words to Winners of Souls, ISBN: 0875521649 9780875521640. A Christian classic.
"WORDS TO WINNERS OF SOULS, by Horatius Bonar, is addressed primarily to ministers of the Gospel. It is wondrously effective in its message to those called to preach the precious words of the Scriptures. However, the usefulness of the book is not confined to ministers, but has a message for all witnesses of Christ. The same spirit, sincerity, and fervency is needful for all witnesses, whatever their calling in life. There can be but one goal to winners of souls, to lead the lost sinners around them to that 'resting place where doubt and weariness, the stings of a pricking conscience, and the longings of an unsatisfied soul' may be satisfied, in Christ Jesus. In Him alone will all these be changed into holy joy, peace, and everlasting happiness." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
*Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), The Art of Manfishing, ISBN: 1857921062 9781857921069. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. (Matt. 4:19 [Matthew 4:19]). The first thing is to follow the Chief Fisher of Men, Christ. He gives the promise that if they follow Him, they will indeed become fishers of men. But how does Christ make men fishers of men? (1) By His call; (2) By giving them success. For His word comes to them in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance. (1 Thess. 1:5 [1 Thessalonians 1:5]). It is not by might, nor by craft, but by the power of the Spirit that fishers of men succeed. You need not despair of fishing amongst the worst of men, for none can resist the Spirit when He engages Himself." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), The Pleasure of Real Religion. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in THE WORKS OF THOMAS BOSTON on Reformation Bookshelf CD #5.
*Brakel, Wilhelmus à (1635-1711), The Christian's Reasonable Service: in Which Divine Truths Concerning the Covenant of Grace are Expounded, defended against opposing parties, and their practice advocated, as well as the administration of this Covenant in the Old and New Testaments, vol. 1 and 2. A Christian classic.
Brakel "blends doctrine, experience, and practice with great skill and power. There is here a vast amount of nourishment for both mind and heart." -- J.I. Packer (1926-2020)
"The four volume set so beautifully published by Soli Deo Gloria is a Calvinistic set of theology that is warm, practical and extremely Biblical. A' Brakel was often dubbed the 'Dutch Calvin.' Dr. Joel Beeke considers this set to be his favorite Dutch theological work. If you are looking for a systematic theology shot through with pastoral warmth, look no further." -- Reader's Comment
The Pastoral and Practical Theology of Wilhelmus à Brakel: A Brief Evaluation of THE CHRISTIAN'S REASONABLE SERVICE, Bartel Elshout, B.A.
http://www.frcna.org/Data/StudentSocietySpeeches/The%20Pastoral%20and%20%20Practical%20Theology%20of%20%20Wilhelmus%20%20%20Brakel%20-%20Rev.%20Bartel%20Elshout.pdf
Brooks, Thomas (1608-1680), Covenant of Grace. A Christian classic. Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BROOKS), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Bunyan, John (1628-1688), The Jerusalem Sinner Saved, or, Good news for the vilest of men being a help for despairing souls, shewing that Jesus Christ would have mercy in the first place offered to the biggest sinners. A Christian classic.
Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Pilgrim's Page: A John Bunyan Archive
This is the complete set of THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN, George Offor edition, reprinted by The Banner of Truth. It is free online, and is downloadable in the following formats: HTML, RTF, TEXT, and PDF.
http://www.chapellibrary.org/literature/bunyan/
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN is also available at Project Gutenberg.
Brown, John (of Haddington, 1722-1787), The Gospel Ministry: An Address to Ministers and Students of Theology, 1864. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #7.
*Carey, William, An Enquiry Into the Obligations of Christians to Use Means for the Conversion of the Heathen. A Christian classic.
*Charnock, Stephen (1628-1680), The New Birth, ISBN: 0851515002. Alternate title: DISCOURSE OF GOD'S BEING THE AUTHOR OF RECONCILIATION, DISCOURSE OF THE EFFICIENT OF REGENERATION, DISCOURSE OF THE NATURE OF REGENERATION, DISCOURSE OF THE WORD, THE INSTRUMENT OF REGENERATION, DISCOURSE ON THE CLEANSING VIRTUE OF CHRIST'S BLOOD, NECESSITY OF REGENERATION. A Christian classic. Available (THE WORKS OF STEPHEN CHARNOCK), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
A 400,000 word exposition of what the Scriptures have to say about the New Birth.
"There are literally hundreds of excellent observations and expositions in this volume. Each of them will bring forth hallelujahs from all who love God." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
A Discourse of the Efficient of Regeneration by Stephen Charnock, Part 1
http://www.ccel.org/c/charnock/eff_regen1.html
A Discourse of the Efficient of Regeneration by Stephen Charnock, Part 2
http://www.ccel.org/c/charnock/eff_regen2.html
A Discourse of the Nature of Regeneration by Stephen Charnock
http://www.ccel.org/c/charnock/nat_regen.html
A Discourse of the Word, the Instrument of Regeneration by Stephen Charnock
http://www.ccel.org/c/charnock/instr_regen.html
The Necessity of Regeneration by Stephen Charnock
http://www.ccel.org/c/charnock/nec_regen.html
Drummond, Lewis A., The Evangelist: The Worldwide Impact of Billy Graham, ISBN: 0849916208 9780849916205.
"He is one of the best-known people in the world -- and one of the most respected. Year after Year, polls rank him among the top ten most admired men. He has advised presidents, dined with heads of state, and made global headlines." -- Publisher
Lewis Drummond is the Billy Graham Professor of Evangelism and Church Growth at Beeson Divinity School.
Elliott, Delbert H., Covenanter Evangelism, 1920.
*Fuller, David O., A Treasury of Evangelical Writings: Valiant for the Truth.
*Green, Edward M.B., Evangelism in the Early Church, ISBN: 0340107073 9780340107072.
*Hatcher, Carolyn, Let the Authors Speak: A Guide to Worthy Books Based on Historical Setting, ISBN: 0964068125 9780964068124.
"This book is an unparalleled resource for classical, historical, and contemporary literature, as well as for classical and contemporary autobiographical, biographical, and historical works. Invaluable for those designing a history/literature curriculum or unit studies. Over 1200 books are briefly annotated and listed 1), chronologically by setting, reading/interest level, and type of work (i.e., biography, novel, myth/legend), 2) by author, and 3) by title. Newbery winners and books reviewed in BOOKS CHILDREN LOVE and HONEY FOR A CHILD'S HEART are highlighted. The author endorses Charlotte Mason's philosophy of reading 'whole books' and encourages the integration of such books into our children's curricula. Recommended by Cathy Duffy, Karen Andreola, Mary Pride, and others." -- GCB
"This book arranges both historical fiction and classics according to the era in which they are set, according to reading ability level, and according to author. It's a fast way to find something really good to supplement any history course -- or to just find something good to read." -- Reader's Comment
Hoekstra, Harvey T., The World Council of Churches and the Demise of Evangelism, ISBN: 0842385258 9780842385251.
Jacks, Bob, Betty Jacks, and Ron Wormser, Fill Your House With Newborns, ISBN: 8900730282 9788900730289. Alternate title: YOUR HOME A LIGHTHOUSE: HOW TO HOST AN EVANGELISTIC BIBLE STUDY.
"In this three-part video seminar Bob Jacks tells why they've done it (hosted evangelistic Bible studies in their home for 22 years), how they've done it, and what they've learned. His sage advice and enthusiasm will motivate and equip your group to open your homes for evangelistic home Bible studies -- the one place where your unchurched friends and neighbors will feel comfortable and 'at home' enough to hear the Good News." -- Publisher
This video package includes a book, viewer's guide, and three video cassettes. Also issued under the title "Our Home a Lighthouse (Video)."
Contents: Part 1. Why evangelistic home Bible studies work so well. -- Part 2. How to plan and prepare for your evangelistic home Bible study. -- Part 3. How to host and lead an evangelistic home Bible study.
Jacks, Bob, Betty Jacks, and Ron Wormser, Your Home a Lighthouse, ISBN: 0891091270 9780891091271.
"A practical guide on how you can impact your community by hosting a weekly evangelistic Bible study." -- Publisher
*Larsen, David L., The Evangelism Mandate: Recovering the Centrality of Gospel Preaching. ISBN: 0891076786 9780891076780. A Christian classic.
"As people search for answers, not knowing where to look, David Larsen proposes a strategy for all-out evangelism, citing five classic sermons by Spurgeon, Lloyd-Jones, Stewart, Truett, and Graham. A challenge to preachers to recapture their commitment to Gospel preaching today." -- GCB
Lee, Francis Nigel, Effective Evangelism.
Lee, Samuel (of Wadham College Oxford, 1627-1691), What Means may be Used Towards the Conversion of our Carnal Relations, 1661. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in THE MORNING-EXERCISE AT CRIPPLE-GATE: OR, SEVERAL CASES OF CONSCIENCE PRACTICALLY RESOLVED, BY SUNDRY MINISTERS, SEPTEMBER 1661.
*Lumen Productions, Catholicism: Crisis of Faith, ISBN: 0830823220 9780830823222.
*Martin, Hugh (1822-1885), The Connexion Between the Headship of Christ and Revival in the Church: With Present Relative Duties.
Mason, Archibald (d. 1831), Observations, Doctrinal and Practical, on Saving Faith.
Observations, Doctrinal and Practical, on Saving Faith
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/7/27/archibald-masons-book-observations-doctrinal-and-practical-on-saving-faith
M'Crie, Thomas (the elder, 1772-1835), Grief for the Sins of men: A Sermon. Available (THE SERMONS OF THOMAS M'CRIE) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Miller, C. John (1928-1996), A Faith Worth Sharing: A Lifetime of Conversations About Christ, ISBN: 0875523919 9780875523910.
Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Powerful Evangelism for the Powerless, ISBN: 0875523838 9780875523835. A revised edition of EVANGELISM AND YOUR CHURCH, 1980.
Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Prayer and Evangelism (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Reformed Evangelism (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Reformed Evangelism Revisited
*Murray, Iain Hamish, Evangelicalism Divided: A Record of Crucial Change in the Years 1950 to 2000, ISBN: 9780851517834, 0851517838.
Murray, John (1898-1975), Covenant of Grace: A Biblico-Theological Study, ISBN: 0875523633 9780875523637.
*Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God, ISBN: 0851103138 9780851103136.
Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), The Holy Spirit in Evangelical Life.
Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), Your Father Loves you: Daily Insights for Knowing God, ISBN: 0877889759 9780877889755.
*Peace, Richard, Small Group Evangelism: A Training Program for Reaching out With the Gospel, ISBN: 0877843295 9780877843290.
*Reimer, Kathie, 1001 Ways to Introduce Your Child to God, ISBN: 0842347577 9780842347570.
Reisinger, Ernest, What Should we Think of Evangelism and Calvinism? The Founder's Journal, Issue 19/20, Winter/Spring 1995.
*Richardson, Donald, Eternity in Their Hearts, ISBN: 0830707395 9780830707393.
*Richardson, Donald, Lords of the Earth: An Incredible but True Story From the Stone-age Hell of Papua's Jungle, ISBN: 9780830746637 0830746633.
*Richardson, Donald, Peace Child, ISBN: 0830704159 9780830704156.
Roberts, Richard O., Whitefield in Print: A Bibliographic Record, ISBN: 0940033283 9780940033283.
*Schoolland, Marian M., Leading Little Ones to God: A Child's Book of Bible Teachings, revised 2nd edition, ISBN: 0802851207 9780802851208.
*Southard, Samuel, Pastoral Evangelism, revised edition (Atlanta, GA: John Knox Press, 1981).
*Sprague, William B., Lectures to Young People, ISBN: 0873779479. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Soul-winner: How to Lead Sinners to the Saviour, ISBN: 0802880819. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. A Christian classic.
*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Jay P. Green, Sr. (editor, 1918-2008), Soul-Winning Classics.
Thomas, Norman E., International Mission Bibliography, 1960-2000, ISBN: 081084785X 9780810847859.
*Tripp, Theodore A., and David Powlison (introduction), Shepherding a Child's Heart, ISBN: 0966378601 9780966378603.
Welch, Ed, Using the Gospel in Your Home (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Well, David F., God the Evangelist: How the Holy Spirit Works to Bring Men and Women to Faith, ISBN: 0802802710 9780802802712 0853644551 9780853644552.
See also: The glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, Soteriology and atonement, The free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, the covenant of eternal salvation, Book-length presentations of the free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, Reconciliation of relationships, Sharing christ with your children, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Peer counseling, Small group evangelism, Gospel tracts and witnessing tools, Other works on the Gospel, The covenant of redemption, Husband not a believer (women), Predestination, election, efficatious grace, Blasphemy, Hard-case witnessing, Follow-up, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, False gospels, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, Sexual wholeness, and so forth, and so on.
Grief for the Sins of men: A Sermon.
http://www.naphtali.com/articles/thomas-mcrie/grief-for-the-sins-of-men/
"This is not a book about clever techniques, or methodologies; it is a book of snapshots from one life given to impact others. If you too are someone who has been changed by the power of the gospel, then you need to pray for the opportunities to pass it on to others. This book will encourage you to do just that." -- Stephen Smallman
"C. John Miller taught practical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, was Director of World Harvest Mission, and led mission trips to several countries. He was founding pastor of New Life Presbyterian Church, outside Philadelphia, from which grew several other congregations in the Philadelphia area. His other books include POWERFUL EVANGELISM FOR THE POWERLESS, and OUTGROWING THE INGROWN CHURCH." -- Publisher
"This Reformed pastor and seminary professor conveys an urgent message: We must be bold, use God's methods, be attentive to God's Word, and prayer. Practical insights to a powerful witness." -- GCB
Audio cassette LECM1 [audio file].
Audio cassette LECM1 [audio file].
"Why has Christian unity proved to be such a divisive topic? In the 1950s two movements -- evangelicalism and ecumenism -- offered differing paths to unity in the church. But as the decades have passed the influence of ecumenism has exposed a fault line in evangelicalism. Questions of critical importance have been brought to the surface: Is the gospel broader than evangelicals have historically insisted? Can there be unity with non-evangelicals in evangelism and church leadership? Does the gospel have priority over denominational loyalty? These gained high profile in the crusades led by Dr. Billy Graham on both sides of the Atlantic, and in the subsequent interaction among evangelicals in North America and Europe. At first a new policy of 'cooperation without compromise' promised an 'evangelical renaissance.' Those who feared an inevitable devaluation of the gospel were viewed as destined for the kind of isolation to which fundamentalism had been consigned earlier in the century. EVANGELICALISM DIVIDED traces the fascinating saga of the personalities, institutions and publications involved in this fifty-year period. Iain Murray's account is not simply a black and white narrative. But using the mass of sources now available he shows how the new policy involved concessions which seriously weakened biblical Christianity. The first and greatest need, he argues, is to answer the most fundamental and divisive question of all: What is a Christian?" -- Publisher
"Noted scholar and writer J.I. Packer (1926-2020) shows that a right understanding of God's sovereignty is a powerful incentive for evangelism." -- Publisher
"A popular, conservative presentation of the relationship between these two areas of theology. Emphasis is placed upon the effect of Christian witness." -- Cyril J. Barber
Audio cassette JPR02 [audio file].
"Peace says that we don't need to choose between mass or personal evangelism. He says that for our day the best way is that of small group evangelism. In this book he combines theory and practice. He also provides guidelines, plans, training and discussion of the ins and out of group dynamics." -- GCB
"Creative ideas to help children develop godly attitudes and healthy ways of thinking." -- Publisher
"Twenty-four exciting stories of how God has prepared people for the Word of the Gospel long before it came to them. Truly God is sovereign and accomplishes His purposes in His own good time. Now available only in paperback." -- GCB
The sequel to PEACE CHILD.
"The only thing that will bring peace between two warring tribes is for one tribal chief to give his son to the other chief." A wonderful real day archetype of God's redemptive act toward mankind.
George Whitefield, Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Whitefield
Contains material useful in counseling.
"This great evangelistic tool provides parents a faithful means of presenting Gospel truth to their young people." -- Lloyd T. Sprinkle
"Excellent for encouraging counselors to win souls and also has the practical 'how to' of winning souls." -- Robert B. Somerville
"This classic book by England's master preacher provides valuable insights on the meaning and methods of evangelism for everyone from seasoned preachers of the Word to laypeople who feel the call of the Great Commission upon their lives." -- Publisher
The Soul-winner: or How to Lead Sinners to the Saviour (1895)
http://archive.org/details/soulwinnerorhowt00spur
"Includes ALARM TO THE UNCONVERTED by Alleine; A CALL TO THE UNCONVERTED by Baxter; SOUL-WINNER by Spurgeon; BONDAGE OF THE WILL by Luther; REPENTANCE by Boston; ART OF MANFISHING by Boston; and WORDS TO WINNERS OF SOULS by Bonar, etc. All of these are powerful calls to the unconverted to flee to Christ!" -- GCB
See the Theological Notes: "The Freedom and Bondage of the Will," at Jeremiah 17:9 in The Reformation Study Bible.
The Bondage of the Will, A Sermon on Christian Love, Two Sermons Upon the Fifth Chapter of Luke [Luke 5], God so Loved the World: Two Sermons on John 3:16-21.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/7/8/martin-luthers-book-concerning-the-bondage-of-the-will
"Written for parents with children of any age, this insightful book provides perspectives and procedures for shepherding your child's heart into the paths of life. SHEPHERDING A CHILD'S HEART gives fresh biblical approaches to child rearing." -- Publisher
"This is a masterful book." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
"Solid, trustworthy, biblical help for parents." -- John MacArthur.
Audio cassette HFTF07 [audio file].
"This book grew out of the Consultation on the Work of the Holy Spirit and Evangelization that took place in Norway in 1985. This study places the preaching and believing of the Gospel in the wider context of the Holy Spirit's work in creation, history, and the church." -- GCB
TCRB5: 414, 421, 836, 1077, 1356, 1364, 1367, 1442, 1754, 2888, 3116-3132, 3425, 3908
Related Weblinks
Apologetics #24: The Recovery of Christian Theism
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Apologetics, 58 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?ID=3205142039
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
http://bgea.org/
Billy Graham Sermon Archive
"More than 1,600 sermons spanning 60 years of Billy Graham's ministry are now instantly available to you anytime, anywhere you have access to the Internet.
"You can search by topic, location, or year for biblical messages from Crusades, media appearances, memorial services, and more -- on demand and free of charge."
http://www.BillyGraham.org/AudioArchives
Classic Billy Graham sermons on SiriusXM Channel 460
Classic Billy Graham sermons now may be heard around the clock and across the nation on SiriusXM Channel 460, satellite radio.
Find out how to listen by visiting SiriusXM.com or by calling 866-408-8296.
http://www.SiriusXM.com
Dare to be a Daniel
"Did you know that most people come to faith in Jesus Christ before the age of 18? What better way to reach the next generation than through their classmates and friends who already believe.
"Dare to Be a Daniel is a new training program from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), to help equip boys and girls ages 9 to 14 to share their faith in Jesus with others. Through a printed booklet, a CD-ROM, this fun, interactive Website, and other tools, youth are given simple steps they can use when telling others about Christ. We are also developing a 13-week Sunday school curriculum based on this program."
http://www.daretobeadaniel.com/
Evangelism (FGB #151)
Gospel Preaching Commanded | Evangelism -- What is it? | Every Christian a Publisher | Compassion for the Lost | Praying for the World | God's way: Vision, Compassion and Prayer | Maintaining Prayer for World-wide Outreach of the Gospel | The Evangelization of the World
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/evanfg/evangelism
Evangelism in the Early Church
Background of Evangelism and Revival in the Early Church [audio file]
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, History of Evangelism/Revivals
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=8250375346The Mediator -- Judge and Saviour
A sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day morning, May 30, 1880, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 1540.
Spurgeon carefully analyses Peter's sermon at Pentecost that brought about the visitation of the Holy Spirit.
http://www.spurgeongems.org/vols25-27/chs1540.pdfReformation as the Great Period of Revivalism and Evangelism [audio file]
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, History of Evangelism/Revivals
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=910393243Revivals in Colonial America -- Background -- Early 1800 Revivals
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, History of Evangelism/Revivals
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=91039346Revivals in the 19th Century
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, History of Evangelism/Revivals
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=98039332Presbyterian Revivals and Evangelism
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, History of Evangelism/Revivals
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=98039345Theological Tensions of the 19th Century: Old School -- New School
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, History of the American Presbyterian Church, 34 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=1216037188Presbyterianism in the 20th Century
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, History of the American Presbyterian Church, 42 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12160371916
*The Golden Chain. The Chart Which Explains Perkins' Theology Concerning Salvation and Damnation
http://www.apuritansmind.com/WilliamPerkins/PerkinsGoldenChainChart.htm
My Hope America With Billy Graham
My Hope guidelines emphasize personal friendship evangelism.
In the last decade there have been 10 million responses to BGEA My Hope projects in foreign countries.
Approximately 25,000 local churches cooperated in the My Hope America, 2013 initiative. As of mid-December 2013, there were over 100,000 recorded responses of faith in Christ.
http://www.myhopewithbillygraham.org
Peace With God
"Approximately 10.5 million people worldwide experienced the Good News of Jesus Christ in 2013 by visiting the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's (BGEA) PeaceWithGod.net website [Jan. 29, 2014]. Of those, more than 2 million indicated making a commitment to Christ after viewing the message."
Peace With God
"Every day, on average (based on October-December 2020) over 19,000 people explore the Gospel on PeaceWithGod.net. More than 4,000 people indicate making spiritual decisions for Christ.
The Top 10 Countries for 2020 (PeaceWithGod.net): 1. United States, 2. Canada, 3. Syria, 4. Sudan, 5. Azerbaijan, 6. Libya, 7. Lebanon, 8. Tanzania, 9. Bolivia, and 10. Kyrgyzstan." -- Internet Evangelism Update letter, February, 2021
http://www.PeaceWithGod.net
Paz Con Dios
http://www.PazConDios
Search for Jesus
http://www.SearchforJesus.net
The Shepherd Knows His Sheep by Name, John Hendryx
"Monergism: The view that the Holy Spirit is the only agent who effects regeneration of Christians. It is in contrast with synergism, the view that there is a cooperation between the divine and the human in the regeneration process." -- Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms
http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/monergism_short.html
Various Quotes on the Free Offer, Larry Birger. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
See the Theological Notes: "Original Sin and Total Depravity," at Psalm 51:5 in The Reformation Study Bible.And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. . . . The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. (Genesis 6:5,11)
See the Theological Notes: "The Fall" at Genesis 3:6 in The Reformation Study Bible.
But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. (Genesis 3:3-7)
Matthew Henry commenting on Genesis 3:6-13
https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/genesis/3.html
John Gill commenting on Genesis 3:7
https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/genesis-3-7.htmlThe heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. (Jeremiah 17:9,10)
Because the wicked have ever some excuse to defend their doings, he showeth that their own lewd imaginations deceive them, and bring them to these inconveniences: but God will examine their deeds by the malice of their hearts, 1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Chronicles 28:9; Psalm 7:10; Jeremiah 11:20 and Jeremiah 20:12; Revelation 2:13. -- 1599 Geneva Bible NotesWake up, see your own wretchedness, and fly to the Lord Jesus. He is the righteousness of God, for He Himself is God. Only by believing in His righteousness will you be delivered from condemnation. -- John Bunyan (1628-1688), The Pilgrim's Progress: From This World to That Which Is to Come
We are also a prodigal nation. See the entire commentary of John Calvin on Psalm 78, and see particularly his comments on Psalm 78:10,36,40,55,70,72.
When we say that man is totally depraved, we mean that the entrance of sin into the human constitution has affected every part and faculty of man's being. Total depravity means that man is, in spirit and soul and body, the slave of sin and the captive of the Devil -- walking according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience (Ephesians 2:2). . . . This is proof positive that he is no free man, but instead, the slave of sin and Satan. Ye are of your father the Devil, and the lusts (desires) of your father ye will do. (John 8:44). -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), The Impotency of The Human Will
The contrariety there is between man and God appears in an unwillingness that His Law should be observed by any. Not satisfied with being a rebel himself, he would have God left without any loyal subjects in the world, and therefore does he employ both temptations and threats to induce his fellows to follow his evil example -- now painting the pleasures of sin in glowing colors, then sneering at and boycotting those who have any scruples.
Ordinarily the workers of iniquity consider such as walk with God to be freaks and fools, and take delight in railing at them (1 Peter 4:4). Yet it is not because the righteous have wronged them in any way, but that the wicked hate them because they refuse to have fellowship with them in defying God. What proof is this of their awful enmity. Not only are they themselves angry at God's laws, but they cannot bear to see anyone else respecting them. Thus the apostle, after enumerating some of the vilest abominations, brought this indictment against the Gentiles, that they not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them (Romans 1:32) -- delighting in accomplishing the downfall of their fellows. -- Arthur Pink, The Doctrine of Human DepravityMan without Christ cannot repent: Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance. (Acts 5:31)
Christ gave it as a "prince," and therefore to none but His subjects, those who are in His kingdom, in whom He rules. Nothing can draw men to repentance but the regenerating power of Christ, which He exercises at God's right hand; for the acts of repentance are hatred of sin, sorrow for it, determination to forsake it, and earnest and constant endeavour after its death.
But sin is so transcendently dear and delightful to a man out of Christ that nothing but an infinite power can draw him to these acts mentioned. Sin is more precious to an unregenerate soul than anything else in heaven or earth. It is dearer to him than liberty, for he gives himself up to it entirely, and becomes its servant and slave. It is dearer to him than health, strength, time, or riches, for he spends all these upon sin. It is dearer to him than his own soul.
Shall a man lose his sins or his soul? Ninety-nine out of a hundred vote for the latter, and lose their souls on that account.
Sin is a man's self. Just as "I" is the central letter of "sin," so sin is the center, the moving-power, the very life of self. Therefore did Christ say, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself. (Matthew 16:24) Men are lovers of their own selves, (2 Timothy 3:2), which is the same as saying that their hearts are wedded to sin. Man drinketh iniquity like water; (Job 15:16) he cannot exist without it, he is ever thirsting for it, he must have his fill of it. Now since man so dotes on sin, what is going to turn his delight into sorrow, his love for it into loathing of it? Nothing but almighty power.
Here, then, we may mark the folly of those who cherish the delusion that they can repent whenever they get ready to do so. But evangelical repentance is not at the beck and call of the creature. It is the gift of God: If God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth. (2 Timothy 2:25) Then what insanity is it that persuades multitudes to defer the effort to repent till their death-beds? Do they imagine that when they are so weak that they can no longer turn their bodies they will have strength to turn their souls from sin? Far sooner could they turn themselves back to perfect physical health.
What praise, then, is due to God if He has wrought a saving repentance in us. -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), Practical ChristianityIt is not until the believer receives the new nature that he discovers the real character of the old. It is not until we are born again we learn what a horrible and vile thing the flesh (old nature) is. And the discovery is a painful one: to many it is quite unsettling. -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), Gleanings in Genesis
Cain and Abel stand as the representatives of two great classes of people. They typify respectively the lost and the saved; the self-righteous and the broken spirited; the formal professor and the genuine believer; those who rely upon their own works and those who rest upon the finished work of Christ; those who insist upon salvation by human merits, and those who are willing to be saved by Divine grace; those who are rejected and cursed by God and those who are accepted and blessed. Cain denied his ruined and fallen condition and refused to accept the remedy God provided; while Abel acknowledged his sinnership, believed the Divine testimony, put his faith in a sacrificial substitute, and was righteous before God. (Genesis 4:3-7) -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), Gleanings in Genesis
The doctrine of total depravity is a very humbling one. It is not that man leans to one side and needs propping up, nor that he is merely ignorant and requires instructing, nor that he is run down and calls for a tonic; but rather that he is undone, lost, spiritually dead. Consequently, he is "without strength," thoroughly incapable of bettering himself; he is exposed to the wrath of God, and unable to perform a single work which can find acceptance with Him. Almost every page of the Bible bears witness to this truth. Until we really behold the horror of the pit in which by nature we lie, we can never properly appreciate Christ's so-great salvation. -- Arthur Pink, Our Accountability to God, alternate title: Gleanings from the Scriptures
Notice that human nature is such that, when one tries to help another, then often the other person turns against him.
This is not unlike the Gospel, the means of Grace. In many cases the Gospel can not be given away.
We are all utterly unworthy of the Grace of God -- God sent his son to save us, and we crucified him.
Notice that this is the same inconceivable phenomenon that is taking place between the Trump team and the Democratic Party, RHINOS, the Deep State, the Mainline News Media, and so forth and so on.I feel that we all need more and more of the presence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, to guide, to teach and to keep us sound in the faith. There are certain great truths, which, in a day like this [1874!], we are especially bound to keep in mind. I believe there are times and seasons in the Church of Christ when we are bound to tighten our hold upon certain great leading truths, to grasp them with more than ordinary firmness in our hands, to press them to our hearts and not let them go. -- J.C. Ryle, "Great Doctrines to Always Keep in Mind"
From the beginning of time the greatest errors have sprung from the idolatrous idea that man could be as God [Genesis 3:6] . . . and that all subsequent error in and out of the church is simply different levels of this same error, from outright heresy to simple inconsistencies within Christianity. -- John Hendryx
But [this cometh to pass], that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:25)
He gave up his Son to die for sinners, and we crucified him -- D. James Kennedy (1930-2007)
See the Theological Notes: "Salvation," at Acts 4:12 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Regeneration: The New Birth," at John 3:3 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "The Freedom and Bondage of the Will," at Jeremiah 17:9 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Death and the Intermediate State," at Philippians 1:23 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Christians in the World," at Colossians 2:20 in The Reformation Study Bible.
Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you. For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men. As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich. They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge. Shall I not visit for these things? saith the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this? A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof? (Jeremiah 5:25-31). See the annotation in 1599 GENEVA BIBLE.
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you. (Acts 3:19,20)
See the Theological Notes: "God Reigns: Divine Sovereignty," at Daniel 4:34 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Election and Reprobation," at Romans 9:18 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "The Final Judgment," at Matthew 25:41 in The Reformation Study Bible.
So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 14:12)
http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/romans-14-12.html
http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/romans/14.htmlFaithful people have always been in a marked minority. Help, O Lord, for the godly are fast disappearing! The faithful have vanished from the earth! (Psalm 12:1), cried David. Note how those two characteristics are conjoined, for piety and faithfulness are inseparable. Compare good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:23). So, too, Solomon exclaimed, A faithful man -- who can find? (Proverbs 20:6). Why is this? Because it is the part of fallen human nature to take the line of least resistance and choose the path easiest to the flesh. -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), Faithfulness
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. (Romans 1:18-25)He walked the face of the earth to teach us how to live right, and we crucified him.
Christ loved us without a cause and, we hated him without a cause. The most inscrutable truths of Scripture. -- D. James Kennedy (1930-2007)
Very often offense is taken where none is given. An outstanding example of this is Christ Himself. He is unto the believer a cornerstone, elect and precious, but to the unbelieving and disobedient a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense (1 Peter 2:8). -- Arthur Pink, Exposition of John's First Epistle
How ironic that Cain, the very first man born of a woman, murdered his brother, while so many modern men believe that humans are "basically good." The biblical account of Cain slaying his brother Abel, is a most telling example of the utter depravity of fallen man.
And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. (She probably hoped that this was the Messiah. Alas! how often are parents' hopes deceived. It was not "a man -- the Lord" who had come to Eve's bosom, but a man of sin, a child of the wicked one.) And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. (Her second child she called "Vanity," and yet he was precious in the sight of the Lord. What mistakes we make about our children.) And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. (Can had no faith, and he had no eye to the blood of atonement: Abel had both. These should be main points in all our religious duties.) And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. (Wroth not with himself as he ought to have been, but with his brother and with God.)
And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. (It is sin which blocks the way.) And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.
And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother?
And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper? (We shall either be our brother's keeper or our brother's murderer. If we do not labour to save others, we shall be guilty of their blood.)
And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground. And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand; When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.
And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear. (He makes no confession of his sin, but only murmurs at his punishment. We know many whose minds are in a similar state. They cavil at hell, but they persevere in sin.) Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me.
And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.
This ancient record of the first murder is used by John as a picture of the action of the unregenerate in all time. Love marks the children of God, and hate is the sure ensign of the heirs of wrath. Thus writes the beloved apostle. (Genesis 4:1-15) -- C.H. Spurgeon, Spurgeon's Devotional Bible, p. 10In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.
Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. (1 John 3:10-15)
O for grace to purge our hearts of all anger, envy, malice, and bitterness of every kind, that like Jesus we may be full of love and gentleness.
Lord, from anger purge my heart,
Bid all enmity depart: New-created from above,
Let my very life be love.
Quench in me each evil fire,
Envious thought or fierce desire.
Flame from heaven upon me fall!
Love of God be all in all. -- C.H. Spurgeon in Spurgeon's Devotional Bible, p. 10. Poem not credited.Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. (Isaiah 6:5)
"He speaketh this for two causes: the one because he that was a mortal creature, and therefore had more need to glorify God than the Angels, did it not: and the other because the more near that man approacheth to God, the more doth he know his own sin and corruption." -- 1599 Geneva Bible NotesFor from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. (Mark 7:21,22)See the description of the sins of Jerusalem by the prophet Ezekiel in chapter 22 [Ezekiel 22]. The description fits American society in 2008. Indeed scripture teaches that man is radically depraved.
I more fear what is within me than what comes from without. -- Martin Luther (1483-1546)
Let us never forget that our chief danger is from WITHIN. The world and the devil combined, cannot do as much harm as our OWN hearts can, if we do not watch and pray. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)
Here Paul calleth the whole world, which hath been, is, and shall be, the present world, to put a difference between this and the everlasting world to come. Moreover he calleth it evil, because whatsoever is in this world, is subject to the malice of the devil reigning over the whole world. For this cause the world is the devil's kingdom. For there is in it nothing but ignorance, contempt, blasphemy, hatred of God, and disobedience against all the words and works of God. In and under this kingdom of the world are we.
Again, you see that no man is able to put away sin, by his own works, or his own power, because this present world is evil, and is set upon mischief.
As many then as are in the world are the bond-slaves of the devil, constrained to serve him and to do at his pleasure.
What availeth it then to set up so many orders of religion, for the abolishing of sin: to devise so many and painful works, as to wear shirts of hair, to beat the body with whips till the blood flowed, to go on pilgrimage, and such like? Be it so that thou doest all these things, yet notwithstanding this is true, that thou art in this present evil world, and not in the Kingdom of Christ. And if thou be not in the Kingdom of Christ, it is certain thou belongest to the kingdom of Satan, which is this evil world. Therefore all the gifts, either of the body, or of the mind, which thou enjoyest, as wisdom, righteousness, holiness, eloquence, power, beauty, and riches, are but the slavish instruments of the devil, and with all these thou art compelled to serve him, and to advance his kingdom.
First with thy wisdom thou darkenest the wisdom and the knowledge of Christ, and by thy wicked doctrine, leadest men out of the way, that they cannot come to the grace and knowledge of Christ. Thou settest out and praiseth thin own righteousness and holiness: but the righteousness of Christ, by which only we are justified, and quickened, thou doest hate and condemn. To be brief, by thy power thou destroyest the Kingdom of Christ, and abusest the same to root out the gospel, to persecute and kill the ministers of Christ, and so many as hear them.
Therefore Paul doth rightly call it the present evil world: for when it is at the best, then is it worst. In the religious, wise, and learned men, the world is at the best, and yet, in very deed in them it is double evil. I overpass those gross vices which are against the second table, as disobedience to parents, to magistrates, adulteries, whoredoms, covetousness, thefts, murders, and maliciousness, wherein the world is altogether drowned, which notwithstanding are light faults if we compare them with the wisdom and righteousness of the wicked, whereby they fight against the first table. This white devil, which forceth men to commit spiritual sins that they may sell them for righteousness, is far more dangerous than the black devil which only enforceth them to commit fleshly sins, which the world acknowledgeth to be sins.
By these words then, That He might deliver us from this present world, Paul showeth what is the argument of this epistle; to wit that we have need of grace and of Christ, and that no creature, neither man nor angel, can deliver man out of the present evil world. For these works are only belonging to the Divine Majesty, and are not in the power of any either angel or man. That Christ hath put away sin and hath delivered us from the tyranny and kingdom of the devil; that is to say, from this wicked world, which is an obedient servant, and a willing follower of the devil his god. The world is full of the ignorance of God, of hatred, lying, blasphemy, and of contempt of God. Moreover of gross sins, as murders, adulteries, fornication, thefts, and such-like, because he knoweth his father the devil, who is a murderer and a liar. And the more wise, righteous, and holy that men are without Christ, so much the more hurt they do the gospel. So we also, that were religious men, were doubly wicked in the papacy, before God did lighten us with the knowledge of His gospel.
Let these words then of Paul remain, true and effectual, as indeed they are, namely, that this present world is evil. Let it nothing at all move thee, that in a great number of men, there be many excellent virtues, and there is so great a show of holiness in hypocrites. But mark thou rather what Paul saith: out of whose words thou mayest boldly and freely pronounce this sentence against the world, that with all its wisdom, power, and righteousness, it is the kingdom of the devil: out of which God alone is able to deliver us by His only-begotten Son.
Therefore let us praise God the Father, and give Him hearty thanks for this His immeasurable mercy, that hath delivered us out of the kingdom of the devil (in which we were holden captives), by His own Son, when it is impossible to be done by our own strength. And let us acknowledge together with Paul that all our works and righteousness, are but loss and dross.
Also let us cast under our feet and utterly abhor all the power of free will, all pharisaical wisdom and righteousness, all religious orders, all masses, ceremonies, vows, fastings, and such like (Phil. iii. 8 [Philippians 3:8]), as a most filthy rotten rag, or as dung, and as the most dangerous poison of the devil. Contrariwise, let us extol and magnify the glory of Christ, who hath delivered us by His death, not from this world only, but from this present evil world.
Paul then, by this word, evil, showeth that the Kingdom of the world, or the devil's kingdom, is the kingdom of iniquity, ignorance, error, sin, death, blasphemy, desperation, and everlasting damnation.
On the other side, the Kingdom of Christ, is the kingdom of equity, light, grace, remission of sins, peace, consolation, saving health, and everlasting life, into the which we are translated by our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory, world without end. Amen. -- Martin Luther from Luther's Commentary on Galatians, That He might deliver us from the present evil world. (Galatians 1:4 excerpt), English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1979, 1553).Anthropologists tell us that one-third of all human beings who have lived on this planet have died at the hands of their brothers -- that fully one-third of the human race have died through war, violence, crime, and sudden death at the hands of another human being. -- D. James Kennedy (1930-2007), and List of Wars and Anthropogenic Disasters by Death Toll, Wikipedia
Abortion was the 20th century's biggest single killer of mankind worldwide, far surpassing any other cause: disease, war, governments, natural disasters, and so forth. See: "Biggest Killers of the 20th Century." Notice that abortion is not included in this diagram. The absence of information says something about the depravity of mankind (Jeremiah 17:9,10), and about the suppression and repression of truth. (Hosea 4:6,7)
The number of abortions performed worldwide in the last 50 years is estimated to be 1 to 2 billion. But try to document this fact elsewhere online.
The total abortions worldwide for the 20th century may be interpolation from available data. The calculation does not factor in incremental increases in world population since 1900. Worldwide there are an estimated 43.8 million abortions annually (2008 figures, Guttmacher Institute) X 100 years = 4.38 billion killings worldwide in the 20th century. This is compared to 1.97 billion estimated deaths worldwide for non-communicable diseases the reported biggest killer worldwide of the 20th century. Comparison may also be made with figures for genocide.
Number of Abortions -- Abortion Counters
"The most accurate set of abortion counters on the web. Number of abortions in U.S. and worldwide; Number of abortions since 1973; Number of abortions this year; U.S. abortion clock; Worldwide abortion clock; Number of abortions due to rape or incest; Planned Parenthood abortion count."
http://www.numberofabortions.com/This ignorance [of Scripture] is unspeakably aggravated by the multitudes who are guilty of it, its grossness, though the means of knowledge are abundant, many being ignorant even of the letter of the scriptures, of their own sin and misery, of the way of recovery through Jesus Christ, and also of their duty to their fellow-men. -- Reformed Presbyterian Church, General Meeting, Causes of Fasting (1898)
The depravity of man is at once the most empirically verifiable reality, but at the same time the most intellectually resisted fact. (Genesis 6:5; Genesis 8:21b; Ecclesiastes 9:3b; Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:21-23; Ephesians 2:1-3; Titus 3:3-5) -- Malcolm Muggeridge (1903-1990). See John Calvin's Commentary on Isaiah Chapter 33 [Isaiah 33:1-66].
Nothing can more clearly demonstrate the fallen state of man and the entire corruption of his nature, than the perpetual and irreconcilable warfare which corruption maintains in the hearts of all believers against the divine nature of which they are made partakers. -- Robert Haldane (1764-1842)
Such is the perversity of fallen man, that whatever God do testify of his displeasure, by word or judgments, against grossest sins, yet they are continued in and followed, yea, and committed in times when God calls them to solemn exercises of his worship; for albeit adultery be expressly prohibited as a gross iniquity, and albeit that and the like uncleanness had oft times drawn down very remarkable judgments, as on Sodom and the tribe of Benjamin, yet there is a woman taken in adultery, and that in the time of their solemn feast. -- George Hutcheson (1626-1678), Gospel of John
The ungodly, as if they must necessarily fall, should the world continue to stand, would wish all mankind thrown down or destroyed, and, therefore, they exert themselves to the utmost to bring down and ruin all men. -- John Calvin, commenting on Psalm 17:11
Those that undertake great and public services must not think it strange if they be discountenanced and opposed by those from whom they had reason to expect support and assistance; but must humbly go on with their work, in the face not only of their enemies' threats, but of their friends' slights and suspicions. -- Matthew Henry (1662-1714)
In more than 40 years of ministry, it has been my experience that most of the time a believer's greatest persecution comes from others who identify themselves as believers. -- Ralph Drollinger in Nine Characteristics of Tares -- The Believer's Enemy
The four "Servant Songs" of Isaiah are Isaiah 42:1-9; Isaiah 49:1-7; Isaiah 50:4-11; and Isaiah 52:13 -- Isaiah 53:12. See the annotations in The Reformation Study Bible.
The Christ is the only One truly called. . . . The flesh has always struggled against Him, as we see when we survey the history of God's people. The struggle was especially acute at Golgotha. -- S.G. De Graaf in Promise and Deliverance
Our Triune God has ordained that the preeminent leader of the Church is the Lord Jesus Christ, the God Man, Our Righteousness. (John 1:1-18; Matthew 19:30; Matthew 28:18-20; Isaiah 49:7; Colossians 1:16-19; Colossians 2:9,10; Hebrews 12:1,2; Revelation 5:1-14; Revelation 19:11-15; Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 22:12, and so forth, and so on). Human leadership is also divinely ordained and tends to devolve to those who are most perfectly at one with Christ, and to those who also know the most Truth (the Apostle Paul, Saint Augustine, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Puritan leaders, The Scots Worthies, and so forth, and so on).
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:28). See: (Matthew 19:28, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Then his master said unto him, It is well done good servant and faithful, Thou hast been faithful in little, I will make thee ruler over much: enter into thy master's joy. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:21) (Matthew 25:21 1599 Geneva Bible)
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:34). See: (Matthew 25:34, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And he said unto him, Well, good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little thing, take thou authority over ten cities. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 19:17) (Luke 19:17, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Therefore I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 22:29) (Luke 22:29, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:17). See: (Romans 8:17, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? (1 Corinthians 6:3). See: (1 Corinthians 6:3, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6). See: (Ephesians 2:6, 1599 Geneva Bible)
To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and corrections among the people:
To bind their kings in chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron,
That they may execute upon them the judgment that is written: this honor shall be to all his Saints. Praise ye the Lord. (Psalm 149:7-9) (Psalm 149:7-9, 1599 Geneva Bible)
But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. (1 Timothy 2:12), (1 Timothy 2:12, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 2:26). See: (Revelation 2:26, 1599 Geneva Bible)
To serve God is to reign. -- Seneca (4 BC -- 65 AD)But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. (1 John 2:5)
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. (1 John 4:7)
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. (1 John 5:3)
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:4)
If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:6,7)The fool hath said in his heart,
There is no God.
They are corrupt,
they have done abominable works,
there is none that doeth good. (Psalm 14:1)
See the Theological Notes: "Mankind's Guilty Knowledge of God" at Romans 1:29 and the note at Psalm 14:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.The Treasury of David, Psalm 139, C.H. Spurgeon
If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night, even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. (Psalm 139:11-12)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps139.phpCornelius Van Til makes the theologically valid point that "irrationality in the mind of man, that is, insanity, must be the result of a deflection of man from the source of absolute rationality," God, and consequently "all men have merited insanity because of their departure from God." [Or, not until man repents is he truly sane. -- compiler]. Eternal punishment is "the abyss of irrationalism," and what we call rational or normative experience is a gift of God's common grace. No man is worthy of it." -- Frederick Leahy
Our reading leads us to think upon that eminent saint of the antediluvian church, Enoch, the seventh from Adam.
And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
Here it is worthy of notice that the sacred writer says once that Enoch "lived;" but he changes the word and writes Enoch "walked with God;" thus teaching us that communion with God was Enoch's life, and truly so it ought to be ours. He was not a mere talker about God, but a walker with God. This holy patriarch lived in unbroken intercourse with the Lord for three hundred years, not now and then visiting with God, but habitually walking with him. This is a point of great difficulty. To draw near to God is comparatively easy; but to remain in undivided fellowship, "this is the work, this is the labour." Yet the Holy Spirit can enable us to accomplish even this. Continued communion is what we should aim at, and we should not be content with anything short of it.
Some excuse themselves from seeking after unbroken fellowship with God because of their calling, their circumstances, and their numerous engagements. Enoch had the cares of a family upon him, and he was also a public preacher, and yet he kept up his walk with God: no business or household cares should make us forget our God. Society with God is the safety of saints, it is their solace and delight, it is their honour and crown. More to be desired is it than gold, yea, than much fine gold. Happy was Enoch to enjoy it so sweetly, and so continuously. The long intercourse of this good man with his God ended in his being borne away from earth without death to that place where faith is lost in sight. He did not live like others, and therefore he did not die like others.
Paul tells us a little more concerning this holy man, and we will gather up the fragments of his history which remains on record, that nothing may be lost. (Genesis 5:21-24) -- C.H. Spurgeon, Spurgeon's Devotional Bible, p. 11By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Faith was the spring from which his communion was derived. Works do not make us walk with God; but faith brings us into his presence, and keeps us there. It is very likely that Enoch's pious conversation did not please men, but that little mattered since it pleased God. (Hebrews 11:5,6) -- C.H. Spurgeon, Spurgeon's Devotional Bible, p. 11From Jude we learn that Enoch had an eye to the coming of Christ. The pure in heart who see God are the seers of their age, and look far ahead of others. What Enoch saw he told forth for the warning of others, and it is our duty to do the same, that sinners may be lead to flee from the wrath to come.
And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
How important is the doctrine of the advent of the Lord from heaven, since so early in the world's history one of the holiest of prophets proclaimed it. There must surely be some very powerful influence in this truth, since the greatest teachers of it mentioned in Scripture were also among the most eminent for close fellowship with heaven. Enoch walked with God, Daniel was a man greatly beloved, and John was that disciple whom Jesus loved. O Lord, if the expectation of the coming will make us walk with thee, be pleased to fill us with it. (Jude 1:14,15)
Sun of my soul, thou Saviour dear,
It is not night if thou be near,
Oh! may no earth-born cloud arise
To hide thee from thy servant's eyes.
Abide with me from morn till eve,
For without thee I cannot live;
Abide with me when night is nigh,
For without thee I dare not die. -- C.H. Spurgeon in Spurgeon's Devotional Bible, p. 11. Poem not credited.(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. (2 Corinthians 10:4-6)
What is man? . . . Ask the prophet Isaiah . . . and he answers, man is "grass. . . ." Ask David, he answers, man is a "lie," not a liar only, or a deceiver, but a "lie" and a deceit. All the answers the Holy Ghost gives concerning man, are to humble man . . . The sinful nature of man is an enemy to the nature of God, and would pull God out of heaven; yet God even at that time is raising man to heaven; sin would lessen the great God, and yet God greatens sinful man. -- Joseph Caryl
The fool has said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good. (Psalm 53:11)
Being a fool, he reflects his nature, saying, There is no God. Being a great fool, he meddles with a great subject and comes to wild conclusions. Morally, as well as mentally, the atheist is a fool. He is a fool in the heart as well as in the head, a fool in morals as well as in philosophy. With the denial of God as a starting point, we may conclude that the fool's progress is raid, riotous, raving, and ruinous. One beginning at impiety is ready for anything. No God properly interpreted means no law, no order, no restraint to lust, no limit to evil passion. Who but a fool would be of this mind? What would the world become if such lawless principles came to be universal? One who heartily entertains an irreligious spirit, and follows it out to its legitimate issues, is dangerous to the common welfare; he is not rational. By nature every man is more or less a denier of God. Practical atheism is the religion of humanity. It is idle to compliment them as sincere doubters and amiable thinkers; they are in fact rotten. There is too much dainty dealing nowadays with atheism. It is not a harmless error; it is an offensive, rotten sin. Righteous men should look on it in that light. All men being by nature atheistic, they are also in the same degree corrupt. Their heart is foul; their moral nature is decayed.
Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity -- bad principles soon lead to bad lives. One does not find virtue promoted by your Voltaires and Tom Paines. Those who talk so abominable as to deny their Maker will act abominable when it serves their turn. It is the denial and forgetfulness of God abounding among men which is the source of the unrighteousness and crime which we see around us. It all men are not outwardly vicious, it is to be accounted for by the power of other and better principles. Left to itself, the No God spirit would produce nothing but evil acts. -- C.H. Spurgeon commenting on Psalm 53:11 in Devotional Classics of C.H. Spurgeon, p. 270Revival breaks out when individuals in the church repent. We can change our own lives and start personal revival by repentance and weeping for our sin.
The cause of the hatred which the world entertains against those who are not of it, is deeply rooted in the universal principles of human nature, -- in the unchangeable relations and oppositions of things; and however it may seen to slumber, it never dies. "In proportion to the degeneracy of society at large, and to the faithfulness and holiness of Christians in the midst of that society, will the hatred of the world to Christianity be manifested, in all countries and ages." (Brown Patterson)
In what a striking light does the subject we have been considering place the depravity of human nature! Men, unchanged by divine influence, hate Christians, and hate them because they are Christians. God loves them, and loves them for the very reasons that men hate them. He has "set them apart for himself" -- they are His peculiar people -- He "looks to" them -- He "dwells with" them. Christ loves them, and blesses them with all heavenly and spiritual blessings. The Holy Ghost loves them, and takes up his permanent abode in them. Angels love them, and gladly act the part of ministering spirits to them as heirs of salvation. But men, unchanged men, do not love them -- they hate them. It has been said, "If virtue were to become incarnate, all mankind would fall down and worship her." The author of this admired statement neither knew human nature, nor virtue, well. Virtue did become incarnate in the person of Jesus Christ; and was he universally worshipped? "He was despised and rejected of men"; and instead of raising him to the throne, they nailed him to the cross. . . ." -- John Brown (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858), Discourses and Sayings of Our Lord Jesus Christ, III:352-353The Wicked Man
A man of worthlessness, a man of iniquity, Walking [with] perverseness of mouth,
Winking with his eyes, speaking with his feet, Directing with his fingers,
Frowardness [is] in his heart, devising evil at all times, Contentions he sendeth forth.
Therefore suddenly cometh his calamity, Instantly he is broken -- and no healing.
These six hath Jehovah hated, Yea, seven [are] abominations to His soul.
Eyes high -- tongues false -- And hands shedding innocent blood --
A heart devising thoughts of vanity -- Feet hasting to run to evil --
A false witness [who] doth breathe out lies -- And one sending forth contentions between brethren. (Proverbs 6:12-19, Young's Literal Translation of the Holy Bible)See the Theological Notes: "Election and Reprobation," at Romans 9:18 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Definite Redemption," at John 10:15 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Effectual Calling and Conversion," at 2 Thessalonians 2:14 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Perseverance of the Saints," at Romans 8:30 in The Reformation Study Bible.
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)
The real value of an object is that which one who knows its worth will give for it. He who made the soul, knew its worth, and gave His life for it. -- Arthur Jackson
Son, whatever weakens your reasoning, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, or takes away your relish for spiritual things; in short, if anything increases the authority and power of the flesh over the Spirit, then that to you becomes sin, however good it is in itself. -- Susanna Wesley's answer to her son, John Wesley, who asked her to define sin. -- cited in Sherwood Eliot Wirt (editor), and Kersten Beckstrom (editor), Topical Encyclopedia of Living Quotations
There is no greater sin than not to see your need of Christ . . . There is nothing more abhorrent to God than that men and women should think that anything about them is sufficient to commend them to God. There is no greater sin than to refuse the Son of God and His sacrificial atoning death. -- Martyn Lloyd-Jones in Romans -- Saving Faith
A. Crimes against God: religious offenses (punishable by the death penalty)
[Surprisingly covetousness and theft do not appear specifically in the following listings. Yet the 10th of the Decalogue summarizes the previous nine. -- compiler]1. IdolatryB. Crimes against man: civil offenses (also punishable by the death penalty)
2. Infant sacrifice
3. Witchcraft, divination and spiritualism
4. Blasphemy (taking the name of the Lord in vain)
5. False prophecy
6. Sabbath-breaking
7. Defiance of the authority of God's law1. Homicide [this would include abortion, infanticide, physician assisted suicide, some "iatrogenic" deaths, killing the elderly, genocide, and so forth -- compiler]The above quotes from G.L. Archer, "Crimes and Punishments," in The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, volume 1, pp. 1030-1036
2. Assault and battery against one's own parents
3. Sodomy or homosexuality
4. Adultery
5. Fornication by the daughter of a priest
6. Rape out-of-doors
7. Incest (see the article for degrees of relatedness)
8. Cursing of one's mother or father
9. Consistent disobedience and willfulness of a young man toward his parents
10. Kidnapping for the purpose of selling into slavery
11. Malicious prosecution and perjury in a charge of murder
The Root Cause of Criminal Acts of Extreme Depravity
Despising God is the root cause of criminal acts of extreme human depravity.When they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened . . . (Romans 1:21-23)See John Calvin commenting on Psalm 10:3 and context.Contempt for God manifests as scorn for the life of others. Scorning others is just the beginning of a spectrum that leads to murder (1 John 3:15).
Murder has been a part of human nature since the fall. Cain slew his brother Abel because Cain's sacrifice to God was not as acceptable as Abel's sacrifice (Genesis 4:1-15; 1 John 3:10-15).
The depravity of man is at once the most empirically verifiable reality, but at the same time the most intellectually resisted fact. (Genesis 6:5; Genesis 8:21b; Ecclesiastes 9:3b; Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:21-23; Ephesians 2:1-3; Titus 3:3-5) -- Malcolm Muggeridge (1903-1990). See John Calvin's Commentary on Isaiah Chapter 33 [Isaiah 33:1-66].
Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer, and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. (1 John 3:15)Notice that giving attention to diabolical extremes of human depravity, offensive as it is, can bring the Gospel into sharper focus. Utter darkness can be a negative guide to The Light. Wickedness often showcases the truths of Scripture with brilliant clarity. "Diamonds are best showcased on black velvet."
For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death. (Proverbs 8:35,36)Criminal acts of extreme depravity can be attributed to both the individual, and to the corporate body.The ungodly, as if they must necessarily fall, should the world continue to stand, would wish all mankind thrown down or destroyed, and, therefore, they exert themselves to the utmost to bring down and ruin all men. -- John Calvin, commenting on Psalm 17:11
Notice that often child abuse and drug use or powerful psychosomatic ["relating to, involving, or resulting from the interactions between mind, emotions and body"], medication are factors in mass shootings, especially when the shooter is an adolescent or young adult.
Godless persons are typically afflicted with pride displayed in the lust for power, wealth, and sex.
"Cruelty is indeed always proud, yea, rather, pride is the mother of all wrongs; for if a man did not through pride magnify himself above his neighbors, and through an overweening conceit of himself despise them, even common humanity would teach us with what humility and justice we ought to conduct ourselves towards each other (v. 2). -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 10:2Wicked parents are the most notable servants of the devil in all the world and the bloodiest enemies to their children's souls. More souls are damned by ungodly parents, and next [to them] ungodly ministers and magistrates, than by any instruments in the world besides. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691) in Baxter's Practical Works, vol. 1, A Christian Directory, Part II, Christian Economics: or, The Family Directory . . , Chapter X, "The Duties of Parents for Their Children," the Soli Deo Gloria Publications reprint, 1990, of the 19th century reprint by George Virtue, London, p. 451Individuals who commit horrific crimes frequently have been subjected to extremes of abuse -- emotional abuse (especially child abuse), spiritual abuse, physical, sexual, educational, and economic abuse, and so forth, and so on. The criminal may appear outwardly to be emotionally well-adjusted as an adult, but inwardly they bear emotional scars that are as hard to shake off as chronic disease. These scars breed anger, misanthropy, misandry, and sociopathic behavior.
Corporately, a liberal church might trip on the doctrines of The Absolute Sovereignty of God and The Doctrine of Man (Human Nature, Total Depravity).
Secular governments, responsible to administer justice, reject Christianity. However, the highest ethical standard known to mankind is historic, orthodox, reformed Christianity. It follows that secular governments, by separating themselves from Christianity, substitute man's law for God's law, and consequently are unable to suppress criminal depravity, and thereby incur the wrath of God.
"Diversity and inclusion," IS toleration (polytheism), and toleration has been the death knell of ALL societies, present and past, as history testifies.
It is a disease under which men in general labor, to imagine, according to the judgment of the flesh, that when God does not execute his judgments, he is sitting idle, or lying at ease. There is, however, a great difference with respect to this between the faithful and the wicked. The latter cherish the false opinion which is dictated by the weakness of the flesh, and in order to soothe and flatter themselves in their vices, they indulge in slumbering, and render their conscience stupid, until at length, through their wicked obstinacy, they harden themselves into a gross contempt of God (v. 12). -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 10:12
They acquire praise from their presumptuousness, and glory in their wickedness; and this foolish confidence, or bold assurance, is the cause of their throwing off all restraint and breaking forth into every kind of excess. David rather teaches, that the cause of their careless indulgence in the gratification of their lusts, is their base contempt of God (v.3). David simply means, that the ungodly, without examination, permit themselves to do any thing, or do not distinguish between what is lawful and unlawful, because their own lust is their law, yea, rather, as if superior to all laws, they fancy that it is lawful for them to do whatever they please. . . . The prophet, therefore, very properly says, that the reason why the ungodly, without any regard or consideration, presume to do whatever they desire, is because, being lifted up with pride, they leave to God nothing whatever of the prerogative of a judge (v. 4). -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 10:3,4 and context
Whence is it that the wicked become so audaciously insolent, or have so great power to work mischief, if it is not because God is still, and gives them loose reins? But, as soon as he shows some token of his judgment, he immediately puts a stop to their proud tumults, and breaks their strength and power with his nod alone. We are taught, by this manner of praying, that however insolently and proudly our enemies may boast of what they will do, yet they are in the hand of God, and can do no more than what he permits them; and farther, that God can doubtless, whenever he pleases, render all their endeavors vain and ineffectual. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 9:19
The reader is invited to consider some well-known examples of horrific crimes, extreme human depravity. Again, despising God is the root problem. The individual who despises God becomes a wrongdoer, abusing their fellow man, and finally commits horrific crimes.
- Max Kurschner, "Joey the Hit Man," Joey Black
Those who may have been taught the Smaller Catechism of the Westminster Confession of Faith will know the answer to question number one, "The purpose of man is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever." But the purpose of the unregenerate, like the purpose of their father, The Liar and The Deceiver, is to increase personal power and glory, and that by taking it from God, placing themselves in competition with God.
This is brought into startling contrast in the case of Joey (Max Kurshner), the hit man, said to have killed 38.
In the mid-70s the compiler happened to view a TV interview with Joey the Hit Man. It was held in an empty studio with a panel of professionals. Joey wore a ski cap so he could not be recognized. Near the end of the interview "Joey" was asked why he had killed 38 men, and why he had continued to kill. Without hesitation, he answered, it is because taking another man's life gave me a sense of great personal glory. However, notice there is glory, and then there is vainglory. The former belongs to God alone. Vainglory blurs the lines between right and wrong. A sense of great personal "glory" can be a sign of awful wrongdoing.
Modern society's errs is equating feelings with truth, "If it feels good, then do it." However, feelings can not be trusted as a guide to Truth. Truth is absolute and unchanging, feelings vary from day to day, and from person to person.
There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the ends thereof are death. (Proverbs 14:12)The cause of vainglory is contempt for God. See John Calvin commenting on Psalm 10:3 and context.The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9)
There is glory in righteousness, and there is glory in iniquity. The lesson learned is that some individuals mistakenly associate glory with God alone. But a sense of personal glory, "vainglory," can arise from iniquity instead, and can lead into the jaws of Hell.
- Richard Kuklinski, "The Ice Man"
Richard Kuklinski was a hired killer that murdered over 200 without remorse. "During his incarceration Kuklinski granted interviews to prosecutors, psychiatrists, criminologists, writers, and television producers about his criminal career, upbringing, and personal life. Interviews in 1991 and 2001, by Dr. Park Dietz and by author Anthony Bruno, were followed by two documentaries, The Iceman Interviews: Conversations With a Killer, and The Iceman: Confessions of a Mafia Hit Man. (Part 1, 1992, Iceman Tapes: Conversations With a Killer, and Part 2, 2001, Iceman Confesses: Secrets of a Mafia Hitman.
Philip Carlo also wrote a book in 2006, entitled THE ICE MAN: CONFESSIONS OF A MAFIA CONTRACT KILLER.
Anthony Bruno wrote THE ICEMAN: THE TRUE STORY OF A COLD-BLOODED KILLER, the latest biography of Kuklinski.
Kuklinski blamed childhood abuse for his crimes. "When asked why he had become one of the most diabolical mass murderers in history, he cast blame on his father's abuse, and admitted the one thing he was sorry for was not killing him."
"Dr. Park Dietz, a world-renowned psychiatrist and consultant to the FBI, interviews this remorseless killer, providing important insights into the psychological factors that can lead to such an aberrant pathology. Complementing the one-on-one sessions, police photographs and film footage document Kuklinski's troubled background and numerous victims. . . .
"Forensic psychiatrist Dr. Park Dietz has served as an expert witness for the prosecution in the murder trials of John Hinkley, Joel Rifkin, Jeffrey Dahmer, and others. In each case he presented evidence against the defense of insanity, saying that these men knew that they were committing terrible crimes."
- Jeffrey Dahmer
Dahmer was a homosexual who "committed the rape, murder, and dismemberment of 17 men and boys from 1978 to 1991." Two years after imprisonment he was killed by another inmate. He recalled his early years of family life as being of "extreme tension" which he noted between his parents, whom he observed to be constantly arguing with each other."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffrey_Dahmer"To get a look at what makes a killer's mind tick . . . explore the world of Dr. Park Dietz, a forensic psychiatrist, who comes to controversial conclusions concerning killers." He presented evidence against the defense of insanity, saying that these men knew that they were committing terrible crimes. Hear him "talk about his most famous cases, including Andrea Yates, John Hinckley, Jeffrey Dahmer, and more."
- Ted Bundy
"The majority of evidence pointed . . . toward antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Bundy displayed many personality traits typically found in ASPD patients (who are often identified as 'sociopaths' or 'psychopaths'), such as outward charm and charisma with little true personality or genuine insight beneath the façade; the ability to distinguish right from wrong, but with minimal effect on behavior; and an absence of guilt or remorse. . . . There was also evidence of narcissism, poor judgment, and manipulative behavior. 'Sociopaths' . . . 'are egotistical manipulators who think they can con anybody.' Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) has been proposed as an alternative diagnosis in at least one subsequent retrospective analysis."
/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Bundy
- Other Examples of Extreme Depravity
Are we to believe that the media is unable to present rational explanations and solutions to mass shootings? Reporting the bizarre mass shooting by an US Army psychiatrist, a Muslim, on April 2, 2014, the second incident of mass shooting at the Fort Hood Army base, the mainstream news media stated that mass shooting are the acts of a single deranged gunman, and could not be caused by any underlying systemic weakness in society.
However, mass shootings are now a regular occurrence. About the same time a medical student, working on a Ph.D. under a scholarship, on track for a career in healthcare, suddenly dropped out of school and went on a shooting rampage at an Aurora theater one night. Media reported that we will never know the motive of the killer.
Here are just a few suggested resources explaining the causes of mass shootings.There are many more examples of irrationality in modern society caused by "the decline of the Western mind from the Renaissance to the present," the denial of God in the public arena, and the resulting failed epistemology and false presuppositions of secular leadership. See: FROM RATIONALISM TO IRRATIONALITY: THE DECLINE OF THE WESTERN MIND FROM THE RENAISSANCE TO THE PRESENT, and the supplemental lecture series, Apologetics.
- "We have forgotten God."
"All things must be referred to the Glory of God" is the final sentence of author Aurelius Augustine, Bishop of Hippo (354-430 AD), in CITY OF GOD
John Calvin's Prefatory Address to His Most Christian Majesty, The Most Mighty and Illustrious Monarch, Francis, King of the French, His Sovereign in THE INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION is considered to be one of the greatest prefaces ever written. It is a defense of Christianity to the King Francis.
Prefatory Address
(Beveridge translation, instead of preferred Battles translation)
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/institutes.ii.viii.htmlMore than half a century ago, while I was still a child, I recall hearing a number of older people [a peasant he heard as a boy -- compiler] offer the following explanation for the great disasters that had befallen Russia: Men have forgotten God; that's why all this has happened. . . . But if I were asked today to formulate as concisely as possible the main cause of the ruinous Revolution that swallowed up some sixty million of our people, I could not put it more accurately than to repeat: Men have forgotten God; that's why all this has happened. . . . And if I were called upon to identify briefly the principal trait of the entire twentieth century, here too, I would be unable to find anything more precise and pithy than to repeat once again: Men have forgotten God. -- Alexander Solzhenitsyn (1918-2008), from Men Have Forgotten God, his speech upon receiving the Templeton Award, May 10, 1983
Truth is very beautiful; more so, as I consider, than justice -- today's pursuit -- which easily puts on a false face. In the nearly seven decades I have lived through, the world has overflowed with bloodshed and explosions whose dust has never had time to settle before others have erupted; all in purportedly just causes. The quest for justice continues, and the weapons and hatred pile up; but truth was an early casualty. The lies on behalf of which our wars have been fought and our peace treaties concludes! The lies of revolution and of counter-revolution! The lies of advertising, of news, of salesmanship, of politics! The lies of the priest in his pulpit, the professor at his podium, the journalist at his typewriter! The lie stuck like a fish-bone in the throat of the microphone, the hand-held lies of the prowling cameraman! Ignazio Silone told me once how, when he was a member of the old Comintern, some strategem was under discussion, and the delegate, a newcomer who had never attended before, made the extraordinary observation that if such and such statement were to be put out, it wouldn't be true. There was a moment of dazed silence, and then everyone began to laugh. They laughed and laughed until tears ran down their cheeks and the Kremlin walls seemed to shake. The same laughter echoes in every council chamber and cabinet room, wherever two or more are gathered together to exercise authority. It is truth that has died, not God. -- Malcolm Muggeridge (1903-1990), Chronicles of Wasted Time, (Vancouver: Regent College Publishing, 2006), 19-20.
Mortimer Adler, in GREAT BOOKS OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION, concluded that more problems are caused by the denial of God than by anything else -- it changes the whole tenure of life.
- The absence of the Holy Spirit within society
John Owen (1616-1683), observes in his sermon, God's Presence With a People the Spring of Their Prosperity; With Their Special Interest in Abiding in Him, that it is the presence of God among a people that restrains evil, and, it might be added, terrorism. In other words, if it were not for the presence of the Holy Spirit in society, men would completely destroy each other. (Lamentations 3:22-26)
- Toleration of polytheism, political pluralism, and pseudo-christian movements
Gillespie, George (1613-1648), Forbidden Alliances: Idolaters, Infidels, Associations and Confederacies with Heretics, or Any Other Known Enemies of Truth and Godliness.
Brown, John (of Haddington, 1722-1787), The Absurdity and Perfidy of all Authoritative Toleration of Gross Heresy, Blasphemy, Idolatry, Popery, in Britain. In two letters to a friend in which the doctrine of the Westminster Confession of Faith [1646] relative to Toleration of a False Religion, and the power of the civil magistrate about sacred matters; and the nature, origin, ends and obligation of the National Covenant and Solemn League are candidly represented and defended, 1797.
The Absurdity and Perfidy of all Authoritative Toleration of Gross Heresy, Blasphemy, Idolatry, Popery, in Britain
http://archive.org/details/absurdityperfidy00browIf the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? (Psalm 11:3)It is by the mixture of counterfeit religion with true, not discerned and distinguished, that the devil has had his greatest advantage against the cause and kingdom of Christ. It is by this means, principally, that he has prevailed against all revivings of religion, since the first founding of the Christian church. . . . By this, Satan prevailed against the Reformation, began by Luther, Zwinglius, etc., to put a stop to its progress, and bring it into disgrace, ten times more than by all those bloody and cruel persecutions of the church of Rome. By this, principally, has he prevailed against revivals of religion in our nation. By this he prevailed against New England, to quench the love and spoil the joy of her espousals, about a hundred years ago. And I think, I have had opportunity enough to see plainly, that by this the devil has prevailed against the late great revival of religion in New England, so happy and promising in its beginning. -- Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758), in the preface to A Treatise Concerning the Religious Affections
- Government's banning of Christianity from both public affairs and from public schools
"The fall of man brought about corruption in the heart of man, which manifested itself externally with violence and murder. God established civil government in the earth as the means of restraining evil doers and protecting law-abiding citizens (Genesis 9:6; Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-14). It was given the use of the sword to enforce its authority to protect the life, liberty, and property of the people.
"Why Does Crime Flourish?
"If civil government does not fulfill its duty to restrain criminals in accordance with Biblical guidelines then crime will flourish. Ecclesiastes 8:11 says,Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. (Ecclesiastes 8:11)"The prevalence of murder in America has increased in recent times, especially since the early 1960s. At that time God and His Word were publicly rejected and extirpated from government schools, although Christian ideas and morals had been under assault long before.
"Swift execution of God's justice is necessary to keep a culture of crime from growing in a nation." -- Providence Foundation
- Legalized abortion
At last estimate (2018) 61 million children have been aborted by mothers, doctors, and fathers in American since Roe vs. Wade in 1973 [annual rate continues at 1.2 million babies a year].
Abortion was the 20th Century's biggest killer of mankind worldwide, far surpassing disease, war, governments, natural disasters, genocide, and so forth, and so on (Jeremiah 17:9,10). "Around 43.8 million abortions [2008 figures] occur each year in the world, with a little under half done unsafely."
- Media influence
The media floods the public mind with violence on TV, on cable, in the theaters, and in computer games. Violent crime is rampant on the streets of America. "Warner Brothers stopped showing a trailer for the film Gangster Squad, which was shown prior to the Aurora screening at which the shooting occurred, because of a scene involving a mass shooting in a movie theater." A medical student was the murderer in the Aurora shooting.
- Failure to reform corporate healthcare
The media's failure to give rational answers to the "Why did it happen?" is somewhat analogous to the surgeon who makes a deliberate misdiagnosis in order to perform expensive surgery, just to prolong a lucrative medical career. Medical careers might disappear if patients were allowed time to heal naturally with proper rest, nutrition, and exercise, and with a change in life style, a healthy environment, and a sense of love and security.
The cover-up of errors and corruption in America's corporate healthcare system is shocking. It is reported widely that "health care screwups are one of the leading causes of death in America, killing as many as 750,000 people annually. That is the equivalent of more than three jumbo jets crashing every day of the year (or over 1,000 jets annually)."Psychiatric Meds: Prescription for Murder?
"The lethal link between psychiatric meds and violence -- including school shootings -- has been largely ignored by officials," Rebecca Terrell, March 8, 2013
"In other words, the drugs can trigger chemical imbalance where none existed in the first place, hence the emergence of adverse effects like mania and suicidal/homicidal (paranoid) ideation, especially when a psychotropic drug is first started or stopped. Other research shows a relation between these drugs and brain atrophy, an often irreparable decrease in the size and number of brain cells."
" 'In virtually every mass school shooting during the past 15 years, the shooter has been on or in withdrawal from psychiatric drugs,' observed Lawrence Hunter of the Social Security Institute. 'Yet, federal and state governments continue to ignore the connection between psychiatric drugs and murderous violence, preferring instead to exploit these tragedies in an oppressive and unconstitutional power grab to snatch guns away from innocent, law-abiding people who are guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution the right to own and bear arms to deter government tyranny and to use firearms in self defense against any miscreant who would do them harm'."
https://thenewamerican.com/prescription-for-murder/
- Economic instability
The National Debt doubled during the last administration (2019), the nation faces the possibility of bankruptcy. There is a continuing drop in the standard of living for Americans, and prolonged economic depression (2014). The future has looked bleak for a long time to many unemployed Americans (2014). People are aware that the government is lying to them about the failure of economic recovery policy, about inflation, about unemployment, and so forth, and so on (2014).
The principle causes of the French Revolution were fiscal crisis, "the state's effective bankruptcy due to the enormous cost of previous wars," and the resulting poverty and hunger among the "destitute segments of the population" (over 99 percent). During the French revolution individuals spontaneously went berserk on the streets of Paris. In the cities mobs beat individuals to death, and the Revolutionaries guillotined the leaders in the establishment. The Revolution was overthrown with military force and the Consulate of Napoleon Bonaparte began.
- Corruption in all spheres of society
Currently there is no end in sight for the increasing corruption and theft at high levels of society, for consequent prolonged and deepening economic depression, and for a continued drop in the standard of living in America (2014). The Federal Government is allowing theft, corruption, economic depression, and crime to continue (2014). Few individuals, especially in high positions, are punished for anything. Cover-ups of corruption in the financial sector and in corporate America are endemic (2014).
One of their few legitimate functions of government is to punish wrongdoers."When justice is taken away, what are kingdoms [regna] but a vast banditry [magna latocinia]?" -- Augustine in City of God, IV. iv, in A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, second series, II. 66.- And so forth, and so on
All things are interrelated
Could all of these problems be interconnected? -- a famine of spiritual knowledge . . . absolute truth . . . the absolute sovereignty of the true and living God . . . total depravity of human nature . . . illiteracy . . . illegitimacy . . . fatherlessness . . . irrationality . . . covetousness . . . polytheism . . . political correctness . . . the invasion of the eastern religion's philosophy of non-duality into America, with all of its irrational consequences . . . the moral decline of Western society . . . the fall of Rome . . . the French Revolution . . . usurpation of power by the first openly anti-American president . . . terrorism . . . doubling of the National Debt . . . stagnation of the economy . . . the threat of national bankruptcy . . . rising unemployment . . . the "Arab Spring" . . . the captivity of Ukraine . . . government by crisis . . . treason the new world order . . . the first attempted coup of an elected US President by the Deep State . . . the fleecing of America and the world . . . globalization . . . the profitability of unregulated global corporations facilitated by fascism . . . physical violence . . . The media's monotonous, inane, politically correct, and worthless take on mass shootings . . . calls for gun control . . . legislators that disregard the US constitution . . . the American Version of the Westminster Confession of Faith . . . and the testimony of the inevitable judgment of a sovereign God throughout all of history against wicked individuals and nations . . . and so forth, and so on.
Weblinks Related to the Root Cause of Criminal Acts of Extreme Depravity
The Bible has Answers for how to Prevent Mass Shootings, Providence Foundation
"Murder is an evil act which must be condemned and dealt with in a proper way to diminish future murders and create a culture of life. Murder has existed since the fall of mankind, and has waxed and waned in various societies based upon their faith and worldview.
"The prevalence of murder in America has increased in recent times, especially since the early 1960s. At that time God and His Word were publicly rejected and extirpated from government schools, although Christian ideas and morals had been under assault long before.
"Our public schools have taught for generations that man is an accident of nature, and that he is an amoral being with no more value than animals. We should, therefore, not be surprised when men act like animals and treat others with little regard. We have kicked God and His moral standards out of our schools, and then we bemoan the consequences of people acting upon the relativistic ideology engrained in them. We violate God's laws of justice and reject His criminal penalties and wonder why we have a growing culture of crime.
"Who is at fault, and can we do anything to prevent future murders?
"To properly deal with murderous and criminal actions in society, we must first understand what causes such behavior. The Bible teaches that violence and crime are caused by evil in men's hearts."
https://providencefoundation.com/another-mass-shooting/When the Supreme Court of the United States ruled against prayer in public schools in 1963 the statistics for social indicators including teenage suicide began to climb dramatically. And the climb continues.
Since 1963 [1990 data]:1. Violent crime has increased 500 percent.Do you Know What Happened When Religious Principles Were Separated From Public Affairs?
2. Illegitimate births have increased 400 percent.
3. Divorces have increased 400 percent.
4. Children living in single parent homes has increased 300 percent.
5. Child abuse has increased 340 percent (since 1976).
6. Teenage suicide has increased 200 percent.
7. SAT scores have dropped almost 80 points. -- William Bennett, in The Index of Leading Cultural Indicators
http://www.whatyouknowmightnotbeso.com/graphs.htmlGlory in Iniquity, the Temptation of Vainglory
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html#glryinqtyMass Shootings
"Mass shootings can be motivated by misanthropy and terrorism . . . caused by mental illness, inceldom ["The state of being an incel, ((a contraction of the phrase "involuntarily celibate,")) a label self-applied by members of the online subculture of men ((mostly young, white, and heterosexual)) who claim to be unable to find or attract women as romantic partners and post consequent expressions of self-pity, entitlement, and misogyny, as well sometimes promoting or condoning violence toward others ((especially those who are sexually active.))" -- The Free Dictionary by Farlex] and extensive bullying . . . extreme anger and the thought shooters are working for a cause, rather than mental illness, is most often the explanation. . . . 'fewer than 5 percent of the 120,000 gun-related killings in the United States between 2001 and 2010 were perpetrated by people diagnosed with mental illness' . . . . 'a lot of really angry young men in our country and in the world' . . . . 'social isolation' . . . 'years of disappointment and failure that produce a mix of profound hopelessness and deep-seated resentment' . . . . there is more to mass shootings than the prevalence of guns. . . . family structure. . . . 'increased spending on crime-fighting . . . over the last 40 years is largely the direct or indirect consequence of marital breakdown' . . . . 'the percentage of the population divorced, the percentage of households headed by women, and the percentage of unattached individuals in the community are among the most powerful predictors of crime rates' . . . 'almost all school shooters come from families where the parents are either divorced or alienated . . . perhaps they wouldn't need more gun control if they had better divorce control'."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_shootingZacharias, Ravi K. (1946-2020), One Week in October, DVD.
"Dr. Ravi Zacharias was invited by local churches to come to Littleton, Colorado during October 1999, six months after the Columbine High School tragedy, and spend a week in discussion and ministry. The tapes contain the six messages delivered by Zacharias to Littleton." -- PublisherSchool Shootings
Treats, motives, gun control, family structure, availability of weapons from the shooter's home or the home of a relative, child abuse and brain development, and so forth.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_shootingSchoolShooters.info
"Resources on school shootings, perpetrators, and prevention.
"A database of information on public shootings."
https://schoolshooters.info/Stockholm Syndrome
"Stockholm syndrome has been defined as a condition in which hostages develop a psychological alliance with their captors during captivity." -- Wikipedia article
This psychological term has been criticized in the academic world. However, we suggest that it offers a secular explanation for why children, youth in public education, college students, susceptible females, and young adults 'taken in by cults and non-Christian systems,' Jihadists, Antifa, Black Lives Matter, Radical "Progressives," Marxist front organizations, and socialist/communist Democrats, and so forth, and so on, are overcome by the evil worldview of those who control them (Psalm 125:3,4).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stockholm_syndromeThe US has the Most Mass Shootings -- And Other Bogus gun Research, John Stossel, February 20, 2019
"This was nonsense. NPR reporters looked into the 235 shootings reported by the U.S. Department of Education and were only able to confirm 11 of them. . . .
"Government's desire to control us -- and to lie to make its case -- is the real emergency."
https://www.dailysignal.com/2019/02/20/the-us-has-the-most-mass-shootings-and-other-bogus-gun-research
The Doctrine of Man (Human Nature, Total Depravity, (continued)
*Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling, 202 pages, ISBN: 1889032468 9781889032467.
"THE PRACTICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CHRISTIAN COUNSELING is designed to afford Christian counselors quick reference as well as comprehensive access to the chief principles and practices of biblical counseling. It is called an 'encyclopedia' because a counselor interested in surveying the gamut of those principles and practices will find in this volume a wider variety of subjects than may be located in any other book of biblical counseling. The counseling described here is truly 'Christian' with method and content firmly rooted in careful biblical exegesis. At the same time it is 'practical' because articles consist not merely of definitions and descriptions, but also of application of the material useful to Christian counselors. Although not necessarily the only way these biblical principles can be applied, they are the fruit of years of study and experience in biblical counseling. In short, the book is designed as an aid to the working counselor who needs a quick reference guide. We trust that God will use it to His glory and to the blessing of His people." -- Preface
Some subject include: Abortion | Abuse | Admonition | Adultery | Adversity | Affliction | Aggravation | Anger | Answers | Apology | Assurance | Attitude | Authority | Balance | Behavior | Bizarre behaviour | Breakdown | Christ | Church | Commandments | Confession | Confidentiality | Contentment | Correction | Corruption | Counseling | Crises | Data gathering | Deceit | Dependence | Discipling | Divorce | Doctrine | Drugs | Education | Empathy | Evangelism | Example | Foolishness | Forgetfulness | Forgiveness | Godliness | Gospel | Gossip | Habit | Heresy | Hope | Hostility | How-to | Idolatry | Jesus | Joy | Justification | Legal matters | Legalism | Lying | Marriage | Promises of god | Put on/put off dynamic | Quickening | Radical amputation | Rage | Reconciliation | Referral | Rejuvenation | Repentance | Sanctification | Scripture | Sex | Sin | Teaching | Temptation | Testing | Think list | Thought | Training.
August, Eugene R., Men's Studies: A Selected and Annotated Interdisciplinary Bibliography, ISBN: 0585211272 9780585211275.
"Provides a starting point for those pursuing further research. . . . The bibliography will prove useful to D.Min. students involved in pastoral counseling as well as to those in evangelism who seek to chart a course for the church in the closing decades of this century. The information treats outreach, as well as the needs of men in school, public life, academia, institutions, and, in fact, all walks of life." -- Cyril J. Barber
Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), The Mischiefs of Self-Ignorance, ISBN: 1877611158. Alternate title: THE MISCHIEFS OF SELF-IGNORANCE AND THE BENEFITS OF SELF-ACQUAINTANCE: OPENED IN DIVERS SERMONS AT DUNSTAN'S-WEST AND PUBLISHED IN ANSWER TO THE ACCUSATIONS OF SOME AND THE DESIRES OF OTHERS.
Bolton, Samuel (1606-1654), Hamartolos Hamartia: or, The Sinfulnes of sin, 1646. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language.
"First published in 1874, THE EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS, may be the best book on the doctrine of justification by faith alone ever written.
"Since the seventeenth century, the church's adherence to the central doctrine of the Christian faith has been weakening; in the twentieth century it has all but disappeared. But to those who remain faithful -- to those who are called of God -- justification by faith alone is the best news there could ever be: that Christ died for our sins, and we shall live forever because of Christ's righteousness.
"Justification by faith alone -- the 'principal hinge of religion,' according to John Calvin, the 'doctrine by which the church stands or falls,' according to Martin Luther -- is salvation. Without it, all hope is lost; with it, Heaven gained. Bonar's discussion is without equal in the English language." -- John W. Robbins
The Everlasting Righteousness; or, How Shall man be Just With God?
http://books.google.com/books?id=nQMDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), Death. Available in Boston's HUMAN NATURE IN ITS FOURFOLD STATE. Available (PDF, HUMAN NATURE IN ITS FOURFOLD STATE, MP3, DEATH) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/death.php
*Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), Human Nature in its Fourfold State. A Christian classic.
"This is THE classic on human nature. It was immediately acclaimed as such, and went through several printings during the author's lifetime. The book deals with four states of human existence: the state of innocence; the state of nature; the state of grace; and, the eternal state. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
"When those who are devoid of the Spirit of God and reject revealed religion meet up with the Scriptural doctrine of original sin, their comments expose their hostility towards God and help exhibit the very principle they deny. For example, Smellie comments on one reaction to this work of Edwards as follows: 'Mr. Lechy has condemned the treatise on Original Sin as 'one of the most revolting books that have ever proceeded from the pen of man.' Edwards summarizes this book as 'a general defense of that great important doctrine,' and has skillfully answered those who would assail the revealed truth of God's Word at this point. If our doctrine is weak on man's nature and (in)ability, all manner of false 'help yourself' religion (e.g. Arminianism, Romanism, the cults, the occult, etc.), and secular seduction (e.g. psychology, socialism, etc.), based on man' inherent 'goodness' or ability to 'save himself,' will be given a wide open door to run rampant." -- Publisher
Boston, Thomas, Human Nature in its Fourfold State (1811)
http://archive.org/details/humannaturein00bost
*Brzezinski, Zbigniew, Out of Control: Global Turmoil on the eve of the Twenty-first Century, ISBN: 0684196301 9780684196305.
"Rarely has there been a book as explosive and challenging as this brilliant analysis of today's massive geopolitical disorder. The triumphant collapse of communism has brought neither economic stability nor social democracy to the former Soviet Union. Nor, for that matter, to the rest of the world. We are living in a time of fragmentation: increasing disunity in Europe, dangerous eruptions in the Islamic republics, growing disparity between the world's rich and poor, and the evils of the 'permissive cornucopia' in America which, through overstimulation of material desires and sensual self-gratification, is leading to the collapse of Western moral and spiritual values. In short, we are living in a philosophical climate that is 'out of control.' It is Zbigniew Brzezinski's firm belief that we must draw both moral and political lessons from the 'megadeaths' of the twentieth century, a century in which at least 167 million people were slaughtered in the name of the 'politics of organized insanity,' or the 'metamyths' of such dictators as Hitler, Stalin, and Mao, among others. Unless we can practice self-restraint derived from a moral commitment in the quest for global democratic 'interdependence,' we stand destined to risk again our very own survival.
"Lives deliberately extinguished by politically motivated carnage: 167,000,000 to 175,000,000. Including: War Dead: 87,500,000, Military War Dead: 33,500,000, Civilian War Dead: 54,000,000, Not-war Dead: 80,000,000, Communist Oppression: 60,000,000." -- Publisher
*Bunyan, John (1628-1688), and Robert Philip (1791-1858), The Greatness of the Soul: and The Unspeakableness of the Loss Thereof; No way to Heaven but by Jesus Christ; The Strait Gate. Alternate title: THE GREATNESS OF THE SOUL, AND UNSPEAKABLENESS OF THE LOSS THEREOF: WITH THE CAUSES OF THE LOSING IT: FIRST PREACHED AT PINNERS HALL, AND NOW ENLARGED, AND PUBLISHED FOR GOOD. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"In the 1660s, Charles II, King of England, asked John Owen (1616-1683), why he went to hear the preaching of an uneducated tinker. [John Bunyan -- compiler]. Looking the King in the eye, Owen answered, 'May it please your Majesty, could I possess the tinker's ability for preaching, I would willingly relinquish all my learning'." -- Andrew Thomson, John Owen, Prince of Puritans
Owen would not have been surprised to learn that Bunyan's most influential work, PILGRIM'S PROGRESS, would be translated into more languages over the next 400 years than any book except the Bible.
The Greatness of the Soul: and The Unspeakableness of the Loss Thereof; No way to Heaven but by Jesus Christ; The Strait Gate
http://archive.org/details/greatnessofsoulu00bunyuoft
Pilgrim's Page: A John Bunyan Archive
This is the complete set of THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN, George Offor edition, reprinted by The Banner of Truth. It is free online, and is downloadable in the following formats: HTML, RTF, TEXT, and PDF.
http://www.chapellibrary.org/literature/bunyan/
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN is also available at Project Gutenberg.
Calvin, John (1509-1564), Sermons on Election and Reprobation. Available (MP3 files), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (MP3 files), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #12, #19, #20.
Caouette, Jonathan, Tarnation, DVD.
We recommend this documentary to mature individuals who are concerned about Mental Health Policy in his country, but who have never had the experience of caring for persons who are emotionally disturbed, having them as neighbors, or working with them. It will educate the viewer on the nature of the problem of "mental illness." Part of the problem is their characteristic appeal for respectability and sympathy. I sense this was a subliminal motivation for the documentary. Caouette turned out a homosexual, and seems to be accepting it as an alternative life style.
Caouette videoed his life and edited his archives to tell the story of growing up with a schizophrenic mother. So this is a glimpse of the reality of growing up in an emotionally disturbed and dysfunctional family.
It also dramatizes the failure of psychiatry.
"A multitude of family snapshots, Super-8 home movies, old answering machine messages, video diaries, early short films, snippets of '80s pop culture, and dramatic reenactments are used to create an epic portrait of an American family travesty. Begins in 2003 when Jonathan learns that his schizophrenic mother, Renee, overdoses on her lithium medication. He is shot back into his real and horrifying family legacy of rape, abandonment, promiscuity, drug addiction, child abuse, and psychosis. He grows up on camera and finds his escape in musical theater and B-horror movies. A look into the future shows Jonathan as he confronts the almost unbearable love he shares with his tragically damaged mother." -- Publisher
Case, Thomas (1598-1682), The Vanity of Vain Glory, Opened in a Sermon Preached at the Funeral of Kingsmel Lucy, Esq, 1655. Alternate title: ASARKOKAUKEMA, OR, THE VANITY OF VAINE-GLORY: OPEN'D IN A SERMON PREACHED AT THE FUNERAL OF KINGSMEL LUCY, ESQ., ELDEST SONNE TO FRANCIS LUCY, ESQ. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Clark, Gordon H. (1902-1985), The Biblical Doctrine of Man, ISBN: 0940931915.
"Is man a soul and body or a soul, spirit, and body? What is the image of God? Is Adam's sin imputed to his children? Is evolution true? Are men totally depraved? What is the heart? These are some of the questions discussed and answered from Scripture in this book." -- Publisher
Conrad, Joseph, Heart of Darkness, ISBN: 9780521197991 0521197996, didactic fiction.
Conrad was not a Christian author to our knowledge, but he offers the reader evidence of the Total and Utter Depravity of Mankind.
The basis of value in society is the evil in the heart of man. (Romans 3:10-11, and so forth.)
"The most authoritative scholarly edition of Conrad's most important narratives, this edition includes detailed explanatory and contextual notes, a glossary of nautical terms, maps and illustrations. This volume will allow scholars to see these familiar stories in a fresh light, by returning to Conrad's original texts." -- Publisher
" 'Restoring HEART OF DARKNESS to the more traditional context of Conrad's works as a whole . . . the Cambridge Edition becomes controversial since it now offers us a version of HEART OF DARKNESS that readers have never before encountered.'-- John Lyon, University of Bristol Review
" 'The Cambridge edition of THE WORKS OF JOSEPH CONRAD aims to be definitive, and [the books] have both scholarly and physical weight . . . The explanatory notes are compendious and thoughtfully arranged . . . invaluable to scholars of Conrad, modernist literary composition and late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century literary practices and processes . . . These elegant and comprehensive volumes are a must for university libraries . . . [the series] is without question a definitive piece of scholarship'." -- Andrew Frayn, Variants: The Journal of the European Society for Textual Scholarship Review" -- Publisher
"The story tells of Charles Marlow, an Englishman who took a foreign assignment from a Belgian trading company as a ferry-boat captain in Africa. HEART OF DARKNESS exposes the myth behind colonization while exploring the three levels of darkness that the protagonist, Marlow, encounters -- the darkness of the Congo wilderness, the darkness of the European's cruel treatment of the natives, and the unfathomable darkness within every human being for committing heinous acts of evil. . . ." -- Publisher
Courtois, Stéphane (author), Nicolas Werth (author), Jean-Louis Panné (author), Andrzej Paczkowski (author), Karel Bartosek (author), Jean-Louis Margolin (author), Mark Kramer (editor), Jonathan Murphy (translator), The Black Book of Communism: Crimes, Terror, Repression, ISBN: 0674076087 9780674076082.
"Already famous throughout Europe, this international bestseller plumbs recently opened archives in the former Soviet bloc to reveal the actual, practical accomplishments of Communism around the world: terror, torture, famine, mass deportations, and massacres. Astonishing in the sheer detail it amasses, the book is the first comprehensive attempt to catalogue and analyze the crimes of Communism over seventy years.
" 'Revolutions, like trees, must be judged by their fruit,' Ignazio Silone wrote, and this is the standard the authors apply to the Communist experience." -- Publisher
*Cunningham, William (1805-1861), John Calvin. Available in THE REFORMERS AND THE THEOLOGY OF THE REFORMATION. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #17.
"As Cunningham states, 'John Calvin was by far the greatest of the Reformers with respect to the talents he possessed, the influence he exerted, and the services he rendered in the establishment and diffusion of important truth.' Here we have a succinct account of Calvin's works and the leading principles that he maintained. Calvin is without a doubt one of the great men in all of human history, and as he often pointed out, he owed everything to the Lord Jesus Christ -- all his talents, all his influence, his very salvation, etc. -- for that is the nature of 'Calvinism,' giving God all the glory!" -- Publisher
Desbois, Patrick, and Paul A. Shapiro (foreword), The Holocaust by Bullets: A Priest's Journey to Uncover the Truth Behind the Murder of 1.5 Million Jews, ISBN: 0230617573 9780230617575.
"In this very personal and affecting account of his gradual discovery of the events of the Holocaust in the Ukraine Patrick Desbois, a French priest, gives us a widened perspective of the extraordinarily complex manipulation of the local population by the Nazis, who forcibly requisitioned Ukrainian citizens of all ages to assist in the killings. In village after village, more than 60 years after the horrific events, the inhabitants, many of whom had been children at the time, came forward to bear witness. From the many interviews in the text, it is clear that the personal trauma of forced involvement in the mass executions has never diminished. And indeed, the stories of what they saw takes one's breath away. This is a significant addition to the history of the Holocaust that sheds new light on events in the Nazi occupied areas of the former USSR." -- Lynn H. Nicholas, author of Cruel World: The Children of Europe in the Nazi Web and The Rape of Europa: Europe's Treasures in the Third Reich and the Second World War
Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), Practical Sermons, Never Before Published. By the Late Reverend Mr. Jonathan Edwards.
Contains other sermons on the useless wicked.
*Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), Sermon XVIII. Wicked men Useful in Their Destruction Only. EZEK. xv. 2. 3. 4. Son of man, What is the vine-tree more than any tree? or than a branch which is among the trees of the forest? Shall wood . . . [Ezekiel 15:2,3,4] Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS (2:125-29). Included in PRACTICAL SERMONS, NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED. BY THE LATE REVEREND MR. JONATHAN EDWARDS, which contains other sermons on the useless wicked.
Wicked men Useful in Their Destruction Only, Jonathan Edwards
http://www.jonathan-edwards.org/WickedMen.html
Calvin commenting on Ezekiel 15
http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_vol23/htm/iv.htm
The Geneva Bible Notes on Ezekiel 15
https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/geneva-study-bible/ezekiel/ezekiel-15.html
Matthew Henry commenting on Ezekiel 15
https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/ezekiel/15.html
John Gill commenting on Ezekiel 15
https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/ezekiel-15-2.html
*Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), Total Depravity, Obtaining Salvation and Miscellaneous Discourses. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.
"Includes a warning to professors concerning the great guilt of those who take part in the ordinances of divine worship and yet allow themselves to be snared in any known wickedness. A work on temptation and deliverance and numerous other topics of great value." -- Publisher
Films for the Humanities and Sciences, Genocide: The Horror Continues, a DVD, ISBN 9781421318202.
"State-sanctioned violence has always existed, but technological advances have facilitated its use as a viable means of exerting political power. This program continues the examination of the history of genocide, focusing on the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot, the 1923 Rosewood Massacre, Stalin's forced Ukrainian famine, the Japanese Rape of Nanking, and the Holocaust. A host of survivors, experts, and scholars include Martha Barnett, president of the American Bar Association; Eddie Faye Gates; Iris Chang, author of THE RAPE OF NANKING; Yehuda Bauer, director of the Yad Vashem International Institute for Holocaust Research; and Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel. Viewer discretion is advised." -- Publisher
*Girardeau, John L., Calvinism and Evangelical Arminianism Compared as to Election, Reprobation, Justification and Related Doctrines, ISBN: 0873779665. Available (in WORKS OF JOHN GIRARDEAU), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"A thorough but graceful refutation of Wesley's arminianism." -- Lloyd T. Sprinkle
"This powerful and penetrating book has been called the best on the subject . . . ." -- GCB
Hackett, David A., Allied Forces. Supreme Headquarters. Psychological Warfare Division. Intelligence Team., The Buchenwald Report, ISBN: 0813317770 9780813317779 0813333636 9780813333632 0827604998 9780827604995.
Extreme evil may be an excellent negative guide to correct theology, the righteousness which is of God, redemption, and immortality.
"After their liberation in April 1945, the inmates of Buchenwald told their stories to a special team of U.S. Army intelligence officers. One of the most important and unique documents of the Holocaust, this priceless eyewitness account was nearly lost forever and appears here in published form and in English for the first time." -- Publisher
Hoekema, Anthony A., Created in God's Image, ISBN: 0853646260 9780853646266.
"A major new book by this Calvin Seminary Professor (emeritus). A theological anthropology which explores the meaning of human nature from a Biblical perspective. Covers: Self-image, Origin of sin, Spread of sin, Nature of sin, Restraint of sin, the Question of human freedom, and much, much more." -- GCB
Jackson, Mark, Newborn Child Murder: Women, Illegitimacy and the Courts in Eighteenth-Century England. ISBN: 0719046076 9780719046070.
Of course, abortion is not unprecedented. Furthermore it is not unprecedented for man's law to be lenient toward mothers who murder their own children.
"Includes trials of eighteenth-century child murder cases."
Johnson, Paul, Modern Times: The World From the Twenties to the Nineties, ISBN: 0060935502 9780060935504.
"The twentieth-century State has proved itself the great killer of all time."
*Knox, John (1505-1572), Appellation From the Sentence Pronounced by the Bishops and Clergy: Addressed to the Nobility and Estates of Scotland. Alternate title: THE APPELLATION OF JOHN KNOX FROM THE CRUELL . . . SENTENCE PRONOUNCED AGAINST HIM BY THE FALSE BISHOPPES AND CLERGEY OF SCOTLAND, WITH HIS SUPPLICATION AND EXHORTATION TO THE NOBILITIE, ESTATES, AND COMMUNALTIE OF THE SAME REALME, and THE APPELLATION . . . TO THE SCOTTISH NOBILITY, and REFORMATION, REVOLUTION AND ROMANISM: AN APPEAL TO THE SCOTTISH NOBILITY, and THE APPELLATION FROM THE SENTENCE PRONOUNCED BY THE BISHOPS AND CLERGY: ADDRESSED TO THE NOBILITY AND ESTATES OF SCOTLAND, and THE APPELLATION. Cover title: REFORMATION, REVOLUTION AND ROMANISM: APPEAL TO THE SCOTTISH NOBILITY (1558). Available (singly as REFORMATION, REVOLUTION AND ROMANISM, in which key text have been underlined by a previous reader), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (REFORMATION, REVOLUTION AND ROMANISM), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1 (MP3), #26. Available (APPELLATION FROM THE SENTENCE PRONOUNCED BY THE BISHOPS AND CLERGY: ADDRESSED TO THE NOBILITY AND ESTATES OF SCOTLAND), on the Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library. Available (APPELLATION FROM THE SENTENCE PRONOUNCED BY THE BISHOPS AND CLERGY: ADDRESSED TO THE NOBILITY AND ESTATES OF SCOTLAND), in THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX, Vol. 4. [John Knox; David Laing ((collector and editor)), THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX, Vol. 4, reprint of the 1855 edition printed for Bannatyne Club, Edinburgh (New York: AMS Press, 1966)].
"David Chilton notes, 'Of all the sixteenth-century Reformers, John Knox remains the most ardently loved and fiercely hated. No other leader of his day saw so clearly the political issues in the light of Scripture. Nor has any of his contemporaries had so much direct influence upon the subsequent history of the world. He transformed a land of barbarians into one of the most hard-headly Calvinistic cultures ever to exist, and his doctrines lie at the core of all Protestant revolutionary activity. While he is often considered merely one of Calvin's lieutenants, he was actually a Reformer in his own right. In some respects he was the greatest of them all.' ("John Knox," in The Journal of Christian Reconstruction: Symposium on Puritanism and Law [Vallecito, CA: Chalcedon], Vol. V, No. 2, Winter, 1978-79, p. 194).
"Furthermore, R.L. Greaves has noted that 'it has even been suggested -- and not altogether without merit -- that Knox was a key link in the development of political ideology that culminated in the American Revolution.' (Theology and Revolution in the Scottish Reformation: Studies in the Thought of John Knox [Grand Rapids, MI: Christian University Press, 1980], p. 156).
"Moreover, Mason [Roger A. Mason -- compiler], states that this APPEAL [APPELLATION FROM THE SENTENCE PRONOUNCED BY THE BISHOPS AND CLERGY: ADDRESSED TO THE NOBILITY AND ESTATES OF SCOTLAND -- compiler], 'is the most important . . . of Knox's political writings.' (in the Introduction to his compilation of Knox's political writings entitled KNOX: ON REBELLION). [see annotation for KNOX: ON REBELLION elsewhere in this bibliography -- compiler]. It shows in a conclusive manner that Knox wanted a Theonomic Establishment which was careful to 'disapprove, detest, oppose and remove all false worship and all monuments of idolatry' (cf. Westminster Larger Catechism, #108). It also clearly demonstrates that Knox believed in and promoted the continuing binding validity of the Old Testament case laws and the penal sanctions attached to them, including the death penalty.
"Kevin Reed, in a editor's note, introducing this piece in his newly published SELECTED WRITING OF JOHN KNOX [available on the Puritan Hard Drive. -- compiler], also points out that 'the Westminster Confession provides a distinct echo of Knox, when it states that the magistrate ""hath authority, and it is his duty, to take order, that unity and peace be preserved in the church, that the truth of God be kept pure and entire, that all blasphemies and heresies be suppressed, all corruptions and abuses in worship and discipline prevented or reformed, and all the ordinances of God duly settled, administered, and observed"" (Ch. 23:3, original wording). One secular historian once described Knox as 'Calvin with a sword,' making one wonder if he had not just been reading this very book. For 'where Calvin merely permitted disobedience to an ungodly ruler or immoral law, Knox championed armed rebellion -- a type of Calvinism that made religious revolution in Scotland possible.' (Christian History, Issue 46, p. 35). This is the best of the best; don't miss it!" -- Publisher
Knox, John, Appellation From the Sentence Pronounced by the Bishops and Clergy: Addressed to the Nobility and Estates of Scotland
This is a character scan (OCR) of the modernized text published by Protestant Heritage Press. While text may be cut and pasted it is subject to copyright.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualNLs/appellat.htm
The Works of John Knox (1846), Vol. 4.
http://archive.org/stream/worksjohnknox07laingoog#page/n4/mode/2up
Reformation, Revolution and Romanism (1558), John Knox, MP3 file.
"This has been called John Knox's most important political writing. It also deals with Romanism, God's law, and much more.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?currSection=sermonssource&sermonID=1030075041
See also:
Goodman, Christopher (1520-1603), How Superior Powers ought to be Obeyed of Their Subjects: And Wherein They may Lawfully by God's Word be Disobeyed and Resisted, 1558. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #26. Available (HOW SUPERIOR POWERS OUGHT TO BE OBEYED), on the Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library.
"From 1555 to 1558, Christopher Goodman served as co-pastor, with John Knox, of the congregation of English exiles in Geneva. During the course of his ministry, Goodman preached upon Acts 4:19 and 5:29: 'Whether it be right in the sight of God, to obey you rather than God, judge ye. We ought rather to obey God than men'. . . . In this book, Goodman contends against both ecclesiastical and political tyranny." -- Publisher
How Superior Powers Ought to be Obeyed of Their Subjects
http://www.constitution.org/cmt/goodman/obeyed.htm
See also annotation for:
Knox, John (1505-1572), The History of the Reformation of Religion Within the Realm of Scotland. . . . Together With the Life of the Author, and Several Curious Pieces Wrote by him, . . . By the Reverend Mr. John Knox, . . . To Which is Added, I. An Admonition to England and Scotland . . . BY Antoni Gilby. II. The First and Second Books of Discipline, Glasgow, 1761. Alternate title: THE HISTORIE OF THE REFORMATION OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND CONTAINING FIVE BOOKS: TOGETHER WITH SOME TREATISES CONDUCING TO THE HISTORY. EDITED, WITH A LIFE OF KNOX AND A PREFACE, BY DAVID BUCHANAN. INCLUDES: "THE APPELLATION OF JOHN KNOX, FROM THE . . . SENTENCE PRONOUNCED AGAINST HIM (pp. 1-33); "THE ADMONITION OF JOHN KNOX TO HIS BELOVED BRETHREN THE COMMONALTY OF SCOTLAND" (pp. 34-42); "A FAITHFULL ADMONITION MADE BY JOHN KNOX TO THE TRUE PROFESSORS OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST WITHIN THE KINGDOM OF ENGLAND, 1554" (pp. 43-79); "THE COPIE OF A LETTER DELIVERED TO QUEEN MARY, REGENT OF SCOTLAND" (pp. 80-97); AND "A SERMON PREACHED BY JOHN KNOX [AUGUST 19, 1565]," ISBN: 0851513581 9780851513584. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
*Laidlaw, John, The Bible Doctrine of Man: Or, the Anthropology and Psychology of Scripture.
"The Cunningham Lectures, New College, Edinburgh, 1880. Provides one of the ablest introductions to Biblical anthropology ever written. Excellent." -- Cyril J. Barber
Lee, Francis Nigel, Five Essays on "The Christian View of Man": 1. The Origin of man, 2. The Essence of man, 3. The Plight of man, 4. The Hope of man, 5. The Destiny of man.
*Lee, Francis Nigel, The Origin and Destiny of Man.
"Five brief, Biblical lectures delivered at the inauguration of the Christian Studies Center, Memphis. Reformed." -- Cyril J. Barber
Lisiak, Agata Anna, Louise O. Vasvri, and Steven de Zepetnek, Bibliography for Work in Holocaust Studies.
Love, Christopher (1618-1651), and Thomas Manton, The Natural Man's Case Stated. Alternate title: THE NATURALL MANS CASE STATED, OR, AN EXACT MAP OF THE LITTLE WORLD MAN CONSIDERED IN BOTH HIS CAPACITIES, EITHER IN THE STATE OF NATURE OR GRACE / AS IS LAID DOWN IN XVII SERMONS BY THAT LATE TRULY ORTHODOX DIVINE, MR. CHRISTOPHER LOVE . . . WHEREUNTO IS ANNEXED THE SAINTS TRIUMPH OVER DEATH, BEING HIS FUNERAL SERMON, BY THAT PAINFUL LABOURER IN THE LORDS VINEYARD, MR. THO. MANTON, 1653.
*Luther, Martin (1483-1546), Commentary on Galatians, English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge, ISBN: 0825431247. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"I prefer this book of Martin Luther's (except the Bible), before all the books I have ever seen, as most fit for a wounded soul." -- John Bunyan
"This is a great, historic work, and is beyond criticism on account of its great usefulness. As a comment its accuracy might be questioned; but for emphatic utterances and clear statements of the great doctrine of the Epistle it remains altogether by itself, and must be judged per se." -- C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)
"The reissue of a famous series of lectures delivered at Wittenberg University in 1553." -- Cyril J. Barber
Commentary on Galatians, Martin Luther
http://archive.org/details/cu31924029294133
Luther's Commentary on Galatians, That He might deliver us from the present evil world. (Galatians 1:4 excerpt), English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge
http://www.lettermen2.com/luther2.html
Luther's Commentary on Galatians, Who hath bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth. (Galatians 3:1 excerpt), English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge
http://www.lettermen2.com/luther1.html
*Machen, J. Gresham (1881-1937), The Christian View of Man, ISBN: 0851511120 9780851511122.
"This book by one of the founders of Westminster Theological Seminary and the Orthodox Presbyterian Church is undoubtedly one of the best guides, from a Reformed perspective, to be found anywhere. If you want a sound guide to the basic teachings of the Bible, you will find it in this book. Highly recommended!" -- GCB
"Provides an excellent introduction to Christian anthropology. First published in 1937." -- Cyril J. Barber
Deals with predestination and human freedom.
May, William F., A Catalogue of Sins: A Contemporary Examination of Christian Conscience.
*Murray, John (1898-1975), The Imputation of Adam's Sin, ISBN: 0875523412 9780875523415.
"A classic statement of the Reformed teaching of Romans 5. Refutes the Pelagian and Roman Catholic views of original sin, prefers to use the term 'imputed sin.' Clarifies the realistic approach of Shedd and Strong, and pleads for the representative view. A thorough theological treatise." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Orr, James, God's Image in Man and its Defacement in the Light of Modern Denials.
"Based on the Stone Lectures at Princeton Theological Seminary, 1903, this valuable apologetic carefully distinguishes between the Biblical teaching, the theories of men, and movements throughout church history." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Owen, John (1616-1683), The Mortification of Sin in Believers: Containing the Necessity, Nature, and Means of it. With a Resolution of Sundry Cases of Conscience Thereunto Belonging. By John Owen, D.D.. Available (THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN in MP3 files) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN, VOLUME 6: TEMPTATION AND SIN,
The Works of John Owen, Vol. 6 (including THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN, Goold edition, 1862)
https://archive.org/details/theworksofowen06owenuoft
On the Mortification of sin in Believers, John Owen (1 of 6), [audio file].
An audio file reading. Currently (February 2009), there are 63 readings of John Owen by SWRB and Reformed Baptist of Holland (Michigan), (Thomas Sullivan), at SermonAudio.com available for listening online, downloading as MP3 files, and listening on iPhone or Mobile Phones.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=62906111628
*Owen, John (1616-1683), The Nature, Power, Deceit, and Prevalency of the Remainders of Indwelling-sin in Believers. Together with the ways of its working, and means of its prevention. Opened, evinced and applyed, with a resolution of sundry cases of conscience thereunto appertaining. By J. Owen, D.D., 1732. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Owen, John (1616-1683), Sin and Grace, ISBN: 9780851511276 0851511279. A Christian classic. Alternate title: A TREATISE OF THE DOMINION OF SIN AND GRACE. . . . BY THE LATE PIOUS AND LEARNED MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL, JOHN OWEN, D.D.
"Contains: Nature and causes of apostasy from the Gospel, duty of being spiritually minded, treatise on the dominion of Sin, and Grace."
*Owen, John (1616-1683), Temptation and Sin, ISBN: 9780851511269 0851511260. A Christian classic.
"Contains sections on: Mortification of sin, temptation, indwelling sin, and an exposition of Psalm 130."
Owen, John (1616-1683), The Mortification of Sin in Believers: Containing the Necessity, Nature, and Means of it. With a Resolution of Sundry Cases of Conscience Thereunto Belonging. By John Owen, D.D.
On the Mortification of sin in Believers, John Owen (1 of 6), [audio file]
An audio file reading. Currently (February 2009), there are 63 readings of John Owen by SWRB and Reformed Baptist of Holland (Michigan), (Thomas Sullivan), at SermonAudio.com available for listening online, downloading as MP3 files, and listening on iPhone or Mobile Phones.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=62906111628
*Owen, Samuel A., Letting God Plan Your Family, ISBN: 0891075852 9780891075851.
Renwick, James (1662-1688), Christ our Righteousness. A Choice Sermon, Preached by the Reverend Mr. James Renwick From Revel. iii. 4 [Revelation 3:4], Falkirk, 1775. Available in (A CHOICE COLLECTION OF VERY VALUABLE PREFACES, LECTURES, AND SERMONS, PREACHED UPON THE MOUNTAINS AND MUIRS OF SCOTLAND, IN THE HOTTEST TIME OF THE LATE PERSECUTION. BY MR. JAMES RENWICK), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in (A CHOICE COLLECTION OF VERY VALUABLE PREFACES, LECTURES, AND SERMONS, PREACHED UPON THE MOUNTAINS AND MUIRS OF SCOTLAND, IN THE HOTTEST TIME OF THE LATE PERSECUTION. BY MR. JAMES RENWICK), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
*Romaine, William (1714-1795), and Peter Toon (editor), The Life, Walk and Triumph of Faith, ISBN: 0227677447.
"Stresses the divinity of Christ and the need for believers to walk in subjection to the teaching of the Word. A new edition of an old classic published in 1856 as three separate works. Makes inspirational reading." -- Cyril J. Barber
Treatises on the Life, Walk, and Triumph of Faith
http://books.google.com/books?id=muYOAAAAIAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
*Rummel, R.J., Death by Government: Genocide and Mass Murder Since 1900, ISBN: 9780203793756 0203793757 9781351523486 1351523481 9780138793756 9781351523462 1351523465.
"This is R.J. Rummel's fourth book in a series devoted to genocide and government mass murder, or what he calls democide. He presents the primary results, in tables and figures, as well as a historical sketch of the major cases of democide, those in which one million or more people were killed by a regime. In DEATH BY GOVERNMENT, Rummel does not aim to describe democide itself, but to determine its nature and scope in order to test the theory that democracies are inherently nonviolent. Rummel discusses genocide in China, Nazi Germany, Japan, Cambodia, Turkey, Yugoslavia, Poland, the Soviet Union, and Pakistan. He also writes about areas of suspected genocide: North Korea, Mexico, and feudal Russia. His results clearly and decisively show that democracies commit less democide than other regimes. The underlying principle is that the less freedom people have, the greater the violence; the more freedom, the less the violence. Thus, as Rummel says, 'The problem is power. The solution is democracy. The course of action is to foster freedom.' DEATH BY GOVERNMENT is a compelling look at the horrors that occur in modern societies. It depicts how democide has been very much a part of human history. Among other examples, the book includes the massacre of Europeans during the Thirty Years' War, the relatively unknown genocide of the French Revolution, and the slaughtering of American Indians by colonists in the New World. This riveting account is an essential tool for historians, political scientists, and scholars interested in the study of genocide." -- Publisher
"R.J. Rummel is professor emeritus of political science at the University of Hawaii. He is the author of over one hundred scholarly articles and two dozen books, including POWER KILLS, CHINA'S BLOODY CENTURY, and THE MIRACLE THAT IS FREEDOM. In addition, he has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and been the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Conflict Processes Section of the American Political Science Association and the International Association of Genocide Scholars' Award for Distinguished Lifetime Contribution to the Field of Genocide and Democide Studies and Prevention." -- Publisher
*Rushdoony, Rousas J. (1916-2001), Christianity and the State, ISBN: 9996717755. Available through Exodus Books.
"The need to return to a Biblical doctrine of civil government is evidenced by our century's worldwide drift into tyranny. Humanism invariably rushes in to fill the world's theological vacuums: the need of the hour is to restore a full-orbed, Biblical, theology of the state. This work sets forth that theology." -- GCB
*Shedd, W.G.T., Sermons to the Natural man, ISBN: 0851512607 9780851512600. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Dr. Shedd's SERMONS TO THE NATURAL MAN are, if not absolutely the best, yet of the very best doctrinal and spiritual sermons produced in this generation. We have known much of their power in convincing sinners, and in deepening and widening and exalting the experiences of true Christians. Doctrinal preaching, though not in fashion, is the preaching that we need, and the preaching which always best vindicates itself when put to the test of practice . . ." -- A.A. Hodge
Contents: Religious meditation (Psalm 104:34) -- Christian moderation (Proverbs 16:32) -- The supreme excellence of God (Matthew 19:16-17) -- The fatherhood of God (Luke 16:25) -- The future vision of God (2 Corinthians 4:18) -- God the strength of man (Psalm 84:5) -- The glorification of God (Isaiah 42:8) -- The duty of reference to the divine will (James 4:13-15) -- The creature has no absolute merit (Luke 17:10) -- Faith with and without sight (John 20:29) -- The reality of heaven (John 14:2) -- Pure motives the light of the soul (Matthew 6:22) -- The law is light (Proverbs 6:23) -- The law is the strength of sin (1 Corinthians 15:56) -- The sense of sin leads to holiness, and the conceit of holiness leads to sin (John 9:41) -- The impression made by Christ's holiness (Luke 5:8) -- Christian humility (1 Peter 5:5) -- Pride vitiates religious knowledge (1 Corinthians 8:2) -- Connection between faith and works (James 2:24) -- The Christian imperfect, yet a saint (Colossians 3:12) -- Sanctification completed at death (1 Corinthians 2:9) -- Watchfulness and prayerfulness (1 Peter 4:7) -- Unceasing prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17) -- The folly of ambition (Jeremiah 45:5) -- Every Christian a debtor to the pagan (Romans 1:14) -- The certain success of evangelistic labor (Isaiah 55:10-11).
*Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), Calvinism: The Summit of Reformation Theology in JOHN CALVIN: HIS ROOTS AND FRUITS, (pp. 7-19).
"In his treatment of the atonement, Calvin surpassed not only the Scholastics but Augustine as well. Calvin had a greater insight into this Biblical doctrine than any other theologian before or after him. . . . (p. 11)
"Calvin clearly saw the Scriptural relationship of the sovereignty of God and the total depravity of the whole human race to the doctrines of atonement and election. Divine election is the means ordained of God for making the death of Christ effective." (p. 16) -- C. Gregg Singer
*Sowell, Thomas, A Conflict of Visions, ISBN: 9780465002054 0465002056.
"Controversies in politics arise from many sources, but the conflicts that endure for generations or for centuries show a remarkably consistent pattern. The analysis of this pattern is the purpose of A CONFLICT OF VISIONS. Its theme is that the enduring political controversies of the past two centuries reflect radically different visions of the nature of man. Issues as diverse as criminal justice, income distribution, or war and peace repeatedly show those with one vision lining up on one side and those with another vision lining up on the other.
"Dr. Thomas Sowell describes A CONFLICT OF VISIONS as 'the culmination of thirty years of work in the history of ideas' -- a field in which he established his professional reputation years before writing any of his well-known books on ethnicity and other social issues. Dr. Sowell and his books have received a number of awards and honors, and have been translated into several languages. He has been a consultant to three administrations of both parties, as well as scholar-in-residence at three "think tanks." He is now a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institute in Stanford, California." -- Publisher
Synod of Dordt [Dort], The Canon Ratified in the National Synod of the Reformed Church Held at Dordrecht (1618-1619). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18.
"This classic Dutch Reformed standard, proclaiming the five points of Calvinism [the 'T-U-L-I-P' decrees on the five main points of doctrine in dispute in the Netherlands: Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints], refuted and condemned the Remonstrance (protest), found in the five Arminian articles of 1610, written by Johanness Uytenbogaert. Includes, for comparison, the five Arminian articles also." -- Publisher
"As far as I am able to judge by the information in all history of that kind, the Christian world, since the day of the Apostles, had never a synod of more excellent divines (take one thing with another), than this Synod [The Westminster Assembly], and the Synod of Dort [Dordt], were." -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)
"Theological liberalism at heart has been a continuing protest against Calvinism, particularly against its insistence on the Sovereignty of God and the Total Depravity of the race. These two Biblical doctrines have often proved to be a stumbling block to theologians within the church as well as to the unbelieving world." -- C. Gregg Singer, A Theological Interpretation of American History, p. 290
*Toplady, Augustus (1740-1778), Arminianism: The Road to Rome! Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.
Exposes the Jesuits, the Papacy, John Wesley, the Anabaptists, etc.
"There is no such thing as preaching Christ and him crucified unless you preach what is now-a-days called Calvinism. I have my own ideas, and those I state boldly. It is a nickname to call it Calvinism; Calvinism is the gospel, and nothing else." -- C.H. Spurgeon, The New Park Street Pulpit, Vol. 1, 1856.
Arminianism "came from Rome, and leads thither again."
Arminianism: The Road to Rome, by Augustus Toplady
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/RHNarmin.htm
Arminianism: The Road to Rome, a sermon.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/new_details3.asp?ID=7792
VanderKemp, Johannes, A Sermon on Ecclesiastes 7:29, Titled "The First Cause of Good and Evil"
http://www.truecovenanter.com/sermons/vanderkemp03.html
Venning, Ralph, Sinfulness of Sin, ISBN: 0851516475 9780851516479.
Zacharias, Ravi K. (1946-2020), One Week in October, DVD.
"Dr. Ravi Zacharias was invited by local churches to come to Littleton, Colorado during October 1999, six months after the Columbine High School tragedy, and spend a week in discussion and ministry. The tapes contain the six messages delivered by Zacharias to Littleton." -- Publisher
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Absolute truth and relativism, Epistemology of theology, the theory of knowledge, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Reconciliation of relationships, Soteriology, atonement, Predestination, election, efficacious grace, Calvinism, Systematic theology, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Justifying faith, Justifying faith, Contagion of sin, imitation, conformity, Forgiveness of sin, Sin and its consequence: physical and spiritual death, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, Sexual wholeness, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, War, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, The lord jesus christ, The cross of christ, Calvinism, Sin, Judges, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Reconciliation of relationships, The theology of freedom, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, Covenant theology and covenanting, Manhood, Islam (muslim/moslim, muhammadanism/mohammadanism), and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 843, 955, 957, 1542, 1545, 1682, 1796, 1814, 1982, 2353, 2545-2548, 3340, 3348, 3853
Arminianism: The Heresy Plaguing the Modern Church of the 21st Century. What is it and Where did it Come From?
http://www.apuritansmind.com/Arminianism/Arminianism.htm
Arminianism: The Road to Rome, by Augustus Toplady
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/RHNarmin.htm
Arminianism/Pelagianism Refutations
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Forum/3505/arminianism_refuted.html
Atheism and Humanism: A Culture Without God (part 1)
"Do you feel prepared to defend and share the claims of Christ with those who hold beliefs in humanism or atheism? This week on Let My People Think, Ravi Zacharias is examining the questions that all worldviews must answer. Join Ravi today as he takes a deeper look at this issue."
https://www.rzim.org/listen/let-my-people-think/atheism-humanism-a-culture-without-god-part-1
Atheism and Humanism: A Culture Without God (part 2)
"Do you feel prepared to defend and share the claims of Christ with those who hold beliefs in humanism or atheism? This week on Let My People Think, Ravi Zacharias is examining the questions that all worldviews must answer. Join Ravi today as he takes a deeper look at this issue."
https://www.rzim.org/listen/let-my-people-think/atheism-humanism-a-culture-without-god-part-2
Brain, Mind and Body in Healing From Trauma, The People's Pharmacy Radio Program, show 980, February 7, 2015.
"To help people heal from trauma, the best approaches find ways to reconnect brain and body with a feeling of safety. . . .
"We often associate the term 'Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder' with military veterans. Indeed, war creates many traumatic experiences, but it is not the only source of reactions that may cause people to shut down or blow up. Car, train or plane crashes, a life-threatening illness episode, family violence, or other events can create a dysfunctional reaction that may be largely out of conscious awareness.
"Treating PTSD
"One of the world's leading experts on PTSD explains how such reactions are rooted in the body's response to threat, and how it can be successfully treated. . . .
"Dr. van der Kolk is co-director of the Complex Trauma Treatment Network of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, established by Congress to raise the standard of care and improve access to services for traumatized children, their families and communities. His website is http://www.BesselvanderKolk.com
"His book is THE BODY KEEPS THE SCORE: BRAIN, MIND AND BODY IN THE HEALING OF TRAUMA (2014)."
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2015/02/04/show-980-brain-mind-and-body-in-healing-from-trauma/
Every Thing Proceeding From the Corrupt Nature of man Damnable
The principal matters in this chapter are -- I. A recapitulation of the former chapter, proving, from passages of Scriptures that the intellect and will of man are so corrupted, that no integrity, no knowledge or fear of God, can now be found in him, sect. 1 and 2. II. Objections to this doctrine, from the virtues which shone in some of the heathen, refuted, sect. 3 and 4. III. What kind of will remains in man, the slave of sin, sect. 5. The remedy and cure, sect. 6. IV. The opinion of Neo-Pelagian sophists concerning the preparation and efficacy of the will, and also concerning perseverance and co-operating grace, refuted, both by reason and Scripture, sect. 7-12. V. Some passages from Augustine confirming the truth of this doctrine, sect. 13 and 14.
Sections.
1. The intellect and will of the whole man corrupt. The term flesh applies not only to the sensual, but also to the higher part of the soul. This demonstrated from Scripture.http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/institutes.iv.iv.html
2. The heart also involved in corruption, and hence in no part of man can integrity, or knowledge or the fear of God, be found.
3. Objection, that some of the heathen were possessed of admirable endowments, and, therefore, that the nature of man is not entirely corrupt. Answer, Corruption is not entirely removed, but only inwardly restrained. Explanation of this answer.
4. Objection still urged, that the virtuous and vicious among the heathen must be put upon the same level, or the virtuous prove that human nature, properly cultivated, is not devoid of virtue. Answer, That these are not ordinary properties of human nature, but special gifts of God. These gifts defiled by ambition, and hence the actions proceeding from them, however esteemed by man, have no merit with God.
5. Though man has still the faculty of willing there is no soundness in it. He falls under the bondage of sin necessarily, and yet voluntarily. Necessity must be distinguished from compulsion. The ancient Theologians acquainted with this necessity. Some passages condemning the vacillation of Lombard.
6. Conversion to God constitutes the remedy or soundness of the human will. This not only begun, but continued and completed; the beginning, continuance, and completion, being ascribed entirely to God. This proved by Ezekiel's description of the stony heart, and from other passages of Scripture.
7. Various Objections. -- 1. The will is converted by God, but, when once prepared, does its part in the work of conversion. Answer from Augustine. 2. Grace can do nothing without will, nor the will without grace. Answer. Grace itself produces will. God prevents the unwilling, making him willing, and follows up this preventing grace that he may not will in vain. Another answer gathered from various passages of Augustine.
8. Answer to the second Objection continued. No will inclining to good except in the elect. The cause of election out of man. Hence right will, as well as election, are from the good pleasure of God. The beginning of willing and doing well is of faith; faith again is the gift of God; and hence mere grace is the cause of our beginning to will well. This proved by Scripture.
9. Answer to second Objection continued. That good will is merely of grace proved by the prayers of saints. Three axioms 1. God does not prepare man's heart, so that he can afterwards do some good of himself, but every desire of rectitude, every inclination to study, and every effort to pursue it, is from Him.
2. This desire, study, and effort, do not stop short, but continue to effect. 3. This progress is constant. The believer perseveres to the end. A third Objection, and three answers to it.
10. A fourth Objection. Answer. Fifth Objection. Answer. Answer confirmed by many passages of Scripture, and supported by a passage from Augustine.
11. Perseverance not of ourselves, but of God. Objection. Two errors in the objection. Refutation of both.
12. An objection founded on the distinction of co-operating grace. Answer. Answer confirmed by the testimony of Augustine and Bernard.
13. Last part of the chapter, in which it is proved by many passages of Augustine, that he held the doctrine here taught.
14. An objection, representing Augustine at variance with himself and other Theologians, removed. A summary of Augustine's doctrine on free will. -- John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, a new translation by Henry Beveridge, Esq., Chapter 3
Calvinism
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1chb.html#calvinism
Child Abuse and Pedophilia
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2chb.html#cabuse
A Comparison of the Five Points of Calvinism With the Five Points of Arminianism
http://www.the-highway.com/compare.html
*Deaths by Mass Unpleasantness: Estimated Totals for the Entire 20th Century
Worldwide estimates range from 167,000,000 to 258,000,000. It is estimated that 45.5 million Christians were martyred worldwide in the 20th century.
http://users.erols.com/mwhite28/warstat8.htm
The Doctrine of Human Depravity, Arthur Pink
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pointe/4495/depravity_index.html
Earth Day: Abortion has Killed 1-2 Billion Worldwide in 50 Years, Colin Mason and Steven Mosher, Apr 21, 2011
"Think about it. Over the past half-century, quietly and without fanfare, in ordinary towns and cities, in dozens of countries around the world, perhaps two billion children have been killed. They have died unknown, often unmourned, and acknowledged only from time to time.
"The 20th century was violent by any measure. Thirty-seven million people were killed in World War I. Over 60 million perished in World War II. Six million Jews and another six million Catholics died in Hitler's death camps. Twenty million died at the hands of the Soviet authorities. Sixty-five million Chinese were killed by the Communist Party, while forty-two million more starved to death during Mao's Great Leap Forward. And so on.
"But these numbers are dwarfed by the sheer volume of children who have been killed this past half-century."
http://www.lifenews.com/2011/04/21/earth-day-abortion-has-killed-1-2-billion-worldwide-in-50-years/
The Fall of Man, J. Gresham Machen
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/introduction-to-the-christian-faith/the-fall-of-man.php
God's Testimony Concerning Man, Horatius Bonar
http://www.wwd.net/user/ront/169.htm
International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
"The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) is the world's premier trauma organization dedicated to trauma treatment, education, research and prevention. Through this organization, professionals share information about the effects of trauma, seeking to reduce traumatic stressors and their immediate and long-term consequences."
http://www.istss.org/
National Center for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
"The National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was created within the Department of Veterans Affairs in 1989, in response to a Congressional mandate to address the needs of veterans with military-related PTSD. Its mission was, and remains: To advance the clinical care and social welfare of America's veterans through research, education, and training in the science, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD and stress-related disorders. This website is provided as an educational resource concerning PTSD and other enduring consequences of traumatic stress."
http://www.ptsd.va.gov/
List of Islamist Terrorist Attacks
An annotated bibliography.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Islamist_terrorist_attacks
Luther's Commentary on Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth. (Galatians 3:1 excerpt), English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge
http://www.lettermen2.com/luther1.html
Luther's Commentary on Galatians, That He might deliver us from the present evil world. (Galatians 1:4 excerpt), English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge
http://www.lettermen2.com/luther2.html
Radical Depravity (FGB)
Human Depravity | Are you Dead or Alive? | Legally, Spiritually, Eternally Dead | A Vital Question for Today | God's Effectual Drawing | A Depraved, Corrupted Mind | Human Inability | In Adam all Die | Depravity of Heart
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/rdepfg/radical-depravity
Radical Depravity, A.I. Pink, et al., a booklet
"Jesus Christ saves radically depraved men, women, and children from their sins. However, to understand, believe, and love the good news about the crucified and resurrected Savior, we must first understand our condition. . . . Arthur Pink introduces us to this weighty subject by asking the question, 'Is man a totally and thoroughly depraved creature by nature?' Thomas Reade then tells us about the deadly consequences and bitter fruits of Adam's fall: in Adam all die. We then consider Joel Beeke's helpful survey of the doctrine of human depravity. A second article by Thomas Reade leads us to a painful truth: the heart of man is evil. But he does not leave us there: he takes us to the blessed Son of God for deliverance. John Owen describes with great clarity the depraved and corrupted state of man's mind and teaches us that the only remedy for this great darkness is the new birth: 'You must be born again.' Loraine Boettner explains the extent and effects of original sin, which results in human inability in the matters of salvation. What is our true spiritual condition outside of Christ? Charles Spurgeon declares that we are legally, spiritually, and eternally dead. Nevertheless, he also tells us that we can be legally, spiritually, eternally alive by faith in Jesus Christ the Son! We then hear from John Flavel that in mercy, grace, and love, God draws sinners to Jesus Christ, gradually, suitably, powerfully, effectually, and finally. That is indeed good news! J.C. Ryle brings our subject to a close by asking a penetrating question: 'Are you dead or alive?' Each of us, dear readers, must answer that question."
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/rdepfg
Sinfulness of sin (FGB #240)
Repentance, Faith, and sin | Unknown Depths of Human sin | What is sin? | Nothing so Vile as sin | Our Sins Viewed at the Cross | Innumerable, Monstrous Sins | Degrees of sin | A Heinous, Execrable Thing | Sin: An Infinite Evil | Sin: The Greatest Evil | Sin is Contrary to God
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/sosifg/the-sinfulness-of-sin
The Synod of Dordt (1619)
http://www.reformed.org/documents/canons_of_dordt.html
The Synod of Dort [Dordt], (1619)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synod_of_Dort
Total Depravity (FGB)
Ramifications of the Fall | Robbery Committed, Restitution Made, to God and man | Sinfulness of man
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/tdepfg/total-depravity
United States Casualties of War
"The American Civil War resulted, by far, in the largest number of total American deaths by war."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_casualties_of_war
See the Theological Notes: "Repentance," at Acts 26:20 in The Reformation Study Bible.Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. (Isaiah 55:6,7)From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 4:17)
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you. (Acts 3:19,20)
Repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. (Acts 26:20)
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1 John 1:8-10)
There is no saint without a past, no sinner without a future. -- St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD)
Men ought not to content themselves with a general repentance, but it is every man's duty to endeavor to repent of his particular sins, particularly. (Psalm 19:13; Psalm 139:23,24; Matthew 26:75; Luke 19:8; 1 Timothy 1:13,15) -- The Westminster Confession of Faith XV.V
But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. (1 Corinthians 11:28)
Put on: Examine yourself and restructure your life.They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. (Titus 1:16)
See the Theological Notes: "The Atonement," at Romans 3:25 in The Reformation Study Bible.
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. (Proverbs 28:13)
Have we ourselves repented? This, after all, is the question that concerns us most. It is well to know what the apostles taught. It is well to be familiar with the whole system of Christian doctrine.
But it is far better to know repentance by experience and to feel it inwardly in our own hearts. May we never rest until we know and feel that we have repented! There are no unrepentant people in the kingdom of heaven. All who enter in there have felt, mourned over, forsaken, and sought pardon for sin. This must be our experience, if we hope to be saved. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)The Prophet again teaches us, that the cause of these evils arose from the people themselves, and was to be found in them, so that they could not transfer it to anybody else. Hence he says, "My people are foolish." He speaks here in the person of God; for it immediately follows, "Me have they not known:" this could not have been said by Jeremiah. God then complains here of the folly of his people; whom he so calls, not by way of honor, but that he might double their reproach; for nothing could have been more disgraceful than that the people, whom God had chosen as his peculiar inheritance, should be thus demented: for why had God chosen the seed of Abraham as his adopted children, but that they might be as lamps, carrying through the world the light of salvation?
"What people in the world," says Moses, "are so noble, who have gods so near them?" He says also, "This is thy knowledge and wisdom." (Deuteronomy 4:6,7)
God then shews here that it was a monstrous thing, which all should regard with abhorrence, that his people should be foolish; as though he had said, "Can it be that a people whom I have chosen for myself, and with whom I have deposited the covenant of eternal salvation, whom I have instructed by my word -- that this people should so madly ruin themselves?" -- John Calvin commenting on Jeremiah 4:22 and contextWe shall never be clothed with the righteousness of Christ except we first know assuredly that we have no righteousness of our own. -- John Calvin
Many think they have repented, and are deceived upon this false ground. They are and have been grieved for their sins and offences; are determined to leave and forsake them, and that is all they do. They never lay hold on Christ, and come home to God. -- Richard Sibbes (1577-1635)
Be very sure that self-knowledge is the first step towards heaven. To know God's unspeakable perfection, and our own immense imperfection, to see our own unspeakable defectiveness and corruption, is the ABC in saving religion.
The more real inward light we have, the more humble and lowly-minded we shall be, and the more we shall understand the value of that despised thing, the gospel of Christ. He that thinks worst of himself and his own doings is perhaps the best Christian before God. Well would it be for many if they would pray, night and day, this simple prayer: "Lord, show me myself." -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)Come now, and let us reason together (Isaiah 1:18a).
The hard-heartedness of the Secular Humanist (man's "liberal, progressive, radical" way, "tax and spend," economic depression, stimulus spending, socialism, tyranny, loss of liberty, gun control, abortion, feminism, globalism, and so forth, and so on), parallels the hard-heartedness ofPharoah (Exodus 7 through Exodus 16 and context) [punished by the river turning to blood . . . locust swarms, thick darkness, the death of Egypt's firstborn, the Red Sea divided for Israel, the Red Sea closed upon the Egyptian army, and so forth.]
Moreover, it deserves to be noticed, that the plague ceased at the very time when Phinehas executed justice. From this we may learn, that the most effectual way to quench the fire of God's anger [evident in the COVID-19 pandemic, the worst since the Swine Flu of 1918-19, a record breaking hurricane season causing massive destruction along the Gulf coast, the August Complex fire, "The single-largest wildfire and the largest fire complex in recorded California history," the largest wildfire in Colorado history, and political corruption and tyranny (October 2020)], is when the sinner willingly sits in judgment upon himself for the punishment of his own transgressions; as Paul says, "If we would judge ourselves, verily we would not be judged of the Lord." (1 Corinthians 11:31)
And surely God confers no small honor upon us, in placing the punishment of our sins within our reach. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 106:29 and context
Epidemic, Pandemic, Plague, Natural Disaster
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chd.html#epdmcpd
Socialism, Communism, Marxism
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chd.html#sclsm
The Decline of American Society, Irrationality, the Decline of Western Thought
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chd.html#decamerica
and so forth, and so on.
If it is true that God is absolutely sovereign, and that man is totally depraved, then vote for what is true and right. (October 26, 2020)Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. (Revelation 2:4,5)
Great and marvellous are thy works,
Lord God Almighty;
just and true are thy ways,
thou King of saints.
Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name?
for though only art holy:
for all the nations shall come and worship before thee;
for thy judgments are made manifest. (Revelation 15:3b,4)See the Theological Notes: "The Fall" at Genesis 3:6 in The Reformation Study Bible.
But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. (Genesis 3:3-7)
Matthew Henry commenting on Genesis 3:6-13
https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/genesis/3.html
John Gill commenting on Genesis 3:7
https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/genesis-3-7.htmlFor God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16,17)For the Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King; He will save us. (Isaiah 33:22)
Isaiah's Prophesy after the Angel of the Lord smote Sennacherib's army for good King Hezekiah.He that desires to be a true Christian must be experimentally acquainted with repentance and remission of sins. These are the principle things in saving religion. To belong to a pure church, and to hear the gospel, and receive the sacraments are the great privileges: but are we converted? Are we justified? If not, we are dead before God.
Happy is the Christian who keeps these two points continually before his eyes! The brightest saint is the man who has the most heart-searching sense of his own sinfulness, and the liveliest sense of his own complete acceptance in Christ. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)The nature of true repentance is clearly and unmistakably laid down in holy Scripture. It begins with knowledge of sin. It goes on to work sorrow for sin. It leads to confession of sin before God.
It shows itself before man by a thorough breaking off from sin. It results in producing a habit of deep hatred for all sin. Above all, it is inseparably connected with lively faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance like this is the characteristic of all true Christians. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) in Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: Luke, volume 2, p. 109It is a truth clearly revealed and often inculcated in Scripture that without repentance a man cannot attain eternal life in heaven. The most of men, therefore, who read and hear the Gospel admit that repentance is necessary to their future safety and felicity. But while they believe that it cannot be well with them except they repent, they resolve with a fatal precipitance to call something by this name which bears only a faint resemblance to it; and then they flatter themselves that this base counterfeit will not only be acceptable to God but will even recommend them to His favour. Persuading themselves that they have already repented, they compose themselves to sleep on the pillow of carnal security; and they will not believe that any of the dreadful threatenings denounced in Scripture against impenitent sinners belongs to them. Thus many "go down to the grave with a lie in their right hand." They obstinately refuse to be convinced of their fatal mistake till they begin to lift up their despairing eyes in torment. -- John Colquhoun
Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance. (Matthew 3:8)
I will try to take repentance to pieces, and dissect and analyze it before your eyes. I will show you the parts and portions of which repentance is made up. I will endeavor to set before you something of the experience of every truly penitent man. Here are five fruits of repentance.
(1) True repentance begins with KNOWLEDGE of sin. The eyes of the penitent man are opened. He sees with dismay and confusion the length and breadth of God's holy law, and the extent, the enormous extent, of his own transgressions. He discovers, to his surprise, that in thinking himself a 'good sort of man,' and a man with a 'good heart,' he has been under a huge delusion. He finds out that, in reality, he is wicked, and guilty, and corrupt, and evil in God's sight. His pride breaks down. His high thoughts melt away. He sees that he is a great sinner. This is the first step in true repentance.
(2) True repentance goes on to work SORROW for sin. The heart of a penitent man is touched with deep remorse because of his past transgressions. He is cut to the heart to think that he should have lived so madly and so wickedly. He mourns over time wasted, over talents misspent, over God dishonored, over his own soul injured. The remembrance of these things is grievous to him. The burden of these things is sometimes almost intolerable, When a man so sorrows, you have the second step in true repentance.
(3) True repentance proceeds, further, to produce CONFESSION of sin. The tongue of a penitent man is loosed. He feels he must speak to that God against whom he has sinned. Something within him tells him he must cry to God, and pray to God, and talk with God, about the state of his own soul. He must pour out his heart, and acknowledge his iniquities, at the throne of grace. They are a heavy burden within him, and he can no longer keep silence. He can keep nothing back. He will not hide anything. He goes before God, pleading nothing for himself, and willing to say, 'I have sinned against heaven and before You -- my iniquity is great. God be merciful to me, a sinner!' When a man goes thus to God in confession, you have the third step in true repentance.
(4) True repentance, furthermore, shows itself in a thorough BREAKING OFF from sin. The life of a penitent man is altered. The course of his daily conduct is entirely changed. A new King reigns within his heart. He puts off the old man. What God commands he now desires to practice; and what God forbids he now desires to avoid. He strives in all ways to keep clear of sin, to fight with sin, to war with sin, to get the victory over sin. He ceases to do evil. He learns to do well. He breaks off sharply from bad ways and bad companions. He labors, however feebly, to live a new life. When a man does this, you have the fourth step in true repentance.
(5) True repentance, in the last place, shows itself by producing in the heart a settled habit of deep HATRED of all sin. The mind of a penitent man becomes a mind habitually holy. He abhors that which is evil, and cleaves to that which is good. He delights in the law of God. He comes short of his own desires not unfrequently. He finds in himself an evil principle warring against the spirit of God. He finds himself cold when he would be hot; backward when he would be forward; heavy when he would be lively in God's service. He is deeply conscious of his own infirmities. He groans under a sense of indwelling corruption. But still, for all that, the general bias of his heart is towards God, and away from evil. He can say with David, Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way. (Psalm 119:128) When a man can say this, you have the fifth, or crowning step, of true repentance. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) in the sermon RepentanceThe Treasury of David, Psalm 51, C.H. Spurgeon
The sacrifices of God, are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou will not despise. (Psalm 51:17)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps051.phpTo rely on Christ, and not to be weary of sin is presumption, not faith. True faith is ever accompanied by a broken and contrite spirit; and it is impossible that faith can be where there is not in some measure an humble and contrite sense of sin. -- Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661), The Prison Sayings of Samuel Rutherford
We always seem to ourselves just, and upright, and wise, and holy, until we are convinced, by clear evidence, of our injustice, vileness, folly, and impurity. Convinced, however, we are not, if we look to ourselves only, and not to the Lord also -- He being the only standard by the application of which this conviction can be produced. For, since we are all naturally prone to hypocrisy, any empty semblance of righteousness is quite enough to satisfy us instead of righteousness itself. -- John Calvin
Chapter XII. We Must Lift up our Minds to God's Judgment Seat That we may be Firmly Convinced of His Free Justification
[Section 3b] Now Bernard [Bernard de Clairvaux] says: "Where, in fact, are safe and firm rest and security for the weak but in the Savior's wounds? The mightier he is to save, the more securely I dwell there. The world menaces, the body weighs us down, the devil sets his snares. I fall not, for I am grounded upon firm rock. I have sinned a grave sin. My conscience is disturbed, but it will not be perturbed because I shall remember the Lord's wounds." From these thoughts he afterward concludes: "Accordingly, the Lord's compassion is my merit. Obviously, I am not devoid of merit so long as he is not devoid of compassion. But if the mercies of the Lord abound, then equally do I abound in merits. Shall I sing my own righteous acts? O Lord, I shall remember thy righteousness only, for it is also mine. Namely, he was made righteousness for me by God." Also, in another place, "This is man's whole merit if he put his whole hope in him who makes safe the whole man." Similarly, where keeping peace to himself, he leaves the glory to God. "To Thee," he says, "may glory remain undiminished. It will go well with me if I shall have peace. I utterly abjure glory, lest, if I usurp what is not mine, I shall also lose what has been offered to me." -- John Calvin, quoting Bernard de Clairvaux, On the Psalm, He That Dwelleth (Ps. 91 [Psalm 91]) xv. 5 (MPL 183. 246); Sermons on the Song of Songs lxi. 3; xiii. 4; lxviii. 6 (MPL 183. 1072, 836, 1111; tr. Eales, Life and Works of St. Bernard IV. 367, 69, 424 f.).] in Institutes of the Christian Religion (McNeill/Battles), 3.12.3 and context
"One of the most awesome chapters in the INSTITUTES." -- Robert L. ReymondHe who is really honest with himself and has had his eyes opened in some degree to see the awful sinfulness of self, and who is becoming more and more acquainted with that sink of iniquity, that mass of corruption which still indwells him, often feels that sin more completely rules him now than ever it did before. When he longs to trust God with all his heart, unbelief seems to paralyze him. When he wishes to be completely surrendered to God's blessed will, murmurings and rebellion surge within him.
When he would spend an hour in meditating on the things of God, evil imaginations harass him. When he desires to be more humble, pride seeks to fill him. When he would pray, his mind wanders. The more he fights against these sins, the further off victory seems to be. To him it appears that sin is very much the master of him, and Satan tells him that his profession is vain. What shall we say to such a dear soul who is deeply exercised over this problem?
The very fact that you are conscious of these sins and are so much concerned over your failure to overcome them, is a HEALTHY SIGN. It is the blind who cannot see; it is the dead who feel not -- true alike naturally and spiritually. Only they who have been quickened into newness of life are capable OF REAL SORROW FOR SIN. Moreover, such experiences as we have mentioned above evidence a spiritual growth: a growth in the knowledge of self. As the wise man tells us, he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow (Ecclesiastes 1:18). In God's light we see light (Psalm 36:9). The more the Holy Spirit reveals to me the high claims of God's holiness, the more I discover how far short I come of meeting them.
Let the midday sun shine into a darkened room, and dust and dirt which before were invisible are now plainly seen. So with the Christian: the more the light of God enters his heart, the more he discovers the spiritual filth which dwells there. Beloved brother, or sister, it is not that you are becoming more sinful, but that GOD IS NOW GIVING YOU A CLEARER AND FULLER SIGHT OF YOUR SINFULNESS. Praise Him for it, for the eyes of the vast majority of your fellows (religionists included) are blind, and cannot see what so distresses YOU! -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), Studies on Saving FaithSo then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 14:12)
http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/romans-14-12.html
http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/romans/14.htmlNow unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. (Jude 24,25)
See the Theological Notes: "Prayer," at Luke 11:2 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "The Final Judgment," at Matthew 25:41 in The Reformation Study Bible.
The Spirit, says our Lord, Shall convince the world of sin, that they believe not in me, -- i.e., He will convince men that they are sinners -- especially that they are sinners in not believing in me. The doctrine and the law of Christ cannot be received, except by those who are persuaded that they are sinners -- guilty and depraved creatures -- exposed to God's righteous displeasure -- unfit for God's holy fellowship. The Gospel is throughout a restorative economy, and, therefore, can be understood, valued, accepted, only by those who are aware that the lost condition, for which such an economy is required and intended, is theirs. It is because men are, to so limited an extent, convinced of sin, of what sin in -- how heinous in its nature, how fearful in its consequences, -- and that they are sinners, that Christianity cannot obtain even a fair hearing. Convince a man that he is a sinner, and then, and not till then, will he have much curiosity to listen to what is said about a Saviour -- much disposition to inquire into the truth of what is said about him -- to ponder at once the meaning and the evidence of the testimony.
This is the radical part of the Spirit's convincing process; but he not only convinces of sin generally, but he convinces of sin in not believing in Christ. He fixes the mind so on the meaning and evidence of the truth respecting Christ, as to produce faith; and, in producing it, to lodge in the mind the conviction that, in not believing that truth, from the moment it was presented to it, there was sin, great sin; not mere intellectual mistake, but sin -- deep, aggravated sin -- the greatest sin man is capable of committing, -- indeed, a sin which, if persisted in, must end in hopeless perdition. . . . -- John Brown (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858), Discourses and Sayings of Our Lord Jesus Christ, III:415, 416I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 15:7,10)As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 3:19)
The fool hath said in his heart,
There is no God.
They are corrupt,
they have done abominable works,
there is none that doeth good. (Psalm 14:1)
See the Theological Notes: "Mankind's Guilty Knowledge of God" at Romans 1:29 and the note at Psalm 14:1, page 766 in The Reformation Study Bible.Cornelius Van Til makes the theologically valid point that "irrationality in the mind of man, that is, insanity, must be the result of a deflection of man from the source of absolute rationality," God, and consequently "all men have merited insanity because of their departure from God." [Or, not until man repents is he truly sane. -- compiler]. Eternal punishment is "the abyss of irrationalism," and what we call rational or normative experience is a gift of God's common grace. No man is worthy of it." -- Frederick Leahy
To find out your sinful, miserable state, and to be truly humbled for it, and to discern the remedy which you have in Christ, and penitently and believingly to enter into his covenant, and to see that your happiness is wholly in the love and fruition of God, and to believe the glory prepared for the saints, and to prefer it before all the prosperity of the world, and love it, and set your hearts upon it, and to resolve on a holy life . . . , forsaking this deceitful world and flesh; all this is a work that is not so easily done as mentioned, and requireth your more serious, fixed thoughts. . . . -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)
O what efforts Satan puts forth to keep people from this vitally important and all-necessary work of self-examination. He knows full well that if many of his deceived victims set about the task in earnest, they would soon discover that no miracle of Divine grace has been wrought in them, and that this would cause them to seek the Lord with all their hearts. -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), Studies on Saving Faith
Revival breaks out when individuals in the church repent. We can change our own lives and start personal revival by repentance and weeping for our sin.
God puts away many in anger for their supposed goodness, but not any at all for their confessed badness. -- John Trapp
I believe the holier a man becomes, the more he mourns over the unholiness which yet remains in him. -- Charles Spurgeon
We can never sin but there will be two witnesses present to observe and register it, our own selves and God Himself. -- Ralph Venning
To this we must say that He who promised forgiveness to them that repent has not promised repentance to them that sin. -- Ralph Venning
Remember, I pray you . . . that to have a sense of sin is not the same thing as being pardoned. Your repentance, unless you also believe in Jesus, is a repentance that needs to be repented of. -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon entitled Jesus Only, p. 644
There cannot be a true sorrow of heart for a sin that is past, but presently there doth arise a purpose not to sin for the future. -- Thomas Goodwin
Amendment of life is the best repentance. -- John Trapp
Grant, Almighty God, since thou declarest to us by so many proofs the formidable nature of thine anger, especially against the obstinate and rebellious, who reject thy word familiarly spoken to them: Grant, I say, that we may embrace what is proposed to us in thy name with the humility and reverence becoming to thy children, so that we may repent of our sins, and obtain their pardon, until at length we are freed from all corruptions of the flesh, and become partakers of that eternal and celestial glory which thy only-begotten Son has purchased for us by his blood. Amen. -- John Calvin, prayer at the end of the 32nd Lecture on Ezekiel (Ezekiel 12:8-16)
Grant, Almighty God, that since thou art pleased daily to invite us to repentance, and since our own conscience is a witness, how we have in various ways provoked thy vengeance, -- O grant, that we may not remain obstinate in our sins, nor harden our minds by perverse delusions, but suffer ourselves to be subdued by thy word, and so offer ourselves to thee with a pure and sincere heart, that our whole life may be nothing else but a striving for that newness which thou requirest; so that, being consecrated to thee in mind and body, we may ever labor to glorify thy name, until we be made partakers of that glory, which has been obtained for us by the blood of thy only -- begotten Son. Amen. -- -- John Calvin, prayer at the end of Lecture Fifteenth on Jeremiah (Jeremiah 4:7-14)
Man without Christ cannot repent: Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance. (Acts 5:31)
Christ gave it as a "prince," and therefore to none but His subjects, those who are in His kingdom, in whom He rules. Nothing can draw men to repentance but the regenerating power of Christ, which He exercises at God's right hand; for the acts of repentance are hatred of sin, sorrow for it, determination to forsake it, and earnest and constant endeavour after its death.
But sin is so transcendently dear and delightful to a man out of Christ that nothing but an infinite power can draw him to these acts mentioned. Sin is more precious to an unregenerate soul than anything else in heaven or earth. It is dearer to him than liberty, for he gives himself up to it entirely, and becomes its servant and slave. It is dearer to him than health, strength, time, or riches, for he spends all these upon sin. It is dearer to him than his own soul.
Shall a man lose his sins or his soul? Ninety-nine out of a hundred vote for the latter, and lose their souls on that account.
Sin is a man's self. Just as "I" is the central letter of "sin," so sin is the center, the moving-power, the very life of self. Therefore did Christ say, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself. (Matthew 16:24) Men are lovers of their own selves, (2 Timothy 3:2), which is the same as saying that their hearts are wedded to sin. Man drinketh iniquity like water; (Job 15:16) he cannot exist without it, he is ever thirsting for it, he must have his fill of it. Now since man so dotes on sin, what is going to turn his delight into sorrow, his love for it into loathing of it? Nothing but almighty power.
Here, then, we may mark the folly of those who cherish the delusion that they can repent whenever they get ready to do so. But evangelical repentance is not at the beck and call of the creature. It is the gift of God: If God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth. (2 Timothy 2:25) Then what insanity is it that persuades multitudes to defer the effort to repent till their death-beds? Do they imagine that when they are so weak that they can no longer turn their bodies they will have strength to turn their souls from sin? Far sooner could they turn themselves back to perfect physical health.
What praise, then, is due to God if He has wrought a saving repentance in us. -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), Practical ChristianityThe depravity of man is at once the most empirically verifiable reality, but at the same time the most intellectually resisted fact. (Genesis 6:5; Genesis 8:21b; Ecclesiastes 9:3b; Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:21-23; Ephesians 2:1-3; Titus 3:3-5) -- Malcolm Muggeridge (1903-1990). See John Calvin's Commentary on Isaiah Chapter 33 [Isaiah 33:1-66].
The Reality of Death bed Repentance
I know well that many do not believe what I am saying, because they think there is an immense quantity of death-bed repentance. They flatter themselves that multitudes who do not live religious lives will yet die religious deaths.
They take comfort in the thought that vast numbers of persons turn to God in their last illness and are saved at the eleventh hour. I will only remind such persons that all the experience of ministers is utterly against the theory. People generally die just as they have lived. True repentance is never too late, but repentance deferred to the last hours of life is seldom true. A man's life is the surest evidence of his spiritual state, and if lives are to be witnesses, then few are likely to be saved. -- J.C. Ryle
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
See the subject "Repentance," "Confession," "Forgiveness," "Justification," "Reconciliation," "Sanctification," "Rejuvenation," Quickening," and so forth, and so on.
*Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language.
"First published in 1874, THE EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS, may be the best book on the doctrine of justification by faith alone ever written.
"Since the seventeenth century, the church's adherence to the central doctrine of the Christian faith has been weakening; in the twentieth century it has all but disappeared. But to those who remain faithful -- to those who are called of God -- justification by faith alone is the best news there could ever be: that Christ died for our sins, and we shall live forever because of Christ's righteousness.
"Justification by faith alone -- the 'principal hinge of religion,' according to John Calvin, the 'doctrine by which the church stands or falls,' according to Martin Luther -- is salvation. Without it, all hope is lost; with it, Heaven gained. Bonar's discussion is without equal in the English language." -- John W. Robbins
The Everlasting Righteousness; or, How Shall man be Just With God?
http://books.google.com/books?id=nQMDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), and Thomas Goodwin, Repentance. Alternate title: THE NECESSITY OF REPENTANCE.
Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), and Samuel M'Millan, Repentance, Christian Warfare and Sanctification: From the Complete Works of the Late Rev. Thomas Boston, Ettrick, Including his Memoirs.
*Bunyan, John (1628-1688), The Acceptable Sacrifice: The Excellency of a Broken Heart. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Based on Psalm 51:17.
Pilgrim's Page: A John Bunyan Archive
This is the complete set of THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN, George Offor edition, reprinted by The Banner of Truth. It is free online, and is downloadable in the following formats: HTML, RTF, TEXT, and PDF.
http://www.chapellibrary.org/literature/bunyan/
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN is also available at Project Gutenberg.
The Excellency of a Broken Heart, Psalm 51:17, John Bunyan (1628-1688)
http://www.wwd.net/user/ront/155.htm
Chalmers, Thomas (1780-1847), Self-Examination
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/the-doctrines-of-grace/essay-on-guthries-the-christians-great-interest.php
Chamberlain, W.D., The Meaning of Repentance.
"A Biblically oriented, theologically conservative study of a greatly neglected doctrine." -- Cyril J. Barber
Colquhoun, John, Repentance, ISBN: 0851511007.
"First published in 1826, this Reformed treatment deals with the sources of true repentance, their nature and import, how to distinguish between true and counterfeit repentance, and the fruit and evidences of true repentance." -- Cyril J. Barber
Donne, John, On Prayer, Repentance, and the Mercy of God: A Lenten Sermon. A Christian classic. Available in the THE WORKS (OF JOHN DONNE).
Durham, James (1622-1658), Concerning Repentance. Available in A COMPLETE COMMENTARY UPON THE BOOK OF REVELATION. Available (A COMPLETE COMMENTARY UPON THE BOOK OF REVELATION) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Concerning Repentance
http://www.naphtali.com/articles/james-durham/repentance/
Erskine, Ebenezer (1680-1754), A Serious Address to the Christian World: or, The Precious Promises of the Most High God, to Repenting Sinners, 1789. Available (THE WORKS OF EBENEZER ERSKINE), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Haldane, James A., The Doctrine and Duty of Self-examination: Being the Substance of two Discourses.
*Knox, John (1505-1572), National Repentance and Reformation. Alternate title: A BRIEF EXHORTATION TO ENGLAND FOR THE SPEEDY EMBRACING OF THE GOSPEL, 1559. Available in THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
"Formerly titled A BRIEF EXHORTATION TO ENGLAND FOR THE SPEEDY EMBRACING OF THE GOSPEL, 1559. Mitchell in The Scottish Reformation (p. 80), cites Dr. Merle D'Aubigné on Knox: 'The blood of warriors ran in the veins of the man who was to become one of the most intrepid champions of Christ's army . . . He was active, bold, thoroughly upright and perfectly honest, diligent in his duties, and full of heartiness for his comrades.' The warrior in Knox was certainly roused for battle in this production. Kevin Reed SELECTED WRITINGS OF JOHN KNOX, p. 580 comments, 'Some historians have reflected negatively on the vehemence of Knox's remarks. Perhaps they should peruse the long list of the martyrs named in the appendix to this work. Critics may then find a clue for understanding the reformer's zeal. Knox is discussing serious matters of life and death -- spiritual issues which affect us deeply in this life, and for eternity.' Magistrates everywhere today need to hear this message again; God has not changed -- there are still corporate curses for disobedience at a national level and corporate blessings for those nations 'that kiss the Son' (cf. Psalm 2)." -- Publisher
*Luther, Martin (1483-1546), Commentary on Galatians, English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge, ISBN: 0825431247. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"I prefer this book of Martin Luther's (except the Bible), before all the books I have ever seen, as most fit for a wounded soul." -- John Bunyan
"This is a great, historic work, and is beyond criticism on account of its great usefulness. As a comment its accuracy might be questioned; but for emphatic utterances and clear statements of the great doctrine of the Epistle it remains altogether by itself, and must be judged per se." -- C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)
"The reissue of a famous series of lectures delivered at Wittenberg University in 1553." -- Cyril J. Barber
Commentary on Galatians, Martin Luther
http://archive.org/details/cu31924029294133
Luther's Commentary on Galatians, That He might deliver us from the present evil world. (Galatians 1:4 excerpt), English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge
http://www.lettermen2.com/luther2.html
Luther's Commentary on Galatians, Who hath bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth. (Galatians 3:1 excerpt), English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge
http://www.lettermen2.com/luther1.html
Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Repentance and 20th Century man.
"What is true Biblical repentance? How does it manifest itself? Is there a relationship between humility and repentance." -- GCB
Owen, John (1616-1683), What Must be the Nature of our National Repentance to Divert Judgment [audio file], a narration.
"Observation. It is the great rule of divine Providence, with the special seal of our Lord Christ annexed to it, I tell you, Nay; but, unless ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. When warnings for instruction are not received, they are tokens of destruction. This is a truth which none almost deny, and none almost believe. Had it been believed, many desolating judgments in former ages had been prevented; nations and cities should have abode in prosperity, which are now sunk into ruin, yea, into hell. See Luke 24: 41-44; Matthew 11:23. And were it believed in the days wherein we live, it would be the means of saving a poor nation from otherwise inevitable ruin. The state, is so with us, that, unless we repent, we shall perish."
https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=81020123455967
Palmer, Herbert (1601-1647), and Thomas Underhill, The Glasse of Gods Providence Towards his Faithfull Ones, Psal. xcix. 8 [Psalm 99:8], 1644: Held Forth in a Sermon Preached to the two Houses of Parliament, at Margarets Westminster, Aug. 13. 1644. Being an extraordinary day of humiliation.: Wherein is discovered the great failings that the best are liable unto; upon which God is provoked sometimes to take vengeance.: The whole is applyed specially to a more carefull observation of our late Covenant, and particularly against the ungodly toleration pleaded for under pretence of liberty of conscience. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Pendlebury, William, National Repentance and Reformation the way to Obtain National Blessings. A sermon preach'd at Rotherham in Yorkshire, on the eleventh of April, 1744, . . . by William Pendlebury, M.A.
Perkins, William (1558-1602), A Faithfull and Plaine Exposition Vpon the 2. Chapter of Zephaniah [Zephaniah 2]: by that reuerend and iudicious diuine, M.W. Perkins. Containing a powerful exhortation to repentance: as also the manner hovve men in repentance are to search themselues. Published by a preacher of the vvord. With a preface prefixed, touching the publishing of M. Perkins his vvorks. And a catalogue of all such particulars thereof, as are to be expected, 1609. Available (THE WORKS OF THAT FAMOUS AND WORTHY MINISTER OF CHRIST, MR. W. PERKINS, PART 1 AND PART 2), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Perkins, William (1558-1602), M. Perkins his Exhortation to Repentance, out of Zephaniah, preached in 2 sermons together with two treatises of the duties and dignitie of the ministrie . . . 1605. Alternate title: AN EXHORTATION TO REPENTANCE. Available (THE WORKS OF THAT FAMOUS AND WORTHY MINISTER OF CHRIST, MR. W. PERKINS, PART 1 AND PART 2), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Perkins, William (1558-1602), Tvvo Treatises I. Of the Nature and Practise of Repentance. II. Of the Combat of the Flesh and Spirit, 1593.
*Pike, Samuel (1717-1773), and Samuel Hayward (1718-1757), Self-examination. In RELIGIOUS CASES OF CONSCIENCE ANSWERED IN AN EVANGELICAL MANNER . . . TO WHICH IS ADDED THE SPIRITUAL COMPANION; OR, THE PROFESSING CHRISTIAN TRIED AT THE BAR OF GOD'S WORD; AND CHARACTER OF THE HAPPY MAN, 1866.
Self-examination
http://www.westm/insterconfession.org/godly-living/self-examination.php/
*Pink, Arthur W. (1886-1952), Gleanings From the Scriptures: Man's Total Depravity. Available (STUDIES IN SCRIPTURE VOLUMES 19-32), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Pink again shows his thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He refers to something like 500 verses of the Bible to demonstrate that God teaches that mankind is totally depraved since the Fall. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008) A strongly Calvinistic treatment.
The Doctrine of Human Depravity, Arthur Pink
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pointe/4495/depravity_index.html
Proffet, Nicholas, England's Impenitence Under Smiting; Causing Anger to Continue, and the Destroying Hand of God to be Stretched Forth Still: Set out in a Sermon Preached Before the Honourable House of Commons, at their public fast, September 25. 1644. By Nicholas Proffet. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Renwick, James (1662-1688), Christ our Righteousness. A Choice Sermon, Preached by the Reverend Mr. James Renwick From Revel. iii. 4 [Revelation 3:4], Falkirk, 1775. Available in (A CHOICE COLLECTION OF VERY VALUABLE PREFACES, LECTURES, AND SERMONS, PREACHED UPON THE MOUNTAINS AND MUIRS OF SCOTLAND, IN THE HOTTEST TIME OF THE LATE PERSECUTION. BY MR. JAMES RENWICK), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in (A CHOICE COLLECTION OF VERY VALUABLE PREFACES, LECTURES, AND SERMONS, PREACHED UPON THE MOUNTAINS AND MUIRS OF SCOTLAND, IN THE HOTTEST TIME OF THE LATE PERSECUTION. BY MR. JAMES RENWICK), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), The Excellence and Worth of the Gospel, 1640, ISBN: 1573581011 9781573581011. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10.
"This sermon is read by elder Lyndon Dohms (1998), and taken from the book QUAINT SERMONS OF SAMUEL RUTHERFORD. It proclaims the power of the gospel for pulling down all strongholds raised against it. It exhibits God's sovereignty while blasting the Arminian heresy and toppling its vaunted idol of 'free will.' It demonstrates how the gospel is a love letter from God to His elect and how the Lord's arrows always hit their mark (particular redemption, irresistible grace, etc.). Rutherford also delineates the marks by which one can be assured that a work of grace has been begun in the heart by God. Hypocrisy is also exposed in the most pointed manner. The place of the law and the gospel in salvation are given. True repentance is contrasted with false repentance, as is true assurance with false assurance, plus much more. A very practical sermon from one of the greatest preachers and theologians of all time, exhibiting why Rutherford is considered a protesting Covenanter of the first rank.
Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), Quaint Sermons of Samuel Rutherford Hitherto Unpublished. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10, 29.
"As Andrew Bonar notes in his preface to this book, 'Samuel Rutherford never fails to set Christ on high, for truly he had a thirst no earthly stream could satisfy -- A hunger that must feed on Christ, or die.' These sermons, in setting forth the splendor of Christ as revealed in His Word, will continue to offer much comfort and consolation to contemporary Christians. Of the sermons that make up this volume some titles include, 'The Spouse's Longing for Christ' (Song of Solomon 5:3-6), 'Fear not, Thou Worm Jacob' (Isa. 41:14-16 [Isaiah 41:14-16]), 'The Worth and Excellence of the Gospel' (2 Cor. 10:4-5 [2 Corinthians 10:4-5]), and 'The Forlorn Son -- The Fathers Expressed Welcome' (Luke 15:22-23) -- along with fourteen others." -- Publisher
*Shedd, W.G.T., The Doctrine of Endless Punishment, ISBN: 0865240191 9780865240193.
"Shedd carefully expounds the Biblical teaching on divine judgment, and sets it in the context of the history of Christian doctrine. He deals carefully and cogently with objections to it." -- GCB
"This book will have a profoundly sobering effect on its readers; but its lasting impression will be to cause a new concern for men and women without Christ, and undying gratitude for Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come." -- Publisher
*Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), The Bruised Reed, ISBN: 0851517404 9780851517407. A Christian classic. Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Richard Sibbes, one of the most influential figures in the Puritan movement during the earlier years of the seventeenth century, was renowned for the rich quality of his ministry. THE BRUISED REED shows why he was known among his contemporaries as 'the sweet dropper.'
"If you have ever been (or are), discouraged in any way this is a book that will bring great encouragement and joy!" -- Publisher
"Sibbes never wastes the student's time, he scatters pearls and diamonds with both hands." -- C.H. Spurgeon
"A poor peddler came to the door . . . and my father bought of him Sibb's BRUISED REED . . . It suited my state . . . and gave me a livelier apprehension of the mystery of redemption and how much I was beholden to Jesus Christ . . . Without any means but books was God pleased to resolve me to himself." -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)
"Speaking of the preacher's need to suit his reading to the varying conditions he finds within, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says in his PREACHING AND PREACHERS:
'You will find, I think, in general that the Puritans are almost invariably helpful . . . I shall never cease to be grateful to one of them called Richard Sibbes who was balm to my soul at a period in my life when I was overworked and badly overtired, and therefore subject in an unusual manner to the onslaughts of the devil. In that state and condition . . . what you need is some gently, tender treatment for your soul. I found at that time that Richard Sibbes, who was known in London in the early seventeenth century as 'the heavenly Doctor Sibbes', was an unfailing remedy. His books THE BRUISED REED and THE SOUL'S CONFLICT quieted, soothed, comforted, encouraged and healed me.'
"This is one of the best Puritan books to read if you are feeling down or depressed or if you are facing struggles and trials. It is also very useful if you are struggling with assurance. Great encouragement for Christians here!" -- Publisher
The Bruised Reed and Smoking Flax, A. Beith (introduction, 1878)
http://archive.org/details/bruisedreedands00sibbgoog
*Smith, Samuel Stanhope (1750-1819) On Secret Faults
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/on-secret-faults.php
*Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), The Doctrine of Repentance, ISBN: 0851515215. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Knowing what repentance is, and actually repenting are essentials to true Christianity. Jesus Christ himself said that if we do not repent, we will perish! It is vital, therefore, to read and study what Scripture has to say about this theme.
"Few better guides have existed in this or any other language. . . . He was a master of both Scripture and the human heart, and wrote with a simplicity and directness that keeps his work fresh and powerful for the twentieth century." -- Publisher
The Doctrine of Repentance, Thomas Watson
http://archive.org/details/TheDoctrineOfRepentance
The Doctrine of Repentance, Thomas Watson
http://ntslibrary.com/PDF%20Books/Repentance%20by%20T%20Watson.pdf
The Doctrine of Repentance, Thomas Watson
http://books.google.com/books?id=V1QCAAAACAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
The Doctrine of Repentance, Thomas Watson (excerpts)
http://www.fivesolas.com/watson/drepenti.htm
Whincop, John (d. 1647), Gods Call to Weeping and Mourning. Set out in a Sermon before the honourable House of Commons assembled in Parliament, at their late solemne fast, Ianuary 29. 1644. Being, the day before the Treaty (at Uxbridg), began. By John Whincop, D.D. Late fellow of Trin: Coll: in Cambridge, now Rector of the Church of Clothall in Hartford-shire. Published by order of that House. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Williams, Daniel (1643?-1716), What Repentance of National Sins God Doth Require, as Ever we Expect National Mercies? [Sermon on Hosea x. 12. (Hosea 10:12)], 1690. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Will and recalcitrance, Sin and its consequences, Mortification of sin in the flesh, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, The inspiration and infallibility of scripture (the doctrine of revelation, the doctrine of plenary inspiration, the doctrine of divine inspiration, the doctrine of verbal inspiration, theopneustia, sufficiency of scripture), The ten commandments: the moral law, The commandments of christ, The teaching of our lord jesus christ, Reconciliation of relationships, The words of christ, Words of christ appearing in the web edition of biblical counsel: resources for renewal, Trusting god, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, Sexual wholeness, Idolatry, syncretism, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justifying faith, Justifying faith, Forgiveness of sin, Sanctification, The free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, the covenant of eternal salvation, Book-length presentations of the free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come, Bad relationships a cause of disease and death, Reconcilation of relationships, The covenant faithfulness of god, The all-sufficiency of christ, Lordship of jesus christ, Christ's kingdom, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenanted reformation, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, Covenanted reformation short title listing, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The one and the many, False gospels, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Individual responsibility for corporate faithfulness and sanctification, hypocrisy, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Politics, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Medical ethics, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, The history of reformation of the church, Corporate faithfulness, Revival, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 816, 1764, 2706-2710, 2712, 3908
The Commandments of Jesus, J.S. McConnell (1925)
http://www.wowzone.com/commandm.htm
Five Helpful Marks to see if Someone has Changed
https://rickthomas.net/five-helpful-marks-to-see-if-someone-has-changed/
The Joy-depleting Problem of Being Reared in a Christian Home, Rick Thomas
"We don't like thinking about our awfulness because we resist the biblical declaration that we're rotten to the core. (Isaiah 64:6) A person with a high view of himself gets hung up on his fallenness. Ironically, it is the acceptance of your wickedness that releases the gospel in you."
https://rickthomas.net/the-joy-depleting-problem-of-being-reared-in-a-christian-home/
Justifying Faith
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1cha.html#justfaith
Repentance (FGB #203)
What is Repentance? Plumer, William S. (1802-1880) | The Necessity of Repentance, Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900) | Six Ingredients of Repentance, Watson. Thomas (c. 1620-1686) | Repentance or Faith: Which Comes First? Murray, John (1898-1975) | Christ Commanded Repentance, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Sin, Sinners, and Repentance, Gill, John (1697-1771) | The Fruits of Repentance, Pink, A.W. (1886-1952) | Examining our Repentance, Watson, Thomas (c. 1620-1686) | The Greatest Motive to Repentance, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Repentance and Universal Judgment, Davies, Samuel (1723-1761) | Heaven's Joy and Repentance, Payson, Edward (1783-1827)
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/repefg/repentance
Self-examination (FGB #250)
"For the good of our immortal souls, we offer the latest FGB, Self-examination. Puritan Thomas Watson helpfully introduces the subject to us. Charles Spurgeon then exhorts us to examine ourselves and gives a useful analysis of the word examine. Wilhemus à Brakel urges us to go even further and examine our faith. With great wisdom and insight, J.C. Ryle warns about his (and our) age of spiritual danger. Arthur Pink shows us that the Scriptures call us to this holy exercise, and Octavius Winslow asks us to dig deep, as we answer his question, 'Are you alive or dead?' The Lord's Supper is always a crucial time to examine our hearts, and Jonathan Edwards helps us to understand who should come to the Table and who should not. Thomas Wilcox gives us some penetrating questions by which we may examine our profession of Christ, and Charles Spurgeon asks yet another pointed question: 'Does Christ dwell in you?' Finally, Ryle closes with brief but powerful applications of where to begin and how to proceed with self-examination. Hear those men: they are skilled physicians of the soul."
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/sexafg/selfexamination
See the Theological Notes: "Adoption," at Galatians 4:5 in The Reformation Study Bible.I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. (Exodus 20:2)
"Moreover, He not merely declares Himself to be Jehovah, the only God to whom men are bound by the right of creation, who has given them their existence, and who preserves their life, nay, who is Himself the life of all; but He adds, that He is the peculiar God of the Israelites; for it was expedient, not only that the people should be alarmed by the majesty of God, but also that they should be gently attracted, so that the law might be more precious than gold and silver, and at the same time sweeter than honey, (Psalm 119:72, 103). . . . But, in order to bind them the better to Himself, He reminds them also of their former condition; for Egypt was like a house of bondage, from whence the Israelites were delivered. Wherefore, they were no more their own masters, since God had purchased them unto Himself. This does not indeed literally apply to us; but He has bound us to Himself with a holier tie, by the hand of His only-be-gotten Son; whom Paul teaches to have died, and risen again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and the living. (Romans 14:9.) So that He is not now the God of one people only, but of all nations, whom He has called into His Church by general adoption. -- John Calvin commenting on Exodus 20:1,2 and contextO Lord, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds. (Psalm 116:16)
For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. (Acts 17:28)
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26)
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doeth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. (1 John 3:1-3)
Behold, O you sons of men! Behold and wonder. Be astonished, O heavens! Be moved, O strong foundations of the earth! For you shall be My witnesses. This day I do, by covenant, bestow Myself upon My servants (Genesis 17:7). I will be your God forever and ever (Psalm 48:14; Jeremiah 32:38; Revelation 21:3). Your very own God (Psalm 57:6; Psalm 16:2). Nothing in the world is so much yours own as I am. The houses that you have built, or the ones you have bought, are not so much yours as I am. Here you are but tenants; but I am your eternal inheritance (Psalm 16:5; Psalm 73:26). These are loans for a season, but I am your dwelling place in all generations (Psalm 90:1). You have nowhere so great a propriety, so sure and unalterable a claim, as you have here. What do you count your own? Your bodies, your souls? No, these are not your own; they are bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). But you may boldly make your claim to Me; you may freely challenge an interest in Me (Jeremiah 3:19; Isaiah 63:16). Come near and fear not; where could you be free if not with your own? Where could you be bold if not at home? You are never in all the world so much at home as when you are with Me. You may freely make use of Me, or of any of My attributes, whenever you need (Psalm 50:15; Jeremiah 49:11; Psalm 145:18). -- Joseph Alleine (1634-1668)
So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:8-18)God's Word has various special names for His people: 1 Peter 2:10; 1 Corinthians 1:26-27; Ephesians 1:4; James 2:5; Luke 18:7; Romans 8:33; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 John 3:7-10; Romans 8:14, and Romans 8:17. -- Joe Sturz
*Candlish, Robert S., Life in a Risen Saviour, ISBN: 0825423317 9780825423314. Alternate title: STUDIES IN FIRST CORINTHIANS 15: LIFE IN A RISEN SAVIOUR.
"Noteworthy for its clarity, careful exposition of the text, and balanced application of the truth of the passage to the life of the believer. Candlish boldly sets forth the Christian's hope, and his material is both helpful and enlightening." -- Cyril J. Barber
Candlish, Robert S., The Sonship and Brotherhood of Believers (1872), ISBN: 0790515067 9780790515069.
*Guthrie, Thomas (1620-1665), Christ and the Inheritance of the Saints.
"A Presbyterian preacher of the last century, Guthrie pastored the Edinburgh Church of Old Greyfriars for nearly thirty years. These expository discourses cover Colossians 1:12-20. First published in 1858." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Haldane, Robert (1764-1842), Commentary on Romans, ISBN: 0851517080. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"This is a solid work on the book of Romans and was previously published by the Banner of Truth in their Geneva series." -- GCB
"First published between 1835-1839, this Reformed commentary by a Christian layman has enjoyed a wide-spread ministry since its first appearance. The lectures were delivered in Geneva and brought about a genuine movement of the Spirit among theologues who heard them." -- Cyril J. Barber
Exposition of the Epistle to the Romans (1874)
http://archive.org/details/expositionofthee00halduoft
*Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), Knowing God, 20th anniversary edition, ISBN: 083081650X 9780830816507. A Christian classic.
A classic work by one of the foremost theologians of our day. Offsets erroneous ideas about God. A group study guide is also available.
A bestselling book. Contains material useful in counseling.
*Ridderbos, Herman N., The Coming of the Kingdom, ISBN: 0875524087.
"A thorough treatment of the teaching pertaining to the Kingdom. Amillennial." -- Cyril J. Barber
See also: The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Reconciliation of relationships, Justifying faith, The Fatherhood of God, Predestination, election, efficatious grace, Immanuel, christ's presence, christ in you, The love and justice of god, oneness, Loving and obeying god, Discipleship, Christ our example, Affliction, adversity, trials, suffering, chastisement, The priesthood of all believers, The believer's position in christ and sonship, Adoption into god's family, god's family, Happiness, holiness, Eternal life, immortality, Heaven, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, Sexual wholeness, The Gospel Message of Salvation and the Life to Come, Justifying faith, Sonship, Finding the Perfect Parent in God, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 739-745, 1606
For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (Romans 1:16,17)I. The grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls, is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts, and is ordinarily wrought by the ministry of the Word, by which also, and by the administration of the sacraments, and prayer, it is increased and strengthened.
II. By this faith, a Christian believes to be true whatsoever is revealed in the Word, for the authority of God Himself speaking therein; and acts differently upon that which each particular passage thereof contains; yielding obedience to the commands, trembling at the threatenings, and embracing the promises of God for this life, and that which is to come. But the principal acts of saving faith are accepting, receiving, and resting upon Christ alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace. -- The Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter XIV, "Of Saving Faith"One blessed way of casting our burden upon the Lord (Psalm 55:22) is to tell the Lord all about it. It is a high privilege to get away, alone, and talk to God as a man talks with his friend. But I know what you often do, my Brothers and Sisters, when you get into a predicament and cannot tell what to do -- then you begin to pray. Why do you not, every morning, tell the Lord about all your difficulties before they come? What? Will you only run to Him when you get into trouble? No, go to Him before you get into trouble. Half our burdens come from what we have not prayed over! If a man would take the ordinary concerns of life distinctly to God, one by one, it is marvelous how easily the chariot of life would roll along! Things over which we have not prayed are like undigested food that breeds mischief in the body -- they breed mischief in the soul. Digest your daily bread by first praying, "God give it to me and then God bless me in the use of it. And then God bless me afterwards in the spending of the strength derived from it to Your praise and Glory." Salt all your life with prayer, lest corruption should come to that part of your life which you have not thus salted. Tell the Lord, then, your griefs, just as, when a child, you told your troubles to your mother!
"I cannot find words," says one. Oh, they will come! They come fast enough when you complain to man and they will sweetly come if you get into the blessed habit of talking to God about everything. A friend said to me, not long ago, "I was on the Exchange and I saw that I had made a mistake in a certain transaction. I had lost money by it and if I had gone on dealing in the same fashion, I would have been ruined. I just stepped aside for a minute or two into a quiet corner of my office. I stood still and breathed a prayer to God for guidance. Then I went back, and felt, 'Now I am ready for anyone of you.' "So I was," he said, "I was not confused and worried, as I would otherwise have been, and so liable to make mistakes, but I had waited upon God and I was therefore calm and collected." There is much wisdom in thus praying about everything, although, possibly, some of you may think it trivial. I believe that the very soul of Christianity lies in the sanctifying of what is called secular -- the bringing of all things under the cognizance of our God by intense, constant, importunate, believing prayer.
When you have told the Lord everything, the next thing for you to do, in order to cast your burden upon Him, is to believe that all will work together for your good. Swallow the bitter as readily as you do the sweet and believe that, somehow, the strange mixture will do you great good. Do not look out your window, judging this, and that, and the other, in detail, but, if God sent it to you, open the door and take it all in, for all that has come from Him will be to His Glory and to your profit. Believe that if you shall lose certain things, you will really be a gainer by your losses. Even if your dearest one is taken from you, all shall be well if you have but faith to trust God in it all. If you are stricken with mortal sickness, it will still be well with you and if you do steadfastly trust in the Lord, you shall know that it is so. We know, says the Apostle Paul -- he does not say, "We think, we suppose, we judge," but -- We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) If you know this, my Brother, or my Sister, it shall help you to cast your burden upon the Lord. (Psalm 55:22)
When you have done this, then leave your burden with the Lord. In the process of trusting God with your burden, get to the point that you have done with it. If I cast my burden upon the Lord, what business have I to carry it myself? How can I truthfully say that I have cast it upon Him if I am still burdened with it? Throughout my life, which has not been free from many grave cares, there have been many things which I have been able to see my own way through and, using my best judgment, they have passed off well. But in so large a church as this, there sometimes occur things that altogether stagger me. I do not know what to do in such a case as that, and I have been in the habit, after doing all I can, of putting such things up on the shelf and saying, "There, I will never take them down again, come what may. I have done with them, for I have left them wholly with God." And I wish to bear my testimony that somehow or other the thing which I could not unravel, has unraveled itself! When Peter and the angel came unto the iron gate, it opened to them of its own accord. (Acts 12:10) And the same thing has happened to me many a time. Who shall roll away the stone for us from the door of the sepulcher? (Mark 16:3) asked the holy women when they came to the tomb of their Lord? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away. (Mark 16:4) Learn to say, "My God has made this difficulty and there is some good result to come of it. I have done the little I can do, so now I will leave it all with Him." -- C.H. Spurgeon, from the sermon Fear not, no. 2830, at The Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, on Thursday Evening, August 19, 1886.So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17)
Yea, Judas' master, the devil himself, one far enough from justifying faith, yet he assents to the truth of the word. He goes against his conscience when he denies them. When he tempted Christ he did not dispute against the Scripture, but from the Scripture, drawing his arrows out of this quiver (Matt. 4:6 [Matthew 4:6]). And at another time, he makes as full a confession of Christ, for the matter, as Peter himself did (Matt. 8:29 [Matthew 8:29], compared with Matt. 16:17 [Matthew 16:17]). Assent to the truth of the word is but an act of the understanding, which reprobates and evils may exercise. But justifying faith is a compounded habit, and has its seat both in the understanding and will. Therefore it is called a believing with the heart (Rom. 10:10 [Romans 10:10]); yea, a believing with all the heart (Acts 8:37). Philip said, If you believe with all your heart, you may. It takes in all the powers of the soul. There is a double object in the promise, one proper to the understand, to move that; another proper to the will, to excite and work on that. As the promise is true, so it calls for an act of assent from the understanding; and as it is good as well as true, so it calls for an act of the will to embrace and receive it. Therefore, he which only notionally knows the promise, and speculatively assent to the truth of it, without clinging to it, and embracing of it, does not believe savingly, and can have no more benefit from the promise, than nourishment from the food he sees and acknowledges to be wholesome, but eats none of. -- William Gurnall (1617-1679)
There are thousands of people who have had some form of emotional experience that they refer to as conversion but who have never been truly converted to Christ. Christ demands a change in the way you live -- and if your life does not conform to your experience, then you have every reason to doubt your experience. -- Billy Graham (1918-2018), Peace With God, p. 135
Abrahams, Israel, Studies in Pharisaism and the Gospels, ISBN: 1592448240 9781592448241.
"First published in two volumes in 1917 and 1924. Now available in one volume. Long regarded as a pioneer work that revolutionized an understanding of the character and development of Pharisaism." -- Cyril J. Barber
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
See the subject "Gospel," "Heresy," and so forth, and so on.
Barna, George, The Barna Report 1992-93: America Renews its Search for God.
"Barna's WHAT AMERICANS BELIEVE captures a snapshot of American Christianity in 1991. This totally-new election-year edition updates the picture! . . . Vital information is easy to grasp with key charts and graphs (more detailed tables appear in the appendix), and easy to apply practical action steps." -- CBD
*Barna, George, What Americans Believe: An Annual Survey of Values and Religious Views in the United States, ISBN: 0830715053 9780830715053.
"Our society is changing in ways that have dramatic implications for the future of morality, ethics, and the Christian church. Three quarters of young adults in this country believe there is no absolute truth -- a major change from older generations which tend to believe in absolute truth. WHAT AMERICANS BELIEVE gives a clear, up-to-the-minute picture of the mores, beliefs, and religious attitudes of Americans. It is based on an annual survey conducted by the Barna Research Group and covers 65 questions about values, life-style, and religious beliefs." A tool to reshape ministerial strategies.
Barron, Bruce, The Health and Wealth Gospel: What's Going on Today in a Movement That has Shaped the Faith of Millions? ISBN: 0877843279 9780877843276.
"Barron probes the teachings of prominent preachers like Charles Capps, Kenneth Hagin, and Kenneth Copeland. Can we have whatever we ask from God? Can we see a 100-fold return on our Kingdom investment? Is sickness a sign of a lack of faith? These and other claims are examined fully and fairly." -- GCB
*Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language.
"First published in 1874, THE EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS, may be the best book on the doctrine of justification by faith alone ever written.
"Since the seventeenth century, the church's adherence to the central doctrine of the Christian faith has been weakening; in the twentieth century it has all but disappeared. But to those who remain faithful -- to those who are called of God -- justification by faith alone is the best news there could ever be: that Christ died for our sins, and we shall live forever because of Christ's righteousness.
"Justification by faith alone -- the 'principal hinge of religion,' according to John Calvin, the 'doctrine by which the church stands or falls,' according to Martin Luther -- is salvation. Without it, all hope is lost; with it, Heaven gained. Bonar's discussion is without equal in the English language." -- John W. Robbins
The Banner of Truth edition is available free as e-text.
The Everlasting Righteousness; or, How Shall man be Just With God?
http://books.google.com/books?id=nQMDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
Bowman, Robert M., The Word-faith Controversy: Understanding the Health and Wealth Gospel, ISBN: 0801063442 9780801063442.
*Chantry, Walter J. (1938-present), Today's Gospel: Authentic or Synthetic? ISBN: 0851510272 9780851510279.
Downes, Stephen, Stephen Downes Guide to the Logical Fallacies.
"Stephen Downes, an information architect with a background in philosophy, created this site with the aim of identifying, indexing, and describing 'all known logical fallacies.' A logical fallacy can be defined as an error in reasoning in which a conclusion appears to follow from a set of premises but in reality does not. Downes groups the fallacies into thirteen categories, such as Fallacies of Distraction, Inductive Fallacies, and Syllogistic Errors. Each fallacy (over 50 in all), is described with its name, definition, examples of how it might be used in an argument, and how the argument can be proven fallacious. The How to Use this Guide section of the site provides a helpful introduction, and a robust bibliography offers possibilities for further study of logic. In addition, users may register at the site (no fee), to gain access to discussion boards on the topic. The author notes that his Guide "is intended to help you in your own thinking, not to help you demolish someone else's argument." Regardless of how a reader uses the information, however, the site remains an interesting and fun investigation of how logical arguments are constructed."
"Lists all known logical fallacies, with definitions, examples, and the steps needed to prove that the fallacy is committed. Site also includes links to logic references and resources."
Stephen's Guide to Logical Fallacies
http://www.fallacies.ca/welcome.htm
Ellul, Jacques (1912-1994), The Subversion of Christianity, ISBN: 0802800491 9780802800497.
"What we today call Christianity, says Ellul, is actually far removed from the revelation of God. The church has perverted and reinterpreted Scripture over the years in order to mitigate the scandal of the Gospel. Yet Ellul remains hopeful, for the Holy Spirit continues to move in the world." -- Publisher
*Gurnall, William (1617-1679), and John Charles Ryle (contributor), The Christian in Complete Armor: A Treatise of the Saint's war Against the Devil, complete and unabridged, ISBN: 0851511961 9780851511962. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Peerless and priceless; every line full of wisdom." -- C.H. Spurgeon
"If I might read only one book beside the Bible, I would choose THE CHRISTIAN IN COMPLETE ARMOUR." -- John Newton
Also praised by John Flavel and Richard Baxter.
Said to be among the 10 greatest Christian books.
"A beautiful feature in Gurnall's book is its richness in pithy, pointed, and epigrammatical sayings. You will often find in a line and a half some great truth, put so concisely, and yet so fully, that you really marvel how so much thought could be got into so few words.
"Solid scriptural theology, like that contained in these pages, should be valued and studied in the church. Books in which Scripture is reverently regarded as the only rule of faith and practice -- books in which Christ and the Holy Ghost have their rightful office -- books in which justification, and sanctification, and regeneration, and faith, and grace, and holiness are clearly, distinctly, and accurately delineated and exhibited -- these are the only books which do real good. Few things need reviving more than a taste for such books as these among readers." -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)
The Christian in Complete Armour, William Gurnall
http://www.ccel.org/g/gurnall/armour/home.htm
The Christian in Complete Armour
http://archive.org/details/christianincomp00unkngoog
Quotes From The Christian in Complete Armour by William Gurnall
http://www.puritansermons.com/reformed/gurnquot.htm
*Luther, Martin (1483-1546), Commentary on Galatians, English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge, ISBN: 0825431247. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"I prefer this book of Martin Luther's (except the Bible), before all the books I have ever seen, as most fit for a wounded soul." -- John Bunyan
"This is a great, historic work, and is beyond criticism on account of its great usefulness. As a comment its accuracy might be questioned; but for emphatic utterances and clear statements of the great doctrine of the Epistle it remains altogether by itself, and must be judged per se." -- C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)
"The reissue of a famous series of lectures delivered at Wittenberg University in 1553." -- Cyril J. Barber
Commentary on Galatians, Martin Luther
http://archive.org/details/cu31924029294133
Luther's Commentary on Galatians, That He might deliver us from the present evil world. (Galatians 1:4 excerpt), English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge
http://www.lettermen2.com/luther2.html
Luther's Commentary on Galatians, Who hath bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth. (Galatians 3:1 excerpt), English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge
http://www.lettermen2.com/luther1.html
MacArthur, John F., Jr., Ashamed of the Gospel: When the Church Becomes Like the World, ISBN: 0891077294 9780891077299 1856840808 9781856840804.
Includes: Appendix 1: Spurgeon and the Down-grade Controversy.
"[At the end of the Puritan age], by some means or other, first the ministers, then the Churches, got on 'the down grade,' and in some cases, the descent was rapid, and in all, very disastrous. In proportion as the ministers seceded from the old Puritan godliness of life, and the old Calvinistic form of doctrine, they commonly became less earnest and less simple in their preaching, more speculative and less spiritual in the matter of their discourses, and dwelt more on the moral teachings of the New Testament, than on the great central truths of revelation. Natural theology frequently took the place which the great truths of the gospel ought to have held, and the sermons became more and more Christless. Corresponding results in the character and life, first of the preachers and then of the people, were only too plainly apparent." -- Robert Shindler, "The Down Grade," The Sword and the Trowel (March 1887), p. 122
http://www.spurgeon.org/downgrd.php
McConnell, R., A Different Gospel: Biblical and Historical Insights Into the Word of Faith Movement, ISBN: 1565631323 9781565631328.
"A comprehensive analysis of the historical background and doctrinal errors of the Word-Faith teachers including Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, Fred Price, and others. McConnell also gives conclusive evidence of the doctrinal and literal connection between Hagin and E.W. Kenyon." -- Publisher
"Every Christian should read this book in order to be aware of the dangerous implications of the widespread and cultic Word of Faith movement preaching what is popularly known as 'Name It and Claim It' theology. A Different Gospel is a bold and revealing examination of the biblical and historical basis of this movement. This new and revised edition is complete with a foreword by Hank Hanegraaff, author of CHRISTIANITY IN CRISIS, and a new afterword by D.R. McConnell.
"The author knows the movement first-hand and has a heart for those snared by it. He is also an academically trained observer who has based this work on careful historical and biblical analysis. McConnell warns of the movement's cultic nature in its doctrine of healing and its understanding of the atonement and demonstrates how far the movement's doctrine of prosperity is from Scripture's true teaching." -- Publisher
"My summary above is a brief review of people named and judged, in writing, by the Apostle Paul for one reason or another. Why didn't Paul just read his Bible and not judge anyone else? A Different Gospel is one of the most important treatments of the Faith Movement, as it is written by a charismatic graduate of Oral Roberts University. . . .
"The single most damaging fact shown by this book is that the 'Father of the Faith Movement,' namely self-proclaimed prophet Kenneth Hagin, plagiarized the writings of no less than three ministers (including E.W. Kenyon), throughout his own ministry. When he was caught and confronted, Hagin blamed God for it. Since Hagin and others were long ago confronted individually and by groups, it is certainly proper to go and 'Tell it to the church.' For Hagin fans, I'll make it simple: plagiarism is theft; saying that God made you do it unwittingly is lying. This is the root of the fruit.
"Speaking of the fruit, if healings validate the spirit behind a ministry, then those in the Faith Movement should feel well at home in a Christian Science reading room. This is a fitting observation, because McConnell discovered that Kenyon has direct educational, doctrinal, and testimonial links to the metaphysical cults (Christian Science, New Thought, etc.). Thus, Hagin has plagiarized and popularized, via Kenyon, key Christian Science ideas unknowingly. These ideas have become so entrenched in modern charismatic thought (although they are not inherently charismatic in nature), it is difficult to get adherents to see the forest through the trees.
"Other people, including but not limited to Gordon Fee, Walter Martin, Michael Horton, Curtis Crenshaw, Richard Abanes, James White, Chuck Smith, Michael Moriarty, John MacArthur, Joni Eareckson Tada, Ron Rhodes, and Elliot Miller have written and spoken against the spiritual dangers of the Faith Movement and its teachers. Rest assured, the Apostle Paul would be proud. But I'm also sure that the followers of Philetus viewed the Apostle Paul with the same measure of contempt that most of the one-star reviewers feel toward the brave people listed above." -- Reader's Comment
Miller, Samuel (1769-1850), The Gospel in HOLDING FAST THE FAITHFUL WORD: SERMONS AND ADDRESSES BY SAMUEL MILLER. Available (LIBRARY OF PRESBYTERIAN HERITAGE PUBLICATIONS AND PROTESTANT HERITAGE PRESS CD-ROM LIBRARY), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"The book opens with strong declarations about the first principles of Christianity. Miller explains the substitutionary atonement in "Christ Our Righteousness." He shows the necessity of "Being on the Lord's Side." Perceptive readers will note the depth of these statements, respecting the nature of the gospel, in contrast to the shallow evangelistic messages of the present day. In two missionary sermons, Miller illustrates how Christ, through the gospel, will conquer the world. There are additional sermons on "The Difficulties and Temptations which Attend the Preaching of the Gospel in Great Cities" and "The Importance of Gospel Truth." -- Publisher
Owen, John (1616-1683), The Advantage of the Kingdome of Christ, in the Shaking of the Kingdoms of the World: or, Providential Alterations, in Their Subserviencie to Christ's Exaltation. Opened in a sermon preached to the Parliament, Octob. 24. 1651. A solemn day of thanksgiving for the destruction of the Scots army at Worcester, with sundry other mercies; by John Owen, minister of the Gospel, 1652. Alternate title: THE ADVANTAGE OF THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST, IN THE SHAKING OF THE KINGDOMS OF THE WORLD. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Owen, John (1616-1683), Apostasy From the Gospel, ISBN: 0851516092 9780851516097. A Christian classic. Alternate title: THE NATURE AND CAUSES OF APOSTASY FROM THE GOSPEL. Available in SIN AND GRACE, volume 7 of THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN.
"Few subjects have received less attention from contemporary Christian writers than that of apostasy. The idea that professing Christians may prove not to be true Christians is, in many respects, too serious a prospect for our facile age. But, for John Owen, such avoidance of the issue was itself a pressing reason for writing on it at length and in great depth of spiritual analysis. His exposition is a masterpieces of penetration and discernment.
"Some will find its pages deeply soul-searching; others will be struck by the clarity of Owen's insight; all will find a work which wounds in order to heal." -- Publisher
*Owen, John (1616-1683), The Gospel Defended, ISBN: 0851511295 9780851511290. A Christian classic.
"Contains chapters on: the mystery of the Gospel, the death of Christ, Justification, and an examination of Socinianism."
Owen, John (1616-1683), Ouranon Ourania. The Shaking and Translating of Heaven and Earth. A Sermon Preached Before the Honourable House of Commons, in Parliament Assembled, April the 19th, 1649. By Dr. John Owen. London, [1793]. Available (MP3 format), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Owen, John (1616-1683), Sin and Grace, ISBN: 9780851511276 0851511279. A Christian classic. Alternate title: A TREATISE OF THE DOMINION OF SIN AND GRACE. . . . BY THE LATE PIOUS AND LEARNED MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL, JOHN OWEN, D.D.
"Contains: Nature and causes of apostasy from the Gospel, duty of being spiritually minded, treatise on the dominion of Sin, and Grace."
*Pribble, Stephen, and The Westminster Assembly of Divines (1643-1652), Scripture Index to the Westminster Standards. Alternate title: THE COMPLETE SCRIPTURE INDEX TO THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION (1646), LARGER AND SHORTER CATECHISMS. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press.
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/index01.htm
Bordwine, James, A Guide to the Westminster Standards: Confession of Faith and Larger Catechism (Unicoi, TN: (The Trinity Foundation), ISBN: 0940931303 9780940931305.
Includes a unique, 100-page topical index to both the Confession and the Catechism.
Robbins, John W. (1949-2008),
What is the Gospel?
"Today, however, there is a great deal of confusion about what the Gospel is, and what an evangelical is, just as there is confusion about what a Christian is. Because of this confusion, many people are called evangelicals who do not believe the Gospel. It might be best to begin to sort out this confusion by spelling out some of the popular religious ideas that are not the Gospel." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Counterfeit gospels are enumerated. Translations: German.
Counterfeit Gospels, a tract by John W. Robbins
http://trinityfoundation.org/ammo/tract_view.asp?ID=tract03.html
Schlabach, Theron F., Gospel Versus Gospel (Studies in Anabaptist and Mennonite History, No. 21. Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1980).
Scott, C. Anderson, Romanism and the Gospel.
"Scott is highly critical of Catholicism." -- GCB
Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), The Gospel According to C.H. Spurgeon: The Old Gospel for the new Millennium, ISBN: 1561862274 9781561862276.
A selection of 35 sermons on the Gospel.
Walker, Andrew (editor), Betraying the Gospel, ISBN: 0917851471 9780917851476.
Introduction by Billy Graham.
*Westminster Assembly of Divines (1643-1652), Scripture Index to the Westminster Standards (The complete Scripture index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms). Available on Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/index01.htm
Bordwine, James, A Guide to the Westminster Standards: Confession of Faith and Larger Catechism (Unicoi, TN: (The Trinity Foundation), ISBN: 0940931303 9780940931305.
Includes a unique, 100-page topical index to both the Confession and the Catechism.
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Absolute truth and relativism, Epistemology of theology, the theory of knowledge, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Reconciliation of relationships, Justification, Justifying faith, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, Sexual wholeness, The free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, the covenant of eternal salvation, Book-length presentations of the free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come, Other works on the gospel, False gospels, Justifying faith, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Creeds, confessions, and catechisms, Persecution, Gospel tracts and witnessing tools, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 3908
Counterfeit Gospels, a tract by John W. Robbins
http://trinityfoundation.org/ammo/tract_view.asp?ID=tract03.html
Are You Catholic? a tract by John W. Robbins
http://trinityfoundation.org/ammo/tract_view.asp?ID=tract01.html
Four Great Certainties
http://trinityfoundation.org/ammo/tract_view.asp?ID=tract02.html
God's Plan to Save His People
http://trinityfoundation.org/ammo/tract_view.asp?ID=tract04.html
What Is Christian Philosophy?
http://trinityfoundation.org/ammo/tract_view.asp?ID=tract06.html
Civilization and the Protestant Reformation
http://trinityfoundation.org/ammo/tract_view.asp?ID=tract05.html
Fallacy Files
http://www.fallacyfiles.org/
Justifying Faith
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1cha.html#justfaith
Pseudo-Christian Movements: A Selection of Works
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html
Scripture Index to the Westminster Standards. Alternate title: THE COMPLETE SCRIPTURE INDEX TO THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION (1646), LARGER AND SHORTER CATECHISMS.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/index01.htm
*Westminster Shorter Catechism Project
"Click on any of the individual questions below to get the answer and Biblical references, as well as links to works by John Flavel, Thomas Watson, Thomas Boston, James Fisher, and John Whitecross, and others."
http://www.shortercatechism.com/
*Westminster Shorter Catechism With Proof Texts
http://www.reformed.org/documents/WSC_frames.html
See the Theological Notes: "The Image of God," at Genesis 1:27 in The Reformation Study Bible.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (Genesis 1:27)The word Evangelical originally meant two things: (1) that the Bible, not church leaders, nor clergymen, nor human experience, is the sole source of truth; and (2) that a sinner received right standing before God by having Christ's righteousness reckoned to his account, through faith in the person and work of Christ. These ideas were expressed in two slogans: sola scriptura -- Scripture alone -- and sola fide -- faith alone. . . . -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
*Calvin, John (1509-1564), The Institutes of the Christian Religion, 2 volumes, ISBN: 0664220207 9780664220204. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. A Christian classic.
"Edited by John McNeill and translated by Ford Lewis Battles, this is the definitive English language edition of one of the monumental works of the Christian church -- Calvin's INSTITUTES.
"Still considered by many to be the finest explanation and defense of the Protestant Reformation available.
"The work is divided into four books: I. The Knowledge of God the Creator, II. The Knowledge of God the Redeemer in Christ, III. The Mode of Obtaining the Grace of Christ, IV. The External Means or Helps by Which God Allures us Into Fellowship With Christ and Keeps us in it. . . . THE INSTITUTES is praised by the secular philosopher, Will Durant, as one of the ten books that shook the world." -- GCB
Calvin spent a lifetime writing and perfecting INSTITUTES OF CHRISTIAN RELIGION. His Prefatory Address makes it clear that he intended the work to be a defense of Christianity to the King of France.
Therefore, plainly stated, one of the most influential works ever published in the English language is a defense of Christianity to leaders of State.
Prefatory Address to His Most Christian Majesty, The Most Mighty and Illustrious Monarch, Francis, King of the French, His Sovereign, John Calvin. Available in THE INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION.
"Indeed, this consideration makes a true king: to recognize himself a minister of God in governing his kingdom. Now, that king, who in ruling over his realm does not serve God's glory, exercises not kingly rule but brigandage. [Footnote: 'Nec iam regnum ille sed latrocinium exercet.' An echo of Augustine's famous phrase: 'When justice is taken away, what are kingdoms [[regna]] but a vast banditry [[magna latocinia]]?' City of God, IV. iv (MPL [[Migne, J.P., Patrologiae cursus completus, series Latina]], 41. 115; tr. NPNF [[A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, second series]], II. 66)]. Furthermore, he is deceived who looks for enduring prosperity in his kingdom when it is not ruled by God's scepter, that is, his Holy Word; for the heavenly oracle that proclaims that where prophecy fails the people are scattered [Prov. 29:18 (Proverbs 29:18)], cannot lie." (Battles translation)
"The characteristic of a true sovereign is, to acknowledge that, in the administration of his kingdom, he is a minister of God. He who does not make his reign subservient to the divine glory, acts the part not of a king, but a robber. He, moreover, deceives himself who anticipates long prosperity to any kingdom which is not ruled by the sceptre of God, that is, by his divine word. For the heavenly oracle is infallible which has declared, that where there is no vision the people perish (Proverbs 29:18), (Beveridge translation)."
See the entire Prefatory Address, Beveridge translation. Considered to be one of the greatest prefaces ever written.
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/institutes.ii.viii.html
"The doctrines of covenant liberty were rediscovered in the Reformation. John Calvin went further than anyone else in defining liberty and what Christians need to do to maintain it. Includes bibliographies."
It is recommended that INSTITUTES OF CHRISTIAN RELIGION be used for daily devotions and may be used in combination with Ford Lewis Battles and John Walchenbach, AN ANALYSIS OF THE INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION OF JOHN CALVIN and with CALVIN'S COMMENTARIES.
Calvin's Commentaries at BibleStudyGuide.org
http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_index.htm
Calvin's Commentaries, complete
From the Calvin Translation Society edition.
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/commentaries.i.html
One Hundred Aphorisms, Containing, Within a Narrow Compass, the Substance and Order of the Four Books of The Institutes of the Christian Religion
http://www.lettermen2.com/pringle.html
Contents and Chapter Sections for Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion, 1559 (McNeill/Battles)
http://www.lettermen2.com/icrcont.html
Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion; A New Translation by Henry Beveridge (1845), Volume: 1
http://archive.org/details/instituteschrist01calvuoft
Calvin, Jean (John, 1509-1564), Institutes of the Christian Religion; A New Translation by Henry Beveridge (1845), Volume: 2
http://archive.org/details/institutesofreli02calvuoft
Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Beveridge translation
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/institutes.iii.vii.html
Monergism: Commentaries
From Mongergism.com search "commentaries."
http://www.monergism.com
*Cocoris, G. Michael, Evangelism: A Biblical Approach, ISBN: 0802423965 9780802423962.
"A different approach to evangelism in that the author, both a pastor and an evangelist, is also a Biblicist. He seeks, therefore, to ground his rationale for evangelism squarely in the Scriptures and bypasses many discussions and/or techniques used by others because they have little or no foundation in God's Word. . . ." -- Cyril J. Barber
Good, Kenneth, H., Lost and Found: Christ's Teaching on the Theology of Evangelism, ISBN: 0852342764 9780852342763.
"In Luke 15 our Lord sets forth the viewpoint of each Person of the Trinity in the winning of souls. Here the warmth of personal involvement is combined with the absolute certainty of the Divine Sovereignty. A commitment to the Doctrine of Grace is not incompatible with dedication to the work of evangelism." -- GCB
*Hammond, Peter, The Greatest Century of Missions, ISBN: 9780987016560 0987016563.
"Only one life, it will soon be past. Only what is done for Christ will last!" -- C.T. Studd
"Expect great things from God! Attempt great things for God!" -- William Carey
"As missionaries circled the globe, penetrated the jungles and crossed the seas, they preached a singular message: light out of darkness, liberty out of tyranny, and life out of death. To cultures endemic with terrible poverty, brutality, lawlessness, and disease, those faithful Christian witnesses interjected the novel Christian concepts of grace, charity, law, medicine, and the sanctity of life. They overturned despots, liberated the captives, and rescued the perishing. They established hospitals. They founded orphanages. They started rescue missions. They built alms-houses. They opened soup kitchens. They incorporated charitable societies. They changed laws. They demonstrated love. They lived as if people really mattered. Wherever missionaries went, they faced a dual challenge: confront sin in men's hearts and confront sin in men's cultures." -- George Grant in his Introduction to The Greatest Century of Missions
"THE GREATEST CENTURY OF MISSIONS book is a treasure trove of incredible adventures, inspiring exploits and unbelievable achievements of some of the most extra-ordinary people in the most momentous era of Christian advance. This book will be an invaluable resource for pastors and missionaries and a textbook for senior homeschoolers, Christian schools and Bible colleges. It should be required reading for prospective missionaries." -- Publisher
A Geo-Strategic Overview of the Greatest Century of Reformation, Peter Hammond
https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=9221786370
*Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God, ISBN: 0851103138 9780851103136.
"Noted scholar and writer J.I. Packer (1926-2020) shows that a right understanding of God's sovereignty is a powerful incentive for evangelism." -- Publisher
"A popular, conservative presentation of the relationship between these two areas of theology. Emphasis is placed upon the effect of Christian witness." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life, ISBN: 0891078193.
"Packer is a well-known author, lecturer, and theologian. He is currently Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Regent College, Vancouver, B.C.
"Packer writes of that golden age of Christian theology, when giants of the faith pursued holiness in life and practice like a hound follows a scent. Those Puritans of the 17th century (a little before and a little after), had as their aim to be fully conformed to the image of God, and to be seen at home and abroad as close imitators of Christ Jesus. . . .
"There are lessons for us in their passion for effective action. They had no time for lazy or passive persons. They were men of action in the pure Reformed mold -- crusading activists without a jot of self-reliance; workers for God who depended utterly on God to work in and through them. . . . There are lessons for us in their program for family stability. It is hardly too much to say that the Puritans created the Christian family in the English-speaking world. The Puritan ethic of marriage was to look not for a partner whom you do love passionately at this moment, but rather one whom you can love steadily as your best friend for life, and then to proceed with God's help to do just that. . . .
"In the introduction Packer gives his personal testimony as to how much he owes to the Puritans for his depth of knowledge, firmness of purpose, his dedication to fulfilling God's purposes in his life, and his love of the truth as revealed in the Scriptures. Because of his appreciation of this background of Puritan influence on his life, he has often written and lectured on the subject of the importance of the Puritans. Many of our freedoms and just laws can be traced to their influence on all our lives. This book contains the following themes: The Puritans in Profile; The Puritans and the Bible; The Puritans and the Gospel; the Puritans and the Holy Spirit; The Puritan Christian Life; The Puritans in Ministry. . . .
"This reviewer would love to persuade every single reader of these words to read this book. You would get a view of Christians which would inspire you, which would perhaps lead you, which would perhaps lead you to repentance, but also to heights of spirituality you would not enjoy without them. What Packer has said about their influence on his life can be repeated almost word for word in a resume of this reviewer's life. If you want to grow in grace, and in usefulness to God's cause, read the writing of the Puritans.
"We will repeat what we said in reviewing John Owen's THE DEATH OF DEATH IN THE DEATH OF CHRIST, that Packer's well balanced definition of Calvinism in the introduction to that volume is by far the best we have seen in 42 years of intensive reading. And that superb piece appears in this volume in full, which alone is worth the price of this book.
"The book jacket has these words: 'Dr. Packer masterfully uncovers the hidden treasures of Puritan life and thought. With crystalline clarity he reveals the depth and breadth of Puritan spiritual life, contrasting it with the superficiality and deadness of modern Western Christianity. Drawing on a lifetime of study Dr. Packer takes the reader on a survey of the lives and teachings of great leaders such as John Owen, Richard Baxter, and Jonathan Edwards. He offers a close look at such subjects as the Puritan view of the Bible, spiritual gifts, the Sabbath, worship, social action, and the family. He concludes that a main difference between the Puritans and ourselves is spiritual maturity -- the Puritans had it; we do not. In a time of failing vision and decaying values, this powerful portrait of Puritans is a beacon of hope that calls us to radical commitment and action when both are desperately needed'." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
"Contrary to popular opinion, the Puritans were no dour lot of killjoys. In fact, Packer says, there's a lot we can learn from them about truly authentic and joyous spirituality. In this book Packer explores the Puritans' own writings on the Bible, the Gospel, the Holy Spirit, Christian life, and ministry. For each topic he beautifully demonstrates how the Puritans can help us press on toward godliness. If you're intrigued by the Puritans but don't know where to start reading them, this book will be a valuable guide!" -- CBD
"In a resounding call to deepen our Christian life, Packer reveals the strength of the Puritan system of spiritual maturity." -- Publisher
J.I. Packer's Introduction to The Death of Death in the Death of Christ by John Owen
http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/packer_intro.html
The Death of Death in the Death of Christ, by John Owen
http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/packer_intro.html
The Death of Death in the Death of Christ: Redemption and Reconciliation That is in the Blood of Christ (Limited Atonement), 1 of 33, [audio file]
An audio file reading by Still Waters Revival Books from THE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN. Currently (October 2018), there are 77 readings of John Owen by SWRB and Reformed Baptist of Holland (Michigan), (Thomas Sullivan), at SermonAudio.com available for listening online, downloading as MP3 files, [audio file], and listening on iPhone, mobile phones, and MPE players.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=47081639571
*Tripp, Paul David, Contextualization of the Gospel in Counseling: A Biblical Rational for Person-Centered Ministry (Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Theological Seminary, D.Min. thesis, 1988).
Available on microfiche from University Microfilms International, Ann Arbor, MI.
Includes bibliography.
Stebbins, Tom, Evangelism by the Book: 13 Biblical Methods, ISBN: 0875094732 9780875094731.
Tom Stebbins is a board member of Evangelism Explosion III International.
"Unflaggingly practical, focusing on you -- your personal needs and aspirations . . . tells you about it [training witnesses to train witnesses], in a way that can change your life." -- D. James Kennedy (1930-2007)
*Tripp, Theodore A., and David Powlison (introduction), Shepherding a Child's Heart, ISBN: 0966378601 9780966378603.
"Written for parents with children of any age, this insightful book provides perspectives and procedures for shepherding your child's heart into the paths of life. SHEPHERDING A CHILD'S HEART gives fresh biblical approaches to child rearing." -- Publisher
"This is a masterful book." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
"Solid, trustworthy, biblical help for parents." -- John MacArthur.
See also: The gospel message of salvation, Sharing christ with your children, Other works on the Gospel, Gospel tracts and witnessing tools, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Reconciliation of relationships, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, Sexual wholeness, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 3908
The Shepherd Knows His Sheep by Name, John Hendryx
"Monergism: The view that the Holy Spirit is the only agent who effects regeneration of Christians. It is in contrast with synergism, the view that there is a cooperation between the divine and the human in the regeneration process." -- Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms
http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/monergism_short.html
Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), Three Treatises Tending to Awaken Secure Sinners: viz 1. The Terror of the day of Judgement, 2. The Danger of Sighting Christ and his Gospel, 3. True Christianity, or Christ's Absolute Dominion, and Man's Necessary Self-Resignation and Subjection Unto Christ.
*Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), The end of the Wicked Contemplated by the Righteous: or, The Torments of the Wicked in Hell, no Occasion of Grief to the Saints in Heaven. Alternate title: THE END OF THE WICKED. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), The Eternity of Hell's Torments. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in SERMONS, ON THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS, Jonathan Edwards.
Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), The Excellency of Christ, a sermon, ISBN: 9781775413516 1775413519 9781775413516 1775413519. Available (THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Excellency of Christ by Jonathan Edwards
http://www.ccel.org/edwards/excellency/excellency.html
Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), The Justice of God Displayed in the Endless Punishment of the Wicked.
*Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), Sermons, on the Following Subjects: The manner in which salvation is to be sought. The unreasonableness of indetermination in religion. Unbelievers contemn the glory of Christ. The folly of looking back in fleeing out of Sodom. The warnings of Scripture in the best manner adapted to the awakening and conversion of sinners. Hypocrites deficient in the duty of prayer. The future punishment of the wicked unavoidable and intolerable. The eternity of hell-torments. The peace which Christ gives his true followers. The perpetuity and change of the Sabbath. By the late Reverend Mr. Jonathan Edwards, president of the College of New-Jersey. Available THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS in two volumes on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God. A Christian classic. Available (THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Delivered 250 years ago, this is the most famous sermon ever preached in the history of America. Far more than a depiction of the punishments of hell, it is a call to personal salvation through Christ and spiritual revival in our time." -- Publisher
"First preached in 1741 this sermon had people in the congregation calling out for salvation." -- CBD.
Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God by Jonathan Edwards
http://www.reformed.org/documents/sinners.html
Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), and Sereno Edwards Dwight (1786-1850), The Works of President Edwards: With a Memoir of his Life, 1829, volume 1 of 9. Available THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS in two volumes on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Works of President Edwards: With a Memoir of his Life, 1829, volume 1 of 9.
http://archive.org/details/worksofpresident011829edwa
*Kennedy, D. James (1930-2007), Why I Believe in the Bible, God, Creation, Heaven, Hell, Moral Absolutes, Christ, the Virgin Birth, the Resurrection, Christianity, the Second Birth, the Holy Spirit, the Trinity, the Return of Christ, ISBN: 0849901944 9780849901942 0849929431 9780849929434.
A book after the "Why I Believe" sermon series. Some have said it is the greatest sermon series he ever preached.
Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Evangelistic Sermons at Aberavon, ISBN: 085151362X 9780851513621.
"Sermons written out in full in the early period of his life. Twenty-one (21) of his own manuscripts published for the first time. These sermons are full of evangelistic urgency. An important contribution to the area of conversion and starting the Christian life." -- GCB
Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Old Testament Evangelistic Sermons, ISBN: 0851516831 9780851516837.
Luther, Martin (1483-1546), God so Loved the World: Two Sermons on John 3:16-21
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/martin-luthers-god-so-loved-the-world-two-sermons-on-john-316-21
Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), The Excellence and Worth of the Gospel, 1640, ISBN: 1573581011 9781573581011. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10.
"This sermon is read by elder Lyndon Dohms (1998) and taken from the book QUAINT SERMONS OF SAMUEL RUTHERFORD. It proclaims the power of the gospel for pulling down all strongholds raised against it. It exhibits God's sovereignty while blasting the Arminian heresy and toppling its vaunted idol of 'free will.' It demonstrates how the gospel is a love letter from God to His elect and how the Lord's arrows always hit their mark (particular redemption, irresistible grace, etc.). Rutherford also delineates the marks by which one can be assured that a work of grace has been begun in the heart by God. Hypocrisy is also exposed in the most pointed manner. The place of the law and the gospel in salvation are given. True repentance is contrasted with false repentance, as is true assurance with false assurance, plus much more. A very practical sermon from one of the greatest preachers and theologians of all time, exhibiting why Rutherford is considered a protesting Covenanter of the first rank.
Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), Quaint Sermons of Samuel Rutherford Hitherto Unpublished. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10, 29.
"As Andrew Bonar notes in his preface to this book, 'Samuel Rutherford never fails to set Christ on high, for truly he had a thirst no earthly stream could satisfy -- A hunger that must feed on Christ, or die.' These sermons, in setting forth the splendor of Christ as revealed in His Word, will continue to offer much comfort and consolation to contemporary Christians. Of the sermons that make up this volume some titles include, 'The Spouse's Longing for Christ' (Song of Solomon 5:3-6), 'Fear not, Thou Worm Jacob' (Isa. 41:14-16 [Isaiah 41:14-16]), 'The Worth and Excellence of the Gospel' (2 Cor. 10:4-5 [2 Corinthians 10:4-5]), and 'The Forlorn Son -- The Fathers Expressed Welcome' (Luke 15:22-23) -- along with fourteen others." -- Publisher
Warfield, Benjamin Breckinridge, The Saviour of the World, ISBN: 0851515932 9780851515939.
"Sermons originally preached in the Chapel of Princeton Theological Seminary."
Welsh, John, The Great Gospel Summons to Close with Christ Under the Pain of the Highest Rebellion Against the God of Heaven (1676), 32 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"An evangelistic sermon on Isaiah 53:5, But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
"Welsh, a Covenanter, was ejected in 1662. After his ejection he almost immediately began preaching in the fields (to as many as 10,000 hearers). He was also a great grandson of John Knox and 'in spite of his reputation, the frequency, duration and public nature of his preaching, and a large price on his head, Welsh was never apprehended and, retiring to London after Bothwell Bridge, died in peace,' writes David Lachman. (Cameron, ed., Dictionary of Scottish Church History and Theology, p. 861)
See also: The sermon on the mount, The free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, the covenant of eternal salvation, Book-length presentations of the free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come, Reconciliation of relationships, Witnessing to cultists, Hard-case witnessing, Evangelism, Follow-up, Hell, Biblical counseling tracts, Knowing christ, Small group evangelism, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, Sexual wholeness, and so forth, and so on.
Billy Graham Sermon Archive
"More than 1,600 sermons spanning 60 years of Billy Graham's ministry are now instantly available to you anytime, anywhere you have access to the Internet.
"You can search by topic, location, or year for biblical messages from Crusades, media appearances, memorial services, and more -- on demand and free of charge."
http://www.BillyGraham.org/AudioArchives
The Biblical Basis for Revival in the Church
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, History of Revivalism, 65 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=1217037126
Classic Billy Graham sermons on SiriusXM Channel 460
Classic Billy Graham sermons now may be heard around the clock and across the nation on SiriusXM Channel 460, satellite radio.
Find out how to listen by visiting SiriusXM.com or by calling 866-408-8296.
http://www.SiriusXM.com
The One True Light, John 1:6-13, a sermon by Todd Pruitt [audio file], September 18, 2022
https://www.cov-pres.org/resources/part-3-the-one-true-light/
*The Pursuit of Meaning, in four parts, MP3 [audio file], January 23, 2017
Ravi said this is his most requested sermon.
"Are you struggling to understand your meaning life? Can you find meaning apart from God? Have you taken time today to dwell on the strength of God? Today on Just Thinking, Ravi Zacharias takes a deeper look at the question of meaning in life."
http://rzim.org/just-thinking-broadcasts/the-pursuit-of-meaning-part-1-of-4/
http://rzim.org/just-thinking-broadcasts/the-pursuit-of-meaning-part-2-of-4/
http://rzim.org/just-thinking-broadcasts/the-pursuit-of-meaning-part-3-of-4/
http://rzim.org/just-thinking-broadcasts/the-pursuit-of-meaning-part-4-of-4/
*Westminster Divines (1643-1653), The Shorter Catechism With Scripture Proofs (Carlisle, PA [P.O. Box 621, Carlisle 17013, USA]: The Banner of Truth Trust), ISBN: 0851512658. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Arguably the greatest tract ever created, all factors considered.
http://www.reformed.org/documents/WSC_frames.html
Westminster Shorter Catechism Project
"Click on any of the individual questions below to get the answer and Biblical references, as well as links to works by John Flavel, Thomas Watson, Thomas Boston, James Fisher, and John Whitecross, and others."
http://www.shortercatechism.com/
*Westminster Shorter Catechism
"The Shorter Catechism, With the Assembly's Proof Texts."
Free downloadable PDF file.
http://www.greenvillepresbyterian.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/shorter-catechism.pdf
See also: The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646, The Westminster Standards), and Related Works: A Study Guide
http://www.lettermen2.com/suggest.html
*Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Christ and Your Problems, ISBN: 0875520111 9780875520117. A booklet.
Exposits I Corinthians 10:13 [1 Corinthians 10:13], for the benefit of counselees. 'At bottom all men in all times face the same basic problems.' You are responsible. God is faithful, therefore you have hope. However difficult the pressures seem, you can make godly choices through Jesus Christ." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
"A Biblical exegesis of I Corinthians 10:13 [1 Corinthians 13], showing that a Christian's problems are not unique, and that God will not allow a Christian to be tested beyond his strength, and will always make a way of escape. Should be given to all counselees who need hope." -- Robert B. Somerville
*Bonar, Andrew A. (1810-1892), and Robert Murray M'Cheyne, Memoir and Remains of Robert Murray M'Cheyne, ISBN: 085151085X 9780851510859. A Christian classic.
Spurgeon thought every Christian should read this book.
"Bonar's LIFE OF McCHEYNE (a part of this book), displays the character of this man, and illustrates why he is one of the best-loved and most widely influential men of all time. McCheyne was a sweet, humble, hard-working Christian with a passion for souls. It is a real joy to read his sermons, letters, and other writings in this book. Bonar, himself a great one, has done us all a great favor in preserving these memoirs for us." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), Christ the Saviour of the World. A Sermon: Preached Immediately Before the Celebration of the Lord's Supper, at Ettrick, June 7th, 1724. By the Rev. Mr. Thomas Boston.
*Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God. A Christian classic. Available (THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Delivered 250 years ago, this is the most famous sermon ever preached in the history of America. Far more than a depiction of the punishments of hell, it is a call to personal salvation through Christ and spiritual revival in our time." -- Publisher
"First preached in 1741 this sermon had people in the congregation calling out for salvation." -- CBD.
Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God by Jonathan Edwards
http://www.reformed.org/documents/sinners.html
Elliott, Delbert H., Six Great Certainties, 1920, a tract.
*Flavel, John (1628-1691), The Fountain of Life Opened up, or, A Display of Christ in his Essential and Mediatorial Glory. Available (JOHN FLAVEL'S WORKS), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"If my pen were both able, and at leisure, to get glory in paper, it would be but a paper glory when I had gotten it; but if by displaying (which is the design of these papers), the transcendent excellency of Jesus Christ, I may win glory to him from you, to whom I humbly offer them, or from any other into whose hands providence shall cast them, that will be glory indeed, and an occasion of glorifying God to all eternity. It is not the design of this epistle to compliment, but to benefit you; not to emblazon your excellencies, but Christ's; not to acquaint the world how much you have endeared me to yourselves, but to increase and strengthen the endearments between Christ and you, upon your part."
The Fountain of Life
http://archive.org/details/TheFountainOfLife
The Fountain of Life
http://www.ccel.org/flavel/fountain/flavfoun.txt
Flavel, John (1628-1691), The Method of Grace in the Gospel Redemption, ISBN: 0923309519. Available in THE WORKS OF JOHN FLAVEL, (2:3-474).
"THE METHOD OF GRACE was first published by the Puritan John Flavel in the late 1600's, and has 'taught thousands how to commit the keeping of their souls to Christ.' The Publishers are happy to bring this Reformation classic back to print as an example of the transforming writings that brought us out of the dark ages.
"The early Puritan preachers of England did not write and preach from ivory towers. The Act of Uniformity of 1662 declared the public ministry of all non-conformist preachers illegal, but hundreds continued faithfully, preaching under the pressure of persecution and possible arrest. One of this courageous band was John Flavel, who from the crucible of hardship, wrote for the heart as well as the mind.
"In THE METHOD OF GRACE, Flavel thoroughly outlines the work of God's Spirit in applying the redemptive work of Christ to the believer. Readers will search their hearts and find their faith challenged and enriched. In the true puritan tradition, a clearly defined theology is delivered with evangelic fervor, by an author urgently concerned about the eternal destiny of the human soul." -- Publisher
The Method of Grace in the Holy Spirit's Applying to the Souls of Men the Eternal Redemption Contrived by the Father and Accomplished by the Son. A sequel to "The Fountain of Life, or Christ in his Essential and Mediatorial Glory."
http://archive.org/details/methodofgraceinh00flavrich
The Method of Grace in the Gospel Redemption
http://www.ccel.org/flavel/grace/grace.txt
Greene, Joseph Nelson, The Gospel in Literature, 1910.
Hamilton, Patrick (1503-1527), and A Most Excelent and Fruitful Treatise, Called Patericks Places: Concerning the Doctrine of Fayth, and the Doctrine of the Law: Which Being Knowen, you Haue the Pith of all Diuinitie. With a Briefe Collection or Exposition of a Summe of S. Pauls Doctrine Touching Iustification by Fayth, in Jesus Christ: Which is the Only Marke to Shoote at, and the Only Meanes to Obtaine Saluation, c1526.
Patrick Hamilton's Loci Communes
Alternate title: THE COMMON PLACES OF DIVINITY AS SET FORTH BY MR. PATRICK HAMILTON.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/gospel/hamilton_loci_communes.html
Kelly, Douglas F., Philip B. Rollinson, and Frederick T. Marsh, The Westminster Shorter Catechism in Modern English, ISBN: 0875525482 9780875525488.
"Since its completion in 1647 the WESTMINSTER SHORTER CATECHISM has been unsurpassed as a concise tool for teaching the Reformed understanding of Scripture. Though the truths of the catechism are unchanging, the English language has undergone many changes, which have made using the catechism in its original form increasingly difficult." -- Publisher
*M'Cheyne, Robert Murray (1813-1843), Christ the Way, the Truth, and the Life. From Andrew Bonar, MEMOIR AND REMAINS OF ROBERT MURRAY M'CHEYNE..
*Miller, C. John "Jack" (1928-1996), Finding Healthy Self-Esteem Through Being Completely Forgiven (Quality Living Series. Jenkintown, PA [World Harvest, Box 2175, Jenkintown, 19046]: World Harvest, 1987).
"Do you feel inadequate? That you need to do more or be better in order to be happy and fulfilled? You may not realize it, but your biggest problem is . . . you don't feel completely forgiven."
World Harvest Mission
http://www.whm.org/home.htm
Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Witnessing to Roman Catholics.
Pacific Gardens Mission, "Unshackled" (Chicago, IL: Pacific Gardens Mission).
A radio program heard weekdays. Dramatizations of real life stories of conversions to Jesus Christ. If you are outside the broadcast area of this program, then cassette [audio file], or printed copies of messages may be available.
Pacific Garden Mission, "Unshackled," (listen online)
http://www.unshackled.org/
*Pink, Arthur W. (1886-1952), Comfort for Christians, ISBN: 0585074860 9780585074863.
"A timely work full of consolation. A valuable addition to the other books treating suffering. . . ." -- Cyril J. Barber
"Those shocked into wakefulness by Pink's book on THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD will be amazed at the different tone he displayed in this book. It is heart-warming." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Comfort for Christians, by Arthur W. Pink
http://www.ccel.org/p/pink/comfort/comfort.html
Pink, Authur W., The Doctrine of Justification, ISBN: 0585035148 9780585035147.
The Doctrine of Justification by Authur W. Pink
http://www.ccel.org/p/pink/justification/justification.htm
Pink, Arthur W. (1886-1952), The Godhood of God.
The Godhood of God by Arthur W. Pink
http://www.ccel.org/p/pink/godhood/godhood.htm
*Pink, Arthur W. (1886-1952), The Law and the Saint, ISBN: 058503513X 9780585035130.
"This 37-page booklet takes the position that the Ten Commandments are an expression of the unchanging character and will of God and are binding upon every Christian." -- CBD
The Law and the Saint by Arthur Pink
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/pink/law
Pink, Arthur W. (1886-1952), Why Four Gospels? ISBN: 0585035113 9780585035116.
Why Four Gospels? by Arthur W. Pink
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/pink/gospels
*Powlison, David (1949-2019), God's Love: Better Than Unconditional, ISBN: 0875526861 9780875526867.
"Has anyone tried to comfort you with God's 'unconditional' love for you? Sounds kinda bland and remote doesn't it? It even sounds permissive. Well, there is a reason for your lackluster response to God's love being 'unconditional.' The truth is that God's love is radically more active and passionate.
"David Powlison demolishes the milk-toast mindset of mere 'unconditional love,' and presents God's love in all of its splendor and vibrancy. He gives many descriptive examples from the Bible of how God's love is dynamic, active, sacrificial, redeeming, thrilling . . .
"If you aren't enraptured and absorbed by the love of God, then do yourself a favor and get this booklet. It's power packed. It's dynamite." -- Reader's Comment
*Pribble, Stephen, and The Westminster Assembly of Divines (1643-1652), Scripture Index to the Westminster Standards. Alternate title: THE COMPLETE SCRIPTURE INDEX TO THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION (1646), LARGER AND SHORTER CATECHISMS. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press.
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/index01.htm
Bordwine, James, A Guide to the Westminster Standards: Confession of Faith and Larger Catechism (Unicoi, TN: (The Trinity Foundation), ISBN: 0940931303 9780940931305.
Includes a unique, 100-page topical index to both the Confession and the Catechism.
Price, Eugenia, and Faith Coxe Bailey, Unshackled: Stories of Transformed Lives, Adapted From "Unshackled" Radio Broadcasts: Stories From Pacific Garden Mission.
*Robbins, John W. (1949-2008, editor), Christ and Civilization, ISBN: 1891777246 9781891777240.
"A new 48-page booklet. Includes a complete listing (in an additional 16 pages), of the books currently available from The Trinity Foundation."
Christ and Civilization
http://www.trinityfoundation.org/PDF/200a-ChristandCivilization.pdf
Robbins, John W. (1949-2008),
What is the Gospel?
"Today, however, there is a great deal of confusion about what the Gospel is, and what an evangelical is, just as there is confusion about what a Christian is. Because of this confusion, many people are called evangelicals who do not believe the Gospel. It might be best to begin to sort out this confusion by spelling out some of the popular religious ideas that are not the Gospel." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Counterfeit gospels are enumerated. Translations: German.
"Counterfeit Gospels," a tract by John W. Robbins
http://trinityfoundation.org/ammo/tract_view.asp?ID=tract03.html
Scripture Union, Christianity Explained, ISBN: 0958990905 9780958990905.
This program "offers an effective, non-threatening tool to introduce Jesus to our neighbors, friends, and family. Everything is provided to help you reach others with the powerful love of God and the clear logic of His Word." -- David B. Jones
The workbook contains six evangelistic lessons, reproducible handouts, and information on follow-up material.
A companion videotape [DVD] is available.
A youth version of CHRISTIANITY EXPLAINED is available and listed below.
Scripture Union of Australia. Resources for Ministry Unit, Cross Examination Leader's Guide: A Youth Version of CHRISTIANITY EXPLAINED, in six sessions, ISBN: 0949720526 9780949720528.
Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Advice to Seekers, ISBN: 1387871048 9781387871049.
*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), A Call to the Unconverted.
A Call to the Unconverted
http://archive.spurgeon.org/sermons/0174.php
*Westminster Assembly of Divines (1643-1652), Scripture Index to the Westminster Standards (The complete Scripture index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms). Available on Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/index01.htm
Bordwine, James, A Guide to the Westminster Standards: Confession of Faith and Larger Catechism (Unicoi, TN: (The Trinity Foundation), ISBN: 0940931303 9780940931305.
Includes a unique, 100-page topical index to both the Confession and the Catechism.
*Westminster Divines (1643-1653), The Shorter Catechism With Scripture Proofs (Carlisle, PA [P.O. Box 621, Carlisle 17013, USA]: The Banner of Truth Trust), ISBN: 0851512658. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Arguably the greatest tract ever created, all factors considered.
http://www.reformed.org/documents/WSC_frames.html
Westminster Shorter Catechism Project
"Click on any of the individual questions below to get the answer and Biblical references, as well as links to works by John Flavel, Thomas Watson, Thomas Boston, James Fisher, and John Whitecross, and others."
http://www.shortercatechism.com/
See also: "The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646, The Westminster Standards), and Related Works: A Study Guide"
http://www.lettermen2.com/suggest.html
*Zacharias, Ravi K. (1946-2020), Can man Live Without God? ISBN: 0849911737 9780849911736.
" 'Apart from God, chaos is the norm; with God, the hungers of the mind and heart find their fulfillment.' So writes Ravi Zacharias in this brilliant and compelling apologetic defense of the Christian faith -- the likes of which we haven't seen since C.S. Lewis. With forceful logic, insightful illustrations, and passionate conviction, he shows how affirming the reality of God' existence matters urgently in our everyday lives.
"According to Zacharias, who has debated the issue of God's existence in such settings a Harvard and Princeton Universities, how you answer the question of God' existence will have a profound effect on the way you live your life. It can impact your relationship with others, your commitment to integrity, your attitude toward morality, your perception of truth, and your sense of meaning in life -- it can mean the difference between living a life filled with hope or despair. . . ." -- Publisher
CAN MAN LIVE WITHOUT GOD has sold more copies than any other book by Ravi Zacharias. He has said that it is the book "which touched my life more than anything else." His other works include A SHATTERED VISAGE: THE REAL FACE OF ATHEISM, JESUS AMONG OTHER GODS: THE ABSOLUTE CLAIMS OF THE CHRISTIAN MESSAGE, Martin, Walter R. and Ravi K. Zacharias, THE KINGDOM OF THE CULTS: AN ANALYSIS OF THE MAJOR CULT SYSTEMS IN THE PRESENT CHRISTIAN ERA, CRIES OF THE HEART, and DELIVER US FROM EVIL.
"In summary, this is a book to read, whether you are a Christian, Moslem, Jew, or atheist, or any other adherent to a belief system. Ravi is a masterful philosopher, an unmatched apologist, a sympathetic and easy-to-understand author, and a humble man. This is definitely one of the classics in its field." -- Reader's Comment
See also: The free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, the covenant of eternal salvation, Book-length presentations of the free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come, Justifying faith, Reconciliation of relationships, Follow-up, Basics of the Christian faith, Biblical counseling tracts, Knowing Christ, Sharing christ with your children, Small group evangelism, Witnessing to cultists, Hard-case witnessing, Evangelism, Other works on the gospel, Follow-up, Biblical counseling tracts, Knowing christ, Small group evangelism, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, and so forth, and so on.
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
http://bgea.org/
Christ Died for the Ungodly Genesis 6:5, Horatius Bonar
http://www.wwd.net/user/ront/179.htm
A Collection of Tracts by John W. Robbins
Counterfeit Gospels, a tract by John W. Robbins
http://trinityfoundation.org/ammo/tract_view.asp?ID=tract03.html
Are You Catholic? a tract by John W. Robbins
http://trinityfoundation.org/ammo/tract_view.asp?ID=tract01.html
Four Great Certainties
http://trinityfoundation.org/ammo/tract_view.asp?ID=tract02.html
God's Plan to Save His People
http://trinityfoundation.org/ammo/tract_view.asp?ID=tract04.html
What Is Christian Philosophy?
http://trinityfoundation.org/ammo/tract_view.asp?ID=tract06.html
Civilization and the Protestant Reformation
http://trinityfoundation.org/ammo/tract_view.asp?ID=tract05.html
Dare to be a Daniel
"Did you know that most people come to faith in Jesus Christ before the age of 18? What better way to reach the next generation than through their classmates and friends who already believe.
"Dare to Be a Daniel is a new training program from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) to help equip boys and girls ages 9 to 14 to share their faith in Jesus with others. Through a printed booklet, a CD-ROM, this fun, interactive Website, and other tools, youth are given simple steps they can use when telling others about Christ. We are also developing a 13-week Sunday school curriculum based on this program."
http://www.daretobeadaniel.com/
Experimental Salvation, Arthur Pink
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pointe/4495/experimental.html
Free the Masons Ministries, Perfect Love and Perfect Trust (Issaqua, WA:
Free The Masons Ministry).
A tract about how to witnessing to witches.
Saints Alive in Jesus
http://www.saintsalive.com/
With one Accord
http://www.withoneaccord.org/
God's Testimony Concerning Man, Horatius Bonar
http://www.wwd.net/user/ront/169.htm
*The Golden Chain. The Chart Which Explains Perkins' Theology Concerning Salvation and Damnation
http://www.apuritansmind.com/WilliamPerkins/PerkinsGoldenChainChart.htm
"A Guide for Studying the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) in suggested order of reading"
http://www.lettermen2.com/suggest.html
Commentaries on the Westminster Standards Including the Westminster Confession of Faith, The Larger Catechism, and The Shorter Catechism
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr3ch.html#cwswcsc
Have You Truly Come to Christ? Arthur Pink
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pointe/4495/have_you_truly.html
Mission to Catholics International
http://mtc.org/
More Than Gold Ministry 2000
http://www.gospelcom.net/rbc/ss/outreach/2000/index.html
Mt. Zion Bible Church -- Online Library
http://www.mountzion.org/see.html
My Hope America With Billy Graham
My Hope guidelines emphasize personal friendship evangelism.
In the last decade there have been 10 million responses to BGEA My Hope projects in foreign countries.
Approximately 25,000 local churches cooperated in the My Hope America, 2013 initiative. As of mid-December 2013, there were over 100,000 recorded responses of faith in Christ.
http://www.myhopewithbillygraham.org
The New Birth (FGB #202)
The New Birth Defined, Plumer, William (1802-1880) | The Spirit That Breathes Life, Winslow, Octavius (1808-1878) | The Necessity of the New Birth, Pink, A.W. (1886-1952) | Biblical Terms for the New Birth, Gill, John (1697-1771) | New Birth, Repentance, and Faith, Buchanan, John (1804-1870) | New Birth, New Creature, Winslow, Octavius (1808-1878) | The Marks of the New Birth, Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900) | The Eternal and Efficient Cause of the New Birth, Gill, John (1697-1771) | The New Birth and the Preacher's Obligation, Owen, John (1616-1683) | The Necessity of the Spirit's Work, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892)
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/nbirfg/new-birth-the
Pacific Garden Mission, "Unshackled," (listen online)
http://www.unshackled.org/
Peace With God
"Approximately 10.5 million people worldwide experienced the Good News of Jesus Christ in 2013 by visiting the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's (BGEA) PeaceWithGod.net website [Jan. 29, 2014]. Of those, more than 2 million indicated making a commitment to Christ after viewing the message."
Peace With God
"Every day, on average (based on October-December 2020) over 19,000 people explore the Gospel on PeaceWithGod.net. More than 4,000 people indicate making spiritual decisions for Christ.
The Top 10 Countries for 2020 (PeaceWithGod.net): 1. United States, 2. Canada, 3. Syria, 4. Sudan, 5. Azerbaijan, 6. Libya, 7. Lebanon, 8. Tanzania, 9. Bolivia, and 10. Kyrgyzstan." -- Internet Evangelism Update letter, February, 2021
http://www.PeaceWithGod.net
Paz Con Dios
http://www.PazConDios
Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary
For the work of C. John Miller (1928-1996).
http://71.182.134.18:82/
Repentance the Key to Salvation and Change
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#rtktsac
Search for Jesus
http://www.SearchforJesus.net
Select Sermons by Stephen Charnock, Jonathan Edwards, C.H. Spurgeon, and George Whitefield
http://www.straitgate.com/sermons.htm
Sermons of the Reverend George Whitefield
http://www.ccel.org/whitefield/sermons/sermons.html
*Westminster Shorter Catechism
"The Shorter Catechism, With the Assembly's Proof Texts."
Free downloadable PDF file.
http://www.greenvillepresbyterian.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/shorter-catechism.pdf
*Westminster Shorter Catechism Project
"Click on any of the individual questions below to get the answer and Biblical references, as well as links to works by John Flavel, Thomas Watson, Thomas Boston, James Fisher, and John Whitecross, and others."
http://www.shortercatechism.com/
*Westminster Shorter Catechism With Proof Texts
http://www.reformed.org/documents/WSC_frames.html
Ye are my witnesses saith the Lord. (Isaiah 43:10)Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the Saints. (Jude 3b)
One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. (Psalm 145:4)
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 12:46)
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 13:34,35)This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:12,13)
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:26)
Thou hast made us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless till they rest in Thee. -- Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD)
The saints are to bear a threefold testimony to, and for Christ and His truths: Breath-testimony, Life-testimony, and Blood-testimony. -- Vavasor Powell
Ravi Zacharias' personal hymn of commitment and testimony.
"O Thou Who Camest From Above," The United Methodist Hymnal Number, 501
Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788. Music: Samuel Sebastian Wesley. Tune: HEREFORD, Meter: LM.1. O Thou who camest from above, the pure celestial fire to impart kindle a flame of sacred love upon the mean altar of my heart. 2. There let it for thy glory burn with inextinguishable blaze, and trembling to its source return, in humble prayer and fervent praise. 3. Jesus, confirm my heart's desire to work and speak and think for thee; still let me guard the holy fire, and still stir up thy gift in me. 4. Ready for all thy perfect will, my acts of faith and love repeat, till death thy endless mercies seal, and make my sacrifice complete.http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh501.shtVolumes have been written to explain the conversion of Paul, Augustine, Calvin, Bunyan, Wesley, Knox, C.S. Lewis, Solzhenitsyn, Billy Graham, and others.
The testimony [which contains the Gospel] takes precedence of the law, First, because the law furnishes no motives which will effectually influence fallen man to obey its precepts or dread its penalty. The law is here viewed as contained in the ten (words) commandments, written on tables of stone. Such is its restricted and specific import in the sacred text under present consideration. That the law, thus viewed, contains motives or reasons enforcing obedience to itself, is not questioned: but these are adapted to a sinless, or at least a regenerated, subject of the law. In the conscience of every child of fallen Adam, the law worketh wrath: and this is as true of the moral as of the ceremonial law. But what the law could not do is accomplished by the testimony -- not of itself, but as the appointed means employed by the Holy Spirit.
For, Second, The testimony consists formally of matters of fact. The great facts contemplated in the text are embodied in the solemn declaration -- I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage (Exodus 20:1). These words have been long designated "The Preface to the Ten Commandments." [cf. Larger Catechism, Q.101; Shorter catechism, Q.44] They go before the law in the order of announcement, and not less in the order of operation and experience. Moses was mighty in words and in deeds (Acts 7:22). By the miracles which he wrought, the Egyptians were constrained to acknowledge the presence and power of the God of the Hebrews. The magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God. Thus the testimony convinced the enemies of God of his supremacy over themselves, and over all idols. At the Red Sea the testimony wrought another distinct conviction among the Egyptians, -- that God was a friend to the Israelites and an enemy to them: -- Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians (Exodus 14:25). Such divine interpositions on behalf of those who are in covenant with God constitute the matter or substance of the testimony. Several and successive results flow from these miraculous or special providences. In the case of the children of Israel we may observe: -- 1, I am the Lord, a self-existent and eternal Being, as contrasted with gods that came newly up; [Deuteronomy 32:17]. 2, I am your God, your almighty friend in special covenant relation; and 3, both these important and consolatory facts proved to demonstration by delivering them from bondage. -- David Steele (1803-1887)
Alexander, James W., The Life of Archibald Alexander, D.D. [1772-1851], First Professor in the Theological Seminary, at Princeton, New Jersey.
The Life of Archibald Alexander, D.D.
https://archive.org/details/lifeofarchibal00alex
Anderson, John, The Footsteps of the Flock, 1843.
Anonymous (attributed to George Logan), Antichrist's Armour-Bearer Disarmed, or, The Christian People's Answers and Remarks: on a Pamphlet Intitled, the Christian People's Testimony Made More Publick, &c. (1733). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #16.
Anonymous, Testimony of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland, 2 volumes.
http://www.rpc.org/beliefs/testimony/index.htm
Anonymous, Ministers of Perth and Fife, A Testimony to the Truth of Jesus Christ to the Doctrine, Worship, Discipline and Government of the Kirk of Scotland and to the National Covenant of Scotland and to the Solemn League and Covenant of the Three Nations, England, Scotland and Ireland and to the Work of Uniformity in Religion and against the errors, heresies, blasphemies and diverse practices of the times, especially against the vast toleration now on foot in these nations / by sundry ministers of the Gospel in the provinces of Perth and Fife, Ephes. 6:14,15; 2 Tim. 1:7,8 [Ephesians 6:14,15; 2 Timothy 1:7,8], 1648. Alternate title: A TESTIMONY TO THE TRUETH OF JESUS CHRIST, AND TO OUR SOLEMN LEAGUE AND COVENANT, 1660. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
A Testimony to the Truth of Jesus Christ.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/anti_toleration/testimony_against_cromwells_toleration.html
A Testimony to the Truth of Jesus Christ and to our Solemn League and Covenant
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/a-testimony-to-the-truth-of-jesus-christ
Associate Synod of Original Seceders (Scotland), A Testimony to the Truths of Christ: Agreeably to the Westminster Standards as Received by the Reformed Church of Scotland, and in Opposition to Defections From the Reformation Sworn to in Britain and Ireland: Agreed to by the Associate Synod of Original Seceders, 18th May 1827.
*Augustine, Saint (Aurelius Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, 354-430 AD), The Confessions of Saint Augustine. A Christian classic. Available (WORKS OF AUGUSTINE), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Augustine is said to be the greatest Christian thinker next to the Apostle Paul. Luther set the Bible and the CONFESSIONS OF SAINT AUGUSTINE above all other books.
"The story of his sinful pursuits before conversion, and of his conversion, then of his confession to God, and his discoveries of the greatness of God after his conversion." -- Publisher
The Confessions of Saint Augustine
http://www.ccel.org/a/augustine/confessions/confessions.html
The Works of Saint Augustine
http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/book/lookupname?key=Augustine%2C%20Saint%2C%20Bishop%20of%20Hippo
*Bainton, Roland H., Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther. A Christian classic.
"Available for the first time in trade paperback, this authoritative biography of the great religious leader was hailed by Time magazine as "the most readable Luther biography in English." This edition showcases the intricate woodcuts and engravings that enhance the text and give the flavor of the era in which Martin Luther lived. More than 100 woodcuts and engravings." -- Publisher
A scholarly presentation of Luther's part in the Protestant Reformation which changed the course of Western civilization. Highly recommended, especially for those seeking a deeper understanding of the theology of the Reformation. A scholarly work in which the Gospel is articulately presented. The story of Luther's conversion is, of course, presented in detail. Numerous editions of this book are available. Includes extensive bibliography.
Martin Luther
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/author/martin-luther
Barsky, Jack, Deep Undercover: My Secret Life and Tangled Allegiances as a KGB spy in America, ISBN: 9781496416865 1496416864.
"A few weeks ago, Margie and I had the privilege of having lunch with former Russian KGB agent Jack Barsky. His book, DEEP UNDERCOVER, tells the story of his life as a spy and his ultimate conversion.
"He and his wife now live in the United States. He traces his conversion to several individuals and their impact. One of those influences is our radio program 'Let My People Think.' So he wanted very much to come to our office and have lunch with me." -- Ravi Zacharias
*Bonar, Andrew A. (1810-1892), and Robert Murray M'Cheyne, Memoir and Remains of Robert Murray M'Cheyne, ISBN: 085151085X 9780851510859. A Christian classic.
Spurgeon thought every Christian should read this book.
"Bonar's LIFE OF McCHEYNE (a part of this book), displays the character of this man, and illustrates why he is one of the best-loved and most widely influential men of all time. McCheyne was a sweet, humble, hard-working Christian with a passion for souls. It is a real joy to read his sermons, letters, and other writings in this book. Bonar, himself a great one, has done us all a great favor in preserving these memoirs for us." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Boreham, F.W., The man who Saved Gandhi: A Short Biography of John Joseph Doke.
*Brainerd, David (1718-1747), and Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758, editor), The Life and Diary of David Brainerd, ISBN: 0801009766. A Christian classic.
This journal is said to have inspired more Christians to become missionaries than any other book other than the Bible.
"John Wesley, Jonathan Edwards, William Carey, and Henry Martyn having read the journal felt compelled to spend their lives preaching the Gospel." -- Veronica Zundel
Brainerd and Edwards, The life of Rev. David Brainerd: Chiefly Extracted From his Diary
http://archive.org/details/lifeifrevbrainerd00brairich
Brown, James, The Testimony Published at Rutherglen, May 29, 1679.
The Declaration and Testimony of the True Presbyterian, Anti-Prelatick, Anti-Erastian, persecuted party in Scotland. Published at Sanquhar, June 22, 1680
http://www.truecovenanter.com/sanquhar.html
*Bunyan, John (1628-1688), Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Similar to Augustine's CONFESSIONS. Traces Bunyan's spiritual pilgrimage from his youth, through several crises, to his conversion, and through many trials and difficulties, temptations and sorrows, until he came to rely solely on Christ for his every need. Originally published in 1666." -- Cyril J. Barber
"This is the personal testimony of the famous author of PILGRIM'S PROGRESS, THE HOLY WAR, and 60 other edifying books." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners
http://archive.org/details/graceaboundingt00bunygoog
Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners, John Bunyan
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/bunyan/grace.html
Pilgrim's Page: A John Bunyan Archive
This is the complete set of THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN, George Offor edition, reprinted by The Banner of Truth. It is free online, and is downloadable in the following formats: HTML, RTF, TEXT, and PDF.
http://www.chapellibrary.org/bunyan/
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN is also available at Project Gutenberg.
*Calvin, John (1509-1564), Epistle to the Faithful Showing That Christ is the end of the law. Alternate title: CHRIST IS THE END OF THE LAW; CALVIN'S PREFACE TO OLIVETAN'S NEW TESTAMENT; PREFACE TO THE GENEVA BIBLE OF 1550; or, informally, CALVIN ON THE GOSPEL. (Not to be confused with Calvin's "The Argument on the Gospel of Jesus Christ According to Matthew, Mark, and Luke," in the front matter of CALVIN'S COMMENTARIES: MATTHEW, MARK AND LUKE [volume 16 of the Baker edition], which is [THE ARGUMENT], also sometimes referred to as CALVIN ON THE GOSPEL).
Calvin wrote "Christ is the end of the law," in 1534, "about the year of his conversion. . . . It is his first statement of faith as a Protestant, and an eloquent defense of it." -- Joseph Haroutunian
Therefore, it is sometimes thought of as Calvin's testimony.
Available in Desideius Erasmus, Robert Olivetan, and John Calvin (reviser and preface), OLIVETAN'S NEW TESTAMENT.
"The New Testament in the Latin of Erasmus' version, and in the French of Olivetan, revised by Calvin."
Also available in English and somewhat abridged in Jean Calvin (1509-1564), and T. Weedon (translator), Christ the end of the law: Being the Preface to the Geneva Bible of 1550.
Calvin (1509-1564), Jean, and T. Weedon (translator), Christ the End of the Law: Being the Preface to the Geneva Bible of 1550 (1850)
https://archive.org/details/christendlawbei00calvgoog
Also available in another English translation in John Calvin (1509-1564), and Joseph Haroutunian (editor, translator), CALVIN: COMMENTARIES. This is a single volume in the Library of Christian Classics Series (Volume 23). It is composed of "Extracts from Calvin's commentaries topically arranged."
"The present text, from the Opera, C.R. 9, pp. 791 f., contains additions Calvin made after 1534."
John Calvin (1509-1564), and Joseph Haroutunian (translator), Epistle to the Faithful Showing that Christ is the end of the law
http://books.google.com/books?id=NJ7UJGX8otkC&pg=PA58&dq=calvin+preface+Pierre+Robert+Oliv%C3%A9tan%E2%80%99s+French+translation+of+the+New+Testament#v=onepage&q=calvin%20preface%20Pierre%20Robert%20Oliv%C3%A9tan%E2%80%99s%20French%20translation%20of%20the%20New%20Testament&f=false
Campbell, Archibald, Earl of Argyll, The Declaration and Apology of the Protestant People: That is, of the Noblemen, Barons, Gentlemen, Burgesses, and Commons of all Sorts now in Arms Within the Kingdom of Scotland, With the Concurrence of the True and Faithful Pastors, and of Several Gentlemen of the English Nation Joyned With Them in the Same Cause, &c., 1685.
"Includes: The declaration of Archibald, Earl of Argile . . . with his order to his vassals and others in the said shires, and under his jurisdiction, to concur for defence of their religion, lives and liberties."
Collins, Francis S., The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief, ISBN: 0743286391 9780743286398.
"A head of the Human Genome Project and former atheist presents a scientific argument for the existence of God, revealing how science can support faith by citing the areas of nature that can and cannot be fully explained by Darwinian evolution." -- Publisher
Crown Video, Final Solution, Special Edition DVD, ISBN: 1894300874 9781894300872, 106 Minutes.
"Based on a true story . . .
"This Special Edition set contains the award winning feature film Final Solution, the documentary From one Blood featuring Gerrit Wolfaardt, the man on which the feature film is based, behind the scenes footage, bonus features and a study guide in PDF form. Final Solution is an amazing testimony of the incredible power of God to transform lives. Gerrit Wolfaardt was radically changed from a life of hatred and violence -- not to simply tolerance -- but to genuine love. Only God can cause so deep a transformation.
"From One Blood" invites viewers into the living room and lives of Gerrit and Celeste Wolfaardt. Gerrit relays his personal story and throughout the documentary, short clips from the movie are cut in to emphasize what he is telling us. Today, Gerrit travels the globe preaching biblical reconciliation. Formerly sold individually, this two-disc DVD set provides an excellent value.
"Awards that this film has received: | Crown Award Winner for Best Drama Over $250,000 (Gold) | Crown Award Winner for Best Picture (Gold) | Heartland Film Festival Winner (Crystal Heart Award) | Worldfest Houston International Film Festival Winner (GOLD) | Down Under Film Festival Winner (Best Soundtrack and Best Film) | Sabaoth International Film Festival (Best Director and Best Film).
"This film is not appropriate for children due to violence and thematic elements."
"Afrikaner Gerrit Wolfaardt was born into prejudice. Everything he had been taught since childhood -- from his family, his church and his culture -- told him that apartheid, or separateness, was right and natural. He became a self-proclaimed disciple of Hitler, and hatched a diabolical plan to rid South Africa of the 'Black Danger.' His ideology was challenged by Celeste, who later became his wife, and by the book CRY THE BELOVED COUNTRY. In this documentary, Gerrit shares the amazing journey that resulted in his radical transformation." -- Publisher
*Dallimore, Arnold, George Whitefield: The Life and Times of the Great Evangelist of the 18th Century Revival, 2 volumes (Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust), ISBN: 0851510264 9780851510262 085151300X 9780851513003. A Christian classic.
"One of the great monumental literary achievements of the 20th century." -- Sherwood E. Wirt
"Justice has at last been done to the greatest preacher that England has ever produced." -- D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Contains accounts of the conversion experiences of Whitefield, the Wesleys, and many others. Includes bibliographic footnotes.
Dick, John (d. 1684), A Testimony to the Doctrine, Worship, Discipline, and Government of the Church of Scotland, and the Covenanted Work of Reformation as it was Profess'd in the Three Kingdoms: Together With an Account of the Persecution of Some of the Most Eminent in our Days for Their Adherence to the Same, 1684. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Drew University Library, Pamphlets From the Drew University Library 19th Century Collection, [Presbyterian Church Pamphlet Collection]. Parts 2-6.
Ebon, Martin, and Carsten Ødsted, The Incredible Story of Stalin's Daughter. Alternate title: SVETLANA: THE INCREDIBLE STORY OF STALIN'S DAUGHTER.
Eckerd, Jack, and Paul Con, Eckerd: Finding the Right Prescription, ISBN: 0800715322 9780800715328.
Jack Eckerd is "a living demonstration of the life-changing power of Christ. His inspiring testimony deserves the widest possible audience." -- Billy Graham
"This is the amazing, exciting story of one of the most remarkable men I've ever known. It is a gripping account; when you're finished, you will want to sing the doxology." -- Chuck Colson
*Edman, V. Raymond, They Found the Secret: Twenty Transformed Lives That Reveal a Touch of Eternity.
Contents: J. Hudson Taylor: the exchanged life | Samuel Logan Brengle: the cleansed life | John Bunyan: the unchained life | Amy Carmichael: the radiant life | Oswald Chambers: the highest life | Charles Grandison Finney: the powerful life | Adoniram Judson Gordon: the disciplined life | Richard C. Halverson: the burning life | Frances Ridley Havergal: the overflowing life | John Hyde: the prevailing life | Dwight Lyman Moody: the dynamic life | Handley | C.G. Moule: the fragrant life | Andrew Murray: the abiding life | Robert E. Nicholas: the satisfying life | William P. Nicholson: the soul-winning life | Eugenia Price: the buoyant life | Charles G. Trumbull: the victorious life | Walter L. Wilson: the yielded life | John Allan Wood: the holy life | W. Ian Thomas: the adventurous life.
Includes bibliography.
Erskine, Ebenezer (1680-1754), Ralph Erskine, William Wilson, and Others, A Publick Testimony; Being the Representation and Petition of a Considerable Number of Christian People . . . Presented . . . to the General Assembly . . . Anent Grievances, 1732. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Fairly, John (1729-1806), An Humble Attempt in Defense of Reformation Principles; Particularly on the Head of the Civil Magistrate. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
"The title continues: 'Wherein the gross falsehoods, calumnies, and imposed sense, palmed by Mr. John Goodlet, upon the Testimony emitted by the Reformed Presbytery, are exposed and confuted; and said Testimony vindicated. As also, the seceding scheme of political principles more fully detected;-- and discovered to be inconsistent with the law of nature, light of divine revelation, and covenanted testimony of the Church of Scotland.' Goold, in his THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN SCOTLAND: ITS ORIGIN AND HISTORY 1680-1876, writes of Fairly and this book, 'He was very zealous and outspoken in his maintenance of Church principles, and unsparing in his condemnation and exposure of the shortcomings of other denominations. This caused him to be both feared and disliked by many outside of his own communion; yet by the ministers who were nearest his residence, and who came most frequently in contact with him, he was greatly esteemed. He was fearless of consequences in the discharging of his duties. On one occasion, when in Ireland, his scathing exposure of Popery so irritated the Catholics, that three of them resolved to disturb his next meeting by musical instruments (and remember no faithful Presbyterian used this 'badge of Popery' -- musical instruments -- in their public meetings -- RB). They came prepared to do this, but were so overcome by the grave dignity of the man, and by the truth he spoke, that they could do nothing but quietly listen. Two of them, it is said, became earnest Protestants. On another occasion he denounced 'unpreaching bishops,' and declared that his Lordship of Bangor was worse than Balaam's ass, which spoke once at least, and rebuke the madness of the prophet. Some were so highly offended that they resolved to waylay and stone the preacher. Mr. Fairly was aware of this, but refused to change his route. As he approached the ambuscade, a dispute arose as to his identity; some held that it was the object of their hate, others said, 'No, never a bit of him; who ever saw a mountain minister ride such a good horse?' and while they disputed he got beyond their reach. One who knew him writes thus: 'I had some knowledge of the elder Fairley; he fearlessly attacked the reigning follies of his age, and preached the Gospel in a familiar but forcible style of eloquence. In his great field days, and when contending for the Testimony of the Martyrs, he was unsparing in the use of arrows, oft broke a lance with the Pope, and drove rusty nails into our venerable Establishment, and lashed the Secession and Relief for their declensions.' so pointed was his dealing with the sins of the times, that many left his meetings when he came to the application of his discourse . . . He took part in the controversy with the Seceders, and published a pamphlet in reply to Goodlet, the Anti-burgher minister of Sanquhar, in which he gives a scathing exposure of the weakness and inconsistency of his opponent, and directs against him all his resources of humour and sarcasm, as well as the weightier weapons of solid argument. But it was in proclaiming the riches of the glorious Gospel to cast audiences under the open canopy of heaven, that the power of Fairley was fully disclosed. He was undoubtedly the preacher among the 'Four Johns.' He had a commanding presence, a well-furnished mind, and a fluent and forcible utterance; and when he warmed to his grand theme, his words moved the hearts of the crowds that had gathered around him, and many owned him as their spiritual father.' (pp. 221-222). This book (of 283 pages), is another Reformed Presbyterian classic!" -- Publisher
*Fannin, Kerby F., While Men Slept: A Biblical and Historical Account of the New Universal Christianity, 2nd edition, ISBN: 0944835023 9780944835029 0944835015 9780944835012.
"This very informative book deserves the very highest recommendation." -- Jay Green, Sr., editor of The Interlinear Greek Hebrew Bible, September 19, 2002
"This book was written to help shed light on many things that have been performed in secret, under the cover of darkness, which has been behind the developing new universal Christianity. The work is presented believing that if one can see the unfolding of historically documented events in the light of the Word of God, he will, perhaps, be able to discern truth from error. . . .
"It is the goal of this book to humbly present the factual evidence to help the reader to get to know some of the people and the underlying agenda that led up to the modern process of redefining Christianity. The focus of this book is toward understanding more about the 'who and why' of those that have been working for centuries to lay the foundations of a new universal Christianity." -- Publisher
"While learning that God reveals Himself to us through nature, it took me [Kerby Fannin] many years to discover that the truth I had been searching for in nature is but a shadow of the real truth, that being the spiritual things of God. Having given me the gift of reason, it was God, through His Holy Spirit, who brought me to search for truth. I soon found that truth did not lie in my reason, which was the filter through which I interpreted the things that I observed in nature. Instead, I found that the truth I was searching for could only be found in God who, through His Word, created all of nature, including my reason.
"In my search, it soon became evident to me that God is Truth. [John 14:6] Through the work of my reason and my faith, I accepted that there is one true God. I eventually came to my present understanding that the Word of God is the revelation of God to man. It then became clear to me that the one true God revealed Himself through His Word by His will through the inspiration of His prophets and apostles as recorded in the Scriptures, which were supernaturally preserved. The Word of God was also revealed by the manifestation of God Himself, known as Jesus." -- The Author
*Foxe, John (1516-1587), and Thomas Freeman (prefatory material), John Foxe's Book of Martyrs. Actes and Monuments of Matters Most Speciall and Memorable (unabridged). Alternate title: THE UNABRIDGED ACTS AND MONUMENTS ONLINE or TAMO (HRI Online Publications, Sheffield, 2011). Available from: http://www.johnfoxe.org. Implemented by the Humanities Research Institute, University of Sheffield, England, and published by HRI Online Publications, Sheffield, 2011, Version 2.0, ISBN: 9780954260864.
"You can browse and compare the unabridged texts of the four editions of this massive work published in John Foxe's lifetime (1563, 1570, 1576, 1583). Each edition changed significantly as Foxe sought to incorporate new material, answer his critics, and adjust its polemical force to the needs of the moment. . . .
"TAMO is both an instrument of scholarship and a tool for anyone who wants to explore this remarkable work, a milestone in the history of the English printed book and a signal achievement of its printer, John Day."
John Foxe's Book of Martyrs. Actes and Monuments of Matters Most Speciall and Memorable, ISBN: 0197262252 9780197262252.
"This CD-ROM combines readable and printable images of 2,200 pages of text and woodcut engravings from the 1583 edition, the last for which Foxe was personally responsible."
Other editions: Acts and Monuments or Foxe's Book of Martyrs, 1554, 1843-49 edition, 8 volumes. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
" 'No book ever inflicted a wound so deep and incurable on the Romish system of superstition and bloody persecution . . . it was placed in . . . all churches and chapels throughout the kingdom, by order of Queen Elizabeth.' (Smith, Select Memoirs, p. 245). Contains much information not found in any of the liberally edited and severely shortened editions of this classic work which are in print today. Covering martyrs from the early church through to Foxe's day, it was one of the most influential books of the sixteenth century! It overflows with faith building testimony of the power of God to overcome the most cruel and barbarous acts of human depravity and demonic cruelty. 6890 pages. A very rare set, now back in print after 150 years!" -- Publisher
"After the Bible itself, no book so profoundly influenced early Protestant sentiment as the BOOK OF MARTYRS. Even in our time it is still a living force. It is more than a record of persecution. It is an arsenal of controversy, a storehouse of romance, as well as a source of edification." -- James Miller Dodds, English Prose
"When one recollects that until the appearance of the PILGRIM'S PROGRESS the common people had almost no other reading matter except the BIBLE and FOX'S BOOK OF MARTYRS, we can understand the deep impression that this book produced; and how it served to mold the national character. Those who could read for themselves learned the full details of all the atrocities performed on the Protestant reformers; the illiterate could see the rude illustrations of the various instruments of torture, the rack, the gridiron, the boiling oil, and then the holy ones breathing out their souls amid the flames. Take a people just awakening to a new intellectual and religious life; let several generations of them, from childhood to old age, pore over such a book, and its stories become traditions as individual and almost as potent as songs and customs on a nation's life." -- Douglas Campbell, The Puritan in Holland, England, and America
"If we divest the book of its accidental character of feud between churches, it yet stands, in the first years of Elizabeth's reign, a monument that marks the growing strength of a desire for spiritual freedom, defiance of those forms that seek to stifle conscience and fetter thought." -- Henry Morley, English Writers
"John Foxe was a prince among believers. He had his printing press on a cart, and had often to print at night, moving his press before dawn to escape capture and burning at the stake. He never faltered in his purpose to leave a voluminous written witness to the power of the Lord Jesus Christ to keep His saints in love and peace." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Text Encoding Initiative (TEI), John Foxe's Book of Martyrs Variorum Edition Online
http://www.tei-c.org/Activities/Projects/jo01.xml
Freeman, Bill, How They Found Christ: In Their own Words, ISBN: 0914271946 9780914271949.
Bill Freeman, editor. Includes John Wesley, George Whitefield, Charles G. Finney, George Muller, Hudson Taylor, and C.H. Spurgeon.
Ganz, Richard, How I Became a Christian Counselor (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Also includes "Dr. Adams, Questions and Answers: Is Masturbation for Christians?"
Gib, Adam, The Present Truth: A Display of the Secession-testimony; In the Three Periods of the Rise, State, and Maintenance of That Testimony. In two Volumes, Vol. 1. Edinburgh, 1774.
Geisler, Norman L., and Paul K. Hoffman, Why I am a Christian: Leading Thinkers Explain why They Believe, ISBN: 080106712X 9780801067129.
"Now with a new chapter on "Why I am not a Muslim" by an ex-Muslim, WHY I AM A CHRISTIAN is an even more helpful resource in our global times. -- Publisher
"Great for anyone wondering about Christianity's uniqueness or validity. These are leading thinkers, including former agnostics and atheists writing about why they believe." -- Reader's Comment
Gillespie, George (1613-1648), James Renwick, Thomas Henderson, et al., Testimony-bearing Exemplified: A Collection Containing: I. Gillespie Against Association With Malignants, Together With The Causes of God's Wrath, Agreed Upon by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, met at Edinburgh, October, 1651: II. The Informatory Vindication, to Which is Subjoined, A Collection of Excellent Laws (or Eschol Grapes), in Favours of our Covenanted Reformation: to Which is Added A Declaration of the Assembly, July ult. 1648 Concerning the Present Danger of Religion: Also, A Seasonable Warning Concerning the Present Imminent Dangers, and Duties Relating Thereto, by the Assembly, July 27, 1649.
Gogor, William (d. 1681), The Late Speech and Testimony of William Gogor one of the Three Desperate and Incorrigible Traytors Executed at the Grass Mercat in Edinburgh, the Eleventh Day of March, 1681, for Disowning His Sacred Majesties Authority, 1681.
Gouge, William (1578-1653), A Recovery From Apostacy set out in a Sermon Preached in Stepny Church near London at the receiving of a penitent renegado into the church, Oct 21, 1638. Available (THE WORKS OF WILLIAM GOUGE) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Graham, Billy (1918-2018), To God be the Glory: A Testimony of Living Faith From two Famous Christian Personalities, Corrie Ten Boom and Billy Graham, ISBN: 0895428628 9780895428622.
Contributions by Corrie Ten Boom. Roger Elmood, editor.
*Graham, Billy (1918-2018), The Reason for my Hope: Salvation, ISBN: 9780849947612 0849947618 9780849922046 0849922046.
This book was released October 15, 2013 to coincide with My Hope America with Billy Graham, November 7, 2013, the national campaign organized by the Billy Graham Evangelical Association.
This is his 32nd book and "believers will appreciate Graham's profound maturity." This is not the young Billy Graham of the 1949 tent revival in Los Angeles, nor even the Billy Graham of 2005 preaching in public for one last time in Flushing Meadows, New York. This is a retired Billy Graham, just before his 95 birthday, after having preached the Gospel face-to-face with an estimated 215 million individuals, during over 70 years as an evangelist.
"What is the most hopeful word in History?
"For Billy Graham, that word is 'SALVATION.'
"Salvation from what?
"From our selfish and self-destructive selves.
"From the messes we get ourselves into.
"From the sin that has haunted humanity from the beginning of time and the evil that pulls us down every day.
"From the cultural deceits that blind us to God's saving message.
"From the Hell so many don't believe in.
"If we don't think we need salvation, we're fooling ourselves.
"If we think we are beyond salvation, we're underestimating God.
"If we just don't want to think about salvation, we're putting ourselves in eternal peril.
"At the age of 95 Billy Graham proclaims God's Gospel with resolve and deep compassion. It is a message he has been preaching for more than seventy years. And in this book you will sense its urgency, filled with hope for the future.
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved." (Acts 16:31)
"From America's evangelistic elder statesman.
"Salvation is what we all long for, when we are lost or in danger or have made a mess of our lives. And salvation belongs to us, when we reach out for the only One who can rescue us -- Jesus.
"The saving message of the Gospel is the heartbeat of this preacher and evangelist. Millions around the world have heard Billy Graham proclaim this unchanging truth. He has never forgotten the transformation of his own life, when he first said yes to God's gift of salvation, and he has witnessed multitudes turn their hearts to the God of Hope.
"THE REASON FOR MY HOPE: SALVATION 'presents the essence of that transformative message. It is biblical and timeless, and though simple and direct, it is far from easy. There are hard words, prophetic words, directed toward a culture that denies the reality of sin and distracts us from the veracity of Hell. But through its ominous warnings shines a light that cannot be extinguished -- a beacon of hope that Jesus came 'to seek and to save that which was lost.' (Luke 19:10)" -- Publisher
"The truth is that every last one of us is born in sin, and while some may not think of themselves as sinners, God does. He hears every word we utter and knows the deepest secrets we lock away in the vaults of our hearts." -- Billy Graham
Trendy religion "Many churches of all persuasions are hiring research agencies to poll neighborhoods, asking what kind of church they prefer; then the local churches design themselves to fit the desires of the people. True faith in God that demands selflessness is being replaced by trendy religion that serves the selfish." -- Billy Graham
A simple gospel "I am afraid that many Christians, in their zeal to share their faith in Christ, have made the Gospel message of making disciples for Him too simple. Just to say 'believe in Christ' can produce a false assurance of the hope of Heaven. Jesus spoke often about the gift of eternal life. To make it clear, He said, 'Count the cost'." -- Billy Graham
Earning salvation "Giving up something to follow Christ is not earning salvation; it is giving up what keeps you from salvation. When we hold on to something that is dearer to us than receiving the greater gift of salvation in Christ, we lose." -- Billy Graham
When terror strikes "We see the world kicking God out of education, government, marriages, the home, and even church. Yet when terror strikes, people clasp their hands and bend their knees, calling on God to meet them in their time of distress, asking Him to lift their burden, begging for a different outcome." -- Billy Graham
"Though the cross repels, it also attracts. It possesses a magnetic quality. Once you have been to the cross, you will never be the same. The greatest vision of sin is at the cross, where we also see the greatest vision of love.
"Although it has been many years since Billy Graham has retired from the pulpit, the heartbeat of his years in ministry is sincerely described in his 2013 book release, THE REASON FOR MY HOPE.
"Possibly the most highly regarded Christian leader of several generations, Billy Graham continues to meet us at the most personable level as he so vividly describes the reasons Christ died for us and what that means for those who choose to follow Him on Earth. Graham's humble heart is displayed in one of the first pages of the books where he states, 'One of the greatest privileges of my life has been the opportunity to associate with numerous men and women . . . and I thank God for the contribution these countless individuals have made to my life'.
"In this extraordinary book, Billy Graham walks his readers through controversial and pondered topics of people of all walks of life such as: the battle between good and evil, the meaning of the cross, the teachings of Jesus while on the cross, the reality and myths of Heaven and Hell, the second coming of Christ, and most importantly, He outlines very clearly why salvation is truly the most important gift given to mankind.
"THE REASON FOR MY HOPE is the best book I have read in years. I could not put it down, and I constantly found myself underlining passages that I wanted to reflect on. I plan on buying many copies of this book to give to friends. This book is the perfect read for persons of every generation, and it has become a favorite in my personal book collection. This is one of those rare books that you can discuss with both a teenager and a grandparent. Perhaps that's why people of all generations today are still able to identify with Billy Graham. He has the rare gift of meeting each person right where they are, to explain and plead for people, to proclaim Jesus as their Lord and Savior." -- Reader's Comment
Guthrie, James (1612?-1661), A Testimony to the Truth of Jesus Christ: or To the Doctrine, Worship, Discipline, and Government of the Kirk of Scotland, and to the Nationall Covenant of Scotland, and to the Solemn League and Covenant of the Three Nations, England, Scotland, and Ireland, and to the work of uniformity in religion, and against the errors, heresies, blasphemies, and diverse practises of the times; especially against that vast toleration now on foot in these nations: by sundry ministers of the gospel in the Provinces of Perth and Fife.
Notes: "Some considerations contributing unto the discoverie of the dangers that threaten religion, and the work of reformation in the Church of Scotland."
Hay Fleming, David (1849-1931), and The Secession Church (Scotland), General Associate Synod, Narrative and Testimony, Agreed Upon and Enacted by the General Associate Synod Together With an act Respecting Procedure in Covenanting Work; Copies of the National Covenant and Solemn League; An act Concerning an Acknowledgment of Sins, Profession of Faith and Engagement to Duties; With the Formula.
Hefley, James, and Marti Hefle, By Their Blood: Christian Martyrs of the 20th Century, ISBN: 0915134284 9780915134281.
"Too often we forget that God's people are suffering and being martyred. Here in a vivid book we are awakened. What FOXE'S BOOK OF MARTYRS did for generations past this book does for our generation." -- GCB
"The book begins with accounts of the martyrs during the Boxer Rebellion in China, continues with martyrs in Japan and Korea, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, Nazi Germany, and of the Soviet Union and its communist regimes. Then there are martyrs from the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean, and from Latin America. . . .
"The stories themselves are gruesome. There is no viciousness like the viciousness of those who worship humanly-conceived gods. Like the Roman Catholic inquisitors in the sixteenth century, men in all nations have at one time or another sought to physically torture Christians to make them recant their testimonies. It is said that for every Christian Stalin murdered in Russia, two or more were raised up by God, until Stalin ordered the killing stopped for fear the whole nation would become Christians. Despite the lurid details of the torture, we recommend that everyone read the books that tell of martyrs dying for the cause of God and truth. This goes for children. Before you cry out, remember what they are watching on television, and seeing in movies, yes, and reading in Stephen King books, and others of that kind. Horror stories are bestsellers in our times. Let the children learn what horrible things are being done to Christians merely because they believe and obey God's word, and because of it worship the Lord Jesus Christ. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
*Howie, John (1735-1793, collector and transcriber), Michael Shields, James Guthrie, John Kid, John King, et al., Faithful Contendings Displayed: Being an Historical Relation of the State and Actings of the Suffering Remnant in the Church of Scotland Subsisted in Select Societies, and Were United in General Correspondencies During the Hottest Time of the Late Persecution, viz. From the Year 1681 to 1691: Together with an account of the State of the land in general, and of the society people in particular, in the intervals betwixt each of their general meetings, with some pertinent remarks upon these historical occurrences, and many letters to and from the general correspondent meetings, 1780, ISBN: 1171237324 9781171237327 0548345945 9780548345948. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Howie, John (1735-1793), John Brown (of Wamphray, 1610-1679), Hugh Binning (1627-1653), the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and Sundry Ministers of Perth and Fife, Faithful Witness-Bearing Exemplified: A Collection. Containing, I. An Useful Case of Conscience . . . by Mr. Hugh Binning. II. A Solemn Testimony Against Toleration . . . by the Commissioners of the General Assembly, and by Sundry Ministers in . . . Perth and Fife. III. The History of the Indulgence. By Mr. John Brown . . . To Which is Prefixed, a Preface, Concerning Association, Toleration, and . . . Liberty of Conscience. Kilmarnock, 1783. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #8, #26.
Kavanaugh, Patrick, The Spiritual Lives of Great Composers, ISBN: 0310208068 9780310208068.
"With an introduction by Christopher Parkening, this book opens up an area about which most of us know little. A brisk walk through the innermost thoughts of 12 masters of western music (Handel, Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Liszt, Mendelssohn, Wagner, Dvorak, Ives, and Stravinsky)." -- Publisher
Kerr, James (1847-1905), The Attainments of the Church of the Second Reformation.
"This lecture was delivered before the First International Convention of Reformed Presbyterian Churches, 1896. It is taken from the volume entitled, FIRST INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION OF REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES. SCOTLAND, JUNE 27-JULY 3, 1896."
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/23/the-attainments-of-the-church-of-the-second-reformation
*Knowling, Richard J., The Testimony of St. Paul to Christ.
"Based upon the Boyle Lectures for 1903-1905. Deals with the Pauline epistles, Paul's conversion and testimony to the veracity of the Gospel records, and his teaching on the life and function of the church. A scholarly study." -- Cyril J. Barber
Lambert, James L., 16 Amazing Stories of Divine Intervention: Discover how Real People Discovered Real Life, ISBN: 9781619047297 1619047292.
"Oden Fong's testimony of once being a disciple of the psychedelic drug guru Timothy Leary, to becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ, is very inspiring for those who have all but given up hope for a friend or family member who seems to be in a hopeless condition. -- Chuck Smith, Senior Pastor and Founder -- Calvary Chapel (Costa Mesa, CA)
"After more than 30 years of working with hundreds of pro athletes, Darren's story, which is one of many amazing stories in James' new book, is quite inspirational. -- Shawn Mitchell, Chaplain, San Diego Chargers Professional Football Organization and Pastor, New Venture Christian Fellowship.
"Contents:
Preface: 16 Amazing Stories of Divine Intervention
Chapter 1: Mickey Mantle -- His Ninth-Inning Miracle
Chapter 2: George Washington -- The Untold Story
Chapter 3: Steve McQueen -- Hollywood's "King of Cool"
Chapter 4: Ruben "Lefty" De La Torre -- A Former Gang Leader's Remarkable Story
Chapter 5: Ronald Reagan -- Appointment with Destiny
Chapter 6: Oden Fong -- A Near Death Experience
Chapter 7: Brian Welch -- Korn's Former Lead Guitarist's Radical Transformation
Chapter 8: William J. Murray -- Former Atheist Activist
Chapter 9: Annie Meadows -- Former Witch Sees "The Light" and Now Sings for God
Chapter 10: Josh Hamilton -- A Texas Ranger Outfielder's Miracle from God
Chapter 11: Michael Glatze -- Young Gay America's Managing Editor Finds Truth
Chapter 12: Darren Carrington -- An NFL Veteran Discovers the Best Game Plan
Chapter 13: Bryan Maclean -- Searching for Love
Chapter 14: Brenda M. MacKillop -- A Playboy Bunny Finds Peace
Chapter 15: Patricia Louise White -- Escaping the "Great Deception"
Chapter 16: The Rich Man and Lazarus -- A Trip to Hell
Final Word: The Most Amazing Story can be you"
Website for the book
http://www.16amazingstories.com/
Limbaugh, David Scott, Jesus on Trial: A Lawyer Affirms the Truth of the Gospel, ISBN: 1621574113 9781621574118.
"In JESUS ON TRIAL, David Limbaugh applies his lifetime of legal experience to a unique new undertaking: making a case for the gospels as hard evidence of the life and work of Jesus Christ. Limbaugh, a practicing attorney and former professor of law, approaches the canonical gospels with the same level of scrutiny he would apply to any legal document and asks all the necessary questions about the story of Jesus told through Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. His analysis of the texts becomes profoundly personal as he reflects on his own spiritual and intellectual odyssey from determined skeptic to devout Christian. Ultimately, Limbaugh concludes that the words Christians have treasured for centuries stand up to his exhaustive inquiry -- including his examination of historical and religious evidence beyond the gospels -- and thereby affirms Christian faith, spirituality, and tradition. . . .
"David Limbaugh is a conservative political commentator, lawyer, and New York Times bestselling author of ABSOLUTE POWER, PERSECUTION, BANKRUPT, CRIMES AGAINST LIBERTY, and THE GREAT DESTROYER. [David Scott Limbaugh is the younger brother of talk radio host Rush Limbaugh -- compiler]. Limbaugh publishes a nationally syndicated column that is carried by Creators Syndicate, Townhall.com, Jewish World Review, The Washington Times, and Newsmax." -- Publisher
Love, Christopher (1618-1651), The Last Speech and Testimony of Mr. Christopher Love, Minister of Laurence Jury, London; who suffered martyrdom on Tower Hill, Aug. 22d 1651, for suspected ploting [sic] against Oliver Cromwel's government delivered to the people from the scaffold.
*Machen, J. Gresham, The Origin of Paul's Religion: the James Sprunt Lectures Delivered at Union Theological Seminary in Virginia.
"Consists of the James Sprunt Lectures, Union Theological Seminary, Virginia. Surveys the early years of Paul's life, his Jewish environment, religious training, and development of his doctrine. A valuable treatment. Amillennial." -- Cyril J. Barber
McDowell, Josh, and Cristo´bal Krusen, Undaunted: One Man's Real-life Journey From Unspeakable Memories to Unbelievable Grace, ISBN: 9781414371221 1414371225.
"McDowell was born to an alcoholic father who showed him no love, who valued him only as a farmhand. His mother loved him, but was unable to rescue him. When he cried out to God for help, even He seemed silent. How does a boy overcome such adversity to become one of the most impactful evangelists for Christ that the world has ever known?" -- Publisher
McFeeters, James Calvin (1848-1928), and Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America. Committee on Testimony Bearing, Psalms Versus Hymns: Report on Psalmody Adopted by the Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, Pa., May 27, 1908.
McLeod (M'Leod), Alexander (1774-1833), The Character, History, Death and Resurrection of "The Two Witnesses . . ." With an Introduction, Notes, and Extracts From Various Writers on Prophecy, 1843.
McLeod, John Niel (1806-1874), First Reformed Presbyterian, Testimonial to Rev. Dr. McLeod, 1858.
*McWard (M'Ward), Robert (1633-1687), A Covenanter's Response to Wicked Rulers in Church and State (and Unjust Taxation), Containing Some Comforting Words to Those who are Suffering at the Hand of These Beasts, for the Sake of Christ and Truth. A collection of tracts including: BANDERS DISBANDED; THE POOR MAN'S CUP OF COLD WATER; A TESTIMONY AGAINST PAYING OF CESS TO THE PERSECUTORS. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #26.
McWard (M'Ward), Robert (1633-1687), The Poor Man's cup of Cold-water: Ministered to the Saints and Sufferers for Christ in Scotland who are Amidst the Scorching Flames of the Fiery Trial, 1676. Available in A COVENANTER'S RESPONSE TO WICKED RULERS IN CHURCH AND STATE (AND UNJUST TAXATION), CONTAINING SOME COMFORTING WORDS TO THOSE WHO ARE SUFFERING AT THE HAND OF THESE BEASTS, FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST AND TRUTH. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
McWard (M'Ward), Robert, A Poor Man's cup of Cold Water Ministered to the Saints and Sufferers for Christ in Scotland, who are Amidst the Scorching Flames of the Fiery Trial
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/robert-mwards-a-poor-mans-cup-of-cold-water-ministered-to-the-saints-and-sufferers-for-christ-in-scotland-who-are-amidst-the-scorching-flames-of-the-fiery-trial
Poor Man's cup of Cold Water
http://www.truecovenanter.com/covenants/coldwater.html
Morris, Harold, Twice Pardoned: An Ex-Con Talks to Parents and Teens, ISBN: 0849906059 9780849906053.
"A true story in which a number of names have been changed to protect certain people. Morris had been convicted and sentenced to serve two life terms in jail. Today he is free and pardoned of his crimes and free in Christ. A truly amazing story of new birth and God's providential workings." -- GCB
Morris, Henry, Men of Science, men of God: Great Scientists who Believe the Bible, revised, ISBN: 0890510806 9780890510803.
"One of the most serious fallacies of modern thought is the widespread notion that genuine scientists cannot believe the Bible. This book dispels that myth." -- GCB
Murray, William J., My Life Without God, ISBN: 0840752563 9780840752567.
"Son of outspoken atheist Madalyn Murray O'Hair, now freed from his mother's oppressive beliefs, tells the true story of the Supreme Court victory which removed prayer from the public schools -- and the seedbed of violence, delusions of grandeur, and Communist involvement which sutured it." -- Publisher
Life Without God: The Personal Testimony of William J. Murray, an audio book [audio file].
Murray, William J., and Janis Williams, Bill Murray: A Life, 1915-2004.
"Includes personal memoirs and contributions from colleagues and friends." -- Publisher
Newton, John (1725-1807), John Newton.
Newton, John (1725-1807), Out of the Depths, 2nd edition, ISBN: 0825433193 9780825433191.
"The original and unvarnished account of one of Christianity's most dramatic conversions -- the autobiography of John Newton, the author of 'Amazing Grace.' This is the ultimate, full-length hymn story, as spectacular and compelling today as when it was first written.
"Newton, and at age eleven went to sea with his father, a shipmaster on the Mediterranean. Disregarding his mother's prayer that he enter the ministry, he engaged in the lucrative but brutal African slave trade for a number of years. After his conversion he served in the Church of England as pastor of Olney parish and later of the combined church of St. Mary's in London.
"In addition to the words of 'Amazing Grace,' Newton was a prolific songwriter whose other well-known hymns include 'Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken' and 'How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds'." -- Publisher
Omartian, Stormie, Stormie: A Story of Forgiveness and Healing, ISBN: 1565078322 9781565078321.
"What a wonderful book to read for anyone who has lived with mental illness or was a member of a family with a parent that suffered from mental illness. It shows how one woman, having grown up in a two-parent household, had an absolutely horrific childhood. Her mother locked her in a closet for hours on end and continually verbally abused her as well. As she reaches adulthood, knowing how to relate to others is tough and causes much anxiety and pain. Through much error and wrong choices during her young adult years, she meets a man who tries to tell her about the love Jesus has for her. Not really understanding what it is all about, Stormie continues down the wrong path until one day she truly opens her heart up to God! Through reading this book, one is able to gain knowledge about people with mental illness as well as learn how to experience the love and forgiveness of God." -- Reader's Comment
Pacific Gardens Mission, "Unshackled" (Chicago, IL: Pacific Gardens Mission).
A radio program heard weekdays. Dramatizations of real life stories of conversions to Jesus Christ. If you are outside the broadcast area of this program, then cassette [audio file], or printed copies of messages may be available.
Pacific Garden Mission, "Unshackled," (listen online)
http://www.unshackled.org/
Pink, A.W. (1886-1952), Profession Tested. Available in THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT, Chapter 56.
Powlison, David (1949-2019), and Bob Kramer, David Powlison's Conversion Story
"Not long before he died, David had a conversation with Bob Kramer, his college roommate and long-time friend, who was instrumental in bringing him to Christ. A portion of that conversation follows."
https://www.ccef.org/video/david-powlisons-conversion-story/?mc_cid=3ddb9c8b4d&mc_eid=7f0f0f0c0e
Prange, Gordon W., with Donald M. Goldstein and Katherine V. Dillon, God's Samurai: Lead Pilot at Pearl Harbor, ISBN: 0080374409 9780080374406.
Price, Eugenia, and Faith Coxe Bailey, Unshackled: Stories of Transformed Lives, Adapted From "Unshackled" Radio Broadcasts: Stories From Pacific Garden Mission.
Price, Greg L., A Testimony Against the Unfounded Charges of Anabaptism. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
"This book teaches us that 'the heresy of Anabaptism lives today! It has infected the modern church with its cancerous errors and heresies: anti-creedalism, arminianism, dispensationalism, independency [sectarianism], anti-paedobaptism, will-worship [anti-regulativism], perfectionism, societal escapism, religious pluralism and tolerationism [anti-establishmentarianism], denial of